Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a disease of joint cartilage in medium, large, and giant breeds of dogs. The disease causes lameness and degeneration of joints leading to arthritis. Treatment consists of surgery to remove defective cartilage, rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medication. The ends of bones that form joints are covered with cartilage. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) results when the cartilage in joints thickens and no longer receives adequate nutrition. As a result, the cartilage dies and begins to develop small cracks. This process inflames the joint and causes a flap of cartilage to dislodge. The flap of cartilage often floats free in the joint, impairing joint function. The result is lameness and joint degeneration. OCD is seen most frequently in dogs that weigh more then 50 pounds and are less than one year old. OCD can occur in most joints of the body. But is seen most commonly in the shoulder joints.

Causes

The cause of OCD is not precisely known, but genetics, rapid growth, and overfeeding may all be risk factors.

Diagnosis

Palpation (examination by touching) of the affected joint by your veterinarian may reveal pain, swelling, and popping or grating noises. X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Because OCD frequently occurs in both front legs, most veterinarians recommend that x-rays be taken of each leg. Sedatives or anesthetics may need to be given to relax your pet so that high-quality x-rays may be taken. Special x-ray procedures called arthograms may help diagnose OCD.

Treatment and Home Care

Medical therapy consists of enforced rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medication. This therapy may be warranted if the piece of cartilage in the joint is very small. Surgery is warranted if the condition worsens or if the flap of cartilage is large. During surgery, your veterinarian will open the joint, remove the flap of cartilage, and remove dead or dying cartilage on the ends of the bone.
Home care consists of giving all prescribed medications and restricting your pet's activity to walks on a leash. If your pet has had surgery, the leg operated on may be bandaged to prevent swelling and to enforce rest. You should make sure that the bandage remains clean and dry and that your pet's toes do not swell because of a tight bandage. Compare the toes on the bandaged leg with those on the other leg. If swelling occurs or if the bandage is soiled or wet, call your veterinarian. You should also call your veterinarian if your pet stops eating. If you can see your pet's incision, check it once daily for swelling and drainage. If either occurs, contact your veterinarian. You may need to return to the hospital for suture removal and bandage changes.

Dietary Plan

If your pet has OCD your veterinarian may suggest a dietary change based on your pet's age and body condition, the clinical signs, and the presence or absence of disease in other organs and body systems. Proper nutrition is especially important to maximize growth and for proper development of the immune, or protective, system in young dogs, such as those with OCD. Optimal nutrition should also reduce the health risks associated with feeding excess nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which could cause skeletal problems, and excess calories, which could cause obesity. Weight gain due to overfeeding may contribute to the development of arthritis in joints already made unstable by OCD. If your pet is mature, your veterinarian may prescribe a special food that helps control weight gain.