Osteochondritis Dissecans

Two bones meet at a joint, where there is a cover of cartilage for smooth movement.

With OCD, this cartilage cracks, and can either:

Form a cartilage flap, which will not re-attach itself, or
Separate entirely from the bone it normally covers. The piece of cartilage floating in the joint is called a “joint mouse”. It is very painful for your dog, because these “joint mice” keep growing, causing joint inflammation and nerve irritation.

CAUSES:

OCD is cause by rapid bone growth. Therefore, it mostly affects growing puppies of large breeds.

SIGNS:

OCD most commonly affects the shoulder, but you may notice symptoms in the elbows, knees or hips.

Lameness
Stiffness
Limping
Swollen, warm joint

DIAGNOSIS:

Your dog will show pain and resistance when someone touches the affected joint. Your veterinarian can make a diagnosis based on:

Physical exam
X-rays

TREATMENT:

There are 2 options for treatment, depending on the severity of your dog’s OCD:

1. Conservative treatment: for mild cases of a small crack in the cartilage, or a small flap, treatment includes weeks of strict rest. Walking is only for bathroom trips.

In more than half of mild cases, the OCD heals on its own if you strictly enforce rest.

Other conservative treatments include:

Medications for inflammation
Supplements for joint health
Painkillers

2. Surgery: for more severe cases of a big flap, or “joint mice”, or if conservative treatment was not effective. Your veterinarian will open the joint and remove the joint mice and defective cartilage. For a few weeks after surgery, you must minimize activity to allow for recovery.

PREVENTION:

Diet: feed a balanced diet to promote healthy bone growth, limit calcium intake and prevent excess weight-gain
Young, large-breed dogs should not do any strenuous activity, specifically jumping

PROGNOSIS:

There is a good prognosis with OCD in the shoulder. With other joints, OCD may lead to further issues.

With an early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis will improve.