[Dysostoses and postural limb abnormalities in rapidly growing dogs]

Congenital and acquired dysostosis was studied on two litters of Great Danes. One litter of puppies were descendants of dogs with normal hips, the other of dysplastic animals. Both litters were fed according to NCR standards, the second however ad libitum. One puppy of parents with normal hips demonstrated already with 6 weeks epi- and metaphyseal dysostosis and severe angular deformities of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Hip dysplasia was diagnosed in three of five puppies from dysplastic dogs. In addition, one puppy showed Wobbler symptoms. The extent and frequency of the alterations were, in comparison to earlier investigations, unexpectedly high. It can be assumed that the examined dogs were genetically predisposed for dysostosis. Our therapeutic procedures are presented.