Primary Hypoparathyroidism and Recurring Hypocalcemia in a Quarter Horse Gelding-A Case Report.
Abstract: Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine disorder in the horse characterized by a transient or permanent parathyroid hormone insufficiency. Hypoparathyroidism is associated with hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, primarily presenting with clinical signs consistent with hypocalcemia. This case report describes clinical presentation and treatment of a horse with severe hypocalcemia due to primary hypoparathyroidism. A 17-year-old, 542 kg Quarter Horse gelding presented for shaking and tremors. Significant findings include generalized muscle fasciculations, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, and a markedly hypermetric hindlimb gait. Hematology revealed a moderate hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and severe hypocalcemia. Initial treatment consisted of oral and intravenous calcium supplementation and fluid therapy. Thirty-six hours after presentation, clinical signs resolved, and treatment was discontinued. Clinical signs reoccurred after the discontinuation of treatment. A presumptive diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made based on low parathyroid hormone in the presence of low ionized calcium. The patient was maintained on oral calcium carbonate (feed grade lime) and vitamin AED supplementation. Hypoparathyroidism is rare but oral supplementation of calcium with calcium carbonate resulted in a favorable outcome with no apparent decrease in performance. Long-term supplementation may be required to prevent disease recurrence.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2021-02-03 PubMed ID: 33781415DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103398Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article discusses a rare case of Hypoparathyroidism in a horse which developed recurring low calcium levels and was effectively treated through oral calcium supplementation.
Explanation of the Research Paper
- Hypoparathyroidism is noted as an uncommon endocrine disorder in horses which is distinguished by a temporary or lasting shortage of parathyroid hormone. The condition is associated with low calcium (hypocalcemia) and high phosphate (hyperphosphatemia) levels in the blood.
- In this case report, the researchers detail the clinical signs, treatment, and outcome of a horse suffering from severe hypocalcemia due to primary hypoparathyroidism.
- The horse, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, presented with shaking and tremors, muscle fasciculations, irregular hindlimb movement, and inconsistent diaphragm movements. A blood test revealed moderate levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) and phosphate(hyperphosphatemia), low levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia), and a severe deficiency of calcium (hypocalcemia).
Treatment and Outcome
- The horse received treatment which consisted of intravenous and oral calcium supplements as well as fluid therapy. After 36 hours, the clinical signs disappeared and the treatment was ended.
- However, after the horse was taken off treatment, the clinical signs began to occur again. Thus, a suspected diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made based on the observation of low levels of both ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone in the horse’s blood.
- The horse was subsequently put on an ongoing regimen of feed grade lime (calcium carbonate) and vitamin AED supplementation. This oral supplementation of calcium resulted in a positive outcome – the treatment seemed to be working – with no noticeable decline in the horse’s performance. The article suggests that this course of supplementation may need to be sustained long-term to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Thompson AC, Mochal-King C.
(2021).
Primary Hypoparathyroidism and Recurring Hypocalcemia in a Quarter Horse Gelding-A Case Report.
J Equine Vet Sci, 99, 103398.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103398 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS. Electronic address: at1678@msstate.edu.
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Hyperphosphatemia / veterinary
- Hypocalcemia / drug therapy
- Hypocalcemia / veterinary
- Hypoparathyroidism / complications
- Hypoparathyroidism / veterinary
- Magnesium
- Male
- Parathyroid Hormone
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