Spotlight on… Osteochondritis Dissecans
What is Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)?
Osteochondritis dissecans, often referred to simply as OCD, is a disease affecting the cartilage in certain joints. It is most often seen in the shoulder joint, but can occur in the knee, elbow and ankle joints. A cartilage flap is formed, generally during development. This flap causes pain and inflammation in the joint as the cartilage can’t perform the cushioning function for which it is designed. This flap may become separated, in which case it floats around inside the joint, causing pain and destroying the joint. This results in varying levels of lameness.
As already mentioned, OCD is generally a developmental disease, typically having an onset around the age of 4-9 months. It is more common in male than female dogs and tends to be associated with large breeds such as Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. Its causes are not really known but are likely to be due to the combination of a range of factors, including genetics and diet. Other factors might include injury, lack of blood flow and hormonal issues.
What are the signs and symptoms?
If you see your dog struggling to use its limbs properly it’s best to bring her in and get one of our vets to check her out. Such lameness can have a variety of causes, but the following signs and symptoms are seen in cases of OCD:
·stiffness or soreness after rising or play
·limping on the affected leg(s), whether intermittent or constant
·warm or swollen joint(s), painful to the touch
How is OCD diagnosed?
You will be asked about your dog so we can get a picture of her signs and symptoms. We will then conduct an orthopaedic exam. X-rays will also be taken to assist with the diagnosis, but OCD lesions (the flap of cartilage) aren’t always visible. Sometimes we might refer your dog for more advanced imaging, whether a CT scan or an arthroscopic examination. Based on the history, orthopaedic exam, and imaging, we will reach a diagnosis, ruling out possibilities other than OCD such as elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, and growth plate fractures.
What treatments are available?
What treatment we recommend will depend on the severity of the OCD lesion. If your dog is less than 6 months old, has minimal clinical signs and no obvious radiographic changes, treatment will likely involve pain management, dietary changes, exercise restriction, and rehabilitation therapy. In other cases, whether your dog is older than 6 months or has a severe OCD lesion, surgery may be indicated. The aim of surgery is to remove the flap of cartilage and promote the formation of scar tissue. Following surgery your dog won’t immediately be ready to return to an active lifestyle. The recovery process takes at least 8-12 weeks. It involves exercise restriction, pain management, and a rehabilitation plan, both here at Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic and at home. Other treatments such as stem cell therapy and Pentosan polysulphate injections can be very beneficial.
What affect will the treatment have?
The effectiveness of your dog’s treatment will depend on which joint, or joints are affected, the severity of the OCD, and your ability to work with us in ensuring your dog follows our treatment plan. Generally, your dog’s recovery is likely to be better where there’s only one joint involved, and the diagnosis is made as early as possible. In such cases, the prognosis for recovery is excellent, however it is very likely that arthritis will develop with time so long-term maintenance therapy is advised.
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What is Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)?
Osteochondritis dissecans, often referred to simply as OCD, is a disease affecting the cartilage in certain joints. It is most often seen in the shoulder joint, but can occur in the knee, elbow and ankle joints. A cartilage flap is formed, generally during development. This flap causes pain and inflammation in the joint as the cartilage can’t perform the cushioning function for which it is designed. This flap may become separated, in which case it floats around inside the joint, causing pain and destroying the joint. This results in varying levels of lameness.
As already mentioned, OCD is generally a developmental disease, typically having an onset around the age of 4-9 months. It is more common in male than female dogs and tends to be associated with large breeds such as Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. Its causes are not really known but are likely to be due to the combination of a range of factors, including genetics and diet. Other factors might include injury, lack of blood flow and hormonal issues.
What are the signs and symptoms?
If you see your dog struggling to use its limbs properly it’s best to bring her in and get one of our vets to check her out. Such lameness can have a variety of causes, but the following signs and symptoms are seen in cases of OCD:
·stiffness or soreness after rising or play
·limping on the affected leg(s), whether intermittent or constant
·warm or swollen joint(s), painful to the touch
How is OCD diagnosed?
You will be asked about your dog so we can get a picture of her signs and symptoms. We will then conduct an orthopaedic exam. X-rays will also be taken to assist with the diagnosis, but OCD lesions (the flap of cartilage) aren’t always visible. Sometimes we might refer your dog for more advanced imaging, whether a CT scan or an arthroscopic examination. Based on the history, orthopaedic exam, and imaging, we will reach a diagnosis, ruling out possibilities other than OCD such as elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, and growth plate fractures.
What treatments are available?
What treatment we recommend will depend on the severity of the OCD lesion. If your dog is less than 6 months old, has minimal clinical signs and no obvious radiographic changes, treatment will likely involve pain management, dietary changes, exercise restriction, and rehabilitation therapy. In other cases, whether your dog is older than 6 months or has a severe OCD lesion, surgery may be indicated. The aim of surgery is to remove the flap of cartilage and promote the formation of scar tissue. Following surgery your dog won’t immediately be ready to return to an active lifestyle. The recovery process takes at least 8-12 weeks. It involves exercise restriction, pain management, and a rehabilitation plan, both here at Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic and at home. Other treatments such as stem cell therapy and Pentosan polysulphate injections can be very beneficial.
What affect will the treatment have?
The effectiveness of your dog’s treatment will depend on which joint, or joints are affected, the severity of the OCD, and your ability to work with us in ensuring your dog follows our treatment plan. Generally, your dog’s recovery is likely to be better where there’s only one joint involved, and the diagnosis is made as early as possible. In such cases, the prognosis for recovery is excellent, however it is very likely that arthritis will develop with time so long-term maintenance therapy is advised.
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