A Radiographic Study on the Development of the Antebrachium in Great Dane Pups on Different Calcium Intakes

Radiographic examination of the radius and ulna was performed in three groups of Great Danes fed diets containing high, normal, and low calcium contents from the ages of 7 to 21 weeks. Development and maturation of secondary ossification centers, architecture of the distal ulnar metaphysis, and growth in length of the radius were noted. In the dogs fed a high‐calcium diet, there was retardation in the development of the ulnar styloid process, the humeral medial epicondyle, the olecranal apophysis, and the anconeal process. In addition, these dogs developed severe changes over the entire width of the distal ulnar metaphysis, whereas the other groups developed only focal changes. The dogs fed a low‐calcium diet developed severe signs of nutritional hyperparathyroidism. It is concluded that the development of the secondary ossification centers and the growth in length of the radius are inversely related to calcium intake.