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Alaskan malamute chondrodysplasia. I. Bone composition studies.
Growth
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamutes show normal bone mineral levels but altered extractability. This suggests mechanical factors, not primary mineral deficiencies, may cause chondrodysplasia in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Comparative pathology
- Canine genetics
- Skeletal biology
Background:
- Chondrodysplasia in Alaskan Malamutes presents skeletal abnormalities.
- Previous studies suggested a potential link to vitamin D resistance, which is investigated here.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mineral concentrations and extractability in bones of chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamutes.
- To differentiate between primary mineral derangement and other factors contributing to chondrodysplasia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in radius, ulna, and humerus segments.
- Assessment of mineral component extractability using 5% EDTA.
Main Results:
- Similar bone mineral concentrations were found in affected and unaffected dogs.
- Significant differences in mineral extractability were observed in specific bone segments, suggesting altered bone matrix properties.
Conclusions:
- Chondrodysplasia in Alaskan Malamutes is unlikely due to primary vitamin D-resistant rickets or simple calcium/phosphorus derangement.
- Mechanical or stress factors may play a significant role in the observed bone differences.
- This canine model may offer insights into human skeletal disorders like fibrogenesis imperfecta ossium.