Rickets in dogs consists of a alteration at the bone level triggered by a deficit or alteration in the levels of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus from our dogs. This skeletal disorder is characterized by the loss of hardness, appearance and consistency of the bones, causing bone deformities.
The origin of this disease can be very diverse, from deficiencies in lactation, inadequate feeding, to intestinal, congenital, or parasitic diseases. Diagnosis is achieved by physical examination of the dog, as well as blood tests and X-rays. Treatment seeks to correct vitamin and mineral levels and prevent future occurrences of the disorder. Continue reading this article on our site to learn more about rickets in dogs, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What is rickets in dogs?
Rickets is a disease caused when phosphorous or calcium levels are not adequate (Ca/P ratio less than 1) and there is a vitamin D deficiency, so these nutrients are not absorbed and the bones are not properly mineralized, causing bone changes consisting of weakness, deformation and greater softness of the bones. However, the growth plate widens.
This disease occurs in puppies, and may show deformation only in the legs, due to alteration of its normal shape and structure, appearing arched. Bone alterations appear more frequently in the limbs and ribs of the dog.
Causes of canine rickets
The origin of the lack of vitamin D that causes rickets in dogs can be:
- Hypophosphatemic rickets: kidney defect in which not enough phosphorus is reabsorbed.
- Fanconi syndrome: due to phosphorus excretion in the kidneys.
- Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1: default in the conversion of calcidiol to calcitriol (active form of vitamin D).
- Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2: hereditary defect in the calcitriol receptor.
- Inadequate feeding: A diet deficient in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus from not feeding a complete dog food that should include this vitamin and minerals in its composition.
- Poor lactation: when the puppies do not drink milk for the minimum amount of time or they drink it in a small quantity and if the bitch does not produce enough milk or produces it with little amount of calcium, this disease can appear.
- Parasitic diseases: parasites use vitamin D for their development, and can cause deficiencies.
- Intestinal malabsorption: Inflammatory bowel disease, lymphagiectasia, tumors or other intestinal disorders can alter the normal absorption of nutrients and cause a deficit of this vitamin, as well as other nutrients.
Symptoms of rickets in dogs
Rickets is more common in large breed dogs, due to their rapid growth and high energy and nutritional needs in said stage. The s clinical signs and lesions that occur in a dog with rickets are as follows:
- Thickening of the epiphysis of the bones, appearing painful and soft.
- Bones shortened or lengthened.
- The diaphysis of the bones curve laterally.
- Sunken spine.
- The limbs look like an X due to the weight of the animals and the deformed bones.
- Emplantillamiento.
- Lameness.
- Weakness of the posterior third.
- Loss of physical strength.
- Bulge at the level of the costal epiphyses (spinal rosary).
- Pain or discomfort.
Diagnosis of canine rickets
The diagnosis of rickets in dogs should be based on the general appearance of the dogo, paying attention to the alterations that are seen with the simple seen in the extremities or ribs and confirm by imaging and blood tests.
Diagnosis by imaging - plain radiography
The ideal imaging test for the diagnosis of canine rickets is a simple x-ray, in which the bone alterations can be seen as:
- Thickening of the distal epiphysis of the ulna and radius.
- Normal-appearing bone cortices.
- Reduced bone density.
- Enlarged epiphyseal line, which can reach 5-10 mm. This is a pathognomonic sign. If observed, it indicates rickets.
Hemogram and blood biochemistry
In the blood analysis the following alterations can be seen:
- Low calcium (hypocalcemia).
- Anemia.
- Increased phosphorus.
- Ca/P Ratio < 1.
- Alkaline phosphatase increased.
Treatment of rickets in dogs
The treatment of canine rickets will depend on the cause that originates it, however, correcting and maintaining the levels of vitamins and minerals is always necessary. Associated problems, such as pain or discomfort, should also be monitored. Thus, depending on the cause, the treatment to follow will be:
- Supplements: rickets caused by food or deficiencies should be treated with supplementation of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus depending on what it is whatever the dog needs.
- Treat a disease: If the cause is a disease that causes intestinal malabsorption, it should be treated specifically in order to improve that absorption for be able to capture all the nutrients effectively.
- Good nutrition: the best way to prevent this disease is to give a complete and balanced diet marketed for dogs, in order to ensure that we feed them all the nutrients they need in their correct proportions.
- Deworming: They should also be routinely dewormed to avoid parasites that alter vitamin D levels.
- Milk formula: if lactation problems are detected, the dog should be fed with substitute milk for the canine species.
- Anti-inflammatories: When the disease causes pain or discomfort, opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used to improve their condition.
