Evaluation of energy- and nutrient-supply in growing dogs with developmental orthopedic diseases using computer-assisted ration-analysis

The present study is concerned with the examination of 132 dogs presented f or skeletal disease treatment in the pet clinic of the Free University of B erlin and the veterinary clinic Dr. H. GruBendorf, Bramsche-Pente, between 1st January 1998 and 1st July 1999. Patients suffered from osteochondrosis dissecans, enostosis, fractured Proc. coronoideus, hypertrophic osteodystro phy, axial deviation, hip dysplasia and isolated Proc. anconaeus. German Shepherds (n = 25), Rottweiler (n = 12), Bernese mountain dogs (n = 10), Golden Retrievers (n = 10), Hovawarts (n = 9), and Labradors (n = 8) w ere the most affected pedigrees. The animals age varied from 3 to 12 months . 75,8% of the patients were male. The composition of the feeding-ration wa s ascertained and analysis was made with the computer-programmes Excel and Diet-check. Actual weight development varied from 67% to 131% of recommended weight dev elopment (median 101%). The average energy supply came to 101% of recommend ation, varying from 52% tol 89%. The median of protein supply amounted to 1 20% of recommendation with a minimum of 58% and a maximum of 294%. Calcium values amounted to 132% in average, varying from 4% to 437%. The content of phosphorus varied from 22% to 346% with a median of 180%. Calcium-phosphor us-ratio varied from 0,37:1 to 3,24:1. The median was 1,28:1. Especially dogs that were fed supplementary diets to their complete commerc ial feeds showed an excess of calcium. Dogs that were mainly fed on home ma de diets were rarely provided with adequate calcium.