| |
OCD
of the Canine Elbow
At the end of the bones is a layer of cartilage. It serves as a protective surface during
normal joint motion and, in the maturing dog, as a growth centre for new bone.
OCD (Osteochondrosis Desicans) is a disease of the developing cartilage. The normal cell growth and maturation of the
cartilage cells into bone fails to occur. This means the cartilage starts to become
thick in these areas and is susceptible to damage. Being thick the cartilage is also unable to get adequate nutrition ( as this is
normally absorbed from eh joint fluid) and areas of necrosis occur. These areas of devitalised cartilage can become flaps or
fissures and inflammation of the structures of the joint cavity will follow with a painful joint
being the outward result.
Dogs with rapid growth seemed to be more likely to suffer from OCD and it is rarely reported ion dogs
less than 20kg. It seem to be more common in such breeds as Labradors, golden retrievers, GSD
and Rottweilers.
Why it occurs is controversial, many theories have been postulated and it is likely that there is not a single cause. The role of nutrition is this disease is complex but it seems excess energy in the diet and
over supplementation of calcium can contribute to the disease. However, nutritional
management alone will not prevent of treat the disease. It also seems that unequal growth rate of the radius and ulna can place abnormal mechanical stresses on the cartilage of the elbow joint leading to cartilage
damage and wear. The problem may also occur in the shoulder, knee and hock.
There are many theories on the treatment of OCD. Chondropotectives may be of benefit by reducing cartilage damage and degeneration and they may help to control pain and inflammation. Surgery is indicated in particular type of OCD of the elbow when there are pieces of cartilage that need to be
removed from the joint. Generally each case is treated individually with
combinations of: anti-inflammatories, chondroprotectives, rest and surgery. The need for
surgery is usually decided on a case by case basis.
Back to TOP
|
