High calcium levels, didn't want to eat -- Idiopathic Hypercalcemia

Hello, TheCatSite.

I'm a frequent lurker and really need some advice regarding my 6 year old spayed cat. I apologize in advance for how long this is, I just want to make sure I add everything in. 

On Wednesday (07/20) we woke up and noticed her eye had a clear discharge coming from it. I immediately gave her some L-Lysine and it cleared up within one day. A few days later (07/23) she stopped eating both dry and wet food, didn't appear to be drinking, and was extremely lethargic. I assumed this may have been due to the heat wave we are having, but the A/C was on 72 the whole time. 

Yesterday (07/27) I took her to the vet since she continued to have the same symptoms and refused to eat. They administered Sub-Q fluids, Cerenia, and did a senior blood panel. The results came back showing her calcium levels were high. The vet advised it was possible she had Lymphoma, kidney issues, or parathyroid issues (parathyroid being extremely rare to see, in fact she said never in her 20+ years of practice). 

Today (07/28) I took her back to the vet and they did an abdominal ultrasound to look for Lymphoma and the kidney issues. It came back negative. They did notice she had an enlarged spleen so they did a cytology. We won't have those results until early next week. They also did a parathyroid gland test which we are awaiting the results for. An X-Ray that was completed was normal.

Before we left the vet today they gave her another Cerenia injection, and a Mirtazapine pill. The vet also wanted to start her on Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response dry food. As soon as we walked through the door she was meowing and wanted to eat. I fed her, and things are looking up...

I wanted to know if anyone had any advise given the fact this just came on quickly and we can't figure out why her calcium levels are high? My other question is in regards to the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response dry food -- I am a big believer in high end cat food and this doesn't seem to be one. I am willing to give it a shot, but not if there is no way this is going to help. Currently she eats Orijen Regional Red dry food and Weruva wet.

At this point any advice is truly appreciated. Thank you!    

EDIT: changed Leukemia to Lymphoma. 

Unfortunately, elevated calcium, many times, is an indication of possible cancer. Most commonly, lymphoma. They might consider doing an intestinal biopsy. I, personally, have had 4 cats with intestinal lymphoma which was and is being treated with chlorambucil (leukeran-chemo pills). Two of my pets have been on it for several months and are doing well. The other 2 have died. Coincidentally, from kidney failure, not cancer, although the chemo drugs likely did not help. But 1 lived 4 yrs after being diagnosed, the other did not respond as well, last 1.5 yrs. Chemo drugs for pets are nothing like human chemo drugs as far as side effects, FYI. 

I certainly am not trying to scare you, but if nothing else can be found, it may be something to look into. Good luck with your kitty!

pgalore said:

 
Unfortunately, elevated calcium, many times, is an indication of possible cancer. Most commonly, lymphoma. They might consider doing an intestinal biopsy. I, personally, have had 4 cats with intestinal lymphoma which was and is being treated with chlorambucil (leukeran-chemo pills). Two of my pets have been on it for several months and are doing well. The other 2 have died. Coincidentally, from kidney failure, not cancer, although the chemo drugs likely did not help. But 1 lived 4 yrs after being diagnosed, the other did not respond as well, last 1.5 yrs. Chemo drugs for pets are nothing like human chemo drugs as far as side effects, FYI. 

I certainly am not trying to scare you, but if nothing else can be found, it may be something to look into. Good luck with your kitty!

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Thank you so much for you're quick reply. My understanding was by doing the ultrasound today they were able to determine it was not Lymphoma. I wrote Leukemia in error in my OP. Sorry. The vet said if it was Lymphoma they would see an inflammation or something in the intestinal tract. Would you still recommend an intestinal biopsy? 

Sending you and kitty positive thoughts   If I were you, I'd try to relax and wait for the test results rather than worry about the very worst (and unlikely) outcome. Idiopathic Hypercalcemia (if it truly is idiopathic) is on the rise in cats and one theorized cause is the addition of urine acidifiers like cranberries to cat food. If tests are negative, I would look into foods that don't contain these ingredients (tricky because acidifiers are a popular addition to pet food). 

One of my kitties had a slightly elevated calcium reading on his last test and I just had him retested today. He has a good appetite, but is a lean little thing. Hoping for the best for both our kitties!

It is true that sometimes you can see inflammation, thickening of intestines and stomach lining, but not always. Particularly if you are catching symptoms very early. If nothing else can be found, may consider it. It can be done by scoping now, so not to invasive, although, pet will need to be fully anesthesized. Hopefully it is idiopathic. I have one now that they cannot find why calcium is high. She was actually dropped off this morning at internal medicine specialist for more tests. She has elevated calcium and is losing weight. She is otherwise happy and she is eating. No loose stool and all other bloodwork was normal. She is 16 yrs old and kidney values are fine. Fingers crossed for both kitties.

sending vibes for all who have cats who are showing symptoms that they can't figure out.

I too have a sick kitty who has been to the vets numerous times in the past 2 weeks and today we go to a different vet to do an ultrasound. my girl has stopped eating completely even with appetite stimulant-BUT she has a really stinky mouth-I am suspecting dental issues. she is almost 18. the new vet specializes in dental work so fingers crossed that he can figure out whats going on with my senior girl because mommy is very upset that we cant get her to eat.

I don't know what the high calcium means but did they rule out cardiac issues? Sometimes that's a sneaky beast as well. that would need an ultrasound on the heart. my girl had one done last year=she has some abnormal but its not in the stage to treat so we just monitor her.

hoping your kitty gets better!

My kitty, Preston, was just diagnosed with lymphoma. I had a bad feeling. I have done the chemo route in the past but not sure I am going to do that with Preston. I had 1 that did awesome on chemo and the other not so good. May just try the prednisone for the time being and see how he does. He certainly does not act sick. The only symptoms were some semi soft stool, weight loss, and a ravenous appetite. Initially, i thought he must be hyperthyroid, but that came back fine. His ultrasound showed thickening of the intestinal wall throughout, which explains the food now being absorbed and going right thru him. He is still playing and social. We will keep our fingers crossed that he continues to feel good.

I'm so sorry to hear about Preston. Sending our positive thoughts