Osteochondritis Dissecans In Dogs

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a condition of abnormal cartilage grow in rapidly growing dogs. The exact causes are unknown but is thought be environmental and genetic. There are numerous theories as to the cause, however, no one knows for sure.

OCD can also be found in human and horses, and strangely enough, rarely ever in cats.

OCD is most commonly found in Golden Retrievers, German Shepard, Rottweilers and other large breed of dogs weighing over 35 pounds that are five to seven months old. OCD is mostly commonly detected during the growth phase of a young dog. Dogs that have OCD normally get arthritis as well.

OCD is a disorder of immature long bones and causes a growth and thickening of cartilage that covers the head of a long bone. Poor development of the subchondral bone beneath is the result of this thickening cartilage. When a dog applies his weight, the cartilage over the defective bone is traumatized by the pressure and fractures and fissures can occur. Pieces of cartilage or bone may break off and become lodged in the joint space, causing pain which limits movement and activities.

Osteochondritis Dissecans most commonly affects the shoulder first followed by the elbow, ankle then knee. The most common form of treatment is with anti-inflammatory drugs which is normally not successful and has many side effects and surgery is normally required. Surgery is a painfully long process and even though the patient shows improvement, full recovery takes months. Arthritis may develop over time. Dogs with elbow, hock and knee OCD tend to develop more severe arthritis than dogs that have shoulder OCD, and they do not respond as well to surgery.

A lot of dogs experienced great benefits from glucosamine-chondroitin therapy after surgery. There are other forms of treatment that are very popular with dog owners, even though these treatments are controversial, the dog owners report amazing results in a fraction of the time and cost, and without having to put their dog through painful surgery. These treatments are all natural products with no harmful side effects. In this time and age many people are realizing that natural products and remedies are more beneficial than the traditional medical route.