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, 18:53, 27 February 2011
*Failure of mineralisation of osteoid / softening of the bones
*Active resorption of bone replaced by excess osteoid on trabeculae, endosteum of cortices and [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology#Bone Remodeling|Haversian canals]]
*Decreased resistance to tension -> osteoid build-up at tendon insertions
*In advanced disease
**Bones break easily and become deformed
**Tendons may separate from bones
*Caused by prolonged phosphorus and Vitamin D deficiency
**Vitamin D maintains normal plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus through acting on the intestines, bones and kidneys
*In mature animals
*Mainly grazing ruminants following gestation and lactation
**Sunlight is important for production of vitamin D in the skin of ruminants
**Vitamin d is also present in sun-dried hay
**Mostly seen where there is long grass growing season with poor sunlight
[[Category:Bones - Metabolic Pathology]]