Generalized Skeletal Dysplasias Affecting Large Animals

Dysplasia

Nature of the Disorder

Large Animal Species Affected

Chondrodysplasia

A genetic defect compromises the ability to undergo endochondral ossification; thus the ability to form cartilage and bone from cartilage is lost.

Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs

Osteogenesis imperfecta

A defect in type 1 collagen formation in bone results in osteopenia and excessive bone fragility, with multiple intrauterine fractures, skeletal deformity, fetal death, fragile teeth, joint laxity, and blue sclera.

Cattle, sheep

Osteopetrosis

A primarily genetic inherited disorder causes a defect in osteoclastic bone resorption, resulting in accumulation of primary spongiosa within the medullary cavities and overall systemic increase in skeletal mass.

Cattle, horses, deer

Disproportionate dwarfism

An inherited, genetic disorder results from disrupted signaling pathways or structural disruptions. Physical characteristics are breed-specific.

Cattle, horses, sheep, goats