Osteochondrodysplasia
The osteochondrodysplasias (a form of osteoarthritis) are group of hereditary disorders affecting skeletal development, growth and the maintenance of cartilage and bone. They are usually inherited as fully penetrant autosomal dominant disorders. There are more than 100 know genetic skeletal dysplasias (osteochondrodysplasias). Often they are noted at birth because of the short limbs or trunk, but some are only diagnosed after a certain period of growth.
Causes of Osteochondrodysplasias
Osteochondrodysplasias are caused by abnormal development and growth of cartilage and bone. These abnormalities have been reported in both humans and animals with dwarfism. The deformoties result in limbs being shortened. degenerative joint disease may be present due to these sekeltal abnormalities.
Breeds at Risk
The Basset Hound is considered a breed with a disproportionate prevalence of dwarfism, the cause of which is unknown. The basset hound can be defined only as a breed having osteochondrodysplasia due to a primary cartilage problem in the growth plate. The Havanese is a toy breed that presents with a wide range of developmental abnormalities. Skeletal defects, particularly osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), are the most frequently observed anomalies.2 Lethal osteochondrodysplasias lead to death shortly after birth.
References:
1. Martinez S, Fajardo R, Valdes J, Ulloa-Arvizu R, Alonso R. Histopathologic study of long-bone growth plates confirms the basset hound as an osteochondrodysplastic breed.Can J Vet Res. 2007 Jan;71(1):66-9.[1]
2. Starr AN, Famula TR, Markward NJ, Baldwin JV, Fowler KD, Klumb DE, Simpson NL, Murphy KE.. Hereditary evaluation of multiple developmental abnormalities in the Havanese dog breed. J Hered. 2007;98(5):510-7. Epub 2007 Jul 9
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