Background: Dogs with protein losing enteropathy (PLE) have decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, presumably partly due to malabsorption. It is unknown how dogs with PLE compare to healthy dogs when receiving calcifediol [25(OH)D] supplementation. Objectives & Hypothesis: To compare the short-term effects of 25(OH)D supplementation in healthy dogs and dogs with PLE. Our hypothesis is that supplementation will increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs with PLE to a lesser extent than in healthy dogs. Animals: Client-owned dogs with PLE (n=9) and healthy dogs (n=10).
Methods: All dogs received a 25(OH)D supplement at a dose of 2.3 mcg x (BWkg)0.75 once daily for 21 days. Ionized calcium, chemistries, and 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at baseline, after 21 days of supplementation, and 21 days after the supplement was discontinued.
Results: Mean + SD serum concentrations of 25(OH)D are presented. At baseline, 25(OH)D was 30.2 + 21.1 nmol/L in dogs with PLE, compared to 78.9 + 19.6 nmol/L in healthy dogs. After supplementation, 25(OH)D significantly increased to 127.1 + 75.3 nmol/L in dogs with PLE and 276.4 + 66.5 nmol/L in healthy dogs, respectively (p < 0.01). The total increase in 25(OH)D concentrations was greater in healthy dogs compared to PLE dogs (p < 0.01). 25(OH)D concentrations decreased in both groups after cessation of supplementation. No adverse effects related to supplementation were identified. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Compounded 25(OH)D was effective at increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs with PLE and healthy dogs, albeit with a lower total increase in dogs with PLE.
