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Osteochondrosis Dissecans and Dobermans

© Deborah J. Myers

As stated throughout this Suite 101 category, Dobermans are generally healthy animals when well bred and well raised; however, like any other dog breed, they are prone to certain conditions. One of these is Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD).

OCD describes a condition that involves bone formation. It usually affects the shoulders but it can occur in other joints, such as the hip, knee, hock or elbow.

Usually affecting male, large breed dogs that grow rapidly, OCD appears in puppies between four and twelve months old. Dobermans are still actively growing during this phase of development.

Normally, cartilage cushions the head of long bones to form a joint. With OCD, the cartilage develops to become too thick. It tends to limit mobility, and if the puppy is very active, it can crack or tear off from the bone in large flaps.

When the flaps happen to settle into the correct position, the puppy can be pain-free and play normally. However, when the cartilage flaps fall out of position, the condition is very painful and debilitating. Movement is restricted and the dog limps noticeably. He may whimper and resist movement.

The only way to accurately diagnose OCD is by getting an X-ray at the veterinarian’s office. X-rays can diagnose OCD in its earliest, most treatable stages so it is very important to report any inexplicable limp to the veterinarian. Unless he has an obvious cut on his paw, no young dog should limp.

OCD mimics conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, and since untreated OCD dogs often develop arthritis, the initial cause can be hard to detect. Although OCD is a genetic disease, contributory factors may be involved in developing OCD such as trauma, excessive exercise, or poor diet.

Not all joint injuries will result in OCD.

Some studies have shown that diets that encourage rapid growth also encourage OCD; however, these kinds of diets may not cause OCD in some dogs. “Large-breed” dog food is believed to help prevent OCD, but these claims are largely maintained by the foods’ manufacturers and this kind of food may or may not help dogs prone to OCD.

Excessive exercise is not a direct cause, either. These three factors may cause dogs already genetically prone to OCD to develop the disease.

If OCD is caught early, small cracks in the cartilage may be healed if the puppy’s exercise is restricted. Surgical correction may also help.

Like hip dysplaysia, careful breeding can help owners avoid the heartbreak of OCD.