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1Alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 prevents the decrease of bone mineral density in lactating beagles.
F Ichikawa1, K Katagiri, Y Higuchi
1Fuji Gotemba Research Labs., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|February 17, 2000
Summary
Lactating beagles experienced significant bone mineral density loss, particularly in vertebrae. Supplementation with 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha(OH)D3) effectively prevented this bone density decrease without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bone Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) changes during lactation are critical in female mammals.
- Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) offers high precision for assessing BMD in beagles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate BMD changes in lactating beagles using DXA.
- To investigate the preventive efficacy of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha(OH)D3) against lactation-induced BMD loss.
Main Methods:
- Lactating beagles (2-5 years old) were monitored for BMD changes using DXA.
- A control group and a group receiving 1alpha(OH)D3 (0.1 microg/kg, 3x/week) were compared.
- Vertebral (L2-L4) and tibial BMD were assessed over time.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in vertebral BMD was observed in the control group during lactation.
- 1alpha(OH)D3 supplementation suppressed vertebral BMD loss during lactation.
- 1alpha(OH)D3 also showed a preventive effect on tibial BMD decrease.
- No adverse effects like hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria were noted.
Conclusions:
- DXA is a reliable method for detecting BMD changes in lactating beagles, especially in trabecular-rich lumbar vertebrae.
- 1alpha(OH)D3 effectively prevents bone mineral density reduction during lactation in beagles.
- 1alpha(OH)D3 shows promise as a safe supplement for maintaining bone health in lactating dogs.