Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism –induced facial osteodystrophy in a Labrador puppy

This report describes unusual presentation of osteodystrophy causing facial hyperostosis due to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in a puppy. A female Labrador Retriever dog aged 5  months was presented with progressive bilaterally symmetrical swelling on facial region, hypersalivation, and reduced growth rate. Excessive meat intake in daily ration since weaning was reported. Clinical examination revealed dyspnoea, open mouth breathing, epiphora, excessive nasal secretions, t achycardia, pale mucous membranes, debility, loosely attached teeth, and pigmented oral mucosa of the upper jaw. Microcytic anemia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, monocytopenia, hypoproteinemia with hypoglobulinemia, hyperalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and decreased Ca:P ratio were evid ent in the hemato-biochemical study. Lateral radiographic view of the head revealed hyperostosis of the facial bones with irregularly arranged teeth on the upper jaw. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism–induced facial osteodystrophy was diagnosed in the animal based on the history and other supporting clinical evidence. The animal was treated with a protocol extending for 4 weeks using calcium, calcitriol, essential minerals, vitamins, and steroids. The animal showed considerable improvement on day 14 and regained normal facial architecture by day 28 of the therapy.
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research