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.

Sampling

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

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.