Definition of OCD
The symptoms are lameness in the affected limb. Some dogs have a barely noticeable limp and others are unable to bear any weight on the leg. The lameness tends to worsen after periods of exercise and improves after rest.
Seventy four percent of the cases of OCD occur in the shoulder joint, 11% in the elbow, and 4% in the hock. When it affects the front shoulder, a shortened forelimb stride may be noted due to reluctance to flex and extend the shoulder joint. Occasionally, the disease will affect both limbs simultaneously and the dog may be reluctant to move.
Noticeable Symptoms Include:
Diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, and radiographs
(x-rays) can be easily done at Baker House Animal Hospital. On physical
exam, we notice joint pain. For instance, most healthy dogs show no
resistance when their shoulder joint is fully flexed and extended.
However, if they have an OCD lesion in their shoulder, they may resist
shoulder manipulation and may even cry out in pain when it is
attempted. In addition, this flexion and extension of the shoulder
joint may worsen the lameness.
Radiographs of the affected joint are taken to confirm the
diagnosis. The dog is often sedated so that full relaxation of the
joint can be obtained. Several views of the affected joint and the
healthy joint on the other side are taken for comparison. The
separations of the cartilage or joint mice are often identified on
radiographs.
Causes of OCD
The cause of OCD is considered to be multifactorial. Here are some of the known causes of OCD:Trauma, whether chronic or acute, may contribute to the formation of OCD lesions. Injury to the surface cartilage may lead to the separation of the cartilage from the bone or cause a decrease in blood supply that leads to cartilage flap formation.
It appears that there is a hereditary link between parents and offspring and the formation of the disease. Certain breeds and genetic lines are much more likely to develop the disease. Careful screening of parents against this disease is recommended during the selection of all breeding stock.
The disease usually occurs during periods of rapid growth.
Therefore, it has been suggested that nutrition that creates rapid
growth may lead to the increase in incidence of the disease. It has
been recommended that animals that are susceptible to the disease be
fed a diet that is lower in protein and fat, or that they are fed in a
limited manner to allow steady even growth during the first year of
life.
Diet plays a major role in everything a dog
does or is. An over fed pup who is carrying more weight than optimum
has a greater statistical chance of developing OCD than a lean pup.
That is not to say that you should underfeed a growing pup just to
avoid skeletal deformities. That line of reasoning has been proven to
be in error. Rather, be certain to feed high quality meat-based diets
that do not have grain as their first ingredient. Diets with high
protein and fat seem to be a better choice for dogs and cats than those
diets high in carbohydrates like corn, wheat, soybean meal.
Treatment of OCD
Surgery is indicated in animals that show severe symptoms, in cases where large lesions are identified on radiographs, or when conservative treatments fail. The surgery is very straightforward. Usually the cartilage flap can be grasped with forceps and lifted away from the humerus. Some surgeons gently scrape the bed where the flap was situated in order to stimulate faster healing and some leave the area as it is. The joint is flushed again and closed with sutures. After surgery, rest for two weeks is recommended and then a gradual return to normal activity is encouraged. There is a very high success rate for surgery and most animals recover fully without any further problems.