High Calcium and a Belly Mass With Normal Thyroid Tests
by amanda
(los angeles ca usa)
My dogs blood work shows her T3 and T4 is normal but her calcium is 13.5 and her platlets phosphuros, cholesterol globulin are high
she has a mass in her belly...
she has enlarged liver, enlarged heart and swollen belly but no vomiting and heart beat is okay...sometimes seems like she doesn't feel good other times she is fine..her belly swells up after she eats.
If her t3 and t4 levels are normal this confuses me because isn't this indicative of her thyroid being okay?
Due to finances I cant afford a bunch of tests and would like to know which tests would get the answer I need. Any suggestions? I included her xrays...cant tell where the mass is...the doctor never pointed it out.
Yes, normal T3 and T4 mean her thyroid isn't over- or underactive. High calcium is a bigger concern, because it's often caused by certain cancers (such as lymphoma, anal sac cancer or multiple myeloma), parathyroid disease, kidney disease or vitamin D poisoning, and it can damage the kidneys.
Whether removing the tumor fixes the hormone problem depends on what it is. The most useful next steps are usually an ionized calcium test, a rectal exam of the anal glands, and an abdominal ultrasound; with her high globulins, your vet may also suggest a protein electrophoresis. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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