pets disease

Osteochondrosis describes a condition characterized by abnormal development and growth of joint cartilage. It is seen in young dogs and usually strikes larger breeds. Thought to be caused by trauma and overfeeding, Osteochondrosis can precipitate painful joint inflammation and lameness in these pets. The shoulder, elbow, knee, and hock joints are the regions most commonly affected.
Radiographic X rays are used to definitively diagnose Osteochondrosis in a dog. In many of these dogs, healing will occur spontaneously over 4 to 6 weeks with strict cage rest. If the cartilage defect is extensive, or if pieces of cartilage have broken off and are floating freely within the joint, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove any dead cartilage and to stimulate healing.
Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to temporarily decrease pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs such as the polysulfated glycosamino glycans, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid can be employed in the conservative treatment of Osteochondrosis in dogs. As in hip dysplasia, these agents appear to satisfactorily set the stage for healing to take place within the defective cartilage.