Symptoms of rickets in dogs

Diagnosis can be made based on the age of the dog, bone deformation, reduced bone density on X-ray examination, etc. If the calcium and phosphorus content in serum can be measured, it will be more helpful for diagnosis. Rickets can be diagnosed when the blood calcium concentration is below 9.8% and the blood phosphorus is below 2.5%.
1. Early symptoms include pica, such as eating wall soil, sand, dirt, etc., and sometimes licking the abdomen of other animals or itself. Late replacement of teeth.
2. Dogs have difficulty walking, limping, and standing up due to joint pain, especially the movement of the hind limbs is hindered. Dogs tend to have bent knees, O-shaped postures, and X-shaped postures. Bone deformation can be seen, and the bone ends of the knees, wrists, and ankle joints are swollen and double jointed.
3. The joint between the ribs and costal cartilage is swollen, taking on the shape of a bead of rickets, the sternum sinks, the spine is curved (concave or convex), the pelvis is narrow, and due to the deformation of the trunk bones and limb bones, it becomes a dwarf-like skeleton.
4. The maxillary bone swells, the mouth becomes narrow, nasal congestion and dyspnea occur, and the pain in the jaw bone hinders chewing. Pica and other conditions cause digestive disorders, making sick dogs inactive and then losing weight.

Causes of rickets in dogs

1. Vitamin D deficiency or deficiency is the main cause of rickets.
2. Calcium and phosphorus deficiency or severe improper proportions and parathyroid dysfunction are also important causes of rickets.
3. In cases of uremia or genetic defects, the demand for vitamin D increases and rickets is prone to occur.
4. Excessive intestinal parasites can hinder the absorption of calcium, vitamins, proteins, etc., thus inducing rickets.

Treatment methods for rickets in dogs

1. Strengthen feeding and management, pay attention to the hygiene of the kennel, and the kennel should have sufficient light.
2. Let the sick dog exercise properly, get more sun exposure, and adjust the diet to ensure adequate intake of vitamin D and minerals.
3. Supplement vitamin D preparations, such as cod liver oil 5-10 mg/day, once a day. Stop taking the medicine when diarrhea occurs. It is necessary to prevent excessive administration of vitamin D. Excessive vitamin D can cause calcium malabsorption, weight loss, digestive disorders, atrophy of various organs, circulatory disorders, etc.
4. Calcium supplements should be added to the feed for puppies, 1.5-2 grams, once a day, for 1-2 months.