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Blood biochemistry: calcium
Synonym(s): Ca
Overview
- Major constituent of bones and teeth.
- Physiological functions include nerve transmission and blood clotting.
- Comprises three fractions: ionized (50%, biologically active), protein bound (40%) and chelated to anions (10%).
- Serum levels in rabbits are related to dietary intake.
- Hypercalcemia has been proposed as a cause of renal disease, but is more usually seen as a sequel.
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy does not typically occur in rabbits.
- Total and ionized calcium levels should be assessed.
Uses
Alone
- Assessment of dietary calcium intake.
- Investigation of calciuria and urolithiasis Urolithiasis .
- Investigation of bone diseases.
- Investigation of seizures.
- Assessment of renal disease.
Sampling
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Tests
Availability
- Routine availability at commercial laboratories.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Test results only significant in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical findings.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Benson K G & Paul-Murphy J (1999) Clinical pathology of the domestic rabbit: acquisition and interpretation of samples. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 2 (3), 539-552 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Varga M (2014) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd edn. Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, UK.
- Ardiaca M, Bonhevi C & Montesions A (2013) Point of Care Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analysis in Rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 16, 175-196.
- Harcourt-Brown F (2013) Diagnosis of Renal Disease in Rabbits. In: Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 16, 145-174.
- Jeckl V & Redrobe S (2013) Rabbit Dental Disease and Calcium Metabolism - The Science Behind Divided Opinions. JSAP 54 (9), 481-490.
- Wesche P (2014) Clinical Pathology in BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA, UK. pp 124-137.
- Donnelly T M (1997) Basic Anatomy, Physiology and Husbandry. In: Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Eds: Hillyer E V S & Quesenbery K E. Saunders, USA. pp 147-159.