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Addisons Disease
Allergies Anesthesia Cancer Digestive
Disorders Elbow
Dysplasia Eye
Problems Heart
Disease Hernia Hip
Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Kidney/Liver Laryngeal
Paralysis Missing
Teeth Osteochondrosis
Dissecans (OCD) Panosteitis Perianal
Fistulas Polyneuropathy Reproduction Temperament
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Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
| What
is it? | This
disorder is caused by abnormal or imperfect development of cartilage of certain
joints most commonly in the hocks, elbows, and shoulders of young, growing dogs.
This can result in flaps of cartilage within the joint of free-floating pieces
of cartilage (joint mouse). Either will result in painful exposure of bone in
the joint and inflammation of the joint with continued use and age (Degenerative
Joint Disease or Arthritis). This disease is thought to be a combination of genetic
(inherited) factors and environmental influences such as overfeeding, imbalanced
diet, and exercise. Unfortunately, the specific effect of these factors and influences
is not known. | | Symptoms: | Periods
of pain which often result in a severe limp that may resolve or be chronic. The
first symptoms usually occur between 5 and 12 months of age. With age, signs of
the resulting arthritis will include stiffness after resting, increased discomfort
after exercise and during cold and/or damp weather. | | Diagnosis: | A
diagnosis can be made using x-rays. Often times, special views are needed and
the radiographs may need to be read by a specialist. | | Treatment: | Consists
of removing the cartilage pieces or flaps. Ideally, this will occur early in the
disease process to minimize the development of arthritis later in life. If a dog
is older when the diagnosis is made, there may already be significant arthritic
changes and treatment may consist of managing the resulting arthritis (regulated
exercise regimens, pain management, etc.) | |
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