Feline Developmental Bone Disorders Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Developmental bone disorders in cats represent a spectrum of conditions affecting skeletal growth and maturation. While many developmental orthopedic diseases are more commonly associated with dogs, cats can develop unique and breed-specific bone disorders that veterinarians must recognize. This guide focuses on conditions most relevant to feline practice and the NAVLE examination.

Unlike in dogs where panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) are common differential diagnoses for juvenile lameness, these conditions are extremely rare or only anecdotally reported in cats. However, cats have their own unique developmental bone disorders, most notably Scottish Fold Osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD), nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, and feline osteochondromatosis.

Scottish Fold Osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD)

Definition and Pathophysiology

Scottish Fold Osteochondrodysplasia is a hereditary developmental bone disorder affecting all Scottish Fold cats with folded ears. The condition results from a mutation in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4), which encodes a calcium-permeable ion channel involved in cartilage and bone development.