Accidental ingestion of a cholecalciferol-containing rodent bait in a dog

A diagnosis of cholecalciferol toxicity in a young dog was made on the basis of adequate history and the finding of extremely elevated serum calcium levels. The traditional treatment of fluid therapy, diuresis and corticosteroids resulted in lowering the serum calcium levels over a 5-d period. The dog displayed clinical signs of severe depression, anorexia and intermittent vomiting during this time interval. Serum calcium levels rose on day 6 and remained elevated up until the dog was euthanized on day 9. Gross and histopathological examinations revealed diffuse metastatic mineralization throughout the body, particularly involving the lung, kidney, atria and stomach. The amount of cholecalciferol ingested was determined well below the lethal dose reported in dogs. This report indicates that young dogs may be much more susceptible to the lethal effects of this compound than initially believed.