Rickets in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Rickets is a metabolic bone disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus—most common in puppies with improper diets.

Treatment

• Correct the deficiency: vitamin D supplements, increased calcium/phosphorus intake; severe cases may need injections.
• Restrict exercise during healing (several months).
• Severe deformities may require surgical correction.

With proper treatment, most dogs recover fully.