Calcium‐excess causes subclinical changes of bone growth in Beagles but not in Foxhound‐crossbred dogs, as measured in X‐rays

Abstract

Numerous investigations and reports have covered the potential negative effects of an excess of calcium (Ca) in the skeletal development of young dogs. However, it still remains unclear why not all puppies, particularly of larger breeds, develop clinical signs of skeletal disorders after an overexposure to Ca. This trial with the small Beagle breed and a larger Foxhound-crossbred dog (with an adult weight of around 35 kg) investigated the effects of Ca-excess on parameters of bone growth. The employed small breed is known for its chondrodystrophic predispositions, no such data are reported for the slender hound-type Foxhound-crossbred dogs. The Ca-supply had no influence on weight development and general health of the dogs. The measurements of bone lengths and widths in X-rays of the forearm of Beagles and Foxhound-crossbred dogs at 6 weeks of age, and again after a period of overexposure to Ca at about 27 weeks of age, revealed a growth-reducing influence only in Beagles, without influence on clinical parameters of skeletal health.

Factors that modify the effect of excess calcium on skeletal development in puppies

“…The same is true for own research work where the effects of feeding diets with excess Ca to growing dogs were not identical in all individuals (2) . The present review was undertaken to identify co-factors that alleviate or aggravate the effect of excess Ca on developmental orthopaedic diseases (DOD).…”

“…Accordingly, trials were performed where P levels were elevated approximately 25 % or more above the minimum requirements or were provided at 0·9 % of the DM to ensure a more balanced Ca:P ratio. These trials led to less severe skeletal changes or, more frequently, to no clinical symptoms at all (GD (4,7,9,12) ; Beagles (2,13) ). When Foxhound crossbreeds were fed a P supply above the previously published recommended allowance (18) , the animals developed no clinical or subclinical symptoms (2) .…”

“…These trials led to less severe skeletal changes or, more frequently, to no clinical symptoms at all (GD (4,7,9,12) ; Beagles (2,13) ). When Foxhound crossbreeds were fed a P supply above the previously published recommended allowance (18) , the animals developed no clinical or subclinical symptoms (2) . Lauten et al did not state their clinical findings clearly enough to evaluate their results in this context (8) .…”

Bilateral carpal valgus deformity in hand‐reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus)

“…Additionally, in cheetahs reported in this study and elsewhere [Allan et al, 2008], rectification of CV was also associated with a reduction in calcium and vitamin D 3 supplementation to approximately 1% calcium (on a dry matter basis), as well as a more balanced Ca:P ratio of 1-1.5:1. Oversupply of calcium has been linked to conformational abnormalities in growing animals [Allan et al, 2008;Dobenecker et al, 2006;Hedberg, 2002] and the use of whole prey, where minimal supplementation is necessary, would therefore appear optimal.…”

“…The condition has been observed in carnivores receiving improper nutrition, although some genetic influence is also possible [Allan et al, 2008;Grant, 2005;Hazewinkel et al, 1998;Lepine, 1998;Nap, 1991;Titchenal et al, 1980]. Other factors associated with skeletal abnormalities include the oversupply of energy and/or calcium, accelerated growth rates [Allan et al, 2008;Da¨mmrich, 1991;Dobenecker et al, 2006;Grant, 2005;Lepine, 1998;Nap, 1991], and/or a rapid change in nutritional plane. The CV occasionally seen in hand-reared cheetahs may be a consequence of growth spurts [Grant, 2005].…”