Species: Dog
Condition: Neurotropic Osteopathy
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
A rare bone disease caused by the abnormalities in the nerves. Neurotrophic osteopathy can be seen in young dogs, between the ages of 3 to 9 months. It is characterized by the tow gnawing, self mutilation and low sensitivity in lower parts of the limbs. It also can subsequently lead to degeneration of the spinal chord and associated neurologic problems. It is speculated that the condition is inherited; it has been reported that some breeds are more likely to suffer from neurotropic osteopathy. Unfortunately there is no available treatment for this condition; only pain management. It is not recommended to breed affected animals.
Breeds exposed to Neurotropic Osteopathy – Research Reference
Australian Silky Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Dalmatian Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Rottweiler Cross – (Davies & Irwin 2003)
Scottish Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Saluki Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Australian Silky Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Parson Jack Russell Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Scottish Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Samoyed – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labradoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Afghan Hound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Great Dane – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Bullmastiff Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Samoyed Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labrador Retriever Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cocker Spaniel Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Parson Jack Russell Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Spoodle Cross – (Dewey 2003a)
Great Dane Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labrador Retriever – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Rottweiler – (Davies & Irwin 2003)
Bullmastiff – (Dewey 2003a)
Cocker Spaniel – (Dewey 2003a)
Dalmatian – (Dewey 2003a)
Saluki – (Dewey 2003a)
Shetland Sheepdog – (Dewey 2003a)
Spoodle – (Dewey 2003a)
Labradoodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Neurotropic Osteopathy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
