Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Poisoning in Cats

Published on
Last updated on
4 min read

Key takeaways


Vitamin D3 poisoning occurs when a pet consumes too much vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). 

  • Common sources of vitamin D3 that cats are exposed to are human topical pharmaceuticals and some types of rodenticides
  • Symptoms of vitamin D3 poisoning include reduced appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and increased urination
  • The condition can result in the calcification of body tissue, which may be fatal
  • Vitamin D3 toxicosis is always considered a medical emergency
  • Diagnostics include a physical examination, bloodwork, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging
  • If ingestion is witnessed, treatment looks to prevent D3 absorption through decontamination efforts
  • Specific treatments include fluid therapy and medication to reduce blood calcium levels
  • The prognosis is variable, depending on how much D3 has been consumed and how quickly treatment starts after ingestion
  • Cats that develop tissue mineralization have a poor prognosis
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A closer look: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Poisoning in Cats


Once ingested, vitamin D3 is converted to calciferol. Calciferol causes increased calcium absorption, which may result in mineralization (hardening) of tissues or organs. The kidneys are most susceptible to this calcification; however, the central nervous system, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract are all vulnerable.

Symptoms of vitamin D3 poisoning can be nonspecific, but always warrant medical attention. If ingestion is observed, or symptoms present themselves, it is considered a medical emergency.

Risk factors


Symptoms of tissue and organ calcification depend on the organ targeted.

While vitamin D3 poisoning can be fatal, an indoor cat with no access to vitamin D3 has no risk of developing the toxicosis. Cats are also unlikely to eat nonfood items, making this condition quite rare. Note that the toxic dose for a cat is far lower than it is for people or dogs, due to their smaller size.

Possible causes


The two most common causes of vitamin D3 poisoning in cats are ingestion of rodenticides or human pharmaceuticals. Many rodenticides contain cholecalciferol, and vitamin D3-rich drugs (such as calcitriol), multivitamins, and topical creams can all be toxic for cats.

Poorly formulated cat food can also contain too much vitamin D3, although this is rare.

Main symptoms


Symptoms of vitamin D3 toxicosis arise within 1-3 days of ingestion.

Testing and diagnosis


Diagnostics include physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging. Specific blood tests measuring calcitriol and calcifediol are required for a definitive diagnosis; however, these tests are not readily available.

Steps to Recovery


If consumption is witnessed, treatment looks to reduce vitamin D3 absorption through decontamination. Options include induction of vomiting or administration of activated charcoal or cholestyramine powder.

Note: Decontamination should always be performed by a veterinarian. It is not safe to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal at home.

If symptoms have started, treatment aims to reduce blood calcium and phosphate levels. Medications to reduce calcium levels and fluid therapy to improve calcium excretion are the primary methods of treatment.

Prolonged inpatient hospitalization may be necessary to combat ongoing tissue calcification. Additional medications to control seizures, treat heart arrhythmias, and protect the stomach lining may be required depending on the symptoms caused by the toxicosis.

Ongoing IV fluids may also be required to prevent dehydration.

The prognosis for vitamin D3 toxicosis is variable, depending on how much vitamin D3 was consumed and how quickly treatment is initiated. If treatment starts before symptoms are observed, prognosis is good. Prognosis is more guarded if the patient is symptomatic, particularly in cases where tissue mineralization has occurred.

Prevention


The best way to prevent vitamin D3 toxicosis is to ensure that any vitamin D3-rich products, such as rodenticides or pharmaceuticals, are inaccessible to cats. The condition is not contagious.

Is Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Poisoning in Cats common?


D3 toxicosis is not common.

Typical Treatment


  • Oral medication
  • Fluid therapy
  • Activated charcoal
  • Induced vomiting

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