Calcium (Ca)
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Sunday, August 14th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Sunday, August 14th, 2022
Canine Normal Values:
9.2-11.6 mg/dL
Feline Normal Values:
7.5-11.5 mg/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of various disease processes and conditions. Calcium aides in muscle contraction and relaxation, the mineralization of bones, proper nerve function, maintaining blood pressure, and the clotting ability of the blood
Increases in Values:
Levels of Calcium may be increased with primary hyperparathyroidism, neoplasia, excessive Vitamin D intake, feline hyperthyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, and hypoadrenocorticism. Hypercalcemia may result in renal damage and calcium deposition with levels exceeding 12 mg/dL. When levels exceed 16 mg/dL the gastrointestinal and nervous systems may be impacted. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include muscle weakness, seizures, rapid QT intervals, coma, ventricular fibrillation, and vomiting. Clinical signs may worsen when hypercalcemia is accompanied by hypokalemia and hyperphosphatemia. If the product of calcium x phosphorous is greater than 70, renal failure may result. When serum total calcium levels are greater than 20 mg/dL, renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate will be impaired. Treatment may include intravenous fluid therapy, calcitonin, and occasionally glucocorticoids or loop diuretics if warranted
Decreases in Values:
Levels of Calcium may be decreased with renal disease or hypoparathyroidism, conditions associated with low total protein or albumin because calcium is bound to albumin in serum, acute pancreatitis, dilution with intravenous fluid therapy, and renal tubular acidosis. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may be seen at values less than 7 mg/dL in the feline and 8 mg/dL in the canine. Tremors, panting, restlessness, hyperthermia, mentation changes, a stiff gait, seizures, an elevated heart rate, polyuria, polydipsia, and prolongation of the QT interval may be witnessed. Treatment may include intravenous calcium supplementation with calcium gluconate or calcium chloride, oral calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and/or calcitriol
Note:
Normally, calcium and phosphorus are inversely related. Calcium and Vitamin D have a similar relationship. Calcium and magnesium also have a similar relationship
9.2-11.6 mg/dL
Feline Normal Values:
7.5-11.5 mg/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of various disease processes and conditions. Calcium aides in muscle contraction and relaxation, the mineralization of bones, proper nerve function, maintaining blood pressure, and the clotting ability of the blood
Increases in Values:
Levels of Calcium may be increased with primary hyperparathyroidism, neoplasia, excessive Vitamin D intake, feline hyperthyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, and hypoadrenocorticism. Hypercalcemia may result in renal damage and calcium deposition with levels exceeding 12 mg/dL. When levels exceed 16 mg/dL the gastrointestinal and nervous systems may be impacted. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include muscle weakness, seizures, rapid QT intervals, coma, ventricular fibrillation, and vomiting. Clinical signs may worsen when hypercalcemia is accompanied by hypokalemia and hyperphosphatemia. If the product of calcium x phosphorous is greater than 70, renal failure may result. When serum total calcium levels are greater than 20 mg/dL, renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate will be impaired. Treatment may include intravenous fluid therapy, calcitonin, and occasionally glucocorticoids or loop diuretics if warranted
Decreases in Values:
Levels of Calcium may be decreased with renal disease or hypoparathyroidism, conditions associated with low total protein or albumin because calcium is bound to albumin in serum, acute pancreatitis, dilution with intravenous fluid therapy, and renal tubular acidosis. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may be seen at values less than 7 mg/dL in the feline and 8 mg/dL in the canine. Tremors, panting, restlessness, hyperthermia, mentation changes, a stiff gait, seizures, an elevated heart rate, polyuria, polydipsia, and prolongation of the QT interval may be witnessed. Treatment may include intravenous calcium supplementation with calcium gluconate or calcium chloride, oral calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and/or calcitriol
Note:
Normally, calcium and phosphorus are inversely related. Calcium and Vitamin D have a similar relationship. Calcium and magnesium also have a similar relationship
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Sizer, Frances Sienkiewicz and Ellie Whitney. Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Sizer, Frances Sienkiewicz and Ellie Whitney. Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011