Osteochondritis dissecans(OCD)
Also known as: Osteochondrosis dissecans · Osteochondrosis · Knorpel-Knochen-Ablösung · Dissecting osteochondrosis · Canine OCD · …
Overview
What it is
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental skeletal disorder affecting the joints, where a piece of cartilage fails to turn into bone properly. This abnormal cartilage can crack and detach from the underlying bone, creating a loose flap or fragment that floats in the joint space. This leads to painful inflammation and joint damage, most commonly in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.
How it presents
Owners typically notice lameness or limping in one or more legs, which often worsens after exercise or when the dog first stands up after resting. These symptoms usually first appear in growing puppies between 4 and 9 months of age.
Treatment
The condition is treatable, usually requiring a one-time surgical or arthroscopic procedure to remove the loose cartilage fragment. Treatment costs typically range from 1,500 to 5,000 EUR, though some dogs may require long-term joint supplements or pain management for secondary arthritis.
How it's tested
Ellenbogendysplasie-Auswertung (ED-Röntgen) nach IEWG(ED-IEWG)
Primary testRadiographRöntgenaufnahme der Ellenbogen, ausgewertet nach IEWG-Standard (0-3).
Issuing body: FCI
Result scheme: ED-IEWG
Affected breeds
16 of 16 breeds
Mandatory testAppenzell Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testBernese Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testEntlebucher Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V. (SSV)
Mandatory testGerman Roughhaired PointerMandated by Verein Deutsch Stichelhaar e.V.
Mandatory testGerman Shorthaired PointerMandated by Deutsch-Kurzhaar-Verband e.V.
Mandatory testGreater Swiss Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V. (SSV)
Mandatory testPudelpointerMandated by Verein Pudelpointer e.V.
Mandatory testSpinone ItalianoMandated by Spinone Italiano e.V.
RecommendedCane Corso
RecommendedDutch Shepherd
RecommendedGermanic Bear Dog
RecommendedKangal Shepherd Dog
RecommendedMajorca Shepherd Dog
RecommendedRomanian Bucovina Shepherd
RecommendedTornjak
RecommendedTransmontano Shepherd Dog (Cão de Gado Transmontano)
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Osteochondritis dissecans?
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental skeletal disorder affecting the joints, where a piece of cartilage fails to turn into bone properly. This abnormal cartilage can crack and detach from the underlying bone, creating a loose flap or fragment that floats in the joint space. This leads to painful inflammation and joint damage, most commonly in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.
How is Osteochondritis dissecans tested?
Tests currently in our database: Ellenbogendysplasie-Auswertung (ED-Röntgen) nach IEWG.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Appenzell Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, German Roughhaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Pudelpointer, Spinone Italiano.