Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Two dogs with high calcium from vitamin D rodent poison and treatment
By Fooshee, S K & Forrester, S D·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1990·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Hypercalcemia secondary to cholecalciferol rodenticide toxicosis in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Labrador and a 3-year-old Beagle were brought in for high calcium levels after eating a rat poison containing cholecalciferol. Unfortunately, the Labrador died shortly after arriving at the vet. The Beagle received treatment with fluids, steroids, and other medications, but it took about a month for its calcium levels to stabilize. While the Beagle eventually improved, it experienced severe loss of appetite during treatment. This case highlights the dangers of certain rodenticides for dogs and the importance of monitoring calcium levels during recovery.
People also search for: dog high calcium levels treatment · cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs · rat poison symptoms in dogs
Abstract
Hypercalcemia secondary to cholecalciferol rodenticide toxicosis was identified in two dogs. The first dog died shortly after admission. The second dog responded to treatment with sodium chloride solution, prednisolone, furosemide, and calcitonin. Treatment was needed for a longer period than anticipated and the serum calcium concentration did not stabilize for approximately one month. Although not conclusively demonstrated, calcitonin was considered the cause of severe anorexia. This new class of rodenticides has great toxic potential for dogs, and it is recommended that serum calcium concentration be carefully monitored as treatment for hypercalcemia is gradually withdrawn.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2158959/