Which statement best describes metabolic bone disease?

• A. It results from not enough vitamin D or calcium
• B. It results from overuse of calcium
• C. It is caused by lack of exercise
• D. It affects only pets with no access to sunlight

Answer: (A)

Metabolic bone disease in cats and dogs is a nutritional problem where bones don’t mineralize properly because the body doesn’t have enough calcium or the vitamin D needed to absorb it. Vitamin D helps the gut take up calcium, and calcium is the mineral bones need to harden and stay strong. When either is insufficient, bones remain soft and weak, leading to deformities and fractures. That’s why the description that it results from not enough vitamin D or calcium is the best fit.

This isn’t caused by taking in too much calcium, and it isn’t simply due to not exercising. It also isn’t limited to pets with no sunlight— vitamin D can come from the diet as well, and indoor pets can still develop MBD if their diet is deficient or imbalanced.