Relationship between serum magnesium, calcium, and parathyroid concentrations in dogs with abnormally low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration and chronic or protein‐losing enteropathy

Abstract

Background The relationship between the development of SHPT and ionized magnesium (iMg) concentrations in blood of dogs with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease and abnormally low 25(OH)D is undefined. Objectives Evaluate relationships between ionized magnesium (iMg), PTH, ionized calcium (iCa), and 25(OH)D in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) with or without protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) and abnormal 25(OH)D. Determine whether dogs with CE or PLE, decreased 25(OH)D and SHPT have differences in iMg, iCa, or 25(OH)D when compared to dogs that do not have SHPT. Animals Fifty dogs with CE +/− PLE and abnormally low serum 25(OH)D. Methods Retrospective search of submissions database at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for vitamin D profiles submitted in years 2017 to 2020. Cases were excluded if supplemented with Ca, Mg, or vitamin D. Spearman correlation was performed to evaluate relationships between iMg, PTH, 25(OH)D, and iCa. Ionized Mg, iCa, and 25(OH)D concentrations were compared between dogs with SHPT and those with normal PTH concentrations. Results Concentrations of iMg were weakly negatively correlated with PTH (rho, −.31; P = .03), and weakly positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D (rho, .34, P = .02) and iCa (rho, .42, P = .003). Ionized magnesium concentrations were lower in dogs with abnormally low 25(OH)D and SHPT compared to dogs with abnormally low 25(OH)D and normal parathyroid hormone concentrations (P = .01). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Hypomagnesemia might contribute to alterations in iCa and parathyroid hormone in dogs with CE +/− PLE and abnormally low 25(OH)D.

Changes of Enterocyte Morphology and Enterocyte: Goblet Cell Ratios in Dogs with Protein-Losing and Non-Protein-Losing Chronic Enteropathies

“…When analyzing different electrolytes, magnesium showed a moderately negative correlation with the CCECAI index. A recent study has evaluated the relationship between ionized serum magnesium and calcium in dogs with CE and PLE, concluding that hypomagnesemia might contribute to alterations in ionized calcium [ 38 ]; however, in our study, ionized magnesium and calcium concentrations were not available.…”

In‐hospital mortality in dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy and associated risk factors

“…Fifteen were male intact, 51 male neutered, 5 female intact, and 36 female neutered. There were 37 different breeds recorded, the most common being: Staffordshire Bull Terrier (14), Pug (12), cross breed (12), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (6), Bichon Frise (5), Miniature Schnauzer (4), German Shepherd…”

“…Although the rate of mortality of dogs with PLE has been well documented, the cause of death often is not identified. Complications associated with PLE that may contribute to mortality include hypercoagulability, which has been documented in 45% of dogs with chronic enteropathy 11 and was suspected to be the cause of mortality in 10% of Yorkshire terriers with PLE, 12 effusions, immunodeficiency, 13 and hypocalcemia 14 . Failure to respond to treatment also may result in the decision to euthanize affected dogs.…”

“…Complications associated with PLE that may contribute to mortality include hypercoagulability, which has been documented in 45% of dogs with chronic enteropathy 11 and was suspected to be the cause of mortality in 10% of Yorkshire terriers with PLE, 12 effusions, immunodeficiency, 13 and hypocalcemia. 14 Failure to respond to treatment also may result in the decision to euthanize affected dogs. In addition, complications such as hypercoagulability and immunosuppression may be exacerbated by treatments such as prednisolone 15 and by obtaining intestinal biopsy specimens, which are often required to make a definitive diagnosis.…”