What is Low Blood Calcium?
When blood calcium levels are low, cats and other companion animals may exhibit symptoms that indicate issues with the bodily systems that require calcium for proper function. Muscle issues and neurological issues are the most common, although they may not be noticeable in mild or moderate cases. If symptoms are observed, seek medical attention immediately, as severe calcium deficiency in the blood can be life-threatening.
Low blood calcium, medically referred to as hypocalcemia, is a medical condition that occurs when the levels of calcium in an animal’s blood drop below acceptable levels. Calcium is an essential nutrient used in many bodily functions, including bone growth, bone health, muscle contraction, blood clotting, nervous system function, and more. Low blood calcium is also often linked to low vitamin D levels, high phosphate levels, and insufficient levels of parathyroid hormones.
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Symptoms of Low Blood Calcium in Cats
When blood calcium levels first begin to drop, or in cases which levels are only mildly or moderately low, many cats will not exhibit any visible symptoms. It is possible for low blood calcium to be noted in a blood test even in cats that are asymptomatic. If levels remain low for an extended period, or in more severe deficiencies, cats and other companion animals may exhibit symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Lying with limbs rigidly extended
- Stiff-legged gait
- Trouble walking
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Confusion or disorientation
- Hypersensitivity to touch or sound
- Face rubbing or signs of facial itchiness
- Uncontrolled muscle contractions
- Twitching
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Death
Causes of Low Blood Calcium in Cats
Low blood calcium in cats can be caused by several conditions. It generally occurs either because calcium supplies are deficient, phosphate levels have climbed, or there is poor performance of the parathyroid gland. Hypocalcemia is fairly common in cats that have had their parathyroid gland removed. Some of the common causes of low blood calcium in cats include:
- Post removal of the parathyroid gland
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Parathyroid tumor
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Postpartum eclampsia
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
- Hypoproteinemia or low blood protein
- Hypomagnesaemia or low blood magnesium
- Pancreatitis
- Rickets
- Certain medications
- Antifreeze or other similar poisonings
- Toxicity from citrate or oxalate
- Extreme lack of calcium in diet or malnutrition
Diagnosis of Low Blood Calcium in Cats
Several medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur due to low blood calcium. Part of the diagnostic process will involve ruling out other conditions. Diagnostic testing may be fairly extensive, even once low calcium has been identified. This is necessary to determine if the underlying cause is a failure of another internal organ or system. Your veterinarian will need to discuss your pet’s medical history, and symptoms you have observed, and the timeline associated with those symptoms. This will help them identify likely causes of your cat’s symptoms. A routine physical examination will also be conducted. Blood and urine samples will be collected for laboratory testing as well.
Generally, low blood calcium is confirmed during a blood test. Low calcium levels and high phosphate levels will indicate blood calcium is a concern. Your veterinarian will also test for parathyroid hormones and parathyroid function if your pet still has their parathyroid gland. Urine samples may also be tested, with a focus on kidney function. Additional testing will be focused on kidney function, pancreatic function, and parathyroid function, as issues with these vital systems are most likely to cause low calcium levels. In some cases, diagnostic imaging techniques may be used. This could include x-rays, ultrasounds, or other similar methods.
Treatment of Low Blood Calcium in Cats
The main focus of treatment for low blood calcium will be returning calcium levels to a normal range. If your cat’s levels are extremely low, this process will involve hospitalization. While your pet is hospitalized, blood calcium levels will be closely monitored. Heart monitoring is also required because there is some risk of heart-related issues when calcium levels are being increased. This is commonly accomplished using an electrocardiogram. Common treatment methods include:
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium will be supplemented to increase the levels of blood calcium. In serious cases, this will occur through injection or through the use of intravenous fluids. Supplementation will often include vitamin D to help the cat better absorb the calcium. Depending on the underlying cause of your pet’s condition, supplementation may be continued on a long-term basis. Once released from the hospital, supplementation is generally provided on an oral basis.
Treatment for Poisoning or Toxicity
If antifreeze poisoning or other sources of toxicity are confirmed, related treatments will be provided. Your pet will be hospitalized during and post-treatment to ensure a successful recovery. Common treatments for poisoning include induced vomiting, stomach lavage, and administration of medications to counteract the toxin. There is a low risk associated with these treatment methods.
Treatment for Kidney Disease
If kidney disease or kidney failure is identified, appropriate treatments will be provided. This may include dialysis and medications. In some cases, kidney failure is untreatable.
Surgical Removal of the Parathyroid
If the parathyroid gland presents with a tumor or is causing hypoparathyroidism surgical removal may be needed. Your pet will be hospitalized for surgery and recovery. As with any surgical treatment, there is a moderate risk associated with this procedure. Your cat may still require calcium supplementation post-surgery.
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Recovery of Low Blood Calcium in Cats
Prognosis will depend on the underlying cause of low blood calcium levels. In most cases, if proper treatment is received, the prognosis is good. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D may be required on a long-term basis and administered at home. Dietary changes may also be recommended and should be followed to ensure a successful recovery. It should be noted that if low blood calcium occurred during pregnancy or postpartum, it will likely occur with subsequent pregnancies. Extra care should be taken if the cat becomes pregnant in the future. Be sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions, including proper dosing of medication and supplements and returning for any requested follow-up visits.
Low Blood Calcium Average Cost
From 526 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Low Blood Calcium Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Half himalayan, half siamese
Tesla
11 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
High Fever
Foaming,
Painful Breastfeeding
My cat gave birth to two kittens earlier this week. It's her first time giving birth and she struggled a lot. After the labor, she got sick. High fever and she is in pain when she feeds her kittens. A couple of days ago, we took her to the vet because she got paralyzed. The vet said she lacks calcium. The vet gave us and taught us what we need and what to do. One of it is the calcium intake to keep her stable. However, I noticed that whenever I give my cat calcium (oral intake via syringe), her mouth bubbles/foaming. I got anxious and took a pause giving her that because I don't know why it gives that reaction. The vet said, my cat needs the calcium and I should empty the bottle in a week to make sure my cat gets stable. Please help. I don't know if I should keep giving my cat calcium even if she's foaming when given calcium. I'm afraid that she might be allergic or something.
Aug. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Cats will often foam at the mouth when they don't like the taste of something, and if your veterinarian gave her that medication, she does need it. It would be a good idea to give your veterinary clinic a call to make sure that the medication is correct, but that is a fairly common thing for cats to do when getting oral medication, and she should be fine to continue with the medication.
Aug. 10, 2018
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Tortashell
Bella
18 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
As Above
My cat had kittend and then became really poorly 5 days later. She had a really high temp (41¤c) was shaking violently, vomiting, incontinent and laying on her side. Her teet were so swollen and her stomach was Turning a purply colour I took her to a vet and they gave her calcium through an intravenous drip they gave her a injection antibiotic and then sent her home later that day she deteriorated quite rapidly and when I took her back the vet told me that without payment upfront they would no longer treat her and she has to go home and what will be will be. I took her to another vet and she has since then been hospitalized she's had a saline drip antibiotics by intravenous and developed a gangrene mistitus which is really quite bad they said that she will lose the dead skin and have holes in her stomach. Is the 1st vet 2 blame?
July 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I wouldn't' say that any one is 'to blame' for Bella's condition, but I am sorry that it is happening. It seems that both veterinarians tried to help her, and unfortunately veterinary care does cost money. The first veterinarian that you saw may be guilty of being callous, but they did try to treat her. You are fortunate to have found the other veterinarian who will treat Bella without up front payment, and the situation that she is in would have progressed regardless, and just needs to be treated and managed at this point. I hope that she is okay.
July 1, 2018
My cat gave birth to two kittens earlier this week. It's her first time giving birth and she struggled a lot. After the labor, she got sick. High fever and she is in pain when she feeds her kittens. A couple of days ago, we took her to the vet because she got paralyzed. The vet said she lacks calcium. The vet gave us and taught us what we need and what to do. One of it is the calcium intake to keep her stable. However, I noticed that whenever I give my cat calcium (oral intake via syringe), her mouth bubbles/foaming. I got anxious and took a pause giving her that because I don't know why it gives that reaction. The vet said, my cat needs the calcium and I should empty the bottle in a week to make sure my cat gets stable.
Please help. I don't know if I should keep giving my cat calcium even if she's foaming when given calcium. I'm afraid that she might be allergic or something.
Aug. 10, 2018
Regine May A.
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tabby
Belle
9 Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic, Lost Weight
was acting lethargic and just not like herself so we took her to the vet. We had blood work done and it came back that she had high protein and low calcium in her blood. The vet gave us a 10-day medication and she's not much better. Any help would be appreciated I don't feel like the vet is very knowledgeable.
May 18, 2018
4 Recommendations
Low calcium and high protein are strange findings on a blood test, you didn’t mention whether or not any other parameters were checked and whether or not they were in normal limits since kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism are possibilities. You should return to your Veterinarian (or another Veterinarian for a second opinion) for another examination and further look into possible underlying causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 18, 2018
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Ragdoll
Ted
23 Weeks
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
I think my kitten has a calcium issue. He’s been perfect in health until yesterday. He all of a sudden couldn’t walk properly with his back legs and kept rolling onto his right side. And appetitive wasn’t brilliant. Visited vets today they refused to check his calcium and have prescribed him metacam as they think it could be a virus! Previous owner feed him on raw food. I’ve been feeding him in kitten biscuits called Specific recommended for him by the vet. He is also very tired.
Nov. 1, 2017
2 Recommendations
Viral diseases in young kittens are more common than calcium deficiencies, especially if the kitten is eating a complete balanced kitten food; other causes may be cerebellar disorders (hypotrophy or abiotrophy), trauma, congenital issues among other causes. Without examining Ted, I cannot say for certain what the underlying cause is but if you have concerns you should visit another Veterinarian in your area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 1, 2017
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stray
Spotty
8 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavily Panting Ahile Breastfeeding
Heavily Panting While Breastfeeding
Sticking Tongue Out Hebreathing
Sticking Tongue Out Heavy Breathing
My cat littered 2 days ago and I noticed today that she is panting and sticking her tongue out breathing heavily while breastfeeding.
Could you please tell me if it is normal for cats to behave this way? What is causing this and what must I do.
Low Blood Calcium Average Cost
From 526 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
