Which plant is associated with nephrotoxicity due to cholecalciferol toxicosis?

• A. Night-blooming jessamine (cestrum)
• B. redroot pigweed (amaranthus)
• C. lilies (lilium)
• D. laurel (kalmia)

Answer: (A)

Cholecalciferol toxicosis causes a dangerous rise in calcium levels (hypercalcemia), which drives mineral deposition in soft tissues and the kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity. Some plants can deliver vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to an animal, producing this exact toxic pattern. Night-blooming jessamine is the plant identified as associated with cholecalciferol toxicosis, so ingestion can lead to the calcium overload and subsequent kidney injury described.

Other plants listed produce nephrotoxicity or illness through different toxins or mechanisms. Lilies harm cats primarily through a distinct lily toxin causing acute kidney failure, not vitamin D3–driven hypercalcemia. Laurel contains grayanotoxins with cardiovascular and GI effects. Redroot pigweed is more commonly associated with nitrate/nitrite toxicity or oxalate-related issues rather than vitamin D3–induced kidney damage.