What Causes Elevated Calcium In Horses?

Like dogs and cats, horses can develop hypercalcemia due to several disorders, including chronic renal failure, vitamin D toxicosis, and primary hyperparathyroidism. The most common cause of hypercalcemia in horses is chronic renal failure.

What happens if a horse has too much calcium?

Excessive calcium interferes with the body’s ability to absorb other minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. In addition, the body will have to work to eliminate the excess calcium via the kidneys, which can result in additional health issues and stress on these vital organs.

What triggers high calcium?

Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders, some medications, and taking too much of calcium and vitamin D supplements.

What is the best treatment for high calcium levels?

In some cases, your doctor might recommend:

• Calcitonin (Miacalcin). This hormone from salmon controls calcium levels in the blood.
• Calcimimetics. This type of drug can help control overactive parathyroid glands.
• Bisphosphonates.
• Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva).
• Prednisone.
• IV fluids and diuretics.

What can cause falsely elevated calcium?

Certain medications have been shown to contribute to high blood calcium levels. These medications include lithium, diuretics, calcium carbonate, and vitamin D supplements. Comparatively, research indicates medications like bisphosphonates, Prolia, and Sensipar can cause blood calcium levels to decline.

What horse feeds are high in calcium?

Lucerne hay
Lucerne hay is an excellent source of calcium for horses. Its calcium availability has been shown to be even higher then the 67 to 73% from limestone and dicalcium phosphate.

What horse feed has calcium?

Legumes such as alfalfa and clover are rich in calcium, and grass hays, such as timothy and orchard grass, also contain calcium, but at lower levels than in legume hays. The phosphorus in hay is more readily available to the horse than that found in cereal grains.

Can high calcium levels go away?

People with mild hypercalcemia may not require treatment, and calcium levels may return to normal over time. The doctor will monitor these levels and the health of the kidneys. If calcium levels continue to rise or do not improve on their own, doctors may recommend further testing.

What foods to avoid when calcium is high?

Cut back on foods high in calcium. Greatly limit or stop your intake of milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream. Read food labels. Don’t buy dairy products with added calcium.

How long does it take for calcium levels to go down?

In general, the time period required for the serum ionized calcium to drop to normal levels–(1.10–1.27 mmol/L) according to our laboratory reference–was between 12 and 48 h, as the records indicate for our population of patients 72.9%.

What type of hay has the highest calcium content?

Alfalfa hay
Alfalfa hay typically has higher levels of calcium when compared to the amount of calcium in grass hay. The phosphorus content, however, usually is not that different between the two hays.

What foods leech calcium?

Animal protein—in fish, poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy products—tends to leach calcium from the bones and encourages its passage into the urine. Plant protein—in beans, grains, and vegetables—does not appear to have this effect.

Where do horses get their calcium from?

Calcium Sources
The majority of calcium in your horse’s diet will be provided from hay and pasture. Fresh pasture grass and legume hays contain more calcium than grass hays. The following chart lists approximate calcium concentrations as a percentage of dry matter for common hays: White clover: 1.90 %

Does horse manure contain calcium?

The major fertilizer nutrients of horse manure compost are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, horse manure compost also contains the secondary nutrients magnesium, calcium, and sodium as well as micronutrients.

Where is calcium absorbed in horses?

small intestine
Horses are generally very efficient at digesting and absorbing calcium. The upper half of the small intestine is the major site of calcium absorption.

What feed is toxic to horses?

Cattle feed usually contains additives that are toxic to horses. The most common and harmful additives are ionophores, commonly known as monensin sodium (Rumensin) and lasalocid (Bovatec), which are antibiotic-like medications.

What is the first line treatment for hypercalcemia?

Intravenous bisphosphonates are the treatment of first choice for the initial management of hypercalcaemia, followed by continued oral, or repeated intravenous bisphosphonates to prevent relapse.

How do you flush excess calcium?

If you have high calcium levels, you need to drink more water. Staying hydrated helps to flush more calcium with the urine.

What lowers the calcium level?

Calcitonin-a hormone from the parathyroid which lowers the calcium-level of the blood.

What is the first line treatment for hypercalcemia?

Intravenous bisphosphonates are the treatment of first choice for the initial management of hypercalcaemia, followed by continued oral, or repeated intravenous bisphosphonates to prevent relapse.

Can you live with high calcium?

A high calcium level can be treated, and it is important to talk with your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Left untreated, a high calcium level can cause severe problems, like kidney failure, and it can even be life-threatening.