Hyperparathyroidism

Question 1

What species is it more common in

Answer 1

Dogs

Rare in cats

Question 2

What are the causes?

Answer 2

• hyperplasia
• adenomas
• carcinomas
• secondary causes
• high PTH production due to low Ca levels due to organ resistance
• chronic renal failure
• intestinal malabsorption
• nutritional deficiencies

Question 3

What defines primary hypoparathyroidism?

Answer 3

Consistently low Ca levels and normo or hypophosphatemia

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

Serum PTH measurement

Question 5

Tx

Answer 5

Surgical removal of parathyroid tissue

Question 6

What commonly happens after surgical removal of parathyroid tissue?

Answer 6

• Hypocalcemia within 1-7 days post surgery

* Therefore treat with calcium and vitamin D supplementation

Question 7

What is the tx for hypercalcemia (>14mg/dL) and high BUN/creatinine?

Answer 7

Saline and furosemide diuresis to decrease Ca serum levels via dilution and expansion of intravascular volume = increases GFR and decreases Ca reabsorption

Question 8

What do you need to monitor when treating hypercalcemia?

Answer 8

Potassium and magnesium levels as they will drop

Question 9

Why does hyperparathyroidism cause Hypophosphatemia?

Answer 9

Due to decrease renal phosphate reabsorption