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International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research
2013, Vol.3, No.5, 13-22
http://ijmvr.sophiapublisher.com
16
ulnar plate were also seen (Ramadan and Vaughan,
1978). Fractures were also found in some dogs by the
same authors, the commonest site was in the distal
third of the radius/ulna.
3 Nutritional/Metabolic Disorders
3.1 Rickets
Rickets is a disease of bone that occurs in young
animals because of phosphorus or vitamin D
deficiency (Palmer, 1993), where defective minera-
lization occurs not only in bone, but also at the
cartilaginous portion of the growth plate (Krane and
Holick, 1980). Inadequate intake or endogenous
production of vitamin-D (Cholecalciferol) in relation
to the calcium content of the diet could give rise to
rickets (Krane and Holick, 1980). Palmer (1993)
reported that phosphorus or vitamin-D deficiency
could cause rickets. Sjoberg (1942) claimed that
animal on diets with inadequate vitamin-D did not
develop rickets when sufficient calcium and
phosphorus were given. Hypovitaminosis D was also
reported to be an important factor in the etiology of
rickets (Mellanby, 1921). Diet deficient in both
bio-available calcium and vitamin-D is the most
common cause of rickets in the pups (Watson, 1990).
Imbalance of vitamin-D, calcium and/or phosphorus
might cause rickets, the most common combination
being a dietary deficiency of vitamin-D and calcium
and/or phosphorus; inadequate sunlight might be
another important factor (Bennett, 1976; Kushwaha,
2003). Patients suffering from chronic glomerular
renal disease showed rickets as well as osteopenia due
to renal secondary hyperparathyroidism (Parson and
Potts, 1972). The common clinical findings in such
animals include listlessness, profound muscle
weakness, lameness, lateral bowing of the antibrachii
and focal hard swellings proximal to the tarsi and
carpi. Pups’ stance was palmagrade (hyperextended
carpus) and plantigrade (hyperextended tarsus). Focal
bony swelling that was neither hot norpainful on
palpation were presented proximal to the carpi nor
tarsi, nor the costochondral junctions were of
increased prominence.
3.2 Radiographic finding
Radiographic finding in a litter of racing Greyhound
affected with rickets included generalized osteopenia,
axial and radial thickening of growth plates
andcupping of the adjacent metaphysis; the distal
ulnar growth plate were the most severely and
consistently affected (Malik et al., 1997). Similar
changes were also seen in the distal radius and tibia,
although in some instances the changes were not
uniform across the full width of the physes, resulting
in “peninsular” and “islands” of unmineralized
cartilage extending into the metaphyses. Ricketic
animals show grossly thickened radiolucent
epiphyseal line (growth plate), general undercalci-
fication of bones, “mushrooming” or “cupping” of the
enlarged metaphyses and the presence of bone
deformities. Vitamin-D dependent rickets in a Saint
Bernard dog showed physes elongated axially and
enlarged radially at the distal ulna, radius and femur.
Campbell (1964) described pathognomonic features of
rickets, which included poorly mineralized and
extremely thin cortices, enlarged, compressed and
laterally displaced epiphyses and metaphyses and
widening of the epiphyseal growth plate.
Haematology and serum biochemistry of vitamin-D
dependent rickets in a Saint Bernard dog was recorded
by Johnson et al. (1995). Yousif et al. (1986) studied
haematological parameters in goats having clinical
and sub-clinical rickets. He found significant decrease
in hemoglobin in rickets. Leukocytosis was observed
only in clinical rickets; hypoproteinaemia, hypocal-
caemia, hypophosphataemia, as well as a decrease in
serum zinc level were observed in both clinical and
subclinical rickets; while serum alkaline phosphatase
and transaminase activities were increased. Serum
magnesium, copper and iron were decreased
significantly in the clinically affected group, while
sodium and potassium were normal in both groups. An
increased Ca:P ratio (>2) was taken as indicator of
both clinical and subclinical rickets. Morris (1968)
stated that an adequate dietary intake of vit-D is
essential (20 and 7 IU/kg body weight) for growth and
maintenance, respectively. Adequate supplies of Ca
and P in their correct ratio should also be given.
3.3 Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
(NSH)
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is
the most commonly encountered bone disease,