Get Cornell University Submission Form: Genetic Test For Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)

There are three treatment options for primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs: surgical removal of the affected gland, ethanol ablation, and heat ablation. Each treatment option has its own risks and benefits, so it's important to discuss these with your veterinarian before deciding on a course of treatment.

The most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism in dogs are increased thirst and urination, muscle loss and weakness, trembling and lack of appetite. Luckily, there are several treatment options available for hyperparathyroidism, including surgical removal of the affected gland, ethanol ablation, or heat ablation.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most frequent endocrine disease in developed countries. It mainly occurs as sporadic cases (about 90–95% of cases), while only the remaining 5–10% is represented by familial inherited parathyroid disorders due to causative mutations in specific target genes.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rarely diagnosed disease of older dogs and is caused by overproduction of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands that are located in the neck.

The majority of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs are as a result of a benign change to one or more of the parathyroid glands called 'hyperplasia' or 'adenoma'.

Hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon disease of abnormal calcium and phosphorus regulation in dogs. It occurs when one or all of the body's four parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone. Ultimately, this leads to very high blood calcium levels. Hyperparathyroidism can be termed primary or secondary.

It is most commonly caused by a benign tumor. Primary hyperparathyroidism is more likely to occur in older dogs. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is a form of malnutrition caused by a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D or an excess of phosphorous.

A noncancerous growth (adenoma) on a gland is the most common cause. Enlargement (hyperplasia) of two or more parathyroid glands accounts for most other cases. A cancerous tumor is a very rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.