Section: Overview
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is a nutritional/metabolic disorder caused by an elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH), usually secondary to poor nutrition. It is the body's normal compensatory response to nutritionally induced hypocalcemia, or low calcium.
Inadequate diet stimulates increased PTH release through low calcium, high phosphate and low vitamin D. All meat or all grain diets are the most common cause.
This disorder is seen in both males and females and is most common in young animals. It can affect any breed.
What to Watch For
Some patients may have no clinical signs
Limping
Bone deformities
Spontaneous fractures
Diagnosis
Clinical signs and dietary history are very helpful in making the diagnosis.
Complete blood cell count (CBC)
Biochemical profile
Urinalysis
Radiographs (X-rays) of the long leg bones and spine
Treatment
Treatment of patients with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism should be directed at the underlying cause if identified. Most of these individuals can be treated as outpatients.
Dietary correction and calcium supplementation
Restriction of activity to prevent bone fractures
External splinting for support of bone fractures
Home Care and Prevention
Administer all medication/supplementation and dietary recommendations as directed by your veterinarian. Reevaluating laboratory data and radiographs at intervals set by your veterinarian are helpful in assessing improvement and response to therapy.
Animals without severe bone deformities have a good prognosis. Bones often normalize within a two to three months period. Fractures may have delayed healing.
Feeding a proper diet can prevent this disorder.
