Vitamin D interacts with parathyroid hormones in your pet to release calcium from the bones, kidneys and gut, which is then transferred to the bloodstream. If this interaction is disturbed for one reason or another, the result is known as hypercalcemia. This condition is characterized by a high level of calcium in your pet’s blood.
How Hypercalcemia Affects Your Pet
Left untreated, hypercalcemia in pets can negatively affect many different organs. How your pet will be affected depends on how long the condition has gone unchecked. However, some pet health conditions that can result from excessive high calcium include gastrointestinal problems, acute renal failure, heart problems, and potentially even coma or death.
Common Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
The symptoms that your pet will display if it has hypercalcemia may vary depending on the cause of its condition and how far it has progressed. However, the following signs are quite common to high calcium levels in pets, and if you notice any of them in your pet, you will want to seek veterinary help right away. *Increased Thirst and/or Urination, *Loss of Appetite, *Vomiting, *Diarrhea or Constipation, *Tires Easily, *Confusion and/or Depression, *Swollen Lymph Nodes, *Hypertension, *Coma, *Generalized Weakness
Treatments for Hypercalcemia
The goal of treating hypercalcemia in cats and dogs is to lower the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your pet and prevent renal failure. First, your veterinarian will need to check your dog or cat’s calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and BUN levels. Saline diuresis therapy will be necessary to help lower calcium levels. For the next several days, your pet will need high doses of diuretics and corticosteroids. A common diuretic used for the treatment of hypercalcemia is furosemide and typical corticosteroids include prednisone or dexamethasone. Pamidronate, phosphate binders and low-calcium diets may be prescribed to help lower calcium and phosphorus levels as well.
Breeds Affected
Hypercalcemia can occur in most any dog or cat, no matter what age, breed or gender they may be.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
