CPN Nutrient Metabolism & Physiology Flashcards

Vitamin D toxicity in pets most commonly results in which metabolic abnormality?

Answer: Hypercalcemia

Vitamin D toxicity causes hypercalcemia by dramatically increasing intestinal calcium absorption and promoting calcium mobilization from bone.

Which B vitamin deficiency causes 'black tongue' disease (glossitis with dark ulceration) in dogs?

Answer: Niacin (B3)

Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency in dogs produces pellagra-like symptoms including black tongue, characterized by dark ulceration and necrosis of oral mucosa.

Calcium and phosphorus absorption in the small intestine is primarily regulated by the active form of which vitamin?

Answer: Vitamin D (calcitriol)

Active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, or calcitriol) stimulates synthesis of calcium-binding proteins in intestinal epithelium, enhancing calcium and phosphorus uptake.

Which trace mineral serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions and is frequently deficient in unbalanced homemade pet diets?

Answer: Zinc

Zinc is a structural and catalytic component of hundreds of metalloenzymes involved in protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and DNA replication.

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption in cats is most frequently associated with which gastrointestinal condition?

Answer: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

In cats, cobalamin malabsorption is strongly associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and chronic enteropathy, as intrinsic factor secretion from the pancreas is required for ileal B12 absorption.

Which fat-soluble vitamin functions as the primary chain-breaking antioxidant in cell membranes, protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from peroxidation?

Answer: Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is embedded in phospholipid bilayers where it donates hydrogen to neutralize lipid peroxyl radicals, halting oxidative chain reactions.