Hypocalcaemia occurs with imbalances of [[Calcium|calcium]], [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]] and vitamin D but by comparison to other reptiles this is relatively rare in snakes. Low [[Calcium|calcium]] may be seen with renal failure. Female reptiles may have increased [[Calcium|calcium]] levels of two to fourfold during times of reproductive activity. Mobilisation from bone results from increased oestrogen activity and [[Calcium|calcium]] levels return to normal after egg laying. Persistently high [[Calcium|calcium]] (and [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]]) may be normal in indigo snakes. Iatrogenic hypercalcaemia has been reported in captive reptiles and results from excessive dietary or parenteral [[Calcium|calcium]] and vitamin D. Primary hyperparathyroidism, pseudohyperparathyroidism and osteolytic bone lesions could also cause hypercalcaemia but are unlikely to be encountered. Hypercalcaemia may lead to nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. | Hypocalcaemia occurs with imbalances of [[Calcium|calcium]], [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]] and vitamin D but by comparison to other reptiles this is relatively rare in snakes. Low [[Calcium|calcium]] may be seen with renal failure. Female reptiles may have increased [[Calcium|calcium]] levels of two to fourfold during times of reproductive activity. Mobilisation from bone results from increased oestrogen activity and [[Calcium|calcium]] levels return to normal after egg laying. Persistently high [[Calcium|calcium]] (and [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]]) may be normal in indigo snakes. Iatrogenic hypercalcaemia has been reported in captive reptiles and results from excessive dietary or parenteral [[Calcium|calcium]] and vitamin D. Primary hyperparathyroidism, pseudohyperparathyroidism and osteolytic bone lesions could also cause hypercalcaemia but are unlikely to be encountered. Hypercalcaemia may lead to nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. |