A 6-mo-old, male western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) was evaluated because of tetany of both hands. The gorilla had alternating periods of constipation, diarrhea, and bloating since birth. A diagnosis of idiopathic hypocalcemia was based on severe hypocalcemia, a normal vitamin D level, response to oral calcium and vitamin D therapy, and eventual resolution. Idiopathic hypocalcemia, an uncommon disease in neonatal humans, should be considered in young gorillas with persistent gastrointestinal problems or acute tetany.
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1 March 2012
Severe Idiopathic Hypocalcemia in a Juvenile Western Lowland Gorilla, Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Jenifer Chatfield,
Greeley Stones,
Tania Jalil
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Gorilla gorilla gorilla
hypocalcemia
idiopathic
Neonatal
vitamin D