Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Dogs

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Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

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.