![]() Excess Calcium in the Blood in DogsHypercalcemia in Dogs
Behind the thyroid gland in the neck, there lie four parathyroid glands which secrete the hormone the body needs to regulate calcium and phosphorus. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D interactions work to release calcium from the bones, gut, and kidneys for deposit into the bloodstream. When these interactions are disturbed, or when cancerous cells secrete hormones that interfere with calcium regulation, hypercalcemia can result. Hypercalcemia is characterized by an abnormally high amount of calcium in the blood. A dog is considered hypercalcemic when its total serum calcium is greater than 11.5 mg/dL.
Symptoms and Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, with a blood chemistry profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. While a high serum is crucial to the diagnosis of hypercalcemia, the results of the other tests will help to indicate the origin of the hypercalcemia.
Radiograph and ultrasound imaging can also be used for diagnosing underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, bladder stones, or cancer. Fine needle aspirates (liquids) from the lymph nodes and bone marrow can be used for diagnoses of lymphoma, or cancer of the blood.
Related ArticlesHyperparathyroidism Due to Kidney Failure in ... Secondary hyperparathyroidism refers to the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone... READ MORE Water Diabetes in Dogs Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder that affects water metabolism, preventing... READ MORE Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Dogs Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition resulting from a lowered production and release... READ MORE
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»
Latest In Dog NutritionWhat Are Lean Proteins and How They Can Help ... Protein is an important component in your pet's food, but not all proteins are the... READ MORE How Your Overweight Pet Could Benefit from ... Pet obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Fortunately, there are some things... READ MORE 5 Tips to Keep Your Senior Pet Healthy
Senior pets have different health requirements than a younger dog or cat. Here are... READ MORE |