Acute pancreatitis in dogs is associated with low vitamin D (lowest D equals death) – Aug 2017

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis.

J Vet Med Sci. 2017 Aug 10;79(8):1366-1373. doi: 10.1292/jvms.16-0647. Epub 2017 Jun 29.
Kim DI1, Kim H1, Son P1, Kang JH1, Kang BT1, Yang MP1.
1 College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea.

The present study aimed to determine whether circulating serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] differed between healthy dogs and dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Twenty-two healthy dogs and twenty client-owned dogs with AP were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of 25-(OH) D, blood ionized calcium (iCa), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D and blood iCa in dogs with AP were significantly lower than those of healthy dogs, and serum concentrations of CRP in dogs with AP were significantly higher than those of healthy dogs. A significant difference in 25-(OH) D serum concentrations was observed between survivor and non-survivor dogs with AP. After resolution of clinical signs, concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D, blood iCa, and serum CRP did not differ compared to those before treatment. This study shows that dogs with AP exhibit decreased 25-(OH) D levels, which might be associated with calcium imbalances and mortality rate in canine AP.

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