hyperparathyroidism/cancer

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jaymee926

Boxer Pal
We have a 9-year-old male. He has been diagnosed with hypercalcemia. He is undergoing tests to find out why his calcium levels are "dangerously high". The culprits may be hyperparathyroidism. A tumor close to the thyroid. Or cancer somewhere in the body. He has been in getting IVs to flush his system of the calcium so it does not begin to kill his kidneys.

Has anyone heard of this?

Desparate for answers...

Apollo's heartbroken mommy
 
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lafsalot

Boxer Insane
Unfortunately, yes, I know all to well about hyperparathyroidism, although not the canine variety. I know in humans, very few are cancerous and are usually caused by an adenoma (benign tumor) or overgrowth of one of the 4 glands. I have to routinely get my urine (24 hour) and pth levels (parathyroid hormone) checked. If it is cancer. pth levels will usually be in the thousands - mine is only in the hundreds - normal is 65. Much like your dog, I have to drink lots of fluids and am on lasix (a diuretic) to help my kidneys flush out the excess calcium which can cause stones. I also have to take meds to help replenish the bone loss. I hope that everything turns out alright for your Apollo, and please do keep me posted - Cathy
 
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jaymee926

Boxer Pal
hyperparathyroid NOT--Lymphoma--likely

Thanks to all and their good wishes.

Apollo went back to the doc; fourth day in a row, to get an ultrasound and chest x-rays. Althougth the hyperparathyroid test is still pending, it seems more apparent that lymphoma(or lymphomsarcoma)may be the cause of the excessive calcium in his body.
The vet is more concerned at this time with the hypercalcemia than the cancer. The excessive calcium will cause calcification of Apollo's organs and eventually kidney failure. He has had two day's of IVs flushing his system. It hardly lowered the calcium level. His ultrasound shows enlarged lymphnodes and a mottled spleen. We have been referred to a specialist.

Has anyone had good luck at lower calcium levels. It is my understanding that once we are provided a "final" diagnosis, they will treat the cancer. In treating the cancer the calcium levels should drop. However, it is quite apparent that there is great concern about how high Apollo's numbers are at this time. He seems to be doing okay; more lethargic, little appetite, but will still play with us.

How do we keep him comfortable?
 
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