Vitamin B12 is one of the water-soluble vitamins that helps with red blood cells, and nerve and brain function. In order to metabolize vitamin b12, certain animals must obtain it from their diet as they do not produce this critical micronutrient in their own bodies. Deficiency can occur when there are intestinal diseases or malabsorption conditions due to injury or genetic disposition - common symptoms include anemia (lethargy), weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Why is Vitamin B12 important for pets and what is its role?
This water-soluble vitamin is essential for the good health of your pet. It is very important to find high-quality pet food that is rich in both vitamins and minerals that your pets need. Vitamin B12 has roles in red blood cell production and neurological functions. Pets that don't get enough of this vitamin in their diet could suffer from symptoms such as lack of energy, brittle hair coat, and weight loss. It's important to get your cat or dog high-quality pet food to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy!
What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency in pets?
The symptoms of B12 deficiency are not always easy to spot. The most common is weight loss, which can easily be mistaken for other health disorders. Some of the common symptoms would include reduced appetite, a dull hair coat, diarrhea, lethargy, mental dullness, and neurological problems. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a pet has a vitamin B12 deficiency but can be an indication that something is wrong.
What are the causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency in pets?
In cats and dogs, the most common cause of cobalamin deficiency is chronic, severe small intestinal disease. In addition to hereditary cobalamin deficiency in certain breeds of dogs (such as Border Collies), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may also be a culprit.
As most pets are fed commercially available diets, low dietary sources of B12 contributing to a Vitamin B12 deficiency would be increasingly rare.
How can you test for Vitamin B12 deficiencies in pets?
Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is easily measured through a simple blood test.
How is Vitamin B12 deficiency treated in pets?
As most causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are a result of intestinal disease-causing malabsorption, simply giving a vitamin B12 tablet will not be beneficial. Most pets respond best to vitamin B12 administered via subcutaneous injection and the frequency would be approximately once monthly but can vary.
Dogs that have vitamin B12 deficiency because of an inherited or genetic problem can often be treated successfully with oral supplementation.
As always, it is best to consult with your veterinarian so they can formulate a successful treatment plan.
Can I supplement my pet with oral Vitamin B12?
Pets fed commercially available diets, or homemade diets with animal products, do not require vitamin B12 supplementation. If your pet has a vitamin B12 deficiency because of an intestinal disorder where they are unable to absorb the vitamin from the diet, oral supplementation will not work as expected. These patients would require vitamin B12 supplementation through subcutaneous injection which is usually administered once monthly.
What are the side effects of Vitamin B12 injections in pets?
As vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, there are no side effects from vitamin B12 itself. Also, as the injection is administered subcutaneously, the injection itself isn't painful. If your pet experiences pain or discomfort after the injection, please reach out to your veterinarian for advice.
B12 is a vitamin (Cobalamin) that is important for neurological function, red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and energy production. B12 is present in commercially available diets. Cats and dogs are unable to produce vitamin B12 in their bodies and must receive it from the foods they eat or from supplementation. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a number of symptoms in both cats and dogs, and when left untreated can potentially lead to serious health problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency is treatable and carries a good prognosis, so it is important to monitor your pet's vitamin B12 levels to prevent health problems.