The effect of massive intestinal resection on the dog skeleton

Abstract

.4 bstract :In order to explain a risk factor for osteoporosis, effects of chronic malabsorption on bone mass were experimentally assessed. In beagles, the distal three quarters of the small intestine was resected, and effects of the deficit on bone mass was studied. After double tetracycline labelling each dog was sacrificed, and sections of undecalcified lumbar vertebra were prepared for bone morphometry. Effects of postoperative treatment with ursodesoxycholic acid(UDCA) and l a (OH)D3 or with la (OH)D3 alone were also evaluated. The massive resection of the distal small intestine resulted in a decrease of serum lipid level and apparent malabsorption, leading to prominent changes in metabolism of vitamin D such as decreased production of 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D. Six months after the resection, neither a decrease in bone mass nor impaired calcification could be documented in agreement with the lasting normal 1,25(OH)2D level. Decreases in osteoid volume and thickness, as well as low bone formation rates, suggested insufficient bone matrix synthesis presumably associated with malabsorption. Consequently, bone mass would eventually decrease after massive intestinal resection. UDCA and vit.D3 supplements produced no clear effect on the bone.