what causes high blood calcium in dogs

Causes of Excess Calcium in the Blood in Dogs

• Apocrine gland sarcoma of the anal sac
• Multiple myeloma
• Carcinomas like pancreatic
• Lymphosarcoma
• Ingestion of certain plants
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hyperadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease)
• Ingestion of excessive Vitamin D in supplements or medicines
• Bone disease
• Fungal infection

More items...

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of low calcium in dogs?

Calcium deficiency in dogs is characterized by the following symptoms including: * Soft and brittle bones. * Bone deformities. * Hip dysplasia. * Stunted growth in puppies. * Tooth deformities, teeth loss, loose teeth. * Weakened muscles. * Low blood pressure and heart rate. The main cause of calcium deficiency in dogs is when the phosphorus to ...

What causes high amylase levels in dogs?

• diabetes,
• peritonitis,
• primary biliary cirrhosis
• acute hepatitis in dogs,
• torsion of the stomach and intestines,
• renal failure (chronic or acute),
• other chronic kidney diseases

What are the dangers of high calcium levels?

Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery calcium were associated with risk for atherosclerotic CVD, researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. “The cross-sectional associations of Lp(a) and CAC have been ...

What does a high calcium level mean for a dog?

Hypercalcemia in dogs means that the level of calcium in the canine’s bloodstream is abnormally high. High calcium levels can be a secondary symptom associated with serious diseases such as Addison’s disease, kidney failure, parathyroid gland tumor and cancer. Vet bills can sneak up on you. Plan ahead. Get the pawfect insurance plan for your pup.

What can cause elevated calcium levels in dogs?

Causes of Excess Calcium in the Blood in DogsApocrine gland sarcoma of the anal sac.Multiple myeloma.Carcinomas like pancreatic.Lymphosarcoma.Ingestion of certain plants.Hyperparathyroidism.Hyperadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)Ingestion of excessive Vitamin D in supplements or medicines.More items...

How do you treat high calcium in dogs?

Pamidronate is the most commonly used parenteral drug; the recommended dosage in dogs is 1–2 mg/kg, IV, mixed in 0.9% saline given throughout 2 hr. In cats, alendronate is the most common oral preparation used to control idiopathic hypercalcemia.

What foods cause hypercalcemia in dogs?

In message board discussions, veterinarians have revealed cases of hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicosis occurring in dogs that eat a single brand of dry pet food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Diet, chicken flavor.

What is considered a high calcium level in dogs?

A dog is considered hypercalcemic when its total serum calcium is greater than 11.5 mg/dL.

What is the most common cause of high calcium levels?

The most common cause of high calcium blood level is excess PTH released by the parathyroid glands. This excess occurs due to: An enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands.

What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia in dogs?

As is so often the case in veterinary medicine, clinical signs of hypercalcemia can be very vague and nonspecific:Increased thirst and urination.Decreased appetite.Lethargy and depression.Gastrointestinal upset causing vomiting.Abdominal pain and/or constipation.

What cancers cause high calcium levels in dogs?

The most common cause of a high calcium level is cancer. In about half of the cases of hypercalcemia in dogs the cause is lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma most often causes lymph nodes to swell, but it may localize in the liver, intestine, spleen, heart, brain, spinal cord, or kidneys.

What level of hypercalcemia is fatal?

Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L). Levels higher than 14 mg per dL (3.5 mmol per L) can be life threatening.

How common is hyperparathyroidism in dogs?

Summary. Hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon disease of abnormal calcium and phosphorus regulation in dogs.

What medications can raise calcium levels?

The most common medications that have been associated with increased blood calcium levels (also called hypercalcemia) include:Lithium.Thiazide diuretics.Teriparatide.Estrogens.Tamoxifen.

What are the symptoms of lymphoma in dogs?

Symptoms of LymphomaEnlarged lymph nodes or swelling, especially in the neck, in back of the jaw, and behind the knees.Loss of appetite.Lethargy.Weight loss.Increased thirst and urination.Fever.Difficulty breathing.

What is the normal calcium count for a dog?

In dogs, as in people, the four parathyroid glands are located nestled into the thyroid glands, thus their name. Para is a Latin prefix meaning “beside.” Both are located next to the trachea (windpipe) in the throat. Parathyroid glands should maintain calcium levels between 8.9 and 11.4 mg/dl.

How do you lower your calcium level?

These include:Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and it can help prevent kidney stones.Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can increase bone loss. ... Exercising, including strength training: Resistance training promotes bone strength and health.More items...

How is hyperparathyroidism treated in dogs?

The most commonly performed treatment for hyperparathyroidism is surgical removal of the affected gland (parathyroidectomy). Ideally the affected gland is identified before surgery but, in some cases, this is not possible and the correct gland can only be identified during the procedure.

Is too much calcium bad for dogs?

Can I give my dog too much calcium? Too much calcium can cause your dog to develop problems like kidney stones. It can also cause large breeds to grow too quickly for their bones and joints to develop properly. This can lead to problems like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy in adulthood.

How much calcium is toxic to dogs?

Risk Factors According to the APCC, vitamin D3 doses below 0.1 mg/kg can cause mild, self-limiting GI upset in a healthy animal. Doses of 0.1 mg/kg or greater can cause hypercalcemia, which may lead to acute renal failure, but this dose is rarely reached with ingestion of calcium supplements.

What causes high calcium levels in dogs?

Hypoadrenocorticism: Also known as Addison’s disease, this disorder of the adrenal glands is often associated with high blood calcium levels in affected dogs. Kidney disease: Any metabolic insult or toxin that acutely damages the kidneys can cause high blood calcium. A common example is ingestion of ethylene glycol, ...

Why is my dog's calcium level high?

Elevated blood calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia, is relatively common in dogs. The #1 cause of high blood calcium in this species is cancer. However other possibilities exist; therefore a thorough diagnostic investigation is recommended. Working with both your family veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary internal medicine ...

What is the test for calcium in the blood?

The initial documentation of high blood calcium is relatively straightforward. After performing a complete physical examination, a veterinarian will order a non-invasive blood test called a serum biochemical profile. This test measures a form of calcium in the blood called total calcium (tCa).

What is the name of the gland that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels?

Hyperparathyroidism: The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, and are responsible for helping regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. When these glands secrete too much parathyroid hormone, blood calcium levels often rise and blood phosphorus levels tend to decrease. Hypoadrenocorticism: Also known as Addison’s disease, ...

What is ionized calcium?

Measurement of ionized blood calcium: Ionized calcium (iCa) is different from total calcium in that the former is considered the active form of calcium in the body. Ionized calcium is involved in various metabolic processes. Total and ionized blood calcium levels can change differently depending on the underlying disease process.

Why do dogs get dehydrated?

Dehydration: When dogs don’t drink enough water, they can become dehydrated quickly, a finding that can be associated with mild elevations of total blood calcium . Idioapathic: In some patients with hypercalcemia we never figure out what causes the abnormality.

Why is my dog hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia (High Calcium Levels) in Dogs. A common reason for which dogs are referred to me for further evaluation is an elevated blood calcium level (called hypercalcemia). Sometimes affected patients are incredibly sick while others have no outward clinical signs of illness. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause ...

Why is my dog's blood calcium high?

Apocrine gland sarcoma of the anal sac. Multiple myeloma. Carcinomas like pancreatic.

Why is my dog's calcium level high?

Increased calcium can also be caused by kidney disease, which she doesn't' seem to have, or cancer, which your veterinarians are trying to determine.

What is Excess Calcium in the Blood?

Having excess calcium in the blood can cause damage to all areas of the body and the extent of the harm will depend on the how extreme the increase is, and how long your pet has been experiencing the condition. Prompt treatment for your canine companion is necessary in order to avoid significant complications that could make him very ill.

What does it mean when your dog has too much calcium?

Excess calcium in the blood is defined as hypercalcemia in veterinary terms. While calcium does play an important role in the body, excessive amounts can signify the presence of a serious underlying disease such as cancer or kidney failure. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Why is calcium important?

Calcium is essential to critical bodily functions like bone growth and muscle contraction, but an overabundance may be secondary to an underlying disease and can also contribute to urolithiasis (the formation of stones in the kidneys , bladder or urinary tract ). Having excess calcium in the blood can cause damage to all areas ...

How do you know if you have hypercalcemia?

The symptoms will vary depending on how severe the hypercalcemia has become. Extreme thirst (polydipsia) High production of diluted urine (polyuria) Pain when urinating (dysuria) Blood in the urine (hematuria) Frequent urination which may come only in drops (stranguria) Muscle weakness. Muscle twitching. Listlessness.

Can glucocorticoids be used to reduce calcium?

Glucocorticoids will also be administered if needed to balance the calcium function and resorption. Medication to decrease serum calcium or inhibit bone resorption could be prescribed. In cases of a secondary illness which may be causing the excess calcium, improvement will be seen when the problem is addressed.

What hormones are responsible for calcium in dogs?

The bones of the canine will be more susceptible to bone fractures. Calcium levels are controlled and monitored by the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid hormones and vitamin D interact to release calcium from the bones, stomach, and kidneys, which is then transferred to the canine’s bloodstream. High levels of calcium in your canine’s bloodstream ...

What does hypercalcemia mean in dogs?

Hypercalcemia in dogs means that the level of calcium in the canine’s bloodstream is abnormally high. High calcium levels can be a secondary symptom associated with serious diseases such as Addison’s disease, kidney failure, parathyroid gland tumor and cancer. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

What is Hypercalcemia?

Calcium is essential for blood clotting, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, immune and endocrine function. Bones need calcium to keep them healthy and strong. If the bones lose too much calcium because it is going instead into the bloodstream, they will become weak. The bones of the canine will be more susceptible to bone fractures.

How to treat hypercalcemia in dogs?

The treatment for hypercalcemia depends on what information the physical, blood work, and diagnostic test revealed. If your veterinarian determines that your pet is dehydrated, it will be necessary to rehydrate him by administering fluids by intravenous or subcutaneously (under the skin). If the blood concentration is very high in the bloodstream, your veterinarian team may recommend hospitalization in order to start drug treatment. If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, surgery and chemotherapy may necessary.

Why is my dog hypercalcified?

Causes of Hypercalcemia in Dogs. Canine lymphoma. Anal gland cancer. Addison’s disease. Kidney failure. Exposure to too much vitamin D (can be found in plants, poisons or topical ointments) Dehydration. Hypercalcemia may be a side effect of certain medications, alkaline antacids, long-term use of diuretics, estrogens, and progesterone. Anemia.

What tests can be done to determine if a dog has kidney damage?

Diagnostic tests that your veterinarian may recommend: Bloodwork (serum biochemistry profile and complete blood count) Urine sample to show if there is damage to the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone test (PTH) Thoracic and abdominal x-rays can show the presence of a mass.

How do you know if your dog has hypercalcemia?

Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include one or more of the following signs: Dehydration. Excess thirst. Frequent urination. Loss of appetite. Weakness. Formation of bladder or kidney stones. Vomiting.

What percentage of myeloma cases have high calcium?

Multiple myeloma of bone (10-15% of cases have high calcium)

Can calcium levels increase?

There are, however, many other medical situations/conditions where calcium levels can increase enough to result in serious and possibly life-threatening consequences — involving the other complex, physiological functions: blood clotting, nerve impulse conduction, and heart muscle contractions.

Is hypercalcemia common in dogs?

Hypercalcemia is not common in any species but is encountered more often in dogs than in cats. As is so often the case in veterinary medicine, clinical signs of hypercalcemia can be very vague and nonspecific: Increased thirst and urination. Decreased appetite. Lethargy and depression.

Can hypercalcemia be fatal?

Left untreated, hypercalcemia can be fatal. The first thing that should be done is a recheck blood test for calcium to verify that the level is, indeed, elevated and that the diagnosis of hypercalcemia is correct. Note that number one on Dr. Peterson’s list of likely causes was lab error.

Why is my calcium level high?

There are other major causes, such as hyperparathyroidism, Addison’s disease, kidney disease … One dietary issue which does cause high blood calcium isn’t actually too much calcium in the diet but too much vitamin D or vitamin D toxicity.

What does high calcium levels mean?

In general, high blood calcium levels mean break-down in the regulation, not too much calcium in the food.

Do dogs drink more when they are hot?

Last week, a friend contacted me, concerned about her dog drinking like there was no tomorrow. Of course, a dog will drink more when it’s hot or when they exercise and play hard. But that wasn’t the case.

Is hypercalcemia idiopathic?

There is such a thing as idiopathic hypercalcemia, but that’s only when nobody can figure out the reason, not because there isn’t one.

What happens if your dog has high calcium levels?

Pets with abnormally high calcium levels may show signs of weakness, listlessness, increased drinking and urination, and loss of appetite. In some pets, prolonged hypercalcemia may contribute to formation of bladder or kidney stones.

Why is having high calcium bad for my pet?

Pets with abnormally high calcium levels may show signs of weakness, listlessness, increased drinking and urination, and loss of appetite. In some pets, prolonged hypercalcemia may contribute to formation of bladder or kidney stones.

What is calcium and why is it important?

Calcium is a mineral that is found in small quantities throughout the body. It plays an important role in diverse and vital functions including muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and bone growth.

How are levels of calcium controlled in the healthy animal?

Calcium levels are controlled by a pair of parathyroid glands . The two tiny glands are embedded in the thyroid gland, which sits just below the larynx or "voice box" overlying the windpipe. The parathyroid glands are responsible for monitoring the calcium level in the blood. When calcium levels are too low, the glands release a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which acts to return calcium levels to normal.

How are calcium levels measured?

Two forms of calcium are found in blood, called total calcium and ionized calcium (also called free calcium ).

What further testing is required if my pet has high total calcium on a routine blood test?

Before repeating total calcium, the pet should be fasted for 12 hours, but must have access to water. A test to measure albumin (a blood protein) should also be done at the same time to check that the pet is not dehydrated. If the repeated value for total calcium is still high, then doing an ionized calcium test is recommended since it is the definitive test for measuring calcium levels. In some situations, your veterinarian may advise that your pet have the ionized calcium test after finding a high total calcium.

What does it mean when a pet has low parathyroid hormone?

If a pet has hypercalcemia but has low levels of parathyroid hormone, then it suggests there has been a breakdown in the normal mechanism that controls calcium levels. This is worrisome because it may mean that there is underlying cancer. The pet should be thoroughly examined, and additional diagnostic tests may be recommended, including radiography, ultrasound, cytology, or biopsy.

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