Bone metabolic effects of single-dose zoledronate in healthy dogs

Zoledronate, an aminobisphosphonate with potent antiresorptive activity in bone, has the potential for treatment of malignant osteolysis and hypercalcemia in dogs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone metabolic effects of a single dose of zoledronate in healthy dogs. Four skeletally mature, male, intact dogs received a 15-minute i.v. infusion of zoledronate at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg. Urine N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) excretion decreased significantly from baseline by 76, 63, 77, and 73% on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, respectively (P < .0125). Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP) decreased significantly from baseline by 36 and 42% on days 21 and 28, respectively (P < .0125). No changes were detected in indices of calcium homeostasis (ionized calcium, intact PTH, or urine calcium excretion). Single-dose i.v. zoledronate at 0.25 mg/kg appears to inhibit homeostatic osteolytic activity in healthy, skeletally mature dogs. Prospective studies should assess repeated-dose safety and activity in healthy and diseased animals of various age groups.