Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) is an inflammatory condition that occurs when the diseased cartilage separates from the underlying bone. It most commonly affects the shoulder joint but the elbow, hip, knee (stifle), or hock (tarsus) may also be affected.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs
The most commonly observed obsessive-compulsive behaviors are spinning, tail chasing, self-mutilation, hallucinating (fly biting), circling, fence running, hair/air biting, pica (appetite for non-food substances such as dirt, rocks or feces), pacing, staring, and vocalizing.
In addition to the genetic cause, veterinarians and animal behaviorists believe that in some dogs, compulsive behaviors are extreme reactions resulting from a lack of physical and mental stimulation, high anxiety, the absence of a job to do, frustration, arousal, or from receiving insufficient attention.
With treatment, most dogs improve and are walking well within 4-6 weeks. However, some dogs may continue to have intermittent lameness or pain and will require lifelong management with medication and/or joint supplements, especially if the tarsal (ankle) or stifle (knee) joints are affected.
While canine compulsive disorder is not extremely common, some of the breeds most likely to exhibit signs of OCD include German Shepherds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and adorable Cairn Terriers.
The affected joint may be swollen and warm to the touch. In some cases, the lameness may be mild and intermittent, while in other cases, the dog may be in constant pain and avoid bearing weight on the affected leg.
OCD is most commonly seen in the shoulder, but can also be seen in the knee, elbow, and ankle joints. OCD causes differing levels of pain and lameness, making it hard for your young dog to be active.
Expect to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 per joint. Arthroscopic procedures tend to lie on the more pricey side due to the cost of the equipment and the additional training these veterinarians bring to bear.
Dogs tend to develop compulsive disorders related to the natural behaviors of grooming (ALD) and predation (light/shadow chasing and tail chasing). Cats develop compulsive disorders related to grooming (psychogenic alopecia) and consummatory behavior (wool-sucking/pica).
What is the prognosis of OCD? The prognosis (outlook) of OCD can vary. OCD is often a lifelong condition that can wax and wane. People with OCD who receive appropriate treatment often experience increased quality of life and improved social, school and/or work functioning.
Dogs lick the air for a number of reasons: to better smell things they are interested in, to communicate anxiety, to combat an upset stomach, etc. Occasional, short-lived episodes of air-licking are not a cause for alarm, but you should watch for increases in the time and/or frequency spent licking.
The key signs are lameness and stiffness, most evident after rest following exercise. Examination may reveal muscle wastage with painful, swollen joints. A CT scan is the most accurate way to diagnose osteochondrosis. This also allows presence and severity of secondary osteoarthritis to be assessed.
Osteochondritis dissecans happens most often in the knee, elbow, or ankle. It usually takes 3 months or longer to heal completely. If it heals completely, kids who have it usually don't have any long-lasting problems.
Examples of listed compulsive disorders in dogs include shadow chasing, light chasing, spinning, spinning/tail chasing, acral lick dermatitis (ALD), self-mutilation, fly biting, pica, fence running, flank sucking, checking hind end, and excessive licking of objects (12,13).
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) frequently occurs more in large and giant breeds. Most commonly affected breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, as well as Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and Standard Poodles.
OCD symptoms can worsen if left untreated. Likewise, stress and other mental health symptoms like trauma, anxiety, and themes of perfectionism, can aggravate OCD. Sometimes, symptoms may worsen dramatically and suddenly, but it's more likely for them to escalate gradually.
Many OCD sufferers experience panic attacks or panic attack symptoms — sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, dizziness, weakness in limbs, and so on. They may also feel like they're having an out-of-body experience. This is known as dissociation.
Up to 3% of dogs have obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder seen more frequently in some purebred dogs and exacerbated by stress, writes veterinarian Francine Rattner.
Exercise Control. All large and giant breed puppies should receive only regular short walks until they have finished growing. If they have osteochondrosis, then this is particularly important. Affected dogs should be restricted to the lead, and given three 10-15 minute walks per day only.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.