Osteochondritis dissecans or OCD in dogs is a developmental orthopedic condition that can cause pain and lameness. OCD is most commonly seen in puppies and is caused by articular cartilage that fails to ossify. This may be due to genetics, rapid growth, over-nutrition, excessive dietary calcium or protein, trauma, or hormonal influences but the definitive cause is unknown. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of OCD and can involve conservative management or surgery. Please continue reading to learn more about OCD in dogs!
What is OCD in dogs?
OCD in dogs or osteochondritis dissecans is a developmental orthopedic condition in which articular cartilage that fails to ossify (i.e., fails to turn into bone) creates a thickened area of remnant cartilage that is at risk of injury and necrosis. This process can result in the exposure of subchondral bone, which is highly innervated and leads to pain for the dog as it is exposed to joint fluid. OCD may affect the shoulder, elbow, tarsus (ankle), and stifle (knee), among other joints. OCD in dogs primarily affects young large breed dogs and small dogs are rarely affected.
There are two different types of OCD that can occur in dogs. In one type, a bone defect may form near the joint, which could cause problems with how the joint works. Another possibility is that a fragment of cartilage or bone may develop, leading to an uneven, incongruent joint. The possibility of a fragment of cartilage detaching and freely floating within the joint itself is what veterinarians call "joint mice".
The shoulder joint is the most common site for OCD in dogs, followed by the tarsus (ankle), elbow, and stifle (knee). In some cases, multiple joints may be affected in the same dog. Approximately 30% of cases are bilateral (occurring on both sides), although shoulder OCD has been reported to occur bilaterally in up to 68% of dogs.
What causes OCD in dogs?
The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, rapid growth during development, over-nutrition, excessive dietary calcium or protein, trauma, and hormonal influences have all been suggested.
What are the symptoms of OCD in dogs?
The most common symptom of OCD is lameness. The lameness may be intermittent at first and may worsen with exercise or activity. As the condition progresses, the lameness can become constant. Dogs with OCD may also show signs of pain, stiffness, and reluctance to move or exercise. In severe cases, the affected joint may become swollen.
How is OCD diagnosed in dogs?
If your dog is showing signs of lameness or pain, your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and take a complete history. Radiographs (X-rays) are usually the next step in diagnosing OCD as they are the most efficient and cost-effective test. In some cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be recommended. These imaging modalities can help to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of lameness or pain.
How is OCD treated in dogs?
The treatment options for OCD will vary depending on the severity of the condition. There are conservative and surgical options to treat OCD in dogs.
Conservative management
If a young dog is minimally lame and there are no radiographic abnormalities, conservative measures may be tried. This would involve restricting the dog's exercise for 2-3 weeks and giving them NSAIDs or other analgesics. Joint supplements and nutraceuticals can also be given, although there is no evidence that they are effective. If the lameness is severe and there is joint pain present, conservative management is often unsuccessful.
Surgical management
In severe cases, or if conservative management does not improve the condition, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to remove the OCD lesion and stabilize the joint. This can be done via either traditional surgery or arthroscopy. Arthrotomy is an open surgical procedure where an incision is made over the joint and the OCD lesion is removed. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a camera is inserted into the joint via small incisions. The OCD lesion can then be removed with specialized instruments.
Arthroscopy has many benefits compared to open surgical procedures, including the ability to treat both sides during the same procedure and a shorter recovery time of only 2 weeks compared to 4 to 6 weeks with an arthrotomy approach.
After surgery, activity is restricted to allow the incision to heal and repair tissue to grow into the defect. Seroma (fluid buildup) formation is relatively common after arthrotomy (open surgical technique), particularly if the dog is too active. Physiotherapy and mild, non-weight-bearing exercise (e.g., swimming) are recommended.
What is the prognosis for OCD in dogs?
The prognosis for OCD in dogs after surgery is generally good. With treatment, most dogs improve and are walking well within 4-6 weeks. However, some dogs may continue to have intermittent lameness or pain and will require lifelong management with medication and/or joint supplements, especially if the tarsal (ankle) or stifle (knee) joints are affected.
How can you prevent OCD from occurring in your dog?
A study found that a high level of dietary calcium was linked to an increased risk of OCD in dogs while feeding them commercial dry food decreased the risk. Growing dogs should be given a diet that has the right amount of energy, protein, and calcium, as stated by AAFCO guidelines.
In closing, OCD in dogs is a developmental orthopedic condition that can cause pain and lameness. It is most commonly diagnosed through radiographs, which can help rule out other causes of lameness or pain. There are both conservative and surgical treatment options available, though surgery is often the most successful. After surgery, activity may be restricted while the incision heals. The prognosis is generally good, though some dogs may require lifelong management. While there is no definitive cause for the development of OCD in dogs, occurrences of OCD can be reduced by feeding a diet that meets the AAFCO guidelines for energy, protein, and calcium. Most commercial large-breed developmental diets would achieve this.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or are concerned that your dog may have an OCD lesion, please contact your veterinarian.