Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

Also known as HOD, this is a developmental bone disease that generally affects young, rapidly growing large breed puppies.

Affected animals have a moderate swelling as well as pain in the growth plates near the joints. The most common bones affected are the radius, ulna and tibia. Often there is an increased temperature approaching 106.

The condition can resolve rapidly with restricted activity and a limited diet.

Osteochondritis dissecans

Also known as OCD and Osteochondrosis is a developmental bone disease most commonly affecting young, rapidly growing large breeds. It is characterized by a disturbance of endochondral ossification.

The exact cause is unknown; however, rapid growth, over nutrition, excess calcium, trauma and genetics are a few of the influences that have been implicated. The condition can occur in any joint but is most commonly seen in the shoulder, knee or stifle joints.

Clinical signs include lameness, joint pain, joint effusion and a reluctance to exercise.

Some of these cases will resolve on their own by limiting activity and controlling the discomfort, while others will require surgery in order to remove large cartilage fragments (known as a joint mouse) and to curettage the bone deficit.

In either case, it can take significant time for the condition to be corrected.

Panosteitis

Also known as Pano and Eosinophilic Panosteitis, this is a disease of the bone marrow with possible secondary effects involving the bone. It is most commonly seen in the long bones of young, rapidly growing large breed puppies.

The condition is a mild to severe shifting leg lameness that waxes and wanes and can be associated with excessive exercise or trauma, as well as rapid growth.