Hyperparathyroidism
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Although it sounds somewhat similar to hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism affects the body much differently. The parathyroid glands are located right next to the thyroid glands and work to balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood by secreting parathyroid hormone or PTH. This hormone will cause the absorption or release of calcium from the bones in the skeletal system to regulate the blood calcium and phosphorus levels. The Keeshond is the breed most commonly associated with primary hyperparathyroidism.There are actually two different types of hyperparathyroidism caused by two very different sets of circumstances. The first type of hyperparathyroidism, called primary hyperparathyroidism is caused when the parathyroid glands become tumerous. Usually the tumor is benign and is known as an adenoma. This tumor causes the parathyroid to produce large amounts of PTH, resulting in highly elevated calcium levels in the blood. [...]