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Fatal soft tissue calcification in suckling puppies
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|March 1, 1983
Summary
High vitamin D and A levels in a mother dog's diet led to toxic milk, causing calcification in puppies. This study investigates potential vitamin toxicity in young animals due to maternal diet.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Calcification in organs like kidneys, lungs, and blood vessels can occur in young animals.
- Hypervitaminosis D and hypervitaminosis A are known causes of such lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of renal, pulmonary, and vascular calcification in two suckling puppies.
- To determine the link between maternal diet and potential vitamin toxicity in milk.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of two affected suckling puppies.
- Pathological examination of observed calcification lesions.
- Dietary history assessment of the lactating dam.
Main Results:
- Observed renal, pulmonary, and vascular calcification in both puppies.
- Lesions were morphologically consistent with hypervitaminosis D and/or hypervitaminosis A.
- High vitamin D and A content in the lactating bitch's diet was suspected.
Conclusions:
- Maternal hypervitaminosis D and A, transferred via milk, likely caused toxicosis in the puppies.
- Dietary management is crucial to prevent vitamin toxicosis in lactating animals and their offspring.