latent tetany

tetany /tet·a·ny/ (-ne) a syndrome of sharp flexion of the wrist and ankle joints (carpopedal spasm), muscle twitching, cramps, and convulsions, sometimes with attacks of stridor; due to hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles caused by decreased extracellular ionized calcium in parathyroid hypofunction, vitamin D deficiency, or alkalosis, or following ingestion of alkaline salts.

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duration tetany  a continuous tetanic contraction in response to a strong continuous current, seen especially in degenerated muscles.

gastric tetany  a severe form due to disease of the stomach, with difficult respiration and painful tonic spasms of limbs.

hyperventilation tetany  tetany produced by forced inhalation and exhalation over a period of time.

latent tetany  tetany elicited by the application of electrical and mechanical stimulation.

neonatal tetany , tetany of newborn hypocalcemic tetany in the first few days of life, often marked by irritability, muscle twitchings, jitteriness, tremors, and convulsions, and less often by laryngospasm and carpopedal spasm.

parathyroid tetany , parathyroprival tetany tetany due to removal or hypofunction of the parathyroids.

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latent tetany

n.

Tetany manifested only when certain diagnostic procedures are used.

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latent tetany

Etymology: L, latere, to be concealed; Gk, tetanos, convulsive tension

a form of tetany that is elicited only by mechanical or electrical stimuli. Symptoms are nonspecific, including generalized weakness and cramping in the hand and foot.

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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.