Case Presentation by:   Bill FitzPatrick, Jason Scott and Steve Rubin

Patient Profile:  "Henry", a 12-year old, castrated male mixed breed dog.

History: "Henry" presented to the medicine service on 2/1/99.   The owner complained of PU/PD.  Bloodwork from the RDVM showed hypercalcemia for quite some time.  The RDVM also sent off a parathormone assay but the results were inconclusive as to whether or not "Henry" had primary hyperparathyroidism.   So he was referred to CSU.

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 100/minute.  Pulse rate = 100/minute.  Respiratory rate = 28/minute.  Body weight = 32.72 kg.  "Henry's" attitude, gait, capillary refill time and hydration status were all normal.  Heart and lungs ausculted normally.  Abdominal palpation was normal.   Neurological status was normal.  Rectal exam was normal.

Laboratory Findings:  CBC was normal.  Calcium = 12.1 mg/dl.   ALT = 160 IU/L.

Radiographs/Ultrasound: Chest radiographs were normal.  An ultrasound was done on the neck region.  Only the thyroids could be visualized and appeared to be normal.

Questions:   

• What clinical signs do you see with hyperparathyroidism?
• What are the differentials for hypercalcemia?
• What diagnostics should you perform to rule out your differentials?
• What medical treatment would you do while waiting for surgery (surgical explore of the neck)?
• What should you monitor after surgery (parathyroidectomy)?

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM, and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 2000. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  04/04/00