hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Jo Cobbett — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:17:16 GMT

We have a cat on 1-alpha drops (available from the local pharmacy). Started as formularly doses and gradually weaned down, now on 0.05ml every 3 days and remains stable on that, but becomes hypocalcaemic again when reduced lower than that. Doesn't have any calcium supplementation any more (but did initially until we had her stable, then weaned that off completely)

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Rob Loxley — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:59:04 GMT

[quote user="Robin Grimmer"] Rocaltrol works more quickly but it's difficult splitting the capsules[/quote]

I have heard of people drawing out the required amount with an insulin syringe and squirting on the food

[quote user="Martin Atkinson"]On this theme can anyone really say that they can consistently and reliably identify the parathyroid glands and preserve them?[/quote]

Agree - some times it's easier than others. In cases of bilateral enlargement when I've been happy with my preservation of the PT then I've removed both.

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:57:46 GMT

[quote user="Robin Grimmer"]As with Martin, I tend to avoid bilateral thryoidectomies now. I also use the modified intra-capsular technique and seem to get a lot fewer problems. I gently dissect in to the capsule and scoop out the thyroid tissue with a sterile cotton bud.[/quote] On this theme can anyone really say that they can consistently and reliably identify the parathyroid glands and preserve them? I know I can't and I consider myself a good soft tissue surgeon which is one reason why I now rarely do bilateral thyroidectomies the other is that Felimazole works so well for me.

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Robin Grimmer — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:36:53 GMT

I seem to remember AT10 takes quite a while - up to a week to really start having an effect. Rocaltrol works more quickly but it's difficult splitting the capsules. So long as there are no clinical signs of hypocalcaemia it's ok to have a slightly low calcium as it will stimulate parathyroid tissue (if there is any).

As with Martin, I tend to avoid bilateral thryoidectomies now. I also use the modified intra-capsular technique and seem to get a lot fewer problems. I gently dissect in to the capsule and scoop out the thyroid tissue with a sterile cotton bud.

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Rob Loxley — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:30:23 GMT

How long has it been on AT10? Doesn't oral vit D have a lag of 1-3 days before it kicks in, at which point when they're eating usually Ca can be discontinued. I seem to remember a good FAB/ISFM sheet on this, but can't find my copy now!

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:17:01 GMT

Haven't had one for ages as I tend not to do bilateral thyroidectomies anymore but found Collocal D + AT10 worked well.

Re: hypocalc post-thyroidectomy

Hannah Wynne Richards — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:42:18 GMT

All I can think of is oral Vit D

Wynne