Hypomagnesemia

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Geographic incidence, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Special risks (e.g. anesthetic), Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Subsequent management, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Mr Daniel H Lewis MA VetMB CertVA MRCVS
Dr Jana Gordon DVM DACVIM

Introduction

  • Definition : serum ionized magnesium <0.35 mmol/l.
  • Magnesium is primarily an intracellular cation, with only 1% being found in the serum.
  • Extracellular magnesium exists in three forms - protein-bound, complexed with anions (such as phosphate) and ionized.
  • Ionized magnesium is the physiologically active form.
  • Total serum levels therefore may not reflect either the active moiety or the total body concentration. Intracellular magnesium is primarily in the bone (67%), muscle (2%) and other soft tissues (11%).
  • Magnesium is involved in many intra-cellular enzymatic reactions.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • See Acute Presentation.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Other neuromuscular diseases.
  • Other causes of ventricular dysrhythmias.
  • Electrolyte disturbances (other causes of hypokalemia Hypokalemia and hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia ).

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed.
  • Martin L G, Matteson V L, Wingfield W E et al(1994) Abnormalities of Serum Magnesium in Critically Ill Dogs: Incidence and Implications. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 4, 15-20.

Other sources of information

  • Marino P (2007) Renal and Electrolyte Disorders: Magnesium. In: The ICU Book.pp 625638. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Bateman S (2006) Disorders of Magnesium: Magnesium deficit and excess. In: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice.pp 210-226. Ed. S DiBartola, Saunders Elsevier.

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