Name
Diagnosis and successful management of primary hypoparathyroidism in a pet rabbit
Description
Primary hypoparathyroidism is a disease of the parathyroid gland that causes a decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion. Common causes of hypoparathyroidism in dogs and cats include idiopathic disease and injury to the parathyroid gland. Hypoparathyroidism leads to hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and decreased levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Clinical signs are usually due to severe hypocalcemia and can include tetany and seizures. This disease has not been described in rabbits. A 5-year-old male intact rabbit presented for seizures. A biochemistry panel showed ionic and total hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Parathyroid hormone concentrations were <0.50pmol/L, lower than healthy rabbits. He was started on calcium carbonate and calcitriol. Ionized calcium levels were rechecked initially every 1-2 weeks and then monthly. His calcium carbonate and calcitriol doses were adjusted based on his recheck ionized calcium levels to determine the lowest effective doses. His ionized calcium level slowly increased and has remained above 1.15mmol/L with treatment adjustments. This is the first described case of primary hypoparathyroidism in a pet rabbit. This disease is successfully being treated with calcium carbonate and calcitriol.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)