The Effect of a Moderate Exercise Program on Serum Markers of Bone Metabolism in Dogs

Abstract

The beneficial effect of physical activity on the musculoskeletal health in dogs is well recognized, but the level of intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise is not fully described. Measurement of serum markers of bone metabolism (bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin as bone formation markers and C-terminal telopeptide as bone resorption marker) during four months of organized moderate-intensity physical training in Labrador retriever and Golden retriever dogs aged between 11.7–24.4 months, showed variations of bone metabolism. Dogs were included in treadmill running sessions for 25 min, three times per week. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of the program (baseline), after two months (mid-term) and at the end of the study after four months. The values of bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin significantly decreased following two months of exercise program. Bone alkaline phosphatase increased by the end of four-month training cycle, but did not reach baseline value. Osteocalcin levels continued to decrease towards the end of the study. C-terminal telopeptide concentrations did not significantly change throughout the study duration. The results of this study show that aerobic exercise of moderate-intensity caused an initial decrease in bone formation followed by an increase of bone alkaline phosphatase and a further decrease of osteocalcin concentration. The response of two formation markers can be explained by the different stage of osteoblast activity that they express. In summary, moderate exercise resulted in no change in bone resorption, and a mild bone formation in young developing dogs.

No Observed Adverse Effects on Health Were Detected in Adult Beagle Dogs When Fed a High-Calcium Diet for 40 Weeks

“…The onset of decline from baseline in the test group was later than the control group, which could be due to natural variability, environmental factors or higher mineral content of the test diet. BAP levels measured in the current study were higher than those previously reported [ 53 ], however this may be due to other factors such as activity level [ 54 , 55 ], which has been reported to be influential. CTx levels measured for both diet groups were within the normal range reported in dogs [ 56 , 57 ].…”

Exercise vs Conventional Treatment for Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…However, we failed to find that compared with conventional drug therapy, kinesitherapy has significant difference in improving biochemical markers of bone metabolism such as BGP, serum phosphorus, and serum calcium in POP patients, this may indicate that exercise therapy and conventional drug therapy have little difference in the impact of POP patients on biochemical markers of bone metabolism. This conclusion seems to be similar to previous animal experiments 49 , but at the same time we have also seen reports that exercise is helpful for bone metabolites 50 . Due to the limitation of the outcome indicators of the original study, the bone resorption markers recommended by the guidelines, such as serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), were not reported in the original study, so analysis could not be performed.…”

The dog as an exercise science animal model: a review of physiological and hematological effects of exercise conditions

“…In general, acute exercise was defined as lasting for up to 4 weeks [ 32 ], and chronic exercise was defined as that lasting for 8 weeks or longer [ 33 ]. Tables 3 [ 10 , 34 - 36 ] and 4 [ 37 - 39 ] show the changes in the physiological and hematological parameters according to acute and chronic exercise in dogs.…”

“…Vrbanac et al [ 39 ] analyzed biomarkers related to bone metabolism (bone alkaline phosphatase, c-telopeptide of type I collagen, osteocalcin) following low-intensity treadmill exercise three times a week, 25 min/time, for 16 weeks. They reported no differences in the levels of bone metabolism biomarkers.…”