[Secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs]

Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 20 dogs over the period of 4.5 years; this represents 0.15% of the total number of examined animals. In all cases the dogs of large breeds suffered from this disease, Great Danes prevailed (nine dogs). The animals of the male sex fell ill thirteen times, the bitches seven times. The age of diseased dogs was from 3.5 to 20 months, dogs four to six months old prevailed (Tab. I). The disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination, X-ray finding and biochemical analysis of blood plasma. The clinical picture was dominated by abnormal postures (95%), localized limping (90%), refusal to move (80%) and periosteal pain (65%). An X-ray findings showed reduced radiodensity of the skeleton (94%), weakening the wall of long bones (71%), bowed bend of the forearm (60%) and fractures (fissures) of long bones, or pelvis and vertebrae (59%). The results of blood plasma examination: calcium to phosphorus ratio 1:1 and higher (89%), ALP activity higher than 3 mukat/1 (72%), inorganic phosphorus concentration higher than 2.5 mmol/l and calcium concentration lower than 2.5 mmol/l (Tab. II). The diagnosis of secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism was determined on the basis of anamnestic data, results of clinical and X-ray examination and blood plasma analyses. The analysis of blood plasma also revealed marked azotemia in four patients, while urine examination (proteinuria, hematuria, cylindruria) demonstrated simultaneous affection of the kidneys. Finally, it can be stated that these were all the cases of secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, which was complicated by renal hyperparathyroidism in four cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)