Calcitonin Salmon
Also known as: Miacalcin, Calcimar, Fortical
Calcitonin is a hormone used to rapidly lower dangerously high calcium levels in the blood, or to treat severe metabolic bone disease (especially in reptiles). * **Administration**: It must be given by injection, as it is destroyed in the stomach if given orally. * **Side Effects**: Watch your pet for loss of appetite or vomiting. Let your veterinarian know if these occur. * **Monitoring**: Your veterinarian will need to perform frequent blood tests to monitor calcium levels and ensure they do not drop too low. * **Reptile Owners**: If treating metabolic bone disease, calcitonin is only one part of the therapy. Correcting diet, lighting (UVB), and providing calcium supplements as directed by your veterinarian are critical for long-term success.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hypervitaminosis D (toxicity)/hypercalcemia
- Hypervitaminosis D (toxicity)/hypercalcemia
- Adjunctive therapy if fluid deficit replacement, saline diuresis, furosemide and prednisone have failed to control calcium
- Hypervitaminosis D (toxicity)/hypercalcemia
- Hypercalcemia (Green iguanas)
- Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP)
- Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Hypocalcemia (with overmedication)
- Diarrhea
- Injection site pain and swelling
- Redness
- Peripheral paresthesias (reported in humans)
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Tachyphylaxis (resistance to therapy over time)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to calcitonin
- Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other proteins may be at risk
- > **Important Warnings** * **Age Sensitivity**: Young animals are reportedly up to 100 times more sensitive to the effects of calcitonin than older adult animals. * **Tachyphylaxis**: Resistance to the drug's effects frequently develops after several days of treatment. * **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Very high doses have decreased birth weights in laboratory animals due to metabolic effects. It does not cross the placenta. * **Lactation**: Calcitonin has been shown to inhibit lactation. Safe use during nursing has not been established.
Drug interactions
- Vitamin D analogs: May interfere with the efficacy of calcitonin
- Calcium products: May interfere with the efficacy of calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
What is Calcitonin Salmon used for in pets?
Calcitonin is a hormone used to rapidly lower dangerously high calcium levels in the blood, or to treat severe metabolic bone disease (especially in reptiles). * **Administration**: It must be given by injection, as it is destroyed in the stomach if given orally. * **Side Effects**: Watch your pet for loss of appetite or vomiting. Let your veterinarian know if these occur. * **Monitoring**: Your veterinarian will need to perform frequent blood tests to monitor calcium levels and ensure they do not drop too low. * **Reptile Owners**: If treating metabolic bone disease, calcitonin is only one part of the therapy. Correcting diet, lighting (UVB), and providing calcium supplements as directed by your veterinarian are critical for long-term success.
Is Calcitonin Salmon safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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