Primary hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon disease in which the parathyroid glands stop making enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). Without PTH, ionized calcium falls and phosphorus rises, and the dog develops nervous, twitchy, then tetanic and seizuring episodes. It is fully treatable with calcium and active vitamin D, but the treatment has to be lifelong and closely monitored.
Key facts
Hypoparathyroidism at a glance- Species / system: Dog; parathyroid glands, calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
- Cause: most adult cases are idiopathic, usually lymphocytic parathyroiditis with loss of chief cells. Damage or removal of the glands during neck surgery is the other main cause.
- Typical patient: a young adult to middle-aged dog (mean age about 5 years), more often female, often a small breed such as a Miniature Schnauzer or Toy Poodle, though any breed can be affected.
- Classic presentation: episodes of restlessness, facial rubbing and muscle tremors that progress to tetany or seizures, with marked hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal kidney values.
- Key test: PTH that is low or inappropriately normal on the same sample as a low ionized calcium.
- Not zoonotic or reportable.
What's inside
11 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 13 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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