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Hypocalcaemia in Dogs

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bitch with newborn puppiesWhat is hypocalcaemia?

Hypocalcaemia means low circulating blood calcium. It is most commonly observed in eclampsia, or so-called milk fever, which may occur in bitches at any time during lactation or sometimes immediately before they whelp. However hypocalcaemia can occur due to other causes.

Why is calcium important?

Calcium is of major importance in the transmission of nerve impulses across the neuoromuscular junction and in muscle contraction. It is also one of the most important minerals in bone.

How is low blood calcium diagnosed?

A simple blood test is all that is necessary which will reveal the total amount of circulating calcium. In the normal animal this should be between 2-3 mmol/l. About 40% of this is described as ionised or free calcium, 10% is complexed with other substances and the 50% is bound with circulating proteins, mainly albumin, and thus cannot diffuse through cells and is therefore unavailable for use by the body.

"A simple blood test is all that is necessary which will reveal the total amount of circulating calcium."

What causes hypocalcaemia?

There are several causes of low blood calcium:

1.  Low circulating albumin.  This is usually without symptoms (asymptomatic) provided the free calcium is unaffected. In some conditions where low blood albumin (hypoalbuminaemia) is due to actual albumin loss as occurs in certain kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome) and bowel problems (protein losing enteropathy) a symptomatic hypocalcaemia may be evident.

2.  Chronic renal failure. This involves a complicated process involving both phosphate and calcium.

3.  Reduced intestinal absorption of calcium due to the lack of Vitamin D or inadequate dietary intake.

4.  Some dogs with acute pancreatitis develop hypocalcaemia as a secondary complication.

5.  By far the most common cause occurs during lactation when milk production may make such demands on circulating blood calcium that it falls to dangerously low level and eclampsia develops. This involves muscle trembling and twitching, a stiff gait, panting and ultimately convulsions and death. This is an emergency situation and immediate treatment is required with intravenous calcium gluconate.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Nov 3, 2016.