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Serum vitamin D metabolites do not differ between cats with chronic kidney disease and healthy cats

Valerie Parker1, Lauren J Reynolds1, Jessica M Quimby1

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D metabolite levels in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) did not differ significantly from healthy cats. This finding suggests current calcitriol supplementation recommendations may need re-evaluation for feline CKD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in cats and can affect vitamin D metabolism.
  • Understanding vitamin D metabolite profiles is crucial for managing feline CKD.
  • Previous research has not comprehensively characterized these profiles in cats with varying stages of CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare serum concentrations of key vitamin D metabolites in cats with CKD versus healthy controls.
  • To investigate potential correlations between vitamin D metabolites and clinicopathologic parameters in cats.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 66 cats with CKD (IRIS stages 1-4) and 33 healthy cats.
  • Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were measured using LC-MS/MS.
  • Statistical analyses included Mann Whitney or t tests for group comparisons and Spearman rank tests for correlations.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in any measured vitamin D metabolite between cats with CKD and healthy cats.
  • Specific median concentrations for 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, calcitriol, and 24,25(OH)2D3 are provided for both groups.
  • No correlations were found between vitamin D metabolites and age, serum creatinine, hematocrit, blood pressure, or urine protein:creatinine ratio.

Conclusions:

  • Serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations are similar in cats with CKD and healthy cats.
  • These findings may influence current recommendations for calcitriol supplementation in feline CKD.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand vitamin D dynamics in feline CKD.

Keywords:
Calcitriolcalcifediolcholecalciferolchronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder

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