Dystrophic mineralization of the arterial fibrovascular tissue associated with a vitamin D hypervitaminosis in an 8-year-old female Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Abstract

BackgroundProphylactic Vitamin D supplementation is a common practice in Alpaca breeding in many regions around the world. An overdosage can lead to dystrophic mineralization of soft tissues. In this paper we illustrate a suspected case of hypervitaminosis D in an 8-year-old female Alpaca.Case presentationIn June 2015, the carcass of an 8-year-old female Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was submitted to the diagnostic laboratory of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe) for necropsy. The animal had undergone a spontaneous abortion with uterine prolapse and delivery of the placenta, and had died shortly thereafter. Death occurred due to internal haemorrhage related to dystrophic mineralization of the left renal artery with subsequent rupture and damage of the renal hilum. During the necropsy, histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were performed. After laboratory analyses and the history of mineral and vitamin supplementation reported by the breeder, a hypervitaminosis D was suspected to be the most probable cause of the dystrophic mineralization observed in the left renal artery.ConclusionsMost of the information regarding Llamas and Alpacas comes from the South American and Australian regions. It is therefore important to provide scientific information about these animals in other regions of the world in order to have a better and wider understanding of the nutritional and environmental conditions necessary for optimal breeding.

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

“…In addition to the changes in the kidneys, the necropsy also revealed high-grade changes in other organs, including prominent mineralization in the lungs and liver ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). This is consistent with other reports of calcinosis in alpacas or other species where calcifications were found in the lungs and liver [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. It can be assumed that mineralization in these organs is further advanced by acute renal failure and that no recovery can be expected from the resulting vicious circle in affected animals.…”

“…The first affected organs are the heart, the circulatory system and the kidneys [ 18 , 21 ]. Cases of calcinosis in alpacas causing damage to the arteries or the kidneys have been previously reported [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, there is a lack of available data concerning the impact of vitamin D 3 intoxication on the functional aspects of kidney parameters in SACs.…”

Llama and Alpaca Management in Germany—Results of an Online Survey among Owners on Farm Structure, Health Problems and Self-Reflection

“…In the case of deficiency, an injection at a dose of 1000 IU/kg body weight is recommended in October/November for crias and again in January/February if necessary, and once in January/February for adult females if needed [ 41 ]. The correct dosage must be chosen, as fat-soluble vitamins are not excreted when overdosed; these accumulate in the body and can lead to life-threatening damage caused by calcinosis [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ].…”