Common names or abbreviations:
 | Hypertrophic osteodystrophy |
Description or definition:
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This condition is a developmental bone disease that usually affects large breed puppies between the ages of 2-8 months of age. “Hyper” means excessive, “trophy” or “trophic” refers to growth. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is the abnormal and excessive growth of bone. HOD occurs when there is a disturbance in the blood supply to the growth plate, leading to delays in bone production. The weakened bones develop microscopic fractures which result in inflammation, pain, and lameness. In mild cases, the dog can make a full recovery with appropriate treatment. In severe cases, the condition can result in systemic illness and deformity of the limbs. This condition is thought to be genetic, however, viral diseases such as distemper, severe respiratory problems, improper nutrition (including over-nutrition) vitamin C deficiencies and other metabolic defects may also play a role in development of the disease. There is also some speculation that the condition can occur as a result of vaccine reaction, particularly in immune deficient dogs. |
Symptoms:
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Pain, swollen and swollen limbs, shifting lameness or refusal to bear weight on various different limbs at different periods of time, loss of appetite, listlessness. Usually the damage is symmetrical and all of the limbs will show symptoms. Often the symptoms will appear, go in remission for a week, and then appear in a different limb. In more severe cases the puppy may exhibit extreme listlessness, depression, fever, anorexia (refusal to eat), weight loss, and reluctance to stand and/or walk. Most puppies will exhibit signs of this condition between 2 and 8 months of age. |
Diagnosis:
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Veterinarians look at whether the dog shows signs of the disease and is a member of a breed commonly affected with this condition. The diagnosis is then confirmed by taking a series of radiographs (x-rays). |
Treatment:
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Treatment is primarily supportive and depends on the severity of the condition and the type of symptoms exhibited. In very mild cases the condition may spontaneously. However most dogs will require some level of supportive care. In most cases treatment is begun with doses of Prednisone. Intravenous fluids are given to dogs with a high fever or dehydration. Aspirin, carprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and narcotics may be given to control pain and inflammation. It is often recommended to discontinue feeding high-calorie diets and additional vitamin and mineral supplementation (particularly vitamin C and calcium). |
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| Jessica in Arizona |