Disease Guide for Dogs Osteochondritis / Osteochondrosis (Dissecans) /OCD What is OCD? OCD is a condition which affects mainly young, fast growing dogs of the larger breeds. It is most frequently seen in dogs between the ages of four and ten months. There are several forms of OCD and it can affect the shoulder, elbow, stifle (knee) and hock. It is caused by a defect in the transformation of cartilage to bone in the growing bones of the legs. This results in a thickening of a part of the cartilage, covering the bones at the joints. The thickened cartilage can tear or break off and this causes damage to the joint. The loose fragment can even become mineralised. This is then called a’ joint mouse’. How is it diagnosed? OCD is usually suspected in persistently lame young, large breed, dogs, but it requires x-rays to diagnose this condition with certainty. Sometimes, the lesion itself can be seen, whereas in other cases the resulting arthritis can be seen. What is the treatment? Treatment differs from case to case, depending on which joint is affected, the duration of the problem, the extent of the secondary changes etc. In most cases surgery is beneficial, but in some cases exercise control, weight control and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is the only possible therapy. OCD always leads to arthritic changes in the affected joint in the long term.
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