Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disease that occurs quite frequently, especially in large dog breeds, and is particularly noticeable through lameness. Below you can find out how osteochondritis dissecans develops in dogs, what symptoms the disease triggers and what treatment and prevention options are available.
Key facts at a glance
- OCD is a joint disease that can cause parts of the joint cartilage to detach.
- Osteochondrosis dissecans is quite common, especially in various large dog breeds.
- Depending on the progression of the disease, treatment can be conservative or surgical.
- In order to reduce the risk of developing OCD, it is important to feed them according to their needs and to avoid overloading.
Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in dogs: what is it?
OCD, which is the acronym for osteochondritis dissecans, is a degenerative developmental disorder that affects the formation of articular cartilage. In healthy joints, the cartilage tissue is supplied with nutrients by the synovial fluid.
Occasionally, however, the joint cartilage in dogs becomes too thick to be able to supply them with the necessary amount of nutrients. As a result, the cartilage dies off and individual fragments can detach completely or partially. If this is the case in a dog, it is called osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD).
Completely detached cartilage fragments are referred to as loose bodies. For example, they can attach themselves to the joint capsules, where they are then supplied with nutrients from the synovial fluid, grow and finally ossify.
In most cases, this leads to joint inflammation, which is why dogs with osteochondrosis dissecans very often also develop secondary arthrosis sooner or later.
Why Do Dogs Get OCD?
Dogs usually develop osteochondritis dissecans between the fourth and seventh month of life. The exact triggers are still unclear. However, it is believed that various factors play a role in the development of joint disease.
In addition to errors in nutrition and an overload of the musculoskeletal system, these include hormone disorders and the respective dog breed.
Osteochondritis dissecans and nutrition
Too high an energy intake can cause puppies to grow too quickly. Apart from that, an incorrect supply of micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D can promote thickening of the articular cartilage.
Osteochondrosis dissecans and physical overload
Since the joints in young dogs are not yet fully developed, they are not as resilient as in adult animals. Accordingly, excessive physical exertion in puppyhood can easily lead to permanent joint damage and also contribute to the development of OCD, among other things.
Osteochondrosis dissecans and hormonal imbalances
Disturbances in the hormonal balance in dogs seem to lead in part to the cartilage tissue growing excessively. If the blood circulation in the affected joint is disturbed at the same time, the proper nutrient supply to the articular cartilage is no longer guaranteed.
Osteochondrosis dissecans and the breed of dogs
Theoretically, osteochondrosis dissecans can occur in all dogs. However, certain breeds are particularly affected. These are mostly large dog breeds, while small animals rarely develop OCD.
The following dogs appear to be genetically predisposed to osteochondritis dissecans:
- German Mastiff
- rottweiler
- Belgian shepherd
- German shepherd dog
- Newfoundland
- Labrador
- Golden retriever
- boxer
How do you recognize osteochondrosis dissecans in dogs?
If a dog suffers from osteochondrosis dissecans, in most cases the shoulder joints are affected. However, OCD can also occur in the elbows, ankles and knees.
The typical symptom with which osteochondritis dissecans becomes noticeable is lameness. A reluctance to move, a shaky gait and swelling in the joints can be observed in a young dog, these can be the first signs of osteochondritis dissecans.
In this case, we strongly recommend that you consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will scan the joints and use MRI scans and X-rays for diagnosis and will probably also carry out a joint endoscopy.
How is osteochondritis dissecans treated?
There are several options available for the treatment of OCD that the veterinarian can choose from depending on the progression of the disease. If no cartilage fragments have detached so far, in many cases it is sufficient to rely on a combination of dietary adjustments, reduced physical exertion and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Loose pieces of cartilage, on the other hand, often have to be surgically removed in order to counteract the further progression of osteochondrosis dissecans and the associated symptoms.
After the operation, the operated joint must be immobilized for several weeks. Targeted physiotherapy then ensures that the muscles are strengthened and the mobility of the joint is restored.
Is osteochondrosis dissecans curable?
If osteochondritis dissecans is diagnosed and treated early, the chances of recovery are usually relatively good. However, if the joint disease is already well advanced at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis for affected dogs is significantly worse.
Can OCD in dogs be prevented?
It is hardly possible to completely avoid developing osteochondrosis dissecans, at least in particularly susceptible breeds. Nevertheless, as the owner, you can do a few things to at least reduce the risk for your dog.
In addition to feeding them the right amount of high-quality puppy food in line with their needs, with a view to avoiding joint diseases such as OCD, you should above all make sure not to overload your growing dog’s musculoskeletal system.