Disorder - Chondrodysplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Achondroplasia, Achondrogenesis, Dwarfism, Hypochondrogenesis, Osteochondrodysplasia

Alternative Names
Chondrodystrophy

Presenting Signs

Chondrodysplasia is a disease affecting normal cartilage formation between bones in the joints. Affected animals show disproportionate dwarfism (ie. short legs with a normal sized body). Affected animals are shorter than normal, have difficulty supporting their weight, have gait abnormalities, and have a thick inflexible tail base. Changes to the surfaces of the bones and cartilage are evident by 7 weeks of age on x-ray films, particularly in the front limbs. The limbs may also appear curved or bowed due to widened growth plates (areas where bone growth originates). The joints in the lower limbs may also be swollen, as the growth plates may become mushroom shaped. The changes may affect just the forelimbs, or just the hindlimbs, but are generally symmetrical. Secondary osteoarthritis is common in these cats, and they may show evidence of pain when walking. In severe cases, the cartilage may be so affected between bones that the bones may fuse together, making the joints immobile. The clinical signs may be mistaken for rickets in some kittens.

PubMed References
Chondrodysplasia

Contributor
Megan Rees