On the efficacy of various calcium salts in parathyroid tetany.

Abstract

Several satisfactory methods are now available to preserve the life of dogs following an otherwise rapidly fatal thyropara-thyroidectomy. Forced diuresis by the intravenous injection of large quantities of Ringer's solution quite rapidly controls the symptoms of parathyroid tetany, or if maintained in the absence of any symptoms even prevents it appearance. 1 The oral administration of calcium lactate 2 is less laborious and even more effective. If, however, the animal at any time develops severe tetany in spite of treatment the intravenous injection of Ringer's solution is indicated as the first measure of choice to obviate the extreme tetany with exitus possibly attendant on the passage of the stomach tube. Under any condition the oral administration of calcium lactate is safer and more physiological than its intravenous injection 3 and the literature bears evidence of our contention that many dogs in tetany have probably died, not in spite of such intravenous injections, but probably because of them. The dietary method of conserving the life of parathyroidectomized dogs devised by Dragstedt 4 and used by him in a number of studies involves the use of milk (and bread) enriched with large quantities of lactose. Under this regime the intestinal flora was kept aciduric due partly to the high lactic acid content of the intestinal material as well as to the altered metabolism of the bacteria in the presence of an abundant source of available carbohydrate and absence of large amounts of animal protein (meat) from which under the usual conditions, the bacteria might and do form the toxic compounds responsible for the tetany.

In our own studies, meat was allowed plentifully, but when given with large amounts of calcium lactate (1.5 gm. per kg.) maintained the animal in an excellent state of health and nutrition.