Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hypercalcemia: Pathophysiology, Clinical Signs, and Emergent Treatment.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Daniels, Erin & Sakakeeny, Catherine
- Affiliation:
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care · United States
Plain-English summary
Hypercalcemia, which means having too much calcium in the blood, is rare in pets but can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can happen for different reasons, including issues with the pituitary gland. To diagnose it, vets look for high levels of ionized calcium in the blood. Emergency treatment typically includes giving fluids through an IV to help flush out the excess calcium, using medications that help the body get rid of it, and sometimes giving steroids. Bisphosphonates, a type of medication that can help lower calcium levels, are also being used more often in veterinary care.
Abstract
Hypercalcemia is uncommonly encountered in veterinary patients. When it does occur, the effects can be severe, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized and addressed in a timely manner. Causes of hypercalcemia are varied and include pituitary-dependent and pituitary-independent causes. A diagnosis of hypercalcemia should be made based on documentation of ionized hypercalcemia. The mainstay of emergency treatment usually involves aggressive IV fluid diuresis, the use of diuretics, and, often, glucocorticoids. The use of bisphosphonates has become increasingly more common in veterinary medicine.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26355578/