Toxin Tuesdays: Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

This rat poison could lead to significant damage in your pet (Image Source)

Cholecalciferol (more commonly known as Vitamin D3) used to not pose as much of a risk to our pets as it does today. This is because the exposure used to be confined to ingestions of vitamins, supplements or foods that contained extra amounts of this compound. Now rodenticides contiaining Vitamin D3 are becoming much more common placed. This means our pets could be at increased risk, and unfortunately there is not good treatment.

 

Be sure to keep pets away from products they shouldn't have! They can be very inventive on how they find things! (Image Source)

There are several internal systems that can be affected by this toxin. Many of the side effects are related to the increase in calcium that occurs throughout the body after ingestion of large quantities of Vitamin D3. These high levels can lead to damage to the kidneys, as well as slow the heart rate and lead to irregular heartbeats. We can also see depression, weakness and seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea as well as increased drinking and urination have been reported in many cases. Often these signs can start as early as 12 hours after exposure. It is possible that patients that live through treatment could have lifelong damage to the heart and kidneys.  

 

Many pets will require hospitalization after exposure (Image Source)

If we know the patient has gotten into this product recently, and are currently not showing any symptoms, there may be some benefit in inducing vomiting. In other cases medications may be given to help absorb any of the remaining toxin still in the gastro-intestinal tract. Blood work will also be necessary to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels and help treat appropriately. Most cases need aggressive treatment in the hospital. This will include intravenous fluids to help flush the system and hopefully protect the kidneys from long term damage. If seizures are occurring many times they can be controlled with medications. Your veterinarian may also start medications to help protect the gastro-intestinal tract from irritation.  

 

Prevention of exposure to toxins is the best way to keep our pets happy and healthy! (Image Source)

The outcome depends greatly on the amount of product the pet was exposed to and how rapid treatment is initiated. Although this is a vitamin it can have deadly consequences if consumed by our pets and left untreated. For more information on this particular toxin, you can visit the following websites here and here.