Hypercalcemia in Cats
Hypercalcemia is characterized by an abnormally high amount of calcium in the blood. A cat is considered hypercalcemic when its total serum calcium level is greater than 10.5 mg/dL.
Behind the thyroid gland in the neck, there are four parathyroid glands which secrete the hormones the body needs to regulate calcium and phosphorus. Parathyroid hormones and vitamin D interactions work to release calcium from the bones, gut, and kidneys for deposit into the bloodstream. When these interactions are disturbed, or when cancerous cells secrete hormones, hypercalcemia, or excess blood-calcium levels, can result.
Symptoms and Types
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Lack of appetite (anorexia)
- Decreased gastrointestinal function
- Lack of energy/fatigue/lethargy
- Enlarged lymph nodes (swelling in neck)
- Bladder stones
- Stupor and coma in severe cases
- Abnormal functioning of the parathyroid gland
- Over functioning of the parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)
- Cancer or tumors
- Bone deteriorating diseases
- Kidney failure - sudden or long-term
- Under-functioning adrenal glands
- Vitamin D poisoning: from rodenticides, plants, or food (including supplements)
- Aluminum toxicity
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, including a blood chemistry profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. While a high serum is crucial to the diagnosis of hypercalcemia, the results of the other tests will help to indicate the origin of the hypercalcemia.
Radiograph and ultrasound imaging can also be used for diagnosing underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, bladder stones, or cancer. Fine needle aspirates (liquids) from the lymph nodes and bone marrow can be used for diagnoses of lymphoma, or cancer of the blood.
A gland found in the neck of humans and animals that secretes glands responsible for metabolic rate, calcitonin, and others.
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
The name for four glands that are located on the top of the thyroid gland that help to regulate the amount of calcium in the blood
Small structures that filter out the lymph and store lymphocytes
The condition of being drowsy, listless, or weak
The digestive tract containing the stomach and intestine
A term for a type of neoplasm that is made up of lymphoid tissue; these masses are usually malignant in nature