Osteochondritis Dissecans in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a painful joint disorder that mostly affects large and giant breed dogs when they are young. It involves damage or abnormal development of the cartilage cushioning the joints, causing painful bone-to-bone contact. Genetics, rapid growth, trauma, and nutrition all contribute to the risk of a dog developing OCD.

Breeds Most Affected by Border Collie, Great Dane and More

OCD mainly affects larger breeds because their weight places extra stress on joints, but smaller dogs can develop it too. Male dogs are more commonly affected, possibly due to their larger size. The condition often starts between 4 to 10 months old but can occur in older dogs.

• Border Collie - typically affects shoulder joint
• Great Dane - shoulder joint commonly affected
• Irish Wolfhound - shoulder joint often involved
• Saint Bernard
• Siberian Husky
• Dobermann
• Rottweiler

Recognising the Symptoms of OCD

OCD can affect joints like the shoulder, elbow, knee or hock, with the shoulder being most common. Signs to watch for include:

• Lameness ranging from mild to severe
• Reluctance or inability to bear weight on a limb
• Shortened stride, especially if the shoulder joint is affected
• Hesitation or pain when flexing or extending a joint

Lameness typically worsens after exercise and improves with rest. In some cases, both limbs may be affected, leading to reluctance to move due to discomfort.

How Vets Diagnose Osteochondritis Dissecans

A vet will review your dog's history and conduct a thorough physical exam, focusing on the affected joint(s). They will often recommend X-rays under sedation to get detailed images from various angles to identify cartilage abnormalities or "joint mice." Further imaging or follow-up X-rays may be necessary if diagnosis is uncertain.

What Causes OCD in Dogs?

The exact cause varies but common factors include:

• Trauma to a joint, resulting in cartilage damage and impaired blood flow
• Genetic predisposition, making responsible breeding vital to reduce risk
• Rapid growth spurts, especially in young large breed dogs
• Hormonal imbalances
• Nutrition, where improper diet may contribute to abnormal growth

Damage to joint cartilage can lead to the formation of painful flaps and loose fragments within the joint.

Effective Treatments for Dogs with OCD

Treatment depends on the severity and the dog's age. It usually involves limiting exercise to reduce joint stress and rest. A vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, and in some cases, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may support joint health.

Surgery

If the condition is severe and large cartilage lesions or joint mice are present, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue. Surgery tends to be more successful if delayed until the dog is older to avoid interfering with growth.

Prognosis

Shoulder joint OCD often has a good outcome with timely treatment. However, OCD affecting other joints can lead to degenerative changes like osteoarthritis, causing ongoing problems.

Preventing OCD: Tips for Breeders and Owners

Prevention is key to minimising OCD risk. Breeders should carefully screen stud dogs to avoid passing on predispositions. Owners should avoid strenuous exercise for puppies of predisposed breeds and prevent activities that place sudden strain on joints such as:

• Jumping in and out of cars
• Running up and down stairs
• Jumping from furniture

Discuss your dog's diet with a vet to ensure it supports healthy growth without excessive weight gain that could increase joint stress.