Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs causes elevated calcium levels from parathyroid gland tumors, with ultrasound-guided surgery providing curative treatment.
Hypercalcemia causes profound fatigue that owners often misinterpret as normal aging in senior dogs. The weakness, reduced appetite, and increased urination significantly reduce daily quality of life. Bladder stones from calcium deposition cause pain and recurrent urinary infections. The curative potential of parathyroid surgery makes accurate diagnosis particularly important - a dog that appears chronically unwell may have a treatable condition causing all its symptoms. Post-surgical calcium monitoring is essential as the sudden drop in parathyroid hormone causes potentially dangerous hypocalcemia.