NUTRITIONAL SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN DOMESTIC FELINE: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is a metabolic disease, that primarily affects young animals, and occurs with osteopenia. Its incidence is associated with a dietary deficiency due to an imbalance in the proportions of calcium and phosphorus, leading to a compensatory oversecretion of parathyroid hormone. The diagnosis is established through the conjunction of clinical signs, medical history, and radiographic findings. The results of laboratory tests has limited relevance for the diagnosis. This report aims to describe a case of NSH in a two-month-old male feline, which was treated at the Veterinary Clinical University (CLIVET) of PUCPR, Toledo Campus, with a history of limping in the pelvic limbs and the consumption of a meat-based diet. Upon neurological examination, proprioception deficits in the pelvic limbs, kyphosis, and pain upon palpation of the lumbar region were observed. The patient underwent additional radiographic examination, revealing generalized osteopenia and microfractures in the vertebral column. Based on the medical history, physical examination, and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of NSH was established. Therapeutic measures included the use of commercial kitten food, vitamin and mineral supplementation, rest, and analgesics, resulting in a significant improvement in the patient's clinical condition after two months of treatment.