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Excess phosphorus in the blood, or hyperphosphatemia, is most often a side-effect related to the malfunction of other bodily systems. Since the kidneys are responsible for regulating blood phosphorus levels, kidney disease is commonly suspected when a cat is presented with hyperphosphatemia. Other causes may include bone disease, cancer, hyperthyroidism, calcium deficiency or improper diet. Since hyperphosphatemia can only be treated effectively once the underlying cause is discovered, your veterinarian will need to perform appropriate diagnostic tests prior to initiating treatment.
Phosphorus is a mineral that is necessary in the regulation of many critical processes in the body. The majority of the phosphorus in a cat's body is bonded with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which is utilized in the creation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. The portion of phosphorus not contained in skeletal tissues circulates in the bloodstream to assist in metabolic processes such as normal muscle and nerve activities. Excess phosphorus in the blood does not often produce specific, dramatic symptoms that lead to a simple diagnosis, but it is generally noticed through poor appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and lethargy.
Excess Phosphorus in the Blood Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $250 - $800
Average Cost
$400
A cat experiencing elevated blood phosphorus levels, regardless of the underlying cause, will almost always act as though it feels generally unwell, even if specific symptoms are difficult to pin down. While your cat may not exhibit all of these symptoms, those most commonly reported include:
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In a healthy body, calcium and Phosphorus levels are maintained by the kidneys at the proper ratio to support normal metabolic functions. Hyperphosphatemia occurs when there is too much phosphate or too little calcium available. The issue is frequently associated with chronic problems like kidney disease or diabetes, but sometimes the cause can be more acute, as in the onset of infection or the ingestion of poison. Common triggers include:
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Accurately diagnosing excess phosphate in your cat's blood will require a trip to the veterinarian. Your vet will begin the evaluation based on your cat's age and history. Older cats sometimes develop what are considered to be age-related issues such as kidney disease or thyroid problems that can lead to hyperphosphatemia. Young cats are less likely than older ones to suffer from chronic diseases, but may be more prone to have ingested a toxic substance.
After taking into account your cat's age and environment, your veterinarian will ask you about your cat's symptoms, habits and diet. To accurately diagnose excess phosphate in the blood, as well as the potential underlying causes, your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests, including:
During the general exam, your veterinarian will be interested in information that you can provide about your cat such as changes in eating habits, increased or decreased thirst, diminished energy level, vomiting, tremors or twitching. Blood and urine samples will be checked not only for phosphate and calcium, but for evidence of thyroid malfunction and diabetes. Bone X-rays can show bone abnormalities such as cancer, tumors or osteoporosis, while kidney x-rays reveal the size and symmetry of the organs responsible for maintaining proper blood phosphate levels.
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IV fluids may be administered immediately to bring electrolytes back into balance, with follow-up therapies prescribed based on the underlying cause of the hyperphosphatemia.
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High blood phosphate levels stemming from toxins or trauma may disappear once the initial emergency is over. Chronic conditions, however, require long-term care and maintenance, usually including a strictly controlled diet accompanied by daily medications. A routine schedule of blood and urine tests will be necessary to monitor blood phosphorus levels, and medications adjusted as necessary.
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Excess Phosphorus in the Blood Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $250 - $800
Average Cost
$400
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Ask a Vet
Murka
Domestic shorthair
16 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My 16 yo cat was Dx with gallbladder stones,liver test elevated. Was started on denamarin,vitamin K1,dr marcela liver and kidney support,milk Thistle,lifeExtension cat mix Multi-nutrient formula. After 3 weeks liver test came back to normal level, kidney test normal, but her phosphorus level is up and bile acid still little elevated. What caused the increase in phosphorus? What should I do ?
Sept. 13, 2018
Murka's Owner
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Cypher
dsh
12 Years
Critical severity
1 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
My sweet baby Cypher has been diagnosed with pretty much ESRF, BUN/Creatinine elevated and anemic. I have been giving fluids SQ for 2 days now and added a phosphorus binder today...but now he does not want to eat, so I mixed the binder with water and gave it via syringe.. I have lost 3 babies to cancer in the last 2+years and would never be selfish enough to prolong his life/suffering for my/families benefit...but when we took him in as an emergency...he made me aware that he wasn't done fighting yet.....so am I missing something, as an ER nurse I know that calcium and phosphorus can play an opposing role...would supplementing some milk etc, assist in ridding his body of the excess phosphorus quicker???? I brought it up to the vet, but she said there were no studies to support that hypothesis....please help, I just want to help him fight as long as he wants to while making him as comfortable as possible.. ..
Sept. 5, 2018
Cypher's Owner
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Coco
Egyptian maw
13 Months
Critical severity
1 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
He is not awake for a week. Not eating or drinking and vomiting a brownish if drink water. Phosphorus level high and sodium is low. He is on selin and. No improve. He is on tryptizol and dantrolen to urinate.
Aug. 6, 2018
Coco's Owner
1 Recommendations
High phosphorus and low sodium in the blood may be indicative of kidney disease, but would expect to see values elevated for BUN and creatinine. You should ensure that Coco is kept hydrated but think about returning to your Veterinarian for further examination to help narrow in on an underlying cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 6, 2018
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Mia
Maine Coon
6 Months
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Hi, Received Blood Panel from my Maine Coon female,6 month old: Phosphor and natrium are elevated, haemoglobin is slightly decreased. Unfortunately I couldn't get hold of my vet to talk about the results. Since I'm a human MD I thought these changes could be growth related? Kidney parameters were all normal, SDMA was 12( max 14).
Oct. 21, 2017
Mia's Owner
0 Recommendations
If kidney specific values came back normal, I wouldn’t be overly concerned; the elevation in sodium (natrium) and phosphorus may be due to other factors which may include increased dietary uptake among other causes; if the sodium and phosphorus are excessively high then further investigation would be needed. As a physician you will know more than anyone that blood test results should be compared with a physical examination of a patient, I would wait for your Veterinarian before deciding any further action. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 22, 2017
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Matteo
Himalayan
1 Year
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have a male Himalayan who will bea year old next month. He tested positive for the polycystic kidney disease gene. Over the last several months he has shown a decrease in appetite and dramatic weight loss. What tests should be preformed to show his phosphorus levels? We had a complete blood panel done and he's very anemic but his organ function was normal.
July 26, 2017
Matteo's Owner
0 Recommendations
Phosphorus is a parameter in a blood test (biochemistry) which should be able to be performed by your Veterinarian. A decrease in red blood cell count (anaemia) would be linked to kidney troubles, the kidney produces a hormone which stimulates red blood cell production. Loss of appetite and weight loss are symptoms of numerous conditions, an ultrasound should be done of Matteo’s kidney’s to look at the structure of the kidney’s. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Picolina
None
5 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
HI, my female cat is 5 years old and 12,13 pounds. This week she was diagnosed with feline triaditis which is being treated by using prednisolone 7,5 mg/24 hour + marbofloxacin 27,5 mg/24 hour and maropitant 12 mg/24 hour. She had abdominal US in 24/feb that showed inflamation on liver, intestines and pancreas (mild) and repeated the US yesterday showing no inflamation except a probable gastritis and a kidney that looks with CKD and had micro-calculus of 0.17 cm each... Her phosphorous was 5.32 mg/dl and creatinine 1.63 mg/dl and urea 63 mg/dl. also had high amylase 2327 mg/dl and potassium at 5.42 mg/dl. Repeated the test for creatinine yesterday and came as 1.7mg/dl and BUN as 17 mg/dL and glucose at 103 mg/dL. I am so worried about her cause she is not eating well and not drink water by herself. Could someone help me with this?
Excess Phosphorus in the Blood Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $250 - $800
Average Cost
$400
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