Hypercalcemia

Symptoms of hypercalcemia

Symptoms of hypercalcemia can vary depending on the severity and cause. Some common signs are:

• Decreased appetite
• vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Thirst
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Trembling
• Seizures

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet immediately. The vet will carry out a blood test to determine the calcium level and identify the possible cause.

Causes of hypercalcemia

There are several factors that can lead to hypercalcemia in dogs. Some of the most common are:

• Hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, which increases blood calcium levels. This can be caused by a benign or malignant tumor in the parathyroid glands.
• Cancer: Some cancers, such as lymphoma, osteosarcoma or anal gland carcinoma, can increase blood calcium levels by either directly releasing calcium from the bones or by producing substances that promote calcium absorption.
• Kidney disease: The kidneys are responsible for excreting excess calcium from the body. If kidney function is impaired, calcium can accumulate in the blood.
• Poisoning: Some substances, such as vitamin D, rat poison or certain plants, can lead to increased calcium absorption or release and thus cause hypercalcemia.

Treatment of hypercalcemia

The treatment of hypercalcemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a tumor or enlarged parathyroid gland. In other cases, drug therapy may help to lower calcium levels or alleviate the effects of hypercalcemia. Possible medications include:

• Diuretics: These promote the excretion of fluid and calcium through the urine.
• Bisphosphonates: These inhibit the release of calcium from the bones and thus reduce the calcium level in the blood.
• Glucocorticoids: These suppress the production of parathyroid hormone and thus reduce the absorption of calcium from the intestine.
• Calcitonin: This is a hormone that inhibits the release of calcium from the bones and promotes the excretion of calcium via the kidneys.

In addition to drug therapy, it is important to provide your dog with plenty of water to keep him hydrated and support kidney function. You should also feed your dog a low-calcium diet to limit calcium intake.

Prevention of hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is not always preventable, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk or detect the condition early. These include:

• Regular veterinary visits: your vet can examine your dog for signs of hypercalcemia and perform blood tests to check calcium levels if necessary.
• Healthy diet: Your dog should be fed a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs but does not contain too much calcium. Avoid giving your dog supplements or foods rich in vitamin D or calcium unless your vet recommends it.
• Household safety: Make sure your dog does not have access to potentially toxic substances, such as rat poison, vitamin D supplements or certain plants. Keep these substances out of your dog's reach and seek veterinary advice immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten something that could harm him.