STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE FEED FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF JOINT DISORDERS IN SMALL BREED DOGS

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE FEED FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF JOINT DISORDERS IN SMALL BREED DOGS

Mikhail Chekunov

2nd year postgraduate student, Saratov State University named after N.I.Vavilov,

Russia, Saratov

Ekaterina Bykova

Veterinary doctor of Harmony LLC,

 Russia, Saratov

Sergey Kozlov

 Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor, Saratov State University named after N.I. Vavilov,

 Russia, Saratov

Evgeniya Silina

Student Saratov State University named after N.I. Vavilov,

Russia, Saratov

ABSTRACT

The article is devoted to the study of the effect of feeding on the development of joint disorders in dogs of small breeds. ТData on self-diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies are also provided.

Keywords: dogs feeding, pathologies of the articular apparatus, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and secondary food hyperparathyroidism.

Introduction. Feeding plays a very important role in the life of animals, so an unbalanced feed, its abnormal delivery can lead to various pathologies of the animal's body. One of these pathologies is diseases of the articular apparatus, which greatly affects the pet’s life. [5]

For example, diets low in calcium and saturated with phosphorus 1: 15-1: 20 lead to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. [4]

Violation of vitamin and mineral metabolism, mainly phosphorus and calcium, as well as a lack of vitamin A lead to the development of osteoarthritis in animals. [2]

Overfeeding an animal or an excessive amount of mineral fertilization (excess calcium, vitamins A, E) often leads to the incidence of osteochondrosis in small breed dogs. [3]

Diseases of the joints of foci are often found in domestic animals, in particular in dogs. This group of diseases accounts for 15 % of all diseases. These include diseases such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis, the development of which is affected by various dietary disorders. [1]

Due to the prevalence of joint diseases, it is interesting to analyze the effect of feeding in animals with these pathologies, which was the purpose of our research.

Materials and methods of research. The material for the study was 19 dogs of small breeds aged from 5 months to 9 years, who were admitted to the reception with pathologies of the articular apparatus. All animals underwent a thorough clinical examination and X-ray examination of the affected joints. Also, anamnesis was collected from the owners of animals, in which special attention was paid to feeding.

Animals were divided into several groups, depending on the disease and the degree of manifestation of diseases. So, we have identified 5 groups of dogs suffering from various diseases of the articular apparatus.

Research results and conclusions. The first group included animals that were diagnosed with secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism. They had the following symptoms: depression, decreased activity, body temperature was within normal limits, the hair cover was dull, with poorly held hair. Deformities of the limbs and enlarged joints were also observed. When moving, there was lameness and soreness. The following therapeutic measures were prescribed: normalization of the diet with Hill's Science Plan industrial feed for dogs, restriction of exercise and the preparation 8in1 Excel Calcium 0.5 tablets per day for 60 days. Outcome: all animals managed to stop their symptoms.

The second group consisted of dogs whose secondary hyperparathyroidism was complicated by fractured tubular bones. The symptoms were the same, as in group 1, but with the diagnosis of a fracture. The following treatment was prescribed: applying an immobilizing bandage, ketoprofen subcutaneously injected at a dosage of 2 mg per 1 kg of body weight once a day for5days, normalizing the diet with Hill's Science Plan food for dogs, and introducing an additional 8in1 Excel Calcium preparation 1 tablet per day for 60 days. Outcome: all animals managed to stop their symptoms.

The third group included animals with stage 2 osteoarthritis. At the same time, they had a depressed state, decreased activity, body temperature was within the normal range, dull hair, with poorly held hair. When moving, there was lameness, soreness and crunching in the joints. Treatment consisted of: moderate exercise, normalization of the diet with Hill's PD j/d industrial feed, ketoprofen subcutaneously at a dose of 2 mg per 1 kg of body weight for 5 days, Arthroglycan 1 tablet per 10 kg 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Outcome: all animals managed to stop their symptoms.

The fourth group included animals that were diagnosed with stage 3 osteoarthritis. Most of the symptoms were observed as in group 3 animals, but there was also an increase in local temperature, enlargement and deformity of the joints. The following treatment was carried out: moderate exercise, normalization of the diet with Hill's PD j/d industrial feed, kanvin hondro 2 tablets per day for 10 weeks, Aboutnsior subcutaneously 1 ml per 10 kg 1 time a day for 2 days, then 1 tablet 1 time a day for 7 days, Arthroglycan 1 tablet per 10 kg 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Outcome: all animals managed to stop their symptoms.

The fifth group consisted of animals with osteochondrosis. Among the symptoms, they had soreness, lameness that worsened after exertion, reduced activity, enlarged joints. The following treatments were prescribed: moderate exercise, normalization of the diet with Hill's PD j/d industrial feed, Arthroglycan 1 tablet per 10 kg 2 times a day for 4 weeks, Onsior subcutaneously 1 ml per 10 kg 1 time a day for 2 days, then 1 tablet 1 time a day for 7 days. Outcome: all animals managed to stop their symptoms.

In the course of the study, it was determined that the pathologies of the articular apparatus are directly dependent on the type of nutrition of dogs. So in dogs that eat ready-made industrial food, the incidence of joint pathologies reached 20 %. The number of animals that were on a natural diet was 35 %. And in dogs fed a mixed diet, both ready-made industrial food and natural food was 45 % (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Animals with pathologies of the articular apparatus, taking into account the diet, %

Conclusions. The results of our research allow us to draw the following conclusions:

1. Joint pathologies occur in 15 % of cases.
2. Animals that are fed ready-made industrial feed are less susceptible to the development of pathologies in the articular apparatus.
3. The correct dosage of food is important, taking into account the weight of the dog, as well as the balance of feeding.

References:

1. Diagnostics and therapy of endocrine diseases of animals: a textbook / compiled by T. N. Babkina, N. V.LenkovStreet. - Persianovskiy: Donskoy GAU, - 2019. - 152 p..   
2. Microelementoses of farm animals / S. P. Kovalev, A. P.Kurdeko, G. G. Shcherbakov [et al.]; edited by S. P. Kovalev. - Saint Petersburg: SPbGAVMPubl., - 2013-, 132 p. (in Russian).
3. Polishchuk F.And, Trofimenko A.L. "Cynology" / Perun - 2010 - 200s.
4. Dubrovina E.V. "About feeding dogs" / "GNOME Publishing House" - 2009- 320s.
5. Buzmakova E.D. - "Technology of feeding dogs and cats" / Kirov - 2012 - 182 p.