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Hyperparathyroidism

Endocrine disorders can include increased or decreased activity of the parathyroid or adrenal glands, common metabolic diseases. These glands can alter the metabolism of bone, causing osteoporosis, stress fractures, and weakened ligaments.

Hyperparathyroidism, an abnormal increase in the production of the parathyroid hormone, robs the bones of calcium. These bones become weak and brittle and are easily broken. Parathyroid hormone is normally released in response to low blood calcium and maintains a normal blood calcium/phosphorus ratio. However, in diseased dogs the mineral balance is askew and affects the dog's ability to efficiently support the body systems.

There are two types of hyperparathyroidism—primary and secondary. Primary hyperparathyroidism prevents placement of calcium in the blood to the teeth and bones, causing those structures to become weak and break. The condition is caused by a benign tumor that grows on one or more of the four parathyroid glands. This condition should be suspected when blood tests show elevated calcium, and other causes have not be detected. Any dog can develop this condition, which as often been seen in Keeshonden, Samoyeds, Salukis and Papillons.

Treatment Surgical removal of the diseased, hyperactive parathyroid, followed by intensive post-operative care, yields good prognoses for a return to active life. Therapies include injectable and oral administration of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium until the previously suppressed remaining parathyroid glands are strong enough to support the dog.

Secondary renal hyperparathyroidism can also compromise bone health. The clinical signs of renal disease will often be dominant; however, young, growing dogs with congenital renal disease may demonstrate more obvious signs of a bone disease such as lameness, pain, and fractures. Skeletal changes may be most apparent in the structure of the head, seen as a pliable "rubber jaw" or loosened teeth. Treatment is focused on the primary renal disease process, and crate rest is enforced to prevent skeletal damage or fracture. Dietary changes are made to control protein intake, for the kidney disease, and to possibly supplement dietary calcium.

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism can result from a diet low in calcium, high in phosphorus, or deficient in vitamin D. An all-meat diet, for example, lacks the nutrient balance found in commercial dog foods. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may also be caused by gastrointestinal malabsorption of calcium or glucocorticoid excess. Gastrointestinal malabsorption can be caused by agents that bind calcium in the GI tract, preventing absorption. Something as seemingly harmless as mineral oil has been implicated as such an agent. Treatment is based on correcting the diet and guarding against fractures during the rehabilitation period.

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.