Primary hypoparathyroidism in two horses.
Abstract: Two Thoroughbred horses were presented with various clinical signs which included sweating, agitation, muscle twitching and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. These signs were associated with profound hypocalcaemia. A diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made on the basis of low serum ionised calcium concentration, hyperphosphataemia and markedly reduced serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentrations in the presence of normal renal function. Treatment with a combination of intravenous calcium and subsequently oral calcium, magnesium and a vitamin D analogue (dihydrotachysterol) for up to 65 days resulted in complete remission of clinical signs. Horse 1 was euthanased 12 months after the initial recognition of signs. Results of necropsy were unremarkable apart from an absence of detectable parathyroid tissue. Horse 2 returned to athletic activities while receiving only maintenance doses of oral calcium carbonate.
Publication Date: 1999-09-24 PubMed ID: 10494394DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb12119.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This article presents a study regarding the diagnosis and treatment of primary hypoparathyroidism in two Thoroughbred horses. Primary hypoparathyroidism, identified through symptoms such as sweating, agitation, muscle twitching and a condition known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, was confirmed by decreased levels of calcium and parathyroid hormones in the horses, along with increased levels of phosphate. Treatment using a mix of calcium, magnesium and a vitamin D analogue brought about substantial improvement in the horses’ conditions.
Understanding Primary Hypoparathyroidism
- The research article underlines a case of primary hypoparathyroidism in two Thoroughbred horses. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder in which the failure of the parathyroid glands results in a decrease in the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH).
- This lack of PTH leads to an decrease in blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) and an increase in blood phosphate levels (hyperphosphataemia). Low ionised calcium and high phosphate levels are typical indicators of this condition.
- The classical symptoms exhibited by the horses like sweating, agitation, muscle twitching were attributable to this condition, a crucial one being the synchronous diaphragmatic flutter — an involuntary rapid contraction of the diaphragm.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis was confirmed by observing a decrease in serum ionised calcium concentration, high phosphate levels and significantly reduced serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentrations. This was determined by maintaining the normal renal functions of horses.
- Treatment was carried out by using a combined dose of intravenous calcium, magnesium and a vitamin D analogue called dihydrotachysterol for about 65 days. This treatment plan resulted in a full remission of clinical signs, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment in counteracting the symptoms caused by primary hypoparathyroidism.
Results and Prognosis
- The first horse underwent euthanasia about 12 months after the detection of signs. The necropsy results were normally unnoticeable barring the absence of detectable parathyroid tissue.
- Contrarily, the second horse was able to return to normal athletic activities, while being maintained on a regimen of oral calcium carbonate. This illustrates the possibility of continued performance in horses after recovery from primary hypoparathyroidism when effectively managed.
Cite This Article
APA
Hudson NP, Church DB, Trevena J, Nielsen IL, Major D, Hodgson DR.
(1999).
Primary hypoparathyroidism in two horses.
Aust Vet J, 77(8), 504-508.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb12119.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Humans
- Hypoparathyroidism / diagnosis
- Hypoparathyroidism / veterinary
- Male
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