Calcium is the most abundant  mineral found in the body, approximately 99% is found in bone & the remaining 1% in extracellular fluid (fluid found outside of the cells and between the cells in body tissues). It is essential for several functions including providing strength to bones & teeth, cardiac function, proper nerve impulses & muscle contractions, blood clotting. It is stored in the skeleton & released as it is required.  In combination with phosphorous, it forms calcium phosphate, the dense, hard material of bones & teeth.

Hypocalcemia is too low a level of calcium in the blood and is a major clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism (a condition caused by the reduction or absence of secretions of the parathyroid gland). 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.

Other causes of low blood calcium levels include; eclampsia or milk fever (seen in lactating females), dietary insufficiency, bone tumour, phosphate enemas, pancreatitis, chronic kidney failure, antifreeze poisoning & Cushing's disease.

What are the symptoms?

How is it diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history from you. Tests he may perform include;

Biochemical profile: This should reveal low blood serum calcium levels. It may also reveal the cause such as kidney failure.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) test to check hormone levels.

He may wish to perform further diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the hypocalcemia.

How is it treated?

Emergency:

Slow intravenous administration of calcium gluconate.

Maintenance: