Abstract
Summary
Hypercalcemia was induced in dogs by the administration of calciferol or parathyroid hormone. When plasma calcium (P Ca) levels reached 13-15 mg%, one of two protocols were commenced. In one, furosemide was administered acutely (5 mg/kg) in the setting of a renal clearance study and salt and water balance were meticulously controlled during the course of the diuresis. In the other, furosemide was given chronically (2.5-15 mg/kg) over several days and sodium balance was adjusted on a daily basis. Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were measured in plasma and urine before and after furosemide administration. Although significant increases in calcium excretion were obseved in both acute and chronic studies, decreases in P Ca occurred only in the acute studies. Our findings indicate that furosemide can effectively lower elevated levels of P Ca by a combination of increased filtration and depressed tubular reabsorption of calcium provided depletion of extracellular fluid volume is prevented during the course of the diuresis.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.