German Shepherd puppies with OCD Part 2

What OCD is: OCD is a condition that occurs in growing puppies of larger breeds, primarily between the ages of 4-9 months, but can occur as late as 12 months or older. It is most commonly seen in the shoulder joint but can be seen in stifles, elbows, hocks or other joints. In approximately one third of the cases of OCD, the disease is bilateral (in both joints). Occasionally, it is present in several different joints in the same individual. It is seen twice as often in males as in females.

OCD is thought to be caused by a problem in the growth rate of the joint cartilage relative to the underlying subchondral bone. The cartilage over the bone in the joint becomes thickened and the growth of the underlying bone is altered. Because the joint is an area of movement and stress, this thickened cartilage is at risk of being torn, especially in the areas most subjected to trauma, stress and movement, such as the caudal area of the shoulder joint. When repeated trauma causes a flap of cartilage to tear away from the underlying bone, the condition becomes OCD. Because of the tear, the joint fluid can come in direct contact with sensitive areas of the now-exposed underlying bone and can cause pain. Lameness will usually be present in the dog at this time. If the cartilage flap remains attached, it will not re-attach and heal back into its original position. If the cartilage flap tears completely loose from the adjoining cartilage, it becomes a loose body in the joint called a "joint mouse". Once the flap has detached, the torn area where the flap originated usually heals when the lesion is filled in with fibrocartilage, a type of "scar" cartilage. Joint mice may float around in the joint, eventually being broken down and absorbed, or they may be nourished by the joint fluid and grow to a larger size than the original loose cartilage body. Possible complications arise when joint mice attach themselves to other areas in the joint or become entrapped it the bicipital tendon sheath, causing irritation, obstruction of movement and pain. The breakdown of cartilage from these various processes may cause inflammation, pain and the eventual development of secondary osteoarthritis in the affected joint.

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