Infections of the Bone

15.3 Lameness due to Nutritional Deficiencies If many bones and joints are crooked or deformed, then the animal may have a nutritional problem. For details regarding mineral deficiencies, See pages 306-310. In general, deficiencies of calcium / phosphorus and Vitamin D can cause problems with lameness.

 Calcium deficiency is very rare. It may be seen in racehorses, in cattle that are being fattened with lots of grain, in young sheep, in lactating sows that are being fed only grain and no mineral supplement, and in high-producing dairy cows right around calving. (For milk fever, See pages 148, 270.)

 Phosphorus deficiency is much more common because phosphorus is deficient in many types of soil. See page 309.

 Vitamin D is also essential for the body to be able to use calcium and phosphorus properly. Therefore, Vitamin D deficiency can also be associated with phosphorus deficiency or encountered in animals that are housed inside and never exposed to sunlight.

The most common deficiency associated with bones in young, growing animals is called rickets. It is caused by a lack of phosphorus and/or Vitamin D. Young animals become lame with swollen knees. They also develop bumps on their ribs. Their backs become arched and they are reluctant to move.

Osteomalacia means “soft bones” and is usually due to a chronic phosphorus/vitamin deficiency in adult animals. Mostly pregnant or milking cows suffer from this disease and they become lame and stiff. It may also cause infertility.

Treatment: Suspected cases of rickets and osteomalacia should be given mineral supplements (e.g. bone meal) to eat. See page 306-308. Be sure that the animal is exposed regularly to some sunlight (or if possible, give it vitamin D to eat). Do not bother treating rickets or osteomalacia with intravenous calcium or phosphorus. Rather, provide these minerals in the diet.

An infection of the bone is called “osteomyelitis.” Bone infections are not common in livestock or horses except following injuries, particularly an “open” fracture. Osteomyelitis might also occur after an injury in which a sharp object has punctured the skin.

Symptoms:

 Hot, swollen, and painful in the affected area  Fever  Possible drainage of pus Note: An animal might also have a chronic drainage of pus due to a piece of dead bone (e.g. an old fracture). When taking a history, ask the owner if the animal had an injury in the area of the draining pus (even if it occurred several months ago).

Treatment: Give penicillin injections and be sure to remove any foreign object that has penetrated the skin. The penicillin will also help protect against tetanus. If there is a chronic drainage of pus due to dead bone, the dead bone must also be removed, otherwise, the drainage won’t stop.

Systems of the Body and Associated Veterinary Problems