High Calcium Level???

A couple blood tests have reveled that Otis (11 yrs old) has high calcium level.
My new vet (I just moved), wants me to bring him in for yet another blood test in order to identify exactly what the culprit is, and possible take whatever action is necessary.

I'm wondering how urgent this is. He REALLY hates going to the vet, especially when they have to stick things into him.

He's not due for his annual until springttime. Does anybody know or think if I could wait until then?

NONONONONO... Please go back to the vet asap... or ask the vet to come to you .. several in the small town I am in do that

I have an appt scheduled for Tuesday.

It's just that he's been there twice over the last month, and he's traumatized (albeit briefly) each time he goes. Also, he's showing no symptoms, no discomfort or anything.

Do you remember what the exact value was?

In general, high blood calcium levels can cause significant damage to the kidneys. Since Otis is old enough that his kidneys are already vulnerable, it is important that if he does have hypercalcemia, it is controlled so his kidneys stay healthy.

I would strongly recommend taking him back to the vet and having the additional bloodwork done ASAP so any problems can be addressed right away. Otherwise you are risking significant kidney damage, which would ultimately mean many more visits to the vet and many more needles stuck in your baby!

There are also some conditions that can cause a blood test to show an artificially elevated calcium level. If that's the case, then you can know you don't have anything to worry about.

Here's a good link: http://netscape.petplace.com/Article....asp?artID=734

I don't recall what the exact number was. There were two tests that each showed the level was high, however.

I'll most likely keep his appointment for Tuesday. It's just rough to make him go through it.

Thanks for the link. I'm about to check it out.

Do you have feliway spray or rescue remedy??? either of these may help the vet visit issues..

Yes, I do have rescue remedy.

If I give it to him before the blood test, will it possibly interfere or throw off some reading?

I see you have already mentioned you are going ahead with keeping your apt. next Tuesday, just wanted to give you an additional link click here and scroll to the section on hypercalcemia

hth,

I postponed Otis' vet visit until Thursday, and consulted with another vet in the meantime.

I'm not so sure that it's so urgent to have another round of blood tests. His calcium level is high, but only barely so. (I think the two previous tests had readings of 12.4 and 11.8, in that order chronologically)

This other vet suggested not bringing him in, and waiting until his annual booster in the spring. So now I have one vet telling me to bring him in asap for additional tests, and another one telling me the exact opposite.
I have no idea what to do.

Originally Posted by SandsOfTime

I postponed Otis' vet visit until Thursday, and consulted with another vet in the meantime.

I'm not so sure that it's so urgent to have another round of blood tests. His calcium level is high, but only barely so. (I think the two previous tests had readings of 12.4 and 11.8, in that order chronologically)

This other vet suggested not bringing him in, and waiting until his annual booster in the spring. So now I have one vet telling me to bring him in asap for additional tests, and another one telling me the exact opposite.
I have no idea what to do.

Click to expand...

Get a third opinion... soon please..

I'm going to bring him in tomorrow, but I'd really love to hear from somebody who knows about these following things:

I think I'm supposed to ask for a ionized calcium blood test, rather than one that tests for hyperparathyroid. It's the latter that my vet said she wanted to do, and would cost over $200. This other vet that I checked with today said that the ionized calcium test should be done first, because it will reveal if the high calcium level is anything to be worried about, but will also cost a bunch less.

Originally Posted by SandsOfTime

I'm going to bring him in tomorrow, but I'd really love to hear from somebody who knows about these following things:

I think I'm supposed to ask for a ionized calcium blood test, rather than one that tests for hyperparathyroid. It's the latter that my vet said she wanted to do, and would cost over $200. This other vet that I checked with today said that the ionized calcium test should be done first, because it will reveal if the high calcium level is anything to be worried about, but will also cost a bunch less.

Click to expand...

Best place I know - check out this page:click here