Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a generalised, inherited bone defect characterised by extreme fragility of bones and loose joints. The bones can break easily, sometimes they break for no known reason.

 

The long bones are slender and have thin cortices. Calluses and recent fractures may be present. The disease can also cause weak muscles, brittle teeth, curved spine and hearing loss. The cause of the disease is a gene defect that affects how the body makes collagen, a protein that helps make bones strong 

 

Clinical signs include pain, spontaneous bone and teeth fractures, loose joints, and reduced bone density on radiography. Primary teeth are extremely thin-walled and brittle Osteogenesis imperfecta can range from mild to severe and symptoms vary from one dog to another.

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