Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low blood calcium in critically ill dogs and cats causes muscle
By Holowaychuk, Marie K·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2013·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypocalcemia of critical illness in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
Hypocalcemia, which means low calcium levels in the blood, can happen in critically ill dogs and cats. This condition can be linked to various issues like kidney problems, pancreatitis, parathyroid disease, infections, and injuries. It may cause noticeable symptoms like muscle twitching or nervous system issues, or more subtle signs affecting the heart. If a pet shows signs of severe low calcium, veterinarians often treat it quickly with a medication called calcium gluconate. This treatment is recommended when the pet is showing symptoms or has significantly low calcium levels.
Abstract
Hypocalcemia occurs in critically ill dogs and cats and is associated with medications, treatments, and underlying diseases such as acute kidney disease, pancreatitis, parathyroid disease, sepsis, and trauma. Possible underlying mechanisms include hypovitaminosis D, acquired or relative hypoparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, and alterations in the ionized fraction of calcium caused by changes in chelated or protein-bound calcium. If severe or acute, hypocalcemia can cause obvious clinical signs related to muscle or neurologic hyperexcitability or more subtle signs of cardiovascular dysfunction. Emergency treatment with calcium gluconate administration is recommended when clinical signs are present or if there is moderate to severe ionized hypocalcemia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24144092/