Why is having high calcium bad for my pet? High calcium levels may signal the presence of serious underlying disease including kidney failure, adrenal gland failure (called Addison’s disease), a parathyroid gland tumor, and some types of cancer.
What causes high calcium 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.
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 is the most common cause of high calcium levels?
Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders, some medications, and taking too much of calcium and vitamin D supplements.
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 too much calcium for dogs?
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.
How much calcium is bad for dogs?
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.
Can hypercalcemia in dogs be cured?
Generally, removal or treatment of the underlying cause will resolve the hypercalcemia, though this isn’t always possible. Supportive treatments include fluid therapy, diet change, medications that target calcium release from the bones, and the use of diuretics and steroids. Luckily, hypercalcemia is rare.
How do you fix high calcium?
In some cases, your doctor might recommend:
- Calcitonin (Miacalcin). This hormone from salmon controls calcium levels in the blood. …
- Calcimimetics. This type of drug can help control overactive parathyroid glands. …
- Bisphosphonates. …
- Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). …
- Prednisone. …
- IV fluids and diuretics.
What happens if high calcium goes untreated?
Left untreated, a high calcium level can cause severe problems, like kidney failure, and it can even be life-threatening. Treatment for side effects is an important part of cancer care. This type of treatment is called supportive care or palliative care.
Is hypercalcemia curable?
Treatment is aimed at the cause of hypercalcemia whenever possible. People with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) may need surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid gland. This will cure the hypercalcemia. People with mild hypercalcemia may be able to monitor the condition closely over time without treatment.
Can my dog get too much calcium?
Keep careful tabs on your dog’s calcium dosage, as too much calcium can have an adverse effect on your dog’s health. Too much calcium in the bloodstream, called hypercalcemia, can lead to appetite loss and weakness, as well as stones in the kidneys or bladder.
Are eggs rich in calcium?
Eggs. Good news for breakfast lovers: Eggs contain a nice amount of vitamin D and can improve bone health. Vitamin D is found in the yolks only, so if you tend to eat egg white omelets, you’ll have to get your vitamin D elsewhere. Another breakfast item, orange juice, is often fortified with vitamin D and calcium.
