Severe calcification of mucocutaneous and gastrointestinal tissues induced by high dose administration of vitamin D in a puppy

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 66; no. 9; pp. 1133 - 1135
• Main Authors: Nakamura, Y. (Nihon Univ., Tokyo (Japan)), Gotoh, M, Fukuo, Y, Takei, A, Noda, T, Murakami, A, Kano, R, Watari, T, Tokuriki, M, Hasegawa, A, Sasaki, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.09.2004; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; CALCINOSIS; Calcinosis - chemically induced; Calcinosis - metabolism; Calcinosis - veterinary; DIGESTIVE SYSTEM; Dog Diseases - chemically induced; Dog Diseases - metabolism; Dogs; Forelimb - diagnostic imaging; Gastrointestinal Diseases - chemically induced; Gastrointestinal Diseases - metabolism; Gastrointestinal Diseases - veterinary; POISONING; PUPPIES; puppy; Radiography; severe calcification; SKIN; Skin Diseases - chemically induced; Skin Diseases - metabolism; Skin Diseases - veterinary; Stomach - diagnostic imaging; VITAMIN D; Vitamin D - adverse effects; vitamin D toxicosis
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.66.1133

A three-month-old male Bull Terrier was referred to the Animal Medical Centre, Nihon University with chief complaints of subacute emesis and lethargy. Severe leukocytosis, high CRP, hypercalcemia and hypochloremia were detected. Moreover, severe calcification of gingival mucosa and abdominal skin, and abnormalities of the skeletal system were discerned. Abdominal X-ray and endoscopic examination revealed ulcer and hemorrhage on the mucosal membrane of the stomach. This might have been due to injections of high dose vitamin D at 3 and 2 weeks ago by another practioner, according to the detailed history of medication. After two months, a gastrointestinal and skin disorder disappeared, although calcification of the stomach membranes remained and abnormality of the skeletal system had worsened. Therefore, vitamin D should be carefully administrated to a puppy.