Osteochondritis Dissecans
O.C.D. lesions result from a disturbance of the development of articular cartilage. The end result is an area of articular cartilage that becomes detached from its underlying bone and eventually breaks loose from its subchondral bone. It causes pain, joint fluid accommodation and lameness. The joints most commonly affected are the shoulder, the hock joints and the stifle joints. It occurs mostly in large breeds of dogs. The treatment consists in surgically excising the portion of the joint cartilage that is partially detached from its subchondral bone and removing all free fragments from the joint. The defect created by the loss of the cartilage layer will gradually be filled by fibrocartilage.
Post-Operative Care:
- The surgical incision needs to be evaluated daily; Report excessive swelling, redness, or drainage. Contact us regarding any concerns.
- Rest, leash walk for 5-6 weeks
- Administer pain medication for 5 days
- Sutures need to be removed 10-14 days after surgery
- NSAIDS for 4 weeks