Hypercalcaemia in a Labradoodle

You are presented with a 10-year-old female neutered Labradoodle weighing 21 kg (BCS 5/9). The owner reports a poor appetite, vomiting and increased thirst of 3 days’ duration. The dog is up to date with preventative health care including vaccinations, endoparasite and ectoparasite control (Milbemycin Oxime and Afoxolaner, Nexgard Spectra, Boehringer-Ingleheim Animal Health UK Ltd and Praziqunatel, Droncit, Bayer). She is fed a good quality commercial dry dog food, has never travelled abroad, is not receiving any medication and does not have any significant previous medical history.

The dog was seen by a colleague 2 days previously for increased thirst and frequency of urination and had vomited once after food. Supportive treatment was provided (maropitant, Prevomax, Dechra Veterinary Products), and a urine sample was sent to an external laboratory for analysis including bacterial culture and sensitivity. The owner reports that the clinical signs have not improved; the dog is now very lethargic and the owner feels that the dog has lost weight.