Calcinosis in Alpaca Crias (Vicugna pacos) Due to Vitamin D Intoxication—Clinical, Laboratory and Pathological Findings with a Focus on Kidney Function

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Alpacas in central Europe often suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to lower UV radiation. Many alpacas are therefore additionally treated with vitamin D(3). As vitamin D(3) contents can be given in either µg or IU (international units) and these units had been mixed up in a textbook, several alpacas were poisoned and given 40 times more vitamin D(3) than intended. Toxicological levels of vitamin D result in an increase in the level of calcium and phosphate in the blood, thus calcification in various organs, leading to organ dysfunction. In this study, three affected alpaca crias were examined in more detail. Severe changes in the kidneys, lungs and liver were found. In addition, kidney function was evaluated. ABSTRACT: Alpacas kept in Central Europe are often deficient in vitamin D(3), which is supplemented orally or by injection by the owners or veterinarians. Vitamin D(3) can be specified in two different units (IU and µg), which differ by a factor of 40. By mixing up these units, an overdosage can be induced. In this study, three alpaca crias were examined after vitamin D(3) intoxication, with particular reference to kidney function. All three animals developed non-specific clinical alterations 1–2 weeks after a vitamin D(3) overdose of approximately 40 times. Plasma of the animals revealed several alterations. The main findings were severe azotemia, hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, 15 days after treatment. Kidney function analysis (endogenous creatinine clearance) in two of the crias revealed severe glomerular damage. All crias died despite intensive treatment within 23 days after vitamin D(3) treatment. Necropsy revealed calcification in different organs, mainly the kidneys, lungs and liver. Since nine other crias in the same group were treated with comparable doses of vitamin D(3) and no clinical signs were observed in these animals, it is concluded that individual animals show different levels of sensitivity to vitamin D(3).