Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why hyperthyroid cats have low blood calcium and kidney issues
By Williams, T L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Investigation of the pathophysiological mechanism for altered calcium homeostasis in hyperthyroid cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of hyperthyroid cats had lower levels of calcium in their blood compared to healthy older cats. Researchers found that while these hyperthyroid cats had low calcium, those with kidney disease had higher calcium levels than those without. The study suggested that increased thyroid hormone levels might affect calcium levels in a way that doesn’t rely on other hormones that usually help control calcium. Understanding this could help veterinarians better manage calcium levels in hyperthyroid cats.
People also search for: hyperthyroid cat low calcium · cat kidney disease symptoms · cat thyroid treatment options
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible pathophysiological mechanisms (reduced plasma calcitriol concentrations and/or presence of concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease) for hypocalcaemiain hyperthyroid cats. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Routine plasma biochemical parameters, plasma parathyroid hormone and calcitriol concentrations, ionized calcium concentrations, and venous pH, were measured at diagnosis and following treatment of hyperthyroidism. Linear regression analysis was used to determine predictors of ionized calcium concentration. RESULTS: Hyperthyroid cats (n=45) had lower ionized calcium concentrations than healthy geriatric cats (n=52), however, ionized calcium concentrations were higher in hyperthyroid cats with concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease than non-azotaemic hyperthyroid cats. Plasma calcitriol concentrations were higher in hyperthyroid cats than control cats. Plasma total thyroxine concentration and venous pH were independent predictors of ionized calcium concentration. Plasma total thyroxine concentration was also a predictor of ionized calcium concentration after adjustment for plasma parathyroid hormone and calcitriol concentrations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hypocalcaemia in hyperthyroid cats is not associated with the presence of concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease or reduced plasma calcitriol concentrations. Increased thyroid hormone concentrations might influence ionized calcium concentrations through a mechanism, yet to be determined, that is independent of control by parathyroid hormone and calcitriol.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23790052/