Sure, Simon Veterinary Surgical specializes in orthopedic surgeries, but what is there to do if the patient’s orthopedic issues stem from a nutritional imbalance that cannot be surgically fixed?

On occasion, we’ve had patients come to us that are limping or unable to walk, with bowed legs that are painful to touch, or in severe cases, ataxic – meaning to lose control of most body functions. On closer examination, Dr. Simon can feel that their bones are soft, spongy, and too weak to hold the weight of their bodies. Though some soft bone disorders are genetically inherited, the most common source in these issues comes from a nutritional imbalance or deficiency, also known as rickets.

What nutrients are needed for healthy bone development?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of nutritional bone disorder and how it is treated, let’s take a moment to cover the key nutrients in the bone formation process:  

• Calcium & Phosphorus are nutrients that are primality obtained from the diet. Bone-forming cells use them to create calcium phosphate crystals and lay them in an organized fibrous matrix to construct the bone. A each life stage, a different Ca:P ratio is required for growth and maintenance.

• Vitamin D can be obtained from the diet or from exposure to sunlight. Though not generally present in bones themselves, vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Along with the parathyroid hormone, it also helps regulate calcium and phosphorus concentrations.

How does Dr. Simon determine if there is a nutritional bone disorder?

Determining if the weak bones are a result of a nutritional bone disorder takes a multi-pronged approach; rather than relying on just one method, Dr. Simon will assess the condition in various ways.

Assess the diet. Dr. Simon’s first step is to discuss the pet’s diet with their owner. Nearly all pet foods on the market include the essential vitamins and minerals needed to grow healthy bones, but if the owners opt to prepare the diet themselves, for example by feeding an all-meat diet, then some essential nutrients might be missing.

Examine the x-rays. Dr. Simon can further assess a nutritional imbalance by looking at the bones on an x-ray. Bones with abnormal mineralization have several distinctive characteristics, such as a bowing, lower radiograph opacity, incomplete fractures, irregular growth plates, microscopic lesions, and enlarged joints.

Run a blood test. The final step is to confirm that one or several key bone forming nutrients is out of balance. A serum blood test will typically show at least one or more of the following:

1. A low concentration of calcium

2. A low concentration of phosphorus

3. A low concentration of vitamin D

How does Dr. Simon treat a nutrition bone disorder?

No matter which nutrient, or combination of nutrients, is out of balance, Dr. Simon will recommend a similar treatment plan, focused on increasing all key bone-forming nutrients. She does this in several ways by making sure the patient:

1. Is on a high-quality diet to ensure they are receiving a proper balance of nutrients.

2. Spends more time in the sunlight to increase vitamin D levels and help with the absorption and regulation of the other key nutrients.

3. Is started on BONEO Canine® Clinical Formula, a supplement exclusively available through veterinarians. In addition to containing the nutrients needed to grow and maintain healthy bones, this supplement contains a maximum strength patented protein-based technology that enhances nutrient absorption. BONEO Canine® is the only bone supplement on the market that promotes bone growth for the entire skeletal system, which is especially important for pets with nutritional bone disorders.

When animals put weight on the bones, it signals the bone-forming cells to get to work, so gradually introducing play and exercise will also help in the recovery process. However, this part of the treatment plan must be introduced very carefully since the bones can be quite fragile in the beginning.

What is the prognosis for the patient?

Once the dietary nutrients are brought into balance, patients typically build back stronger bones within 3 months. With the help of BONEO Canine® Clinical Formula, we usually see an even shorter recovery time. There is a chance that the deformities that developed prior to treatment may persist for the rest of the patient’s life, however, if the patient is young enough, these deformities may correct themselves as the patient grows. If they continue on a balanced diet, the condition is unlikely to develop again and the owners can expect to see their furry friends live a full, healthy, energetic life. 

If you suspect you pet has a nutritional bone disorder or if you are interested in learning more about BONEO Canine® Clinical Formula, give Simon Veterinary Surgical a call today!