Dear dog owner,
If you have a large, beautiful and energetic young dog and the weather is just
right and you’re feeling in the right mood, you might rummage around to find
jogging shoes and head out for a run. Maybe your adolescent dog also has a bit
of mischief in him, and you’d like to tire him out a bit with a long run
alongside your bike.
Until your dog reaches one year of age, though, it would be better to avoid
bicycle rides and jogs in his company. Large breeds are especially susceptible
to a joint condition known as osteochondrosis (OCD).
In this disorder, the development of the joint cartilage and the surrounding
bone is disturbed. As a result, the cartilage becomes torn. Entire layers of
cartilage may tear off and swim about in the joint capsule as free-floating
fragments. These pieces of cartilage, which sometimes become calcified, are
referred to as “joint mice” or chips. Due to the cartilage chips in the joint
and the damage to the joint cartilage, the joint is subject to greater
friction, and the bones may be irritated and respond by forming spurs. In
addition, bones may be damaged in this disorder: they may turn porous and
form cavities, which are known as bone cysts. Osteochondrosis may lead to
arthritis.
To help prevent this condition, it is important that a young dog’s joints not
be severely stressed. Naturally, your dog needs sufficient exercise and
activity. However, it is best to avoid engaging him in activities that are
excessively hard or prolonged.
If your younger dog limps or is walking stiffly, you should consult your
veterinarian. The earlier osteochondrosis
is treated, the more certain you can be of preventing more severe damage from
developing in the joint.
You can become better informed about osteochondrosis
by reading our article. If you are the owner of a young Labrador, Golden
Retriever, Rottweiler, Great Dane or other breed of large dog, you need to be
especially careful. These breeds have an inherited tendency to develop
osteochondrosis.
We wish you active hours of fun with your four-footed friend
Your enpevet team