Approaching the hypercalcaemic patient

摘要

Hypercalcaemia is an uncommon electrolyte disorder in cats and dogs. Clinical signs of hypercalcaemia vary according to the severity, the speed of onset (acute versus chronic) and the underlying aetiology.Animals may be polyuric and polydipsic, develop vomiting, anorexia, weakness and dull mentation. Signs in cats may be more subtle and they may only be lethargy and develop weight loss. When severe, hypercalcaemia can lead to irreversible damage the kidney through the deposition of calcium phosphate and cardiac function can be disrupted causing a life-threatening condition.