Osteodystrophia fibrosa in two guinea pigs.
Two adult guinea pigs were examined because they were lethargic and reluctant to walk. Additionally, I guinea pig had otitis media, and the other had dental malocclusion. Both guinea pigs had been fed a commercially available diet of cereals and pellets enriched with vitamin C and formulated for this species. Radiographically, the guinea pigs had coarse trabecular bone patterns, skeletal deformations, pathologic fractures, and polyarthritic degenerative joint disease. A double cortical line was also evident on several long bones, the pelvis, and the vertebrae. A diagnosis of osteopenia was confirmed by use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Analysis of a food sample fed to 1 guinea pig revealed calcium and phosphorus contents of 0.524 and 0.425%, respectively (Ca:P ratio, 1.23:1). Microscopic examination of bone tissue from both guinea pigs revealed severe fibrous osteodystrophy. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by calcium-phosphorus imbalance was considered to be the underlying cause of osteodystrophia fibrosa in both guinea pigs.
Schwarz
T
T
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Glasgow University Veterinary School, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland.
Störk
C K
CK
Megahy
I W
IW
Lawrie
A M
AM
Lochmüller
E M
EM
Johnston
P E
PE
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D010002:Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology