Does Secondary Renal Osteopathy Exist in Companion Animals

Secondary renal hyperparathyroidism is an inevitable consequence of chronic kidney disease. In human patients, the disease is associated with decreased bone quality and increased fracture risk. Recent evidence suggests that bone quality is also decreased in companion animals, more pronouncedly in cats compared with dogs, likely because of a longer disease course. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined. Clinicians should keep in mind that animals with chronic kidney disease have decreased bone quality and increased fracture risk.