Relationship between Nutrition and Bone Growth in Large and Giant Dogs

Abstract

The pathogenesis of the osteochondrosis syndrome was studied in large and giant breeds of dogs. Spontaneous cases of osteochondrosis were examined in large breed dogs, and experimental disease was investigated in Great Dane puppies fed ad libitum or restricted diets until 6 mo of age. This investigation concluded that the primary lesion occurring in osteochondrosis of dogs from the large and giant breeds is an acquired pattern of osteopenic and biomechanically weak subchondral spongiosa that cannot provide adequate bony support for the articular cartilage of joints. Excessive biomechanical loading of the inadequately supported epiphyseal articular cartilage leads to secondary disturbances in the nutrition, metabolism, function and viability of the chondrocytes in the developing joint surface. The primary lesion in the subchondral spongiosa develops when overnutrition (ad libitum feeding) overstimulates skeletal growth and cancellous bone remodelling mechanisms in those breeds of dogs who already have an inherent capacity for rapid skeletal growth. The epiphyseal spongiosa of rapidly growing dogs of the larger breeds is inherently less dense and less strong per unit area than epiphyseal spongiosa of dogs from the smaller breeds. Overnutrition in dogs from the larger breeds exaggerates this tendency to create osteopenia by increasing the rates of skeletal growth and remodeling of the newly formed cancellous bone. Accelerated rates of bone growth and bone remodeling act in concert to product a pattern of epiphyseal spongiosa that is composed of fine trabecular systems that are spaced relatively far apart and that are ultimately less strong per unit area than in small breeds of dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Growth and skeletal development in the dog in relation to nutrition; a review

“…seems to be concensus in the literature that over-supplementation with energy in the growing dog (large and giant breeds) results in higher frequencies of skeletal abnormalities (7,28,57,105). One study (97) also points to the correlation between mechanical load on the growing skeleton and the frequency of clinical skeletal problems.…”

HYPERTROPHIC OSTEODYSTROPHY IN A DOG BREED WHITE SWISS SHEPHERD TREATED GLUCOCORTICOID / Osteodistrofia hipertrófica em um cão da raça Pastor Branco Suíço tratado com glicocorticóide.

“…Ïsteomegalia resultó from a multifactorial process with genetic, nutritional and environmental etiology (DAMMRICH, 1991;ZENTEK & MEYER, 1991). Giant dog breeds are particularly susceptible to these conditions, including hypertrophic osteodystrophy, asynchronous growth of the radius and ulna, Panosteitis, Wobbler syndrome, coxofemoral dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis (BRAWNER, 1998;HAZEWINKEL et al, 1998;RICHARDSON & ZENTEK, 1998;OWENS & BIERY, 1999;THRALL, 1998;COOK, 2001;FOSSUM, 2005).…”

“…Giant dog breeds are particularly susceptible to these conditions, including hypertrophic osteodystrophy, asynchronous growth of the radius and ulna, Panosteitis, Wobbler syndrome, coxofemoral dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis (BRAWNER, 1998;HAZEWINKEL et al, 1998;RICHARDSON & ZENTEK, 1998;OWENS & BIERY, 1999;THRALL, 1998;COOK, 2001;FOSSUM, 2005). The most commonly affected breeds are Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, New Foundland, Great Dane, Boxer, German Shepherd and retrievers, as Golden and Labrador (DAMMRICH, 1991;MEYER & ZENTEK, 1991).…”

Superalimentação e desenvolvimento do esqueleto de cães da raça Dogue Alemão: aspectos clínicos e radiográficos

“…A incidência de doenças esqueléticas, em cães de porte grande em crescimento, está aumentando continuamente, sendo que o perfil nutricional da ração e o uso de métodos de alimentação adequados durante a vida do animal, especialmente na fase de crescimento, diminuem o risco de manifestação desses distúrbios (Dämmrich, 1991). Existem três métodos básicos de alimentação de cães em crescimento: ad libitum ou à vontade, limitação de tempo ou limitação da quantidade de ração (Richardson e Toll, 1997 (Dämmrich, 1991;Nap et al, 1994).…”

“…Existem três métodos básicos de alimentação de cães em crescimento: ad libitum ou à vontade, limitação de tempo ou limitação da quantidade de ração (Richardson e Toll, 1997 (Dämmrich, 1991;Nap et al, 1994). De acordo com Alexander e Wood (1987), a limitação da ingestão calórica para manter uma condição corporal magra não impede a expressão do potencial genético de um cão e resulta em apenas redução da produção fecal, da obesidade e do risco de surgirem doenças esqueléticas.…”