Primary hyperparathyroidism (relatively rare in cats)
|
Parathyroid glands are overactive (often due to a tumor) and secrete excessive parathyroid hormone
|
Removal or destruction of tumor
|
Hypercalcemia caused by cancer (malignant hypercalcemia); most commonly caused by lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and multiple myeloma
|
Increased bone breakdown and resorption triggered by cancer cells causes higher levels of calcium in blood
|
Depends on specific type of cancer; the presence of hypercalcemia is often associated with a poorer outlook and a shorter survival time
|
|
|
Exact mechanism is unknown; most common cause of hyper-calcemia in cats
|
|
Hyperthyroidism (increased production of thyroid hormones)
|
Most cases are caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland that produces excess thyroid hormones. Those hormones can cause calcium levels to increase.
|
Surgery or radiation are often used to treat the tumor. Once that's been done, calcium levels may return to normal, but should be monitored.
|
Granulomatous disease (masses of white blood cells that can form because of certain fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections)
|
Inflammation activates the type of white blood cells that can increase levels of active vitamin D
|
Treatment of underlying disease, for example, antifungal drugs or surgery
|
Idiopathic hypercalcemia of cats
|
Unknown cause; affects cats 2 to 13 years old (either sex)
|
Diet change and possibly medication (prednisone or bisphosphonates)
|
