Hypervitaminosis D in fur-bearing animals

Investigations concerning the effect on fur-bearing animals of large doses of vitamin D3 were carried out. The material comprised 62 animals in all--10 silver foxes, 17 blue foxes and 35 mink (Table II). Daily doses of 5 IU vitamin D3/g body weight for two months did not produce clinical symptoms in the foxes. However, a short while after the dose was increased to 10 IU, the animals showed loss of appetite, had difficulty in moving, were apathetic and developed dark coloured faeces. Analysis of blood serum showed markedly raised calcium values (Table III). Calcium deposits were demonstrated in the kidneys and in some cases also in the musculature, gastric mucosa, bronchi and the larger blood vessels. No abnormal signs were shown by 30 mink which received 0.6--0.7 IU vitamin D3/g body weight for five months. PM findings were normal.