Hypercalcemia is a condition that indicates that the dog’s calcium levels in the blood are higher than normal. The condition can be caused by an increased intake of calcium, dehydration or may be among the side effects of certain drugs.
Normal Calcium Levels in Dogs
The calcium levels in the dog’s blood may depend on a few factors:
- The pet’s age – puppies have elevated levels of calcium
- The pet’s breed
- The laboratory where the tests are performed
However, on average, vets will consider as normal levels of calcium situated between 9.0 and 11.6 mg/dl. If the dog’s calcium levels exceed 12 mg/dl, the vet will perform tests to detect the cause.
Causes of Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia may be due to an excessive amount of calcium in the dog’s diet or to an inadequate administration of calcium supplements.
However, there may also be other causes of hypercalcemia including:
- The collection of blood sample soon after the dog has eaten a fatty meal
- Dehydration
- The administration of certain drugs that have hypercalcemia among side effects
- Anemia
- Toxicity with rat poison or poisonous food and plants
- Cancer (i.e. anal sac gland cancer)
Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
When the levels of calcium in the dog’s blood are higher than normal, he may display a few symptoms such as:
- Higher water intake
- Increased urination
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- General state of weakness
- Swelling of lymph nodes
These symptoms are not a clear indication of hypercalcemia and may point to other medical issues as well.
Diagnosing the Dog
The levels of calcium in the dog’s blood can be measured with a blood test. The vet may also require an additional test that will measure the ionized calcium in the blood, which is responsible for the symptoms of hypercalcemia.
Other tests performed by the vet to diagnose hypercalcemia may include:
- Serum biochemistry, which can also indicate the kidney function
- Urinalysis
- An electrocardiogram (EKG), to determine if there is any damage to the heart
- A general exam that will include the palpation of lymph nodes and abdomen
Treatment for Hypercalcemia
The treatment will depend on how high the concentration of the calcium is. If the calcium levels are extremely high, hospitalization will be needed. The dog will need IV fluids and medication.
He should also receive some diuretics, which can also help in the elimination of calcium in the urine.
Prednisone or other corticosteroids can reduce the calcium absorption, so they may also be utilized when treating the dog. Diphosponates can be used to minimize the bone release of calcium. Other possible drugs used in dogs with hypercalcemia may include mithramycin and calcitonin.
If the dog doesn’t get immediate treatment, his organs may start mineralizing.
The kidneys may be damaged if the condition is severe, so the dog may also need to get a different diet to help in the recovery process.