Uso da vitamina D em cães: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Due to the high degree of domestication and the changes in lifestyle, breeding and consequently feeding of dogs, it is necessary to provide diets with adequate levels that meet their nutritional requirements. The deficiency of some nutrients can cause diseases, as well as the presence of some can prevent and treat disorders, as is the case of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble steroid hormone for dogs, which regulates phosphorus and calcium metabolism, and is found in compounds of animal (cholecalciferol) and plant (ergocalciferol) origin with vitamin D metabolic activity. Most animals are able to synthesize cholecalciferol by activation of 7-dehydrocholesterol by the action of ultraviolet-B light (UVB) on the skin. However, this synthesis is inefficient in dogs, requiring adequate dietary supplementation of vitamin D. In recent years, vitamin D has received more attention due to the discovery that it is not only limited to calcium homeostasis but also in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as rickets, kidney disease, heart disease, mastocytoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and benign neoplasms, in addition to improved joint and bone health. Thus, it was aimed to conduct a literature survey that describes the actions of vitamin D and its benefits in various aspects of dog health.