Disorder - Osteodystrophy

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Achondroplasia; Ankylosis, generalised; Bone lesion; Brachydactyly; Chondrodysplasia; Fibrodysplasia ossificans; Hip dysplasia; Osteochondrodysplasia; Osteogenesis imperfecta; Sacral dysgenesis; Sacro-coccygeal agenesis; Spinal dysplasia; Tail, stump; Taillessness; Vertebral anomalies

Presenting Signs

Osteodystrophy is abnormal development of the bones of the feet and tail. Symptoms may not be apparent until two months of age. The underside of the foot may appear thickened as bones grow abnormally. This compresses the nerves, muscles, tendons and joints, resulting in pain, and difficulty in bending, using, or resting on the leg. It can occur in the front and back feet. With unequal pressure exerted on the foot, skin ulcers can develop, and these can become infected. These factors together can result in the cat becoming lame. The paws may also be shortened and nails may overgrow. The tail skeleton may also grow abnormally in a similar way, becoming thickened and inflexible.

Cats at Risk

Osteodystrophy has been known to occur in male or female offspring of cats where both parents have folded ears. The Scottish Fold is a breed with particular risk, however, if one of the parents has straight ears, the offspring are usually not affected.

Treatment

Surgery can be performed to remove the areas of abnormal bone growth to normalise the shape of the leg and reduce the compression. The joints are fixed with a metal plate to allow normal weight support.

PubMed References
Osteodystrophy

Contributor
Jonathan Young