Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) is a developmental disorder and a painful joint disease that can affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and hock joints. OCD occurs when a piece of cartilage becomes loose or pulls away from the surface of a joint, causing pain and inflammation. It is also one of the types of elbow dysplasia.

Causes:

The true cause of OCD is unknown, but there are several factors which can exacerbate any predispositions:

• Excessive exercise as a puppy

• Fast growing, large breeds

• Genetics

• Harmful activities of daily living e.g. ball chasing, living on laminate/slippery floors

• Physical impact or trauma e.g. a fall or collision

• Body size and weight

• Lack of blood flow

• Nutritional deficiency

• Hormonal imbalances

• Too much energy and calcium in the diet

• Body size and weight, dietary or nutritional deficiency during the first few months of life, hormonal imbalances and joint trauma are all factors which can increase the risk of developing OCD.

Symptoms:

• Lameness, can be mild/ intermittent or constant and can’t bear any weight

• Uneven weight bearing of the limbs

• Scuffing of nails on the affected leg as flexion through the elbow is reduced

• Muscle atrophy

• Worse after exercise

• Swelling of joints

• Reluctant to flex or extend affected joint on manipulation

How massage can help:

• Quicker post-surgical recovery (if an operation is required)

• Reduces recuperation time by minimising pain and aiding comfort

• Helps improves mobility

• Develops and maintains muscles tone

• Encourages weight bearing equally on all 4 limbs

• Helps to strengthen the affected leg and restore the muscle tone