Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets in a Pomeranian dog caused by a novel mutation in the vitamin D receptor gene.
Is rickets in dogs hereditary?
This mutation has an autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning that dogs must have two copies of the mutation in order to show clinical signs.
Is rickets in dogs curable?
Treatment. Correction of the diet is the primary treatment for rickets. If the animals are housed, exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) will also increase production of vitamin D3 precursors. The prognosis is good in the absence of pathologic fractures or irreversible damage to the physes.
How does a dog get rickets?
Rickets is a rare disease of young, growing animals that causes soft and deformed bones. It is commonly caused by insufficient phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More rarely, calcium deficiency is to blame. An excess of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs.
How can you tell if your dog has rickets?
Clinical Findings and Lesions
- bone pain.
- stiff gait.
- swelling in the area of the metaphyses.
- difficulty in rising.
- bowed limbs.
- pathologic fractures.
How do I treat my dogs rickets?
The outlook for treating rickets is good if there are no broken bones or irreversible damage to the bone. The primary treatment is to correct the diet. Exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) will also increase the production of vitamin D.
What happens if rickets is left untreated?
Left untreated, rickets can lead to: Failure to grow. An abnormally curved spine. Bone deformities.
Is rickets caused by vitamin deficiency?
Lack of vitamin D and calcium
The most common cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D or calcium in a child’s diet. Both are essential for children to develop strong and healthy bones.
Can rickets be prevented?
Rickets can easily be prevented by eating a diet that includes vitamin D and calcium, spending some time in sunlight, and if necessary, taking vitamin D supplements.