Spontaneous Primary Hypoparathyroidism in A Ferret (Mustela Putorius Furo)

Medical and Surgical Emergencies in Ferrets

“…Differential diagnoses for hypocalcemia should include hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, renal failure, acute pancreatitis, hypoalbuminemia, puerperal tetany, ethylene glycol intoxication, intestinal malabsorption, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, and tumor lysis syndrome. 12,13 Among these causes, primary hypoparathyroidism has been recently diagnosed in 2 ferrets and pseudohypoparathyroidism in another ferret. [12][13][14] Diagnosis of these conditions is based on a combination of low-serum ionized calcium concentration, high-serum phosphorus concentration, and appropriate renal function (based on serum chemistry values of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine) in the face of low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations (hypoparathyroidism) 12 or high PTH concentrations (pseudohypoparathyroidism).…”

“…12,13 Among these causes, primary hypoparathyroidism has been recently diagnosed in 2 ferrets and pseudohypoparathyroidism in another ferret. [12][13][14] Diagnosis of these conditions is based on a combination of low-serum ionized calcium concentration, high-serum phosphorus concentration, and appropriate renal function (based on serum chemistry values of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine) in the face of low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations (hypoparathyroidism) 12 or high PTH concentrations (pseudohypoparathyroidism). 14 Emergency treatment of hypocalcemic seizures is managed by CRI administration of calcium gluconate at 2 to 3 mg/kg/h, with continuous ECG monitoring controlling for bradycardia, ventricular premature complexes/contractions, or shortening of the QT interval ( Fig.…”

“…8). 12,13 In case of spontaneous primary hypoparathyroidism, long-term maintenance therapy with dihydrotachysterol (orally, 12-20 mg/kg/d) and calcium monitoring is indicated to control clinical signs. 12,13…”