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17 March 2020 HYPERVITAMINOSIS D IN A GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) AND A LARGE HAIRY ARMADILLO (CHAETOPHRACTUS VILLOSUS) RECEIVING A COMMERCIAL INSECTIVORE DIET
Georgina C. Cole, Adam D. Naylor, Emma Hurst, Simon J. Girling, Richard J. Mellanby
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Abstract

Hypervitaminosis D was diagnosed in a giant anteater (Myromecophaga tridactyla) and a large hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus) being fed a commercial insectivore diet. Clinical findings included weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, and suspected abdominal discomfort. Hypercalcemia (3.68 and 2.04 mmol/L total and ionized calcium, respectively) was detected in the anteater, and plasma 25(OH)D levels were measured and found to be 808.7 and 379.4 nmol/L for the anteater and armadillo, respectively. Dietary change resulted in a reduction of 25(OH)D levels in both animals and resolution of hypercalcemia in the giant anteater. Dietary analysis of the commercial insectivore food revealed levels of vitamin D3 higher than the data-sheet values. This case report demonstrates that hypervitaminosis D in Xenarthra can be associated with significant clinical signs.

Copyright 2020 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Georgina C. Cole, Adam D. Naylor, Emma Hurst, Simon J. Girling, and Richard J. Mellanby "HYPERVITAMINOSIS D IN A GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) AND A LARGE HAIRY ARMADILLO (CHAETOPHRACTUS VILLOSUS) RECEIVING A COMMERCIAL INSECTIVORE DIET," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 51(1), 245-248, (17 March 2020). https://doi.org/10.1638/2019-0042
Accepted: 22 November 2019; Published: 17 March 2020
KEYWORDS
giant anteater
hypervitaminosis D
large hairy armadillo
vitamin D
Xenarthra
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