Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low magnesium in hospitalized dogs with low blood calcium levels
By Woods, Glynn A et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2021·The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Investigation of hypomagnesaemia prevalence and underlying aetiology in a hospitalised cohort of dogs with ionised hypocalcaemia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 295 dogs with low calcium levels (ionised hypocalcaemia) was studied, and about 22% of them also had low magnesium levels (hypomagnesaemia). The most common reason for the low magnesium was gastrointestinal diseases. Dogs with kidney problems had higher magnesium levels compared to those with other issues. Understanding the connection between low magnesium and low calcium in dogs is important, and more research is needed to see how this affects their health.
People also search for: dog low calcium symptoms · dog gastrointestinal disease treatment · dog kidney disease magnesium levels
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and plays a critical role in a wide range of physiological processes. Low concentrations of ionised calcium, the most metabolically available form of calcium, have been linked to an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in dogs. Magnesium plays an important role in parathyroid hormone function. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence and aetiology of hypomagnesaemia in a hospitalised cohort of dogs with ionised hypocalcaemia (IHC). METHODS: A total magnesium reference interval was established using serum biochemistry results from 346 clinically healthy dogs. The clinical records of dogs with IHC were reviewed, and concurrent serum magnesium concentrations were recorded alongside clinical signs and underlying aetiology. The prevalence, clinical presentation and aetiology of hypomagnesaemia were examined in the IHC population. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-five IHC dogs were identified. Hypomagnesaemia was identified in 22%. Total magnesium concentration was significantly higher in dogs with renal disease. The most common cause of concurrent hypomagnesaemia and IHC was gastrointestinal diseases. CONCLUSION: Low concentrations of serum magnesium occur in approximately one fifth of all dogs with IHC. Further studies are required to clarify the link between magnesium status, IHC and clinical outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33870511/