DISEASES OF DOGS

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options

If you see this icon in a fact sheet summary you may be dealing with a life threatening issue. Consult a veterinarian immediately.

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OCD (Osteochondrosis dissecans)

Osteochondrosis dissecans, or OCD, is a common bone condition occurring in young, rapidly growing dogs and seen in many breeds, particularly the larger breeds including the Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog and Labradors.

The bones of growing puppies lengthen from each end, at the growth plates. As the bones grow, soft cartilage is deposited continuously at the growth plates and, over time, this cartilage is transformed into bone. OCD occurs when cartilage fails to transform into bone, continuing to grow and to become abnormally thick. This often leads to cracks in the cartilage which can result in a whole flap lifting up.

SEVERITY: Causes inflammation & pain, frequently Severe. Surgical correction required.

OCD causes considerable inflammation and pain in the joint, and affected dogs begin to display a limp. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulder and elbow, although the knee and hock can also be affected.

The exact cause of OCD is unknown but contributing factors include:

Rapid growth. The rarity of OCD in breeds weighing less than 23 kg indicates large size and rapid growth are important factors.

Genetics. The condition appears to hereditary.

Diet. Overnutrition with a high intake of calcium during growth is a contributing factor.

Trauma may also play a role in the development of OCD.

If your dog has a limp, we will conduct a complete physical examination to try to localise the pain to one or two joints. Once this is determined, x-rays will help us rule out other reasons why your dog may be limping, such as a fracture. 

OCD rarely heals by itself and in the majority of cases surgery to remove the cartilage flap is required.

MORE DISEASES OF DOGS

DOGS: ADVICE FOR EMERGENCIES

ALL of the articles in this section cover symptoms that require immediate veterinary treatment.

E&OE. The information provided in the articles on this site is intended as a guide to assist readers to become better informed about health issues that may affect their pets and livestock. They are not a substitute for appropriate veterinary advice and treatment. They should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any individual animal and no person should place reliance on information derived from them, where such reliance may result in loss, damage or injury. Always consult a qualified veterinarian to obtain advice.

Although Alpine Animal Doctors make every effort to ensure that the information contained in our articles is accurate and up-to-date we can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions that may occur.