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.
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 can be toxic to all of his body tissues. Hypercalcemia will also be harmful to the kidneys, nervous and cardiovascular system. High calcium levels may also bring on gastrointestinal problems, acute renal failure, coma, and even death if not treated.
If you notice that your dog is not himself and is experiencing any of the symptoms for hypercalcemia, please take your pet to the veterinarian. The longer high calcium levels in the bloodstream are left untreated, the more damage it is causing to your pet’s health.
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.
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Symptoms of Hypercalcemia in Dogs
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
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
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
Diagnosis of Hypercalcemia in Dogs
The veterinarian will ask for a thorough medical history on your dog. He will ask you when the symptoms you have observed commenced. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is on any supplements or medicines. The physical examination may include palpation of the lymph nodes and abdomen. He may also check your canine’s anal sacs to search for masses; one of the causes of hypercalcemia is cancer of the anal sac glands. 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
- An ultrasound of the parathyroid will evaluate the shape and size of the parathyroid glands
- An ACTH stimulation test will exclude Addison’s disease in your dog
- Blood ionized calcium concentration to assess the biologically active form of calcium
Treatment of 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.
Loop diuretics such as furosemide can increase calcium excretion by the kidneys. Diphosphonates may be prescribed to minimize the bone release of calcium. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone or prednisone may be administered if there is no adequate response to IV fluids with furosemide. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption. Long term control of hypercalcemia may include drugs such as bisphosphonate, mithramycin, or calcitonin.
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Recovery of Hypercalcemia in Dogs
Canines that undergo surgery will receive post-operative instructions from the surgeon. Your dog will be given pain medication, and it will be very important to limit your pet’s activity, usually for 3 weeks after surgery. If you notice twitching muscles, dilated pupils, weakness or seizures, please call your veterinarian. If the biopsy taken during surgery revealed cancer the surgeon may recommend ongoing low-dose chemotherapy, called metronomic therapy, to keep the cancer in check. It is very important to follow the treatment plan that your veterinarian team has recommended for your companion.
Hypercalcemia Average Cost
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Top
Hypercalcemia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shih Tzu
Max
16 Years
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
I have a 16 year old male shih-tzu Max. We were told he had high calcium, 1.6, which might indicate cancer. They said we could do more detailed tests to see if it’s cancer or a benign tumor causing the high calcium. He can not undergo surgery due to his age and reaction last time he had anesthesia. We want Max to live the rest of his life comfortably and don’t want him going through surgery or chemo so our vet suggested prednisone. His overall health is great and he is active for a 16-year-old. However he does seem to have some confusion and arthritis. Would you happen to have any other suggestions on helping Max remain comfortable and prolong his life as much as possible without surgery?
July 18, 2018
17 Recommendations
Without confirming the specific cause, we are left with general medical management which may include glucocorticoids (includes prednisone), any other treatment would really depend on a definitive diagnosis being made since there are many causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-parathyroid-glands-and-disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/hypercalcemia-in-dogs-and-cats
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/treating-paraneoplastic-hypercalcemia-dogs-and-cats
July 19, 2018
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Boxer
Seamus
10 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hypercalcemia
Are there any natural remedies that can help with the symptoms of hypercalcemia? My dog has anal gland cancer. Our vet started him on prednisone, but the side effects were bad, and he was taken off. We know he is on borrowed time, but want him to have the best quality of life as possible.
April 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
There aren't any medications to decrease Calcium, unfortunately - the source of the problem needs to be removed to bring those values down. Hypercalcemia can cause long term kidney damage, so it would be a good idea to monitor him for signs of increased drinking, increased urination, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Your veterinarian can help guide you as to when it may be time to ease Seamus's suffering. I am sorry that that is happening to him.
April 15, 2018
My dog got diagnosed with anal sac cancer 3/4 weeks ago and we started him on prednisone two weeks ago. What kind of side effects did your dog have? I have a 9yo gsd and we had him on prednisone and ferosimide for the last two weeks. Our blood test came back tonight and I don’t know if it was the prednisone but his calcium increased from 13-15.. the doctor suggests upping the dosage but I don’t know what to do.
April 17, 2018
Rose T.
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Shetland Sheepdog
Ranger
5 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Lack Of Appetite
Ou 5 year sheltie has gotten blood work done confirming high ionize calcium in the blood stream. His only symptons is refusal to eat and a little lethargic. The blood also confirm that the cause of high ionize calcium is not from the thyroid glands or tumor. Our vet does not think it is cancer either. Is there any medications he can take? we are currently force feeding him now, but we will be going on vacation for 3 weeks soon.
March 25, 2018
4 Recommendations
You didn’t mention if total calcium was normal or not. Typically in dogs, a high level of ionised calcium is related to the parathyroid gland; other causes may be due to tumours, sampling error, vitamin D poisoning or granulomatous disease. I’ve added a link below which has a useful table of possible causes with other values for cross reference. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-parathyroid-glands-and-disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/hypercalcemia-in-dogs-and-cats
March 25, 2018
Total Calcium was high and another blood test showed that it was ionized. We had 3 blood tests done, so sampling error is unlikely now.
March 25, 2018
Ranger's Owner
The blood test was 2.30 for ionize level, it was 2.16 a week prior to that. Also he does vomit sometimes.
March 25, 2018
Ranger's Owner
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Labrador Retriever
Ottie
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Calcium
Our happy bouncy puppy went to the vets on Monday for her 12 week vaccination (Nobivac)
She was quiet when we brought her home and sleepy which we were told may happen.
During Monday night she was sick when we got her out of her crate on Tuesday morning she urinated everywhere. We took her to the vet and was told she had lost weight her heart rate was high and she was just not herself. She stayed at the vets all day on a drip and we picked her up at 9pm that evening as she had ‘perked’ up. Wednesday morning she was sick with bile and was shaking and lethargic and not eating. We took her act tomthe vets, heart rate back up list weight again and they kept her in. They reported later that day that she hadn’t eaten a test had shown her calcium very high, dehydrated, a scan/X-ray showed swollen lymph glands and possible pancreatitis? the vet asked if she had eaten anything but she definitely hadn’t. Tests have been done for cancer and we are waiting the results and lung worm both negative, other blood tests have come back negative. The vets have worked hard but are puzzled.
I cannot understand how she went into the vet a happy healthy puppy, I have asked the vet if this could be a reaction to the vaccination, they have said it’s possible but very rare?
Feb. 9, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining Ottie or knowing more about her lab work, I have a hard time commenting on what might be going on. I can't imagine that what is happening with her was a result of a vaccination, and I'm very sorry that she seems to be having so many problems. Cancer is so rare in puppies. She may just need supportive care until she recovers from what is happening to her - I hope that your veterinarians are able to figure out what is happening with her and that she recovers.
Feb. 9, 2018
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GWP
Gus
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Hair, Thirsty, Increased Ap
Hyperc
Our German Wire Haired pointer has. Non cancerous growrh on his parathyroid causing hypercalcemia. He has been on 90 mg of biphosphonate,75mg Zantac and 25mg prednisone daily for 5 months. Can we discontinue the prednisone? concerned about side effects, but we want him to be comfortable.
Dec. 30, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If Gus is suffering from the side effects of Prednisone, you may be able to decrease the dosage, but that would be a great question for your veterinarian, as they know all of Gus's history, labwork and are able to examine him. Without knowing any of his history, I can't recommend any changes in prescriptions. I hope that he does well.
Dec. 31, 2017
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Pekingese
Bernie
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss, Swollen Belly
My 15 year old Peke has Hypercalcemia caused by a node on his Parathyroid gland. He was scheduled for surgery, but developed an eye ulcer that has to be treated to avoid a rupture if his blood pressure goes up during surgery. I am looking for someway to lower Calcium levels in his blood until we can get him his surgery. He also has a tumor on his Adrenal gland that will be removed in a subsequent surgery.
Hypercalcemia Average Cost
From 443 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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