Idiopathic multifocal osteopathy in four Scottish terriers (1991-1996)

This case series describes four Scottish terriers with an osteopathic condi tion, characterized by multifocal absence of bone in the skull, cervical sp ine, and proximal radii, ulnae, and femora, All dogs were affected clinical ly; two dogs were euthanized due to progression of the disease, one died ac utely, and one was euthanized for an oral melanoma. Histopathology in one c ase was characterized by osteoclastic osteolysis and replacement of bone wi th fibrous tissue. This disease has some characteristics of human osteolysi s syndromes. Three of the dogs were related through pedigree analysis, and the pedigree of the other dog was not available. The name, idiopathic multi focal osteopathy, is used to describe a new disease in dogs, found particul arly in Scottish terriers.