If you don’t know what parathyroid tumors are, then you probably have a lot of questions. The good news is that most of them are benign, with only a very small percentage being malignant. Plus, they are highly treatable.
However, they can still cause some serious damage if left unchecked. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about parathyroid tumors in dogs. But first, let’s talk about what a parathyroid gland is.
What Are Parathyroid Glands in Dogs?
Your dog has four tiny parathyroid glands in their neck, located right next to the thyroid gland. These little glands are essential for one thing: regulating calcium levels in the blood.
When calcium gets too low, the parathyroid glands secrete a hormone called the “parathyroid hormone” or PTH. This is a hormone that tells your dog’s body to increase calcium levels by getting it from the bones, increasing absorption in the intestines, and reducing loss in the urine.
So, when dogs develop an abnormal mass on one of these glands, that is essentially a parathyroid tumor. While it’s benign in most cases, the biggest problem with this is that the affected gland will continue to release PTH even if your dog’s calcium levels are high.
Parathyroid tumors in dogs are the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism.
Is Hypercalcemia a Problem?
Even then, excessively high calcium levels might not be that bad, right? Well, not exactly. Prolonged periods of heightened calcium levels can lead to several health issues. Namely:
Muscle weakness and tremors
Lethargy and fatigue
Increased thirst and urination
Loss of appetite
What Causes Parathyroid Tumors in Dogs?
The exact causes of these tumors aren’t fully understood, much like many different tumors and growths. Because the disease is quite rare in dogs, it can be hard to identify certain patterns and risk factors.
As of today, the most commonly cited cause is a combination of genetic factors and breed predisposition. Keeshonds are dogs that appear to have a genetic link to this disease. Other possible breeds that can develop this condition include German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers.
How to Spot the Symptoms of Parathyroid Tumors in Dogs
One of the tricky things about a parathyroid tumor in dogs is that it often flies under the radar. Most dogs show no obvious signs at first, while others develop gradual symptoms that can be mistaken for old age and other diseases. These symptoms are usually tied to hypercalcemia.
Increased thirst. The high levels of calcium will interfere with the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, so your dog will compensate by drinking more water. You might notice empty water bowls more often.
Frequent urination. All that extra water your dog drinks has to go somewhere. This means more peeing all throughout the day and night. In some cases, dogs will have accidents indoors.
Loss of appetite. Hypercalcemia can also upset the stomach and make your dog lose its appetite. This is often one of the earliest signs many pet owners notice.
Vomiting or nausea. The high amounts of calcium in the body can often irritate the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vomiting and nausea.
Lethargy or fatigue. Excess calcium levels can also affect a dog's energy levels, making them feel more sluggish and less interested in their regular activities.
Muscle weakness or tremors. While calcium is essential for maintaining muscle function, too much can cause muscle weakness, trembling, or stiffness.
Weight loss. A combination of reduced appetite, vomiting, and lethargy will result in overall weight loss.
Constipation. High calcium levels can reduce intestinal motility, potentially making it harder for dogs to pass stool.
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