Seizures in an Arabian foal due to suspected prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism |
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Authors: | B. Schwarz R. van den Hoven |
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Affiliation: | Equine Clinic, Section Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria. |
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Abstract: | This Case Report describes a 5‐week‐old male Arabian foal of Egyptian bloodline with generalised seizures due to hypocalcaemia. The laboratory changes in this foal were consistent with an abnormal regulation of calcium as occurs with hypoparathyroidism. Prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism as reported in man was suspected. The foal received oral calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation combined with the calcium sparing diuretic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. Calcium concentrations increased gradually over 6 months. In Arabian foals, especially those of Egyptian bloodline suffering suspected juvenile epilepsy, hypocalcaemia should be ruled out as a cause of seizures. |
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Keywords: | horse foal hypoparathyroidism hypocalcaemia seizures |
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