Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs as it helps to balance calcium levels in the body. This is important for the bones, muscles, nerves and all cells in the body. Most of their vitamin D is from their diet as they are unable to make it in the skin like a human can.
Ingestion of too much vitamin D in dogs can be extremely toxic and can rapidly lead to kidney failure. It is important that dogs do not get too much vitamin D to avoid health complications.
High calcium levels are very damaging to various organs around the body. It can cause sudden (acute) kidney failure, as well as problems with the heart, gastrointestinal tract and other tissues around the body.
Ingestion of toxic doses of vitamin D often occurs in the following ways: - Ingesting cholecalciferol rat poison - Ingesting vitamin D supplements or psoriasis cream
Here are the main symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity: - Lethargy and weakness - Loss of appetite - Vomiting and nausea - Drooling - Abdominal pain - Dark tarry stools - Increased thirst and urination - Twitching and muscle tremors - Seizures
A vet will run blood tests which will normally reveal a high blood calcium level with vitamin D toxicity. This will prompt questions regarding exposure to products containing high levels of vitamin D such as those mentioned previously.
Treatment will depend on how quickly the dog is presented to the vets after ingestion of the vitamin D. If the dog is seen promptly then the vet can give an injection to induce vomiting, removing as much as possible from the stomach. Activated charcoal can then be given to reduce the absorption of any remaining in the stomach.
With prompt and appropriate treatment, most animals will recover, although vitamin D toxicity can be fatal if significant quantities are eaten, particularly if treatment is delayed.