Cholecalciferol Poisoning in Horses

 

Cholicalciferol (vitamin D3) is the active ingredient in many types of rat poison. A high dose of cholicalciferol will cause a destabilization of calcium in the body, leading to a condition of hypercalcemia, and eventually causing calcification of the tissues and organs of the body. Elevated levels of calcium in the blood will cause severe kidney damage.

 

On occasion, horses will come into contact with horse feed that has been contaminated with cholicalciferol, perhaps when the poison has been laid down in storage areas, and as a result are inadvertently poisoned. This often occurs without the knowledge of the caretaker. Ingestion of this compound can also occur when a feed is improperly mixed or formulated, or by over-zealous administration of vitamin D3 supplementation.

 

Symptoms

 

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Loss of weight
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia) with increased consumption of water
• Increased production of urine (polyuria)
• Weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Limb stiffness
• Recumbency
• Death

 

Causes

 

• Ingestion of cholicalciferol, usually inadvertently
• Usually involves the contamination of food with rat poison

 

Diagnosis

 

Your veterinarian can diagnose cholicalciferol toxicity by submitting a blood sample to a laboratory that will measure serum levels of the compound. More routine blood work will show elevated levels of phosphorous and calcium as well as signs of kidney damage.

Treatment

 

Treatment for poisoning by cholialciferol will vary on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the amount of poison ingested and on the severity of the symptoms.

 

The most common approach to treatment usually has to do with restricting the amount of vitamin D being taken in through food and supplements. A calcium chelator may be given, as this will reduce intestinal absorption of calcium. Treatment should also be started for kidney failure. This is usually supportive care and requires administration of large amounts of IV fluids.

 

Living and Management

 

Recovery from this toxicosis can be lengthy and often unrewarding, as calcification of tissues and renal failure cannot be reversed. The prognosis is guarded and euthanasia is often elected.

 

Prevention

 

Although accidental ingestion cannot be prevented, occasionally this type of toxicosis occurs through the mismanagement of vitamin supplements. Before starting your horse on any supplementation, discuss it with your veterinarian.