Parathyroidectomy of the Bovine

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Abstract
Two cows were parathyroidectomized through bilateral incisions in the cranial region of the neck. The external pair of parathyroid glands which comprised approximately 88% of the total parathyroid tissue, were located dorsal and caudo-medial to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. Removal of the internal pair of parathyroids from the tracheal surface of the thyroid gland was accomplished with approximately 25% ablation of the thyroid gland. The success of the operation was determined by histological examination of surgically removed tissues, changes in renal tubular phosphorus reabsorption, and a sensitive radioimmunoassay for plasma parathyroid hormone. Evaluation of these criteria indicated a hypoparathyroid state in the first cow and complete parathyroidectomy of the second cow. The postoperative decline of plasma calcium to a minimum of 3.5 meq/liter followed by a return to the normal range within 1 week in both cows suggests that plasma calcium concentration is not a reliable criterion for indicating the completeness of parathyroidectomy in this species.