Das histomorphologische Verhalten des Knochensystems des Jungrindes nach quantitativer Mangelernährung

Abstract

As a contribution to the knowledge of metabolic skeletal disorders of cattle and to the comparative pathology of osteopathies due to quantitative undernutrition, the bone lesions observed in 7 markedly cachectic calves are described and discussed. The animals varied from 31/2 to 6 months of age. The most important findings included osteoblastic osteoporosis caused by pronounced inhibition of proliferation and maturation of the chondrocytes and osteoblasts as well as osteoclastic osteoporosis in one case resulting from significantly increased resorption. The bone marrow showed contained transudate, gelatinous replacement of the fat, and, replacing the hemopoietic cells, a ground substance containing fibrin and condensed plasma albumin and consisting primarily of acid mucopolysaccharides. The pathogenesis of the findings is discussed, and it is debated to what extent these changes are specific for quantitative undernutrition and how far quantitative malnutrition can be considered responsible for generalized osteodystrophia fibrosa. The findings in the calves are compared with literature reports on corresponding osteopathies in other animal species and in man. The more severe effect of undernutrition on the skeleton of growing domestic animals as compared to man is attributed to the more rapid growth of the former.