Disorder - Hyperparathyroidism

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Hypercalcaemia

Presenting Signs

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland (a gland in the neck) secretes an excess amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The secretion of PTH is regulated by the level of calcium in the blood. In healthy animals, if blood calcium decreases, this triggers an increase in PTH secretion. Conversely, PTH secretion drops in healthy animals when calcium levels in the blood are high. Hyperparathyroidism may result from the parathyroid gland’s normal response when calcium levels in the blood are decreased. This is called secondary hyperparathyroidism. It may also occur if abnormal cells of the parathyroid gland inappropriately secrete increased PTH without stimulus from low blood calcium (primary hyperparathyroidism). The signs observed with this disease tend to be misleadingly vague and non-serious in onset. Common symptoms in cats with primary hyperparathyroidism include a low appetite, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss and increased water intake. Clinical signs become more severe and possibly life-threatening as increased blood calcium levels become more serious and prolonged.

Cats at Risk

Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs more commonly in older cats. There is no sex predilection.

Breeds Affected
Burmese
Persian
Russian
Siamese


Treatment

Surgical and medical. Primary hyperparathyroidism can be treated by surgical removal of affected parathyroid glands. Ethanol injection or heat ablation of the abnormal glands is also an effective treatment option.

PubMed References
Hyperparathyroidism

Contributor
Angela Ashby