Evaluation of Zoledronate as Treatment for Hypercalcemia in Four Dogs

Hypercalcemia is a biochemical abnormality that, when left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications including renal failure. Bisphosphonates are routinely used to treat hypercalcemia, but most literature on veterinary patients describes the use of pamidronate. This retrospective case series describes the use of zoledronate for treatment of hypercalcemia in four dogs. Information including signalment, clinical signs, treatment, and outcome was collected. All dogs showed a decrease in total and ionized calcium concentrations after treatment with zoledronate. All treatments of zoledronate administered were well tolerated, but a previously unreported local hypersensitivity reaction was observed in one dog. This report is the first to document the efficacy of zoledronate for treatment of hypercalcemia in dogs.