Hypercalcemia due to latrogenic secondary hypoadrenocorticism and diabetes mellitus in a cat.

Abstract

A 9-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented for polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria following chronic methylprednisolone acetate therapy for pruritus. Initial diagnostics were consistent with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Serum calcium was within reference range. Within 12 hours the cat developed depression, anorexia, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Laboratory analysis indicated marked hypercalcemia as measured by both ionized and total calcium concentration. No underlying neoplastic or inflammatory process was identified. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was indicative of adrenocortical insufficiency. The hypercalcemia resolved with glucocorticoid supplementation and correction of the dehydration. The diabetes mellitus and adrenal insufficiency both resolved within 9 weeks.

• Authors: Stephanie A Smith, Lisa C Freeman, Mary Bagladi-Swanson
• Journal: Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (J Am Anim Hosp Assoc) 2002 Jan-Feb Vol. 38 Issue 1 Pg. 41-4 ISSN: 0587-2871 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11804313 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methylprednisolone Acetate
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adrenal Insufficiency (chemically induced, diagnosis, veterinary)
• Animals
• Cat Diseases (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Cats
• Diabetes Mellitus (chemically induced, diagnosis, veterinary)
• Female
• Fluid Therapy (veterinary)
• Hypercalcemia (chemically induced, diagnosis, veterinary)
• Iatrogenic Disease (veterinary)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Methylprednisolone Acetate