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Overview:
The parathyroid glands are small endocrine (hormone producing) glands
located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid
hormone (PTH) which is responsible for increasing calcium levels in the
blood. This is done by increasing calcium absorption from the digestive
tract, taking calcium from the bones & suppressing calcium loss from
urine.
Hypoparathyroidism is a medical
condition in which the parathyroid hormone is either greatly decreased
or absent. This results in
hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels).
The most common cause of
hypoparathyroidism in cats is the accidental injury or removal of the
parathyroid gland during the removal of the thyroid glands to treat
hyperthyroidism.
Idiopathic atrophy and immune-mediated parathyroiditis also seen
(uncommon).
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Symptoms of
hypoparathyroidism:
Symptoms relate to hypocalcemia
brought on by the reduction/halt to parathyroid hormone levels &
include;
-
Restlessness
-
Neuromuscular irritability such as
nervousness, whiskers twitching, facial rubbing, tetany (involuntary
muscle contractions)
-
Lethargy
-
Stiff legged gait
-
Panting
-
Increased respiration rate
-
Anorexia
-
Fever
-
Convulsions
Diagnosis of
hypoparathyroidism:
Your veterinarian will perform a
complete physical examination & obtain a medical history from you.
Recent thyroidectomy would raise his index of suspicion of
hypoparathyroidism. Further tests he may wish to perform include;
-
Complete
blood count &
biochemical
profile to rule out other possible medical conditions. This may
reveal low blood
calcium levels & high blood phosphate levels.
-
Serum PTH may show low or
undetectable levels.
-
Exploratory surgery may reveal
atrophied or absent parathyroid glands.
Treatment of
hypoparathyroidism:
Medical management to treat
hypocalcemia includes;
Emergency:
Maintenance:
-
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of
calcium, and therefore may also be given.
-
Once the cat has stabilised, oral
administration of calcium gluconate.
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ECG to check for cardiac abnormalities
References:
Vet
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