Rickets

What are the causes of rickets?

The most common cause of rickets is an incorrect or inadequate diet for your dog. If you give him too little or too much calcium or phosphorus, or if you don't offer him food with vitamin D, he can develop rickets. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and incorporate it into the bones.

Another possible cause of rickets is a malfunction of your dog's thyroid or parathyroid gland. These glands produce hormones that regulate the calcium and phosphorus balance in the blood. If they release too little or too much hormones, this can lead to an imbalance of these minerals.

A rare cause of rickets is a genetic disorder that results in the body not being able to utilize vitamin D properly. This disorder is called vitamin D-dependent rickets type I or II.

How can you recognize rickets?

The symptoms of rickets can vary depending on the severity and age of your dog. Typical signs are:

• Pain and tenderness in the bones and joints
• Lameness and difficulty walking
• Deformation of the bones, especially in the legs, head, chest and spine
• Thickening of the joints and cartilage
• Muscle weakness and tremors
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Growth retardation

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can do a blood test to measure the calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D levels in his blood. He may also take x-rays to assess the condition of his bones.

How can you treat rickets?

The treatment of rickets depends on the cause. If your dog has rickets because of a poor diet, you need to feed him a high-quality food that is balanced and contains all the nutrients he needs. You should also make sure he drinks enough fresh water. The vet can recommend how much food you should give him and whether you need to give him additional calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D supplements.

If your dog has rickets due to a hormonal imbalance, he may need to take medication to support his thyroid or parathyroid glands. The vet will check his blood regularly to adjust the correct dosage.

If your dog has rickets due to a genetic disorder, he will need to take vitamin D supplements for life. He will also need regular visits to the vet to monitor his bones.

Treatment for rickets can take a few weeks or months for your dog's bones to recover. In some cases, the deformation of the bones cannot be reversed. Your dog may then need to undergo physiotherapy to improve their mobility and well-being.

How can you prevent rickets?

The best way to prevent rickets is to feed your dog a healthy diet. You should give him a high-quality food that is specifically suited to his age, size and breed. You should also make sure that he doesn't get too much or too little food, as being overweight or underweight can also lead to bone problems.

You should also provide your dog with enough sunlight and exercise. Sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health. Exercise helps to strengthen the bones and muscles and promote blood circulation.

You should take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups. The vet can determine if your dog is susceptible to rickets or if he is already showing signs of it. They can also give you tips on how to promote your dog's bone health.