Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with sudden pelvic limb lameness and massive bone loss
By Farrell, M et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2011·Fitzpatrick Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Massive osteolysis in a dog resembling Gorham's disease in humans.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An eight-month-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for sudden limping in the back legs. X-rays and CT scans showed severe bone loss in the lower back and pelvis, but tests couldn't find a clear cause. The vet treated the dog with a medication called alendronate, which helps strengthen bones, along with pain relief medications. After treatment, the dog was able to return to nearly normal activity levels, despite the significant bone issues.
People also search for: dog limping back legs · alendronate for dogs · bone loss in dogs treatment
Abstract
An eight-month-old mixed-breed dog was presented with a history of sudden onset pelvic limb lameness. Radiographic and computed tomographic examinations demonstrated an osteolytic process involving the lumbar spine and pelvis. A comprehensive work-up including serial radiographic skeletal survey, biopsy, routine laboratory investigation and evaluation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels failed to reveal any underlying cause for the osteolysis. Conservative treatment using the bisphosphonate drug alendronate and oral analgesic medications resulted in a return to nearly normal long-term function, despite massive lumbar and pelvic osteolysis. The clinical, radiological and histopathological features in this dog are reported, and similarities with the human condition known as Gorham's disease are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21822531/