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Hypertrophic osteopathy is a bone disease secondary to disease in the lungs, usually cancer. This condition occurs mainly in Dogs and is rare in cats. Hypertrophic osteopathy is characterized by new bone formation on the outside of the toe bones, which then extends proximally. Symptoms include stiffness and warm, firm swelling of the legs, and signs of lung disease such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Hypertrophic osteopathy is caused by increased blood flow to the ends of the legs, overgrowth of connective tissue, and then new bone formation surrounding the bones. This is secondary to nerve stimulation by the lung disease. The condition may reverse if the lung mass is removed or if the vagus nerve is cut on the affected side.