Rickets in dogs and cats: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Watching our puppy or kitten grow is one of the most beautiful stages, but also the most delicate. Sometimes, we notice that their legs are not developing as they should or that they have difficulty walking. Although it is an ancient disease, rickets in dogs and cats remains a real concern that, if detected in time, has a solution.

At Koko Genetics, we believe that knowing the origin, whether nutritional or genetic, is the first step to protecting their future.

What is rickets in dogs and why does it occur?

If you are wondering what rickets in dogs is, you should know that it is a bone pathology that mainly affects young growing animals. It is characterised by defective bone mineralisation, making them soft and prone to deformation.

Understanding what causes rickets in dogs is vital. Generally, it is due to an imbalance in three key elements: calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. However, it is not always the diet’s fault.

The hidden factor: Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets in dogs

This is where your knowledge of their genetics makes the difference. There is a variant known as hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets in dogs.

In these cases, the dog is born with a genetic inability to absorb or metabolise vitamin D correctly, regardless of how well it eats.

Symptoms of rickets in dogs: Warning signs

Detecting it early is key. Symptoms of rickets in dogs usually include:

• Bowed legs or legs curved outwards.
• Thickening of the joints (swollen wrists or ankles).
• Lameness or reluctance to move and play.
• Pain when being handled.
• Stunted growth compared to their lineage or breed.

Rickets in cats: A different reality

Although it is spoken of less, rickets in cats also exists and is just as dangerous. Symptoms of rickets in cats are similar to canines: lethargy, curved spine, and weakness in the hind limbs.

A common myth: Rickets or toxicity?

In the feline world, there is a lot of nutritional confusion. Information is often sought suggesting that rickets is a sign of vitamin A toxicity in cats.

Although toxicity from excess liver (rich in Vitamin A) causes severe bone deformities (especially in the neck), classic rickets is due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium imbalance. It is crucial to differentiate both diagnoses to know how to treat rickets in cats correctly: while one requires supplementation, the other requires restriction.

Treatment and cure: How to recover their health?

If you are wondering how to cure rickets in dogs or cats, the good news is that, if there are no irreversible fractures, the prognosis is usually favourable with rapid intervention.

The treatment of rickets in dogs is based on three pillars:

• Dietary correction: It is fundamental to balance the calcium/phosphorus ratio.
• Controlled supplementation: Vitamin D under strict veterinary supervision.
• Exercise control: Avoid strong impacts while the bones harden.

An excess of supplements can be as harmful as a deficiency.

The best diet for recovery

The best diet for dogs with rickets is one specifically formulated for puppies of their size (food for “large breeds” has controlled calcium levels to avoid explosive growth). Avoid homemade diets without the supervision of a nutritionist, as they are the number one cause of rickets in dogs.

Long-term effects and prevention

Unfortunately, if action is not taken, there are long-term effects of rickets in dogs. These may include permanent bone deformities, early arthritis, and chronic pain.

In summary, when analysing rickets in dogs: causes, symptoms, and treatment, the conclusion is clear: prevention is everything. With the Koko Genetics DNA test for dogs, we encourage you not to leave your best friend’s health to chance.