Introduction

As a pet science enthusiast and a proud pet parent myself, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate balance of hormones in our furry friends’ bodies. One such hormone, parathyroid hormone, plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium and phosphorous levels in their blood. Today, let’s dive into the world of hyperparathyroidism, a condition that disrupts this delicate balance and can lead to serious health issues in our pets.

Understanding Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands, not to be confused with the thyroid glands, produce an excessive amount of parathyroid hormone. These glands are nestled close to or within the thyroid glands in the neck. The hormone’s primary function is to regulate the calcium and phosphorous balance in the blood. When blood calcium levels dip, the hormone kicks in, pulling calcium from the bones to restore equilibrium.

Types of Hyperparathyroidism

There are two primary types of hyperparathyroidism:

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

This form of the condition arises when one or more parathyroid glands go rogue, either turning cancerous or overproducing the hormone. The result is an abnormally high calcium level in the blood. Dogs, especially older ones, are more susceptible to this type than cats.

Pets with primary hyperparathyroidism may exhibit a loss of appetite, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and a general lethargy. These symptoms often develop gradually, and by the time they become apparent, significant organ damage may have already occurred.

The treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism involves surgically removing the problematic gland. This sudden reduction in hormone levels leads to a drop in blood calcium, necessitating close monitoring and potential calcium supplementation post-surgery.

Secondary (Nutritional) Hyperparathyroidism

More common than its primary counterpart, secondary hyperparathyroidism often affects kittens and puppies fed an imbalanced diet, particularly one heavy in meat or organs like liver. Such diets are high in phosphorous but low in calcium, leading to an imbalance.

In this case, the parathyroid gland compensates for the low calcium intake by producing more hormone, drawing calcium from the bones. This can result in reluctance to move, splay-legged stance, and increased susceptibility to fractures due to bone thinning. Abnormal growth, especially in the spinal column and pelvis, can also occur, potentially leading to arthritis.

The treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism focuses on correcting the diet to achieve a balanced intake of calcium and phosphorous. Unfortunately, the skeletal deformities caused by this condition are usually permanent and cannot be reversed.

Personal Experience

I recall a time when my old golden retriever, Max, started showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. After a visit to the vet, we discovered he had primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgery to remove the affected gland was a success, and with careful monitoring and calcium supplementation, Max made a full recovery. It was a stark reminder of the importance of regular check-ups and the role of hormones in our pets’ health.

Conclusion

Hyperparathyroidism, whether primary or secondary, is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. As pet parents, it’s crucial to be vigilant about our pets’ health and provide them with a balanced diet to prevent such hormonal imbalances. By understanding the science behind these conditions, we can better care for our furry companions and ensure they live long, healthy lives.

Article by: Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith

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