OCD

Definition of O.C.D.: OCD - (Osteochrondritis Dissecans)

The Separation of Joint Cartilage from Bone

Cause is Rapid Growth

Ages 4-12 months of age

Affects Shoulder, Hocks, Stifles

Cause--Excessive Calcium or Mineral Imbalance

**Nutritionally Caused Disease (as proven in Equine research)

Symptoms:

Lameness

Pain present at flexing the joint

Can happen in more than one joint

This is a defect in the cartilage. The overlaying or attaching to the bone does not take place properly and a small piece or flap peels up and acts as an irritant.

Suggestions for Prevention:

Feed a moderate, high quality diet in normal amounts.

Supplement with Vitamin C (1000-1500 mg) daily.

If an animal can not tolerate regular ascorbic acid Vitamin C, then and ESTER - C will work.

MSM - Nutritional Sulfur (800-937-1104)

Course of Action:

If this is diagnosed early enough it may be possible to repair the problems with changes in diet and the use of Adequan or products which support joint health and repair such as:

HIP--HEALTH (800-624-5009)

Glucosamine/Chondroitin as a supplement

Sometimes surgery to remove the piece of cartilage is the only option. Discuss this with an Orthopedics veterinarian if surgery is a possibility.

* As a note of interest, when I ran the National Bone Survey in this breed, (Great Danes) 1991 we had over 3,237 cases of veterinarian diagnosed bone diseases reported to the survey. Of those numbers, 517 were OCD cases. Of those cases all were fed the same 3 commercial dog foods. Interesting isn't it! Or was that just a coincidental?

*Note : Once in a while an animal has been injured, the trauma to that area will cause OCD in a joint. When it is nutritionally cause is it often in more than one joint. Make sure you don't excuse your feeding program problems and call the problem "injury" related. Breeders/Owners have a tendancy to stick their head in the sand.