_Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
_IMPORTANT NOTE — Anyone doing health testing on their dogue, with hips and elbows
being paramount, if the results are not satisfactory or if you are unsure, speak
to their veterinarian for advice and/or other experienced breeders (not just the
one YOU got the dog from). Get a wider opinion for breeding purposes, as it
could save a lot of heartache down the track.
_
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disease of the joint cartilage and is especially common in the shoulder joint, although other joints can be affected. It occurs primarily in young, fast growing dogs and appears to be more common in males. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by X-ray examination.
There are theories as to the causes but since this disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict, no one knows for sure why some dogs get OCD and some don't. OCD can be hereditary, or a result of an unsuitable diet, or from trauma. It is much more prevalent in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and other large breeds. It is uncommon in the small breeds. OCD almost always shows up during the growth phase of a young dog's life... usually six to nine months of age. OCD can affect the shoulder, ankle or elbow joint.
Some people believe that an overweight, growing dog may be much more likely to acquire OCD than one that is trim. Physical impact on the limbs, such as would occur in a dog that repeatedly jumps off of a bed, deck or from the back of a truck, may be a predisposing cause. Repeated impacts to the surface of the humerus may separate the cartilage from the growing soft bone beneath.
Does diet play a role in OCD? Possibly. Diet plays a major role in everything a dog does or is. An over fed pup who is carrying more weight than normal has a greater statistical chance of developing OCD than a lean pup. That is NOT to say that you should underfeed a growing pup.
HD/OCD SUMMARY: There are no absolute outcome guarantees with regards to hip dysplasia and OCD when breeding. Using breeding stock which have low hip and elbow scores is the best solution to date, however parents with low scores have still been known to produce problematic offspring, the same can be said for the opposite, parents with high scores can produce dogs with good hips and elbows.
The fact is, that reputable breeders may do the best they can to ensure good health in their dogs, but mother nature can still be unpredictable.
The measure of a good breeder is how they deal with the matter should any genetic health issues arise after the puppies are sold.
TESTING FOR OCD—Speak to your vet about xraying your dog for signs of OCD. Many breeders xray their dogs whilst carrying out other heath tests, such as when doing Hip and Elbow Scoring.
Once again a little money for a few extra xrays for the priceless knowledge of knowing if your dog has OCD. A huge benefit to a reputable, ethical, breeders programs.
Link to Osteochondritis in Dogs website.
http://www.homevet.com/petcare/documents/ClientOCDReview.pdf
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disease of the joint cartilage and is especially common in the shoulder joint, although other joints can be affected. It occurs primarily in young, fast growing dogs and appears to be more common in males. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by X-ray examination.
There are theories as to the causes but since this disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict, no one knows for sure why some dogs get OCD and some don't. OCD can be hereditary, or a result of an unsuitable diet, or from trauma. It is much more prevalent in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and other large breeds. It is uncommon in the small breeds. OCD almost always shows up during the growth phase of a young dog's life... usually six to nine months of age. OCD can affect the shoulder, ankle or elbow joint.
Some people believe that an overweight, growing dog may be much more likely to acquire OCD than one that is trim. Physical impact on the limbs, such as would occur in a dog that repeatedly jumps off of a bed, deck or from the back of a truck, may be a predisposing cause. Repeated impacts to the surface of the humerus may separate the cartilage from the growing soft bone beneath.
Does diet play a role in OCD? Possibly. Diet plays a major role in everything a dog does or is. An over fed pup who is carrying more weight than normal has a greater statistical chance of developing OCD than a lean pup. That is NOT to say that you should underfeed a growing pup.
HD/OCD SUMMARY: There are no absolute outcome guarantees with regards to hip dysplasia and OCD when breeding. Using breeding stock which have low hip and elbow scores is the best solution to date, however parents with low scores have still been known to produce problematic offspring, the same can be said for the opposite, parents with high scores can produce dogs with good hips and elbows.
The fact is, that reputable breeders may do the best they can to ensure good health in their dogs, but mother nature can still be unpredictable.
The measure of a good breeder is how they deal with the matter should any genetic health issues arise after the puppies are sold.
TESTING FOR OCD—Speak to your vet about xraying your dog for signs of OCD. Many breeders xray their dogs whilst carrying out other heath tests, such as when doing Hip and Elbow Scoring.
Once again a little money for a few extra xrays for the priceless knowledge of knowing if your dog has OCD. A huge benefit to a reputable, ethical, breeders programs.
Link to Osteochondritis in Dogs website.
http://www.homevet.com/petcare/documents/ClientOCDReview.pdf