Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Our bones are equal parts rigid and flexible, making them capable of withstanding high impact as well as constant tension from attached muscle tendons and ligaments. Dogs affected with OI have lost the flexible part of the bone, which is primarily made of Type I collagen. This leads to extremely brittle bones and teeth. Type I collagen is also important in joints; as such, affected dogs can also present with hyperflexible joints and joint pain.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs often present to the vet for spontaneous bone fractures, tooth fractures and loss, and joint pain.
Signs are first recognized in puppies. -
Diagnosis
Genetic testing, clinical signs, radiographs, and laboratory tests are all used to diagnose this condition.
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Treatment
Currently, there is no treatment for this condition. Medications may be prescribed to help with pain.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Give your dog medications as prescribed to help with pain and inflammation.
- Try to minimize risk for injuries due to the chance for a bone fracture to occur.
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Genetic Information
A mutation in the COL1A1 gene, which codes for a collagen subunit important for bone matrix elasticity, was first identified in Dachshunds affected with osteogenesis imperfecta.
This is a dominant mutation, meaning a dog only needs one mutant allele to show signs of the disease.
Gene names:
COL1A1 (Exon 18) ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
dominant
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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