A case report of hypercalcaemia/vitamin D-3 toxicosis in a dog

A tentative diagnosis of cholecaciferol intoxication was made in a Dutch sh epherd dog which was hospitalised and exhibited cardinal signs of anorexia polydipsia/polyuria and severe hypercalcaemia, hyperphasphataemia, azotaemi a and hyperproteinaemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by estimation of the c irculating calcidol, a vitamin DJ metabolite, which Mins 2.5 times the refe rence value. Differential diagnoses, notably neoplasia, were excluded by ad ditional examinations. Treatment with sodium chloride infusions, diuresis, prednisolone and calcitonin was initially successful but the dog remained a norexic for 25 days. The physical status of the dog deteriorated suddenly o n the 27th day after hospitalisation as a result of pneumothorax. The dog w as euthanised. The autopsy confirmed the diagnosis but rite source of intox ication was not identified.