08 Rottweiler Health Concerns: Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
Description
This article is from the Rottweilers Breed FAQ, by arc@netrax.net (Denise Gross).
08 Rottweiler Health Concerns: Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD is a disease of bone formation that leads to lameness and
arthritis. It results from a disturbance of the process by which
cartilage is turned into bone during the growth process. Abnormally
thickened cartilage forms in areas of the joints that are subject to
stress and, hence, prone to damage. Cracks form, and the cartilage can
tear, forming a flap. This flap may remain attached to the bone, or it
may tear away and float freely in the joint. The cracks, flap or free
cartilage piece lead to inflammation of the joint (arthritis), pain
and lameness. More than one joint is often affected simultaneously. In
dogs, a the most commonly affected joint is the shoulder, followed by
the elbow, hock and knee.
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