Canine Case Note: Advanced Rickets, Skin Inflammation & Nutritional Deficiency

Aria appeared as a stray in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, a town in northeastern Romania, in very poor physical condition.
She was first noticed by a young local woman, who, having no means to take her in, walked from gate to gate carrying her and asking neighbours whether anyone could offer temporary shelter. The case was escalated to the ROLDA Rescue Team via an associate of Nas Rece, Inima Calda.

Aria presented in severely poor condition consistent with prolonged nutritional deprivation. The most notable visual finding was a marked deformity of the front limbs, with a “bear paw” appearance characteristic of advanced rickets. Skin condition was also poor, with patchy fur loss and signs of dermatological inflammation.

Advanced rickets: a metabolic bone disease occurring in young, developing canines and caused by a deficiency of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D. The disease produces softening and deformation of the skeleton, with clinical signs ranging from mild lameness in early presentation through bowed limbs, structural skeletal damage, folding fractures, and chronic pain as it progresses.

Concurrent skin inflammation, likely secondary to malnutrition and prolonged exposure during the period prior to rescue.

Treatment Plan
• Calcium and phosphorus supplementation to address the underlying nutritional deficiency
• Appropriate, nutritious feeding to support recovery and continued healthy bone development
• Treatment of concurrent skin inflammation
• Foster placement with ongoing monitoring
• Further veterinary review as treatment progresses

Response to treatment has been excellent. Aria’s front limbs have straightened, her coat has regrown, and her general condition has normalised. The foster placement converted to a permanent adoption (a “failed foster”). Aria now lives with her adoptive family alongside a canine companion, Benny.

This case illustrates the scale of nutritional illness seen in stray populations across rural and semi-urban Romania. Rickets, when caught early enough, is both preventable and treatable; the determining factor is identification and escalation, which depend on community members willing to act. With consistent supplementation and proper nutrition, prognosis for meaningful recovery is hopeful, as Aria’s outcome demonstrates.