Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
What is OCD?
Osteochondrosis is a developmental condition of juvenile, large breed dogs where there is a failure of immature cartilage cells to form healthy bone (endochondral ossification) in a joint. In rapidly growing dogs, these cartilage cells lose their blood supply and become necrotic (dead). This leaves behind a bony defect in the normal joint surface, resulting in inflammation, pain, lameness and eventual osteoarthritis. As the condition progresses, the diseased cartilage may form a loose flap that detaches from the underlying bone, a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
What joints are affected?
Commonly affected joints in dogs are:
· Shoulder
· Elbow
· Knee (stifle)
· Ankle (tarsus/hock)
· Wrist (carpus)
How is OCD diagnosed?
Depending on the location and extent of the OCD lesion, a combination of tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis of OCD. It is also important to rule out other developmental orthopaedic diseases which may occur simultaneously. The main diagnostic tests used at QVS are:
· Radiographs (X-rays)
· Advanced imaging – CT scan or MRI
· Arthroscopy (Keyhole joint surgery)
How do we treat OCD?
Small OCD lesions may be treated conservatively with anti-inflammatories and strict rest. In most cases, surgery is required with the goal of reducing pain and lameness and slowing progression of osteoarthritis.
Surgical flap removal via Arthrotomy/Arthroscopy
The affected joint can be surgically opened to remove any damaged cartilage (arthrotomy). This leaves behind a bony defect which will fill with fibrocartilage. This resolves any short-term pain but will result in osteoarthritis in the long-term.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique where a camera and instruments are placed into the joint. The benefits of arthroscopy over traditional arthrotomy are increased visualisation of the joint surface, reduced pain and a more rapid recovery.
Osteochondral autografts
Once the joint has been inspected and the damaged cartilage has been removed, grafts of cartilage may be harvested from the patient’s healthy joints and implanted into the bony defect to allow it to fill with stronger joint (hyaline) cartilage.
SynACARTTM
The most up-to-date technology involves the use of synthetic allografts to fill this defect instead. SynACARTTM can be used for OCD defects in the shoulder, elbow and knee joint. The Arthrex SynACARTTM implant is a synthetic cartilage plug comprised of 2 main components:
- Polycarbonate urethane surface – to provide a smooth and long-lasting joint surface
- Titanium meshed base – to allow for bone to incorporate into the implant
Our team at QVS has utilised SynACART TM in dogs with large OCD lesions and have had successful outcomes. We have leading experience with joint replacement in dogs and cats, and are best positioned to perform this complicated surgery.
What is the typical recovery after SynACARTTM implantation?
Typically, your dog will remain hospitalised for 1 night to ensure adequate post-operative comfort and mobility. When they are ready to go home, they should be restricted to a small room or crate. A specific exercise program will be designed for your dog, gradually increasing their activity over 6-8 weeks. At this point, follow-up radiographs will be taken to confirm that the implant has fully integrated into the bone. Your dog can then return to normal activity.
What is the outcome after surgery?
Good! From our experience, most patients return to good athletic capability following successful surgery.
If you have concerns for your pet in connection to this condition we recommend discussing it with your primary care vet in the first instance, or get in touch with our team for more info.
If you need urgent medical help, contact our 24 hour Pet Emergency team at Stafford, North Lakes, or Sunshine Coast on 1300 QLD VET (1300 753 838)