Osteodystrophia Fibrosa is a general term for the diseases of bones. It occurs due to failure of normal development or abnormal metabolism of the mature bone. This disease most commonly occurs in horses and other equines. And it is called bran disease, big head or miller’s disease. This disease is also seen in other animals such as dogs, pigs, and cats. However, this condition is more prevalent in equines that are engaged in transportation, racing, because of poor management of a balanced diet.
Causes
- Ca, P & vitamin D deficiency
- Absolute deficiency
- Imbalance of Ca : P in the diet
- Deficiency of Ca/ P leads to
- Hypoplasia which causes rickets in young animal
- Atrophy resulting in Osteomalacia in adult ruminants
- Osteodystrophy fibrosis in adult pig & horses
- Persis is a condition in chicks, due to Osteodystrophy
- Inadequate nutrition
- Hypo & Hypervitaminosis A results in Osteodystrophic changes in cattle & swine
- Prolonged feeding of a High Ca diet in Bulls leads to Hypercalcitonism.
- Multiple vitamin & mineral deficiency results in Osteodystrophy in cattle
- Chemical agents eg. chronic lead poisoning, fluorine poisoning
- Inherited & congenital cause eg. Achondroplasia, chondrodystrophy & osteogenesis imperfecti.
- In Chronic Interstitial Nephritis, there is High P, So4.
- ‘Rubber Bone’ in dogs is a condition which is due to hyperactivity of parathyroid, resulting in
- demineralization (Fibrous Osteodystrophy).
- Deficiency of P in Horse → Big head or mandible disease
Clinical signs
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to walk
- Distortion and enlargement of bone
- Susceptibility to fracture
- Interference with gait & posture.
Diagnosis of Osteodystrophia Fibrosa
a. On the basis of the history of workload and dietary insufficiencies.
b. On the basis of clinical findings such as abnormal gait, reluctance to walk, lethargy
c. Laboratory diagnosis:
- Radiographic examination of the bones involved; widespread areas of rarefaction and cystic spaces in them may be seen
Treatment of Osteodystrophia Fibrosa
- Supplementation of Ca, P & vitamin D
- Vitamin D 10,000 I.U. /kg
- Di calcium Po4
- Adequate bedding