Abstract
ABSTRACT. Klem M.A.P., França T.N., Brito M.F., Nogueira V.A., González A.P., Ribeiro C.T. & Peixoto P.V. [Ultrasonographic aspects of iatrogenic and experimental poisoning in rabbits by vitamin D.] Aspectos ultrassonográficos das intoxicações iatrogênica e experimental por vitamina D em Coelho. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 34(3):169-176, 2012. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, BR 465 km7, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890- 000, Brasil. E-mail: marcius@irvnatal.com.br Ultrasonographic aspects of iatrogenic and experimental poisoning in rabbits by vitamin D are described. Clinically the animals showed signs of cardiovascular insufficiency, as ascites and lung edema, anorexia, mucous diarrhea, loss of weight and apathy. The classical picture of mineralization and, sometimes, ossification of the cardiovascular system, as well the lesions of kidneys, lungs, stomach, among other organs, were reproduced by the subcutaneous administration of an oily solution of cholecalciferol (non-activated vitamin D3). Ultrasonographic studies revealed dilation of the left ventricle with marked reduction of the shortening fraction, the aorta with irregular, thickened, hyperechoic, rigid wall, with reduction or lack of the amplitude of the pulse, and kidneys with mineralization. It is concluded that the ultrasound could be a diagnostic method useful in severe cases of poisoning by vitamin D, for small animals mainly when the results are correlated to the epidemiological and clinic-pathological aspects. Apparently, the lesions of vascular mineralization observed in this poisoning have not been demonstrated in rabbits by ultrasound.