Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Ionized Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Testing

An ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) test is commonly recommended for dogs and cats with elevated calcium levels. This test helps obtain a more accurate calcium level and determine if primary hyperparathyroidism is the cause.

Ionized calcium, a more accurate reflection of the biologically active form of calcium, is used to confirm the presence of hypercalcemia. If ionized calcium is normal, no further diagnostics are needed.

Parathyroid hormone levels measure whether the parathyroid glands respond appropriately to the increase in calcium or whether abnormal PTH production is the cause of hypercalcemia. The test helps determine if primary hyperparathyroidism is present, which is usually caused by a benign parathyroid gland tumor that secretes excessive PTH.

There is no special requirement for a pet to undergo this testing. However, special collection and handling of serum samples are required at Pet Health to measure ionized calcium accurately. Although the test is expensive, it is accurate and non-invasive, making it a valuable tool for Pet Health veterinarians.

The test is highly sensitive and specific for primary hyperparathyroidism, but additional testing may be necessary for hypercalcemia if primary hyperparathyroidism is not present. Overall, the ionized calcium and PTH test is an important diagnostic tool for pets with elevated calcium levels, helping to diagnose and manage primary hyperparathyroidism.