Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
By: Brigitte Rhinehart
Osteochondrosis is a generalized disturbance of the normal development of cartilage.
The articular cartilage becomes abnormally thickened and small fissures and cracks
may develop. The "dissecans" refers to the stage when cartilage becomes
dissected resulting in cartilage flaps. These flaps may remain attached or
become loose and fall into the joint space. In Swissys, the vast majority of
OCD cases occur in the shoulder joints and occasionally in other joints such as
elbows and hocks. The onset of the disease may begin as early as at 4 months
and as late as at 14 months. The most typical age of appearance, however, is
between 6 and 8 months. Except for very mild cases without flap development,
the clinical signs are almost invariably persistent, and less frequently,
intermittent lameness. The dog may be stiff after resting and the lameness is
usually aggravated by exercise. OCD is diagnosed by radiography. However, in
the early stages, radiographic findings might be inconclusive. In such
situations, contrast radiography (arthrography) may be necessary for definite
diagnosis. Treatment depends on the severity of the case. OCD lesion in the
shoulder joint. Lesion evident on the joint surface of the humeral head
Mild cases without cartilage flaps may be treated and heal spontaneously with
several weeks of rest and treatment with the drug Adequan and supplements such
as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, MSM and Vitamin C. Many cases, however, will
require surgery which consists of the removal of flaps and loose fragments and
the scraping and smoothening of the defective surface. Surgical repair of OCD
of the shoulder usually renders excellent results. Surgical results involving
other sites are not as predictable.
Because mild forms of OCD can occur without presenting clinical signs, a prudent
approach is to radiograph shoulders prior to breeding so that affected Swissys
can be eliminated from a breeding program. In fact, Swiss health data has
convincingly shown that by excluding affected dogs and bitches, incidences of
OCD can be significantly reduced.
By: Brigitte Rhinehart
Osteochondrosis is a generalized disturbance of the normal development of cartilage.
The articular cartilage becomes abnormally thickened and small fissures and cracks
may develop. The "dissecans" refers to the stage when cartilage becomes
dissected resulting in cartilage flaps. These flaps may remain attached or
become loose and fall into the joint space. In Swissys, the vast majority of
OCD cases occur in the shoulder joints and occasionally in other joints such as
elbows and hocks. The onset of the disease may begin as early as at 4 months
and as late as at 14 months. The most typical age of appearance, however, is
between 6 and 8 months. Except for very mild cases without flap development,
the clinical signs are almost invariably persistent, and less frequently,
intermittent lameness. The dog may be stiff after resting and the lameness is
usually aggravated by exercise. OCD is diagnosed by radiography. However, in
the early stages, radiographic findings might be inconclusive. In such
situations, contrast radiography (arthrography) may be necessary for definite
diagnosis. Treatment depends on the severity of the case. OCD lesion in the
shoulder joint. Lesion evident on the joint surface of the humeral head
Mild cases without cartilage flaps may be treated and heal spontaneously with
several weeks of rest and treatment with the drug Adequan and supplements such
as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, MSM and Vitamin C. Many cases, however, will
require surgery which consists of the removal of flaps and loose fragments and
the scraping and smoothening of the defective surface. Surgical repair of OCD
of the shoulder usually renders excellent results. Surgical results involving
other sites are not as predictable.
Because mild forms of OCD can occur without presenting clinical signs, a prudent
approach is to radiograph shoulders prior to breeding so that affected Swissys
can be eliminated from a breeding program. In fact, Swiss health data has
convincingly shown that by excluding affected dogs and bitches, incidences of
OCD can be significantly reduced.
