Tag: Calcium
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Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 4: controversies and prognostic indications
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Ionised hypocalcaemia (iHCa) is a well-known electrolyte abnormality in critical human patients, which is also beginning to be recognised in our critical feline and canine patients. The exact mechanism for the development of iHCa is still unknown – making prevention difficult, if at all possible. Controversy also exists as to whether treating iHCa is of…
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Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 3: acute treatment and management
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Treatment of ionised hypocalcaemia (iHCa) is reserved for patients with supportive clinical signs, then divided into acute and chronic management. Since the most common cases of clinical hypocalcaemia in canine and feline patients are acute to peracute cases, this blog will focus on the acute treatment and management of hypocalcaemia. Clinical signs The severity of…
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Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 2: eclampsia
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As discussed in part one of this blog series, a myriad of disease processes can lead to ionised hypocalcaemia (iHCa). Despite this, only hypocalcaemia caused by eclampsia and hypoparathyroidism (primary or iatrogenic – post-surgical parathyroidectomy) are severe enough to demand immediate parenteral calcium administration. Hypoparathyroidism is quite rare, so this blog will not explore the…
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Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 1: introduction
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Low ionised calcium (iCa) is a widely recognised electrolyte disturbance in critically ill human patients who have undergone surgery, are septic, have pancreatitis, or have sustained severe trauma or burns. Similar changes occur in our critical canine and feline patients, though less well documented. Calcium plays a vital role in a myriad of physiological processes…
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Hyperkalaemia, pt 2: treatment
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Treatment of hyperkalaemia is based on its severity. Mild to moderate elevations Mild to moderate elevations exist when the serum potassium concentration is between 5.5mmol/L and 6.5mmol/L. Treatment options are: IV crystalloids, which correct volume and dehydration deficits. Fluid therapy – the primary treatment, with the aim of: diluting serum potassium, by increasing the intravascular…
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Lipaemia – the bane of biochemistry
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Last week we covered haemolysed samples – this week we’re looking at lipaemic samples. Lipaemic samples are caused by an excess of lipoproteins in the blood, creating a milky/turbid appearance that interferes with multiple biochemical tests and can even cause haemolysis of red blood cells. Lipaemia can follow recent ingestion of a meal – especially…
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PCV/total solids interpretation: serum colour
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When interpreting the often misinterpreted and underused PCV and total solids test, it is important to take note of the serum colour as this may give clues into the diagnosis. The most common abnormalities seen in clinic are icteric, haemolysed and lipaemic serum. Clear serum can also be of importance – especially when you interpret…