Hypocalcemia in Dogs

Calcium is one of the minerals that plays an extremely important role in the normal daily functioning of the dog's body. Calcium is needed for bone growth, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and the proper functioning of the body.

When calcium levels are too low, various symptoms appear in the peripheral and central nervous systems of dogs. Low blood calcium levels are a relatively common condition in dogs. To restore the dog's health, the underlying cause must be treated. The goal of treatment is to raise the calcium level in the blood to the required level and maintain it. In some cases, dogs need to start a lifelong treatment process to maintain the ideal calcium balance in the blood. What is Hypocalcemia in Dogs? Hypocalcemia is a medical term describing a low total serum calcium level in the blood. Causes of hypocalcemia, which can lead to problems such as neuromuscular abnormalities or poor bone formation, include chronic kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, and trauma. Symptoms of Hypocalcemia in Dogs

What is Hypocalcemia in Dogs?

Hypocalcemia is a medical term describing a low total serum calcium level in the blood. Causes of hypocalcemia, which can lead to problems such as neuromuscular abnormalities or poor bone formation, include chronic kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, and trauma.

Symptoms of Hypocalcemia in Dogs

The parathyroid glands, located near the thyroid glands, control calcium levels in the blood. Malfunctioning of the parathyroid glands causes hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels in the blood lead to problems in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common symptoms of hypocalcemia include:

• Kas titremeleri,
• Twitching,
• Loss of control in body movements,
• Muscle spasms,
• Loss of appetite,
• Behavioral changes,
• Indifference,
• Weakness,
• Rapid breathing, “Why Do Dogs Breathe Rapidly?” You can find detailed information in our content,
• Fever,
• Convulsions,
• Seizures are included.

Causes of Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels lead to serious dysfunction in the body, which means the dog will become seriously ill. If you see signs of hypocalcemia in your dog, you must take it to a veterinarian for examination. The problem must be diagnosed before the dog's health deteriorates further. Among the causes of hypocalcemia are;

• Rhabdomyolysis,
• Antifreeze consumption, you can find detailed information in our content titled "Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs",
• Decreased mobility of calcium in the bone,
• Hypoalbuminemia,
• Poor digestion of calcium in the digestive system,
• Calcium leakage in urine,
• Kidney disorders,
• Pancreatitis,
• Soft tissue Trauma,
• Phosphate enema,
• Tumor lysis syndrome,
• Removal of the parathyroid gland due to any illness,
• Dysfunction of the parathyroid gland's calcium regulation function are among the causes.

How is Hypocalcemia Diagnosed?

Symptoms such as muscle tremors, shortness of breath, weakness, and behavioral changes raise suspicion of hypocalcemia. A physical examination is primarily required for diagnosis. The simplest way to diagnose the disease is through a blood test. Blood tests are also used to identify health problems that can cause hypocalcemia, such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, or problems with parathyroid gland function.

Calcium levels in the blood are defined in three different ways: ionized, protein-bound, and complex calcium. Calcium levels in dogs' blood are measured in two different ways. Total calcium measurement gives a preliminary idea about the calcium level in the blood. Ionized calcium reading shows the calcium level more accurately.

Treatment Methods

Treatment of low blood calcium levels depends on many procedures. When the dog's health is critical, it usually needs to stay in the clinic. During this process, the dog is given calcium-rich serum. The dog's condition is closely monitored to prevent hypercalcemia. The treatment method varies depending on the underlying health problem, the rate of progression of hypocalcemia, the severity of symptoms in the dog, and the calcium level in the blood.

In mild cases of hypocalcemia, fast-acting and effective tablet medications are used. The dog may generally need vitamin D supplementation. In cases of hypocalcemia caused by pancreatitis, the dog's health needs to be stabilized and the disease treated. In cases of hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism, oral calcium supplementation and vitamin D are sufficient unless there are serious symptoms. You can click here to review the types of dog vitamins and supplements that can be used with the approval of a veterinarian.

To understand whether the treatment is working and to ensure that there is no risk of recurrence, the dog's blood calcium level needs to be monitored for several months. In most cases, long-term treatment is needed to keep blood calcium levels stable.