hypocalcemic tetany

hypocalcemic tetany

[-kalsē′mik]

Etymology: Gk, hypo, under, L, calx, calcium, haima, blood, tetanos, convulsive tension

a disease caused by an abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. It is characterized by hyperexcitability of the neuromuscular system and results in carpopedal spasms. A common cause is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone secretion.

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hypocalcemic

emanating from hypocalcemia; state of decreased blood calcium level.

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hypocalcemic factor

see calcitonin.

hypocalcemic paresis

see milk fever, ovine hypocalcemia.

hypocalcemic tetany

tetany of limbs, muscle tremor, tetanic convulsions occur in hypocalcemia in bitches and mares. See also eclampsia, lactation tetany (2).

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tetany

continuous tonic spasm of a muscle; steady contraction of a muscle without distinct twitching. It is manifested clinically by rigidity of limbs, pricking of ears, flaring of nostrils. In extreme tetany as in tetanus, the rigidity is lead-pipe in nature in that the resistance to bending is constant. In less severe tetany, e.g. an upper motor neuron lesion, there is resistance at first but as soon as this is overcome the limb flexes easily.

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grass tetany

see lactation tetany (2).

hyperventilation tetany

tetany produced by forced inspiration and expiration continued for a considerable time.

hypocalcemic tetany

see puerperal tetany (below).

hypomagnesemic tetany

see calf hypomagnesemic tetany, lactation tetany (2).

lactation tetany

see lactation tetany.

latent tetany

tetany elicited by the application of electrical and mechanical stimulation.

magnesium-deficiency tetany

a product of experimental nutrition but see also lactation tetany.

milk tetany

see calf hypomagnesemic tetany.

parathyroid tetany, parathyroprival tetany

tetany due to removal or hypofunctioning of the parathyroid glands.

tetany pastures

lush grass or cereal crop pastures, in the early spring when they have grown rapidly and their magnesium content is low. The weather is also inclined to be inclement with a high wind-chill factor and there is little or no shelter for the recently calved cows.

puerperal tetany

a syndrome of hypocalcemia in bitches, usually of small breeds, typically 2 to 3 weeks after whelping, caused by the loss of extracellular calcium in lactation. Affected bitchs show restlessness, panting and severe muscular spasms, all of which are relieved by the administration of intravenous calcium. Also occurs infrequently in queens. Called also lactational or puerperal tetany.

recurrent tetany

see Scottie cramp.

transit tetany

of cows, see transit tetany; of mares, see lactation tetany.