hypercalcemia in GSD

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:14:42 GMT

I had a dog with lymphoma which presented with haematuria and lumbar pain, there was no superficial lymphadenopathy the only place it was present was a mass in the sub-lumbar region which was palpable abdominally and rectally but on X-ray could have passed for sub-lumbar fat, on ex.lap the kidneys were involved as well but only visible as miliary white spots. It was confirmed on biopsy and treated very successfully with chemotherapy. The corticosteroids you have given may well have improved this dog if it has cancer but it will have compromised the success of future chemotherapy. Lymphoma markers from Petscreen may be helpful but sadly impractical for your situation.

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

ilanit — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:10:25 GMT

thanks for suggestion. Will probably take one.

Will repeat US next visit. Otherwise owner decided to just go with preds for now.

If I find something I'll let you know

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Nicola Lawlor — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:22:28 GMT

Another vote her for a chest radiograph. Remember a colleague dealing with a young GSD with a thymic lymphoma a few years ago, though perhaps the age of your GSD makes this less likely?

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

KMurphy — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:04:51 GMT

Hi there,

I once had a dog with hypercalcaemia that turned out to be a mediastinal lymphoma. Only abnormailty detected initially was the hypercalcaemia but survey radiographs showed the mediastinal mass. If you haven't done radiography/ultrasound of the thorax yet maybe that would be something else to check?

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Kate Richardson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:11:22 GMT

What! That seems a lot. I can check how much it is at our lab, as I am sure it is nowhere near as much as this!

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

ilanit — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:41:01 GMT

Just got a reply from the lab. It costs almost 300 euro to do both. Not even including shipping and our fee! Don't think it's worth it at this point, but will discuss it with the owner.

Thanks again

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Kate Richardson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:25:50 GMT

[quote user="ilanit"]Would the steroids influence the results of PTH/PTHrp? [/quote]

I don't think so, but I would check with the lab

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

ilanit — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:38:37 GMT

Would the steroids influence the results of PTH/PTHrp?

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

ilanit — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:11:15 GMT

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated

ACTH stim test

cortisol sample 1: 149 (ref 24-124.2)

cortisol sample 2: 267.2

Anal sacks are clear.

I would really like to get a more black in white diagnosis, also for the owners, even if there is nothing else to do. The dog is only 4 and it somehow feels 'wrong' saying "I think it has cancer, I just don't know where". Even though that's true.

I will check about PTH/PTHrp with the lab. Not sure if it's possible. I am on Malta and we don't have a vet lab, so need to ship to Idexx germany. I think samples need to be frozen? Thanks for suggestion.

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Kate Richardson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:53:45 GMT

[quote user="David Mills"]

Preds will have helped with hypercalcaemia. Question is, does getting a diagnosis change at all what you're going to do? Agree that PRP would help but it may we'l be academic, it ain't that cheap either, and your only options are going to be preds with a preg owner.

[/quote]

Possibly not but may help with prognosis and decision making

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Gerry Henry — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:10:03 GMT

How normal was the 'normal' ACTH test; couldn't be addisons could it?

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

David Mills — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:03:01 GMT

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Richard Fox — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:41:23 GMT

How about palpating the anal sac regions as well for Anal sac tumours?

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Kate Richardson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:18:00 GMT

Just re read, you have done some imaging- but would re-iterate if not experienced in ultrasound and guided fnabs, I wouldn't attempt. Unless definite mass lesions, likely to unrewarding

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

Kate Richardson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:16:19 GMT

Just quickly- run a PTH/PTHrp which will help you determine if likely due to neoplasia. Renal values likely to be secondary to hypercalcaemia. Have you done any imaging? Chest rads/abdo scan? If no scanner, I wouldn't attempt blind fnabs of abdo organs. Hope tha helps. Please message me if you want to discuss further. Kate

Re: hypercalcemia in GSD

ilanit — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:34:32 GMT

Also another issue. Owner is pregnant. So in case it's lymphoma would chemo even be an option? I would not think so.