Causes and Treatment of Hypercalcemia (Increased Blood Calcium Levels) in Cats
Causes and Treatment of Hypercalcemia (Increased Blood Calcium Levels) in Cats
Cause | Mechanism | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
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 |
Chronic kidney failure | Exact mechanism is unknown; most common cause of hyper-calcemia in cats | Supportive care |
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) |