Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with low magnesium and protein-losing gut disease causing low
By Bush, W W et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2001·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Secondary hypoparathyroidism attributed to hypomagnesemia in a dog with protein-losing enteropathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Shih Tzu was brought to the vet because he was not eating, seemed very tired, and had a swollen belly. Tests showed he had low magnesium and calcium levels, along with a condition that causes protein loss from the intestines. The vet treated him with magnesium, which helped bring his levels back to normal and improved his energy and strength. This case highlights the importance of checking magnesium levels in dogs with gastrointestinal issues, especially if they show signs of weakness or loss of appetite.
People also search for: dog not eating · Shih Tzu lethargy treatment · low magnesium in dogs · protein-losing enteropathy in dogs
Abstract
Severe hypomagnesemia (0.8 mg/dl; reference range, 1.6 to 2.3 mg/dl), hypocalcemia, and protein-losing enteropathy were identified in a 5-year-old castrated male 3-kg (6.6 lb) Shih Tzu examined because of anorexia, lethargy, paresis, and abdominal distention. Histologic examination of intestinal biopsy specimens revealed lymphangiectasia and lymphocytic, plasmacytic, neutrophilic infiltrates. Initial treatment included administration of magnesium (0.80 mEq/kg [0.36 mEq/lb]) of body weight in a balanced electrolyte solution. This treatment resulted in normalization of the serum magnesium concentration (1.7 mg/dl); resolution of the lethargy, paresis, and tachycardia; and an increase in the serum parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium concentrations. Findings were consistent with secondary hypoparathyroidism attributable to hypomagnesemia. Magnesium concentration should be monitored in all dogs with gastrointestinal tract disease, especially those with protein-losing enteropathy, anorexia, and weakness.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11767924/