Osteochondrosis is a localized, nutritional disorder of the articular cartilage or relating to growth. It is triggered by excess weight, when the animal receives too much food during growth (the risk is greatly diminished when complete dry food is used). Cartilage fragments can break away from certain areas and become localized in the joint. Osteochondrosis is observed in certain, rapid-growth breeds and appears around the age of five to seven months. The joints most affected are the shoulder, neck and knee joints and the tibia-tarsal joint.
- Primary symptoms: lameness is observed, often limited to the above-mentioned joints. Forced manipulation is painful.
- Steps to take: most osteochondroses disappear with a lot of exercise (the cartilage fragments are resorbed) and the symptoms then disappear. Food portions should be monitored frequently to prevent excess weight gain. Pain may persist, however. Surgery to remove the cartilage fragments is required in this case.
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