Dog Hypoparathyroidism

Dog Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is the case of inactive parathyroid glands, by-hypoparathyroidism develops; which causes muscular tremors, depression, and eventually convulsions. Hypoparathyroidism develops when the parathyroid hormone or the PTH is secreted at sub abnormal rate or if the hormone is unable to influence the cells for which its production is targeted. The disease can occur in dogs of any age and also be present in both males and females. Though the disease can occur in any breed of dog the dogs that are mostly affected by the disease are found to be belonging to smaller breeds like Miniature Schnauzers. But there are also many breeds of dogs that are least exposed to the incidence of the disease.

The exact reason behind the reduced level of PTH is not yet known. Several body mechanisms are responsible for the development of the disorder. The following are the types of dog Hypoparathyroidism.

Dog Hypoparathyroidism Types

Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism – The occurrence of diffuse lymphocytic parathyroiditis causing damage to the chief cells which are replaced by fibrous tissues is regarded as one of the main reasons behind the development of the disease. The disorder can also occur due to the destruction of the parathyroids in the anterior cervical area by the primary or metastatic neoplasms. Chronic hypercalcemia is also often related to the atrophy of the parathyroid gland.

The disease mainly arises due to the low calcium content in the main bloodstream. The low level of calcium might also be due to the presence of the huge amount of distemper virus located in the chief cells of the parathyroid glands.

One of the main reasons behind the occurrence of the congenital type of hypoparathyroidism in pups is due to presence of agenesis of the parathyroid glands. The primary reason for the occurrence of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in dogs or humans is the lack of certain enzymes in the chief cells that are responsible for converting the pro-PTH molecule to a biologically active PTH molecule secreted by the parathyroid gland. Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism can also be the result of a mechanism that is mediated by the immune system of the body. Due to lymphocytic infiltration often the secretory cells of the parenchyma get destroyed.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism – The disease is more common among humans than in dogs. The disorder is caused when the target cells like the ones in the regions like kidneys and bones fail to respond to the secreted PTH produced by the parathyroid gland.

Dog Hypoparathyroidism Treatment

To increase the level of calcium in the blood your dog can be administered calcium gluconate. You may provide your dog calcium gluconate in measured amounts like 10 mL or 10 % in 250 ml of saline. This has to be administered every 8 to 12 hrs in a day. While administering the medicine you must also make sure that your pet is not given in great proportions of calcium as otherwise, it has cardiotoxic properties.

See more: Dog Hypothyroidism