endocrinology (primary hyperparathyroidism) Flashcards
what is the physiopathology of primary hyperparathyroidism
primary hyperparathyroidism is characterised by excessive autonomous PTH secretion usually by an adenoma of the parathyroid gland
- most cats with PHPT are affected by single parathyroid gland adenomas
how frequent is primary hyperparthyroidism in cats
this is a rare disease in cats
typically seen in older cats (most > 10 years of age)
Siamese cats may be predisposed
what are the clinical signs of PHPT
clinical signs are generally vague:
- lethargy
- anorexia
- vomiting
- less commonly PU/PD, weakness, muscle tremors and ataxia
- a palpable cervical mass may be present in up to 50% of cases
how is a diagnosis of PHPT made
demonstration of elevated total and ionised calcium concentrations along with high or normal (especially high-normal) PTH concentrations
hypophosphatemia would be predicted in primary hyperparathyroidism but concomitant renal disease is common and this will have a variable effect on phosphate levels
what is the treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism
surgical resection of the abnormal tissue is the treatment of choice but close post-operative monitoring is required as atrophy of healthy tissue may lead to temporary hypoparathyroidism
even if a palpable mass is not present, if blood results are consistent with primary hyperphosphatemia, exploratory cervical surgery is warranted