Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

By: Dr. Cathy Reese

Section: Information In-depth

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is a disease of young, skeletally immature large- and giant-breed dogs. The cause of HOD is unknown. An old theory was vitamin C deficiency, but this theory has since been discarded. Currently, excessive nutritional supplementation, genetics, and possibly an infectious agent are believed to play roles in the development of HOD. HOD develops in puppies between two and eight months of age, more commonly around three to four months of age.

Dogs with HOD have a limp that can be mild or so severe that they hold the leg off of the ground. The front legs are usually affected, and both front legs are often affected at the same time. The disease can be episodic, such that the signs come and go.

The carpi or wrists are usually swollen, painful, and warm to the touch. Affected pups usually have a fever, are not interested in food, and are depressed and lethargic.



This disease can present with signs similar to other orthopedic diseases of young dogs, such as panosteitis or osteochondrosis. Panosteitis is an inflammatory condition of the long bones of young large breed dogs. Osteochondrosis is an abnormality of mineralization of the bones of young growing dogs, which can result in disruption of joint cartilage overlying the bone.

Diagnosis In-depth

History and physical examination are important in any illness. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, examining all four legs carefully. Often, orthopedic disease can affect more than one leg, but the dog will only be obviously lame on the worst leg. Your veterinarian will also take your dog's temperature to check for a fever. Specific tests may include:

  • Radiographs (X-rays). After determining which legs or joints are painful, your veterinarian will take radiographs of the affected leg and may also take radiographs of the opposite leg both for comparison and also because many of these orthopedic diseases affect the same area on the opposite leg. HOD has a typical radiographic appearance of the radius and ulna bones of the forelimb in the area near the carpus (wrist). Radiographs are taken to confirm the diagnosis of HOD.

  • Blood tests. If your dog is severely debilitated, your veterinarian may submit blood tests to check your dog's hydration status and electrolyte levels.

    Treatment In-depth

    Since the cause for this disease is unknown, specific treatments for it are not available. The disease is usually self-limiting and runs its course as the dog matures. The treatments are therefore designed to make the dog comfortable and keep him nourished through the disease.

  • Therapy is usually supportive care. PainBiocaine 4oz
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  • If the dog is severely debilitated and dehydrated, hospitalization may be required. Your veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids to your dog and possibly institute nutritional supplementation, in order to keep him hydrated and well nourished.

    Prognosis

    Dogs that are mildly affected have a very good prognosis, but dogs that are severely affected have a guarded prognosis and may be euthanized because of unrelenting painBiocaine 4oz
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    Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not rapidly improve.

  • Administer all prescribed medications as directed. Alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet.

  • Be familiar with your pet's gait, appetite, attitude and activityHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
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  • Be familiar with your pet's body. If you notice any swelling of the joints or bones, contact your veterinarian.

  • If the adjacent growth plates, the part of the bone responsible for elongation, are also affected, they may close prematurely and cause abnormal growth of the bones. The bone will grow curved or crooked. If your dog was diagnosed with HOD, watch the growth of his legs carefully over following weeks to months. If you notice any curve or crooked shape, you should notify your veterinarian right away. Your dog will likely need surgery to correct the crooked bone.

    Follow-up

    Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not rapidly improve.

  • Administer all prescribed medications as directed. Alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet.

  • Be familiar with your pet's gait, appetite, attitude and activity level. It can be very helpful if you notice subtle changes in your pet's gait or behavior. The more you are aware of what is "normal" for your pet, the quicker you will be able to pick up on something going wrong. As with most diseases, early detection and intervention is best.

  • Be familiar with your pet's body. If you notice any swelling of the joints or bones, contact your veterinarian.

  • If the adjacent growth plates, the part of the bone responsible for elongation, are also affected, they may close prematurely and cause abnormal growth of the bones. The bone will grow curved or crooked. If your dog was diagnosed with HOD, watch the growth of his legs carefully over following weeks to months. If you notice any curve or crooked shape, you should notify your veterinarian right away. Your dog will likely need surgery to correct the crooked bone.

     
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