Metastatic mineralisation caused by vitamin D intoxication in hand‐raised short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Issue 11 (27th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scheelings, TF; Slocombe, RF; Bayley, C
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 95:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 427
• Page End: 430
• Publication Date: 2017-10-27
• Subjects: echidnas -- hypervitaminosis D -- puggles -- vitamin D; Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

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.