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Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy_____
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.
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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.
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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).
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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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Links to sites about this disease:
This summary provided by:
| Jessica S |
| Wildfire Kennel |
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