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Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Calcium metabolism in eight dogs with hypoadrenocorticism
1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, UK.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|August 20, 2009
Summary
Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs can cause hypercalcaemia, a condition where calcium levels are too high. This study found that high calcium in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism is not typically linked to parathyroid hormone or vitamin D changes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison's disease, is an endocrine disorder in dogs caused by insufficient glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid production.
- While electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are common, hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) affects about 30% of affected dogs.
- The exact cause of hypercalcemia in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), and vitamin D metabolites in dogs with concurrent hypoadrenocorticism and hypercalcemia.
- To explore potential underlying mechanisms for hypercalcemia in this specific canine patient group.
Main Methods:
- A case series approach was employed, analyzing data from eight dogs diagnosed with both hypoadrenocorticism and hypercalcemia.
- Measurements included ionized calcium, PTH, PTHrP, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations.
- Results were compared against established reference ranges for each parameter.
Main Results:
- Increased ionized calcium levels were observed in five out of seven dogs with hypoadrenocorticism-associated hypercalcemia.
- Concentrations of PTH, PTHrP, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D were generally within normal reference ranges in the majority of the dogs studied.
- Specifically, PTH was normal in 7/8 dogs, PTHrP in 6/7 cases, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in 6/7 dogs.
Conclusions:
- Hypercalcemia in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism is infrequently associated with elevated plasma PTH, PTHrP, or serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D.
- The findings suggest that the common mechanisms regulating calcium via the parathyroid glands and vitamin D may not be the primary drivers of hypercalcemia in these cases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific pathophysiology of hypercalcemia in canine hypoadrenocorticism.
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