What is juvenile hyperparathyroidism?
This condition is one of abnormally increased activity of the parathyroid glands, which are important in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the body. The excess of parathyroid hormone causes problems in the bones and kidneys.
How is juvenile hyperparathyroidism inherited?
The condition is believed to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
What breeds are affected by juvenile hyperparathyroidism?
German shepherd
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does juvenile hyperparathyroidism mean to your dog & you?
Affected dogs will have stunted growth, increased urination and drinking, and muscle weakness.
How is juvenile hyperparathyroidism diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will do laboratory blood tests to determine the cause of your dog's stunted growth, usually the most obvious sign of this disorder.
For the veterinarian:
CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: hypophosphatemia with increased fractional clearance of phosphorus, elevated plasma PTH, hypercalcemia. R/O hyper- or hypovitaminosis D, bone neoplasia, and osteomyelitis.
RADIOGRAPHS may show decreased bone density.
How is juvenile hyperparathyroidism treated?
There are 4 parathyroid glands, 2 associated with each thyroid gland in the neck region. One to 3 of these can be removed surgically to correct the hyperparathyroidism but leave enough parathyroid tissue to carry out normal functions.
Parents of affected dogs should not be bred as they are carriers of the disorder. There is a 50 per cent chance that siblings are carriers as well.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Greco, D.S. 1995. Pediatric Endocrinology. In J.D. Bonaguara and R.W. Kirk (eds.) Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XII Small Animal Practice. p 346-351. W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 30, 2001.This database is funded jointly by the Animal Welfare Unit at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.