Metastatic mineralisation caused by vitamin D intoxication in hand-raised short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Aust Vet J. 2017 Nov;95(11):427-430. doi: 10.1111/avj.12640.

Abstract

Case report: Two cases of metastatic mineralisation caused by dietary excess of vitamin D are reported in hand-raised short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) puggles at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Oversupplementation was attributed to excessive levels of vitamin D in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer fed to the puggles. No information exists regarding the naturally occurring vitamin D levels in echidna milk, but, given the low serum levels that have been observed in free-ranging animals, it is likely to be low.

Conclusion: The vitamin D concentration in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer has been reduced.

Keywords: echidnas; hypervitaminosis D; puggles; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo
  • Australia
  • Autopsy / veterinary
  • Calcification, Physiologic / drug effects*
  • Food, Formulated / adverse effects*
  • Milk / adverse effects
  • Nutrition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Nutrition Disorders / pathology
  • Nutrition Disorders / veterinary*
  • Tachyglossidae*
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Vitamin D