What Is Osteochondrosis in Dogs? Let Us Walk You Through This Disease

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by bone necrosis and impaired bone development in young dogs that are still in the growth and development stage. Examples include osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder joint, osteochondrosis of the elbow joint, ununited anconeal process, and osteochondritis dissecans of the knee joint.

[Causes]

The cause is not yet clear. It is generally believed that the direct causes are circulatory disturbances or excessive traction and compression trauma. Endocrine dysfunction, malnutrition, and genetic factors are also related to the occurrence of this disease.

[Symptoms]

Osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder joint is seen mostly in large-breed dogs, and is especially common in male dogs aged 4 to 8 months. Lameness occurs suddenly and worsens with exercise, and after rest the affected limb is stiff. When the shoulder is palpated or abduction movement is performed, the affected dog shows pain, and a "crack" sound and crepitation can be heard; in the later stage, the shoulder muscles atrophy.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral condyle and ununited anconeal process occur mostly in large-breed dogs aged 4 to 5 months, and mild lameness of the forelimbs is common; in the first few minutes after rest, the gait appears stiff. The two forelimbs are slightly abducted, the elbows are flexed close to the chest, and the joint capsule is often distended.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee joint presents as difficulty bearing weight, with a "mincing" gait typical of joint dysplasia. In the later stage, osteoarthrosis develops.

[Treatment]

Once bone and joint pain occurs, drug and physical therapies are not very effective, and surgical treatment is generally used instead.