Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

10:24
Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 28, 2014
Endocrine causes of calcium disorders
1Nestle Purina Pet Care, St. Louis, MO 63164, USA. drdebgreco@hotmail.com
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
|February 19, 2013
Summary
This article reviews endocrine diseases causing calcium imbalances like hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in veterinary patients. It offers diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these common endocrine-related calcium disorders.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Endocrinology
- Calcium Metabolism Disorders
Background:
- Endocrine diseases are significant causes of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia.
- Differential diagnoses for calcium imbalances are broad, encompassing endocrine and non-endocrine conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To focus on endocrine etiologies of calcium dysregulation in veterinary medicine.
- To provide diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for managing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of endocrine diseases associated with calcium imbalance.
- Discussion of differential diagnoses for hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia.
- Outline of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Key endocrine diseases implicated include hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, thyroid disorders, and adrenal conditions.
- Non-endocrine causes of hypercalcemia include malignancy and renal disease, while hypocalcemia can result from pancreatitis or malabsorption.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of endocrine causes is crucial for effective management of calcium imbalances.
- A systematic approach combining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is recommended for veterinary patients.
Related Concept Videos
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
