PATHOLOGY - Hyper and Hypocalcaemia

Question 1

Define hypercalcaemia

Answer 1

Increase in blood calcium levels beyond 5% of normal limits

Question 2

List six causes of hypercalcaemia

Answer 2

Neoplasia
Hyperparathyroidism
Fungal disease
Osteoporosis
Chronic renal disease
Hypervitaminosis D

Question 3

What is a common consequence of hypercalcaemia?

Answer 3

Renal failure

Question 4

Define hypocalcaemia

Answer 4

Decrease in blood calcium levels beyond 5% of normal limits

Question 5

List factors which increase the chances of hypocalcaemia (milk fever) in cattle

Answer 5

Reduced prepartum feed intake (low Mg levels)
Genetics
High production cows
Late summer and autumn seasons

Question 6

Which species of cattle is particularly susceptible to hypocalcaemia due to genetics?

Answer 6

Jersey cattle

Question 7

List factors which increase the chances of hypocalcaemia (eclampsia) in sheep

Answer 7

Late pregnancy
Cold
Stress

Question 8

What are the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia in ruminants?

Answer 8

Muscular weakness
Reduced gastrointestinal motility (rumen bloat)
Decreased thermoregulation
Cardiovascular collapse
Coma
Death

Question 9

When is hypocalcaemia (eclampsia) most common in dogs?

Answer 9

Early/mid lactation in toy/small dog breeds

Question 10

What are the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia (eclampsia) in dogs?

Answer 10

Anxiety
Restlessness
Panting
Tachycardia
Tetany
Coma
Death

Question 11

List three methods of hypocalcaemia treatment

Answer 11

Intravenous calcium infusion
Subcutaneous calcium infusion
Calcium oral bolus

Question 12

Why does care need to be taken when administering calcium intravenously?

Answer 12

Rapid infusion of intravenous calcium can cause cardiac arrest