Osteochondritis Dissecans in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 6

Overview

A flap of damaged cartilage can form inside a growing joint, causing pain and interfering with movement. This flap stage is called osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, and develops from the cartilage growth disorder osteochondrosis. The shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle can be affected. A flap may break free inside the joint, and the resulting inflammation can lead to arthritis.

Signs to watch for

Limping, sometimes affecting just one leg
A limp that becomes more noticeable after exercise, particularly with shoulder involvement
Stiffness and difficulty moving an affected joint normally
Swelling around an affected joint

Signs often start during growth; shoulder OCD commonly becomes noticeable at 4 to 8 months.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon if limping keeps returning, especially after exercise.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets examine the affected joint and use X-rays to look for changes in the bone beneath its cartilage. CT scans can give a clearer view of defects and loose fragments. Arthroscopy, a small camera placed inside the joint, can show the damaged cartilage directly. For shoulder disease, both shoulders may be X-rayed even if only one leg seems sore.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

3 Large
2 Giant

Giant SchnauzerLarge · Working Group
Irish SetterLarge · Sporting Group
BorzoiGiant · Hound Group
BroholmerGiant · Foundation Stock Service
Polish Tatra SheepdogLarge · FCI Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs)

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.