Management of canine hypocalcaemia caused by primary hypoparathyroidism
DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.56496 / YNSI3540
Carla Husband , PGCert AVN ( ECC ), BSc ( Hons ), RVN
Bath Vet Referrals
ENVELOPE carla . husband64 @ gmail . com
Carla graduated from the University of Bristol in 2020 and joined Bath Vet Referrals as a referral veterinary nurse . She finished her postgraduate certificate in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College in November 2023 . Carla loves many aspects of her job but has a particular interest in internal medicine and emergency care . She regularly delivers cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to internal staff and practices across the south west . She also works for the RCVS , sitting on panels for university accreditations to ensure highquality student training .
ABSTRACT A young male labrador retriever presented with muscle twitching , hindlimb paresis and ataxia . On examination , an initial diagnosis was hypocalcaemia , and calcium supplementation was provided . Intensive nursing care was necessary to ensure frequent monitoring for bradycardia and seizure activity . The treatment plan improved the patient ' s condition and he was discharged with regular reviews .
This article is based on a case report written by the author as part of her coursework for a postgraduate certificate in advanced veterinary nursing . In addition to reflecting on the case , the author aims to provide an understanding of calcium supplementation , monitoring bradycardia and managing seizures , which are key components in the nursing care of patients with hypocalcaemia .
Keywords hypocalcaemia , hypoparathyroidism , bradycardia , seizure management
Introduction
Hypocalcaemia can be critical if left untreated , causing neurological signs and metabolic changes , which can cause irreversible damage if they are not corrected [ 1 ] . If moderate to severe hypocalcaemia is noted , calcium supplementation is necessary in the patient ' s treatment [ 2 ] .
The treatment and management of these patients involves intensive nursing . Veterinary nurses ( VNs ) play a key role in the management of these cases , including identifying any changes in the patient ' s clinical signs as a result of treatment . A thorough understanding of calcium supplementation , monitoring bradycardia and managing seizures are critical components in the nursing care of patients with hypocalcaemia .
This case report will explore the presentation , diagnosis and treatment of a dog with hypocalcaemia , alongside key nursing considerations for the effective management of the condition .
Learning outcomes
• Understand the clinical signs associated with hypocalcaemia
• Determine the difference between mild , moderate and severe hypocalcaemia and the necessary emergency treatment
• Identify changes on an electrocardiogram ( ECG ) caused by hypocalcaemia
• Evaluate the role of VNs in managing seizures associated with hypocalcaemia
Patient signalment
Species Breed Age Sex Weight
Dog
Body condition : 3 / 9 Muscle condition : 2 / 3
Labrador retriever 1 year 8 months Male , entire 29.2 kg
24 Veterinary Nursing Journal