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Developmental Bone Disease Growth Rate Great Dane puppies grow at a phenomental rate. The Giant breeds undergo tremendous metabolic and structural changes in comparison to other breeds. It is much better for the dog to reach his genetic potential at a slower and even growth rate. This even growth provides the muscle development to support the bone mass of the animal making them more sound and agile. Puppies that grow at an even rate will mature slower but will be more sound and not break down by the time they are five. |
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OCD - Osteochondrosis dessicans This is a degeneration (breakdown) of the bone and cartilage of certain joints. It is followed by calcification of the joints when it attempts to heal. OCD occurs between 5 to 9 months and can cause pain,lameness and swelling. Small sections of tissue can break loose and cause joint mice. If this is diagnosed early, 6 months and under, it may be possible to repair the problem with diet changes and joint supplementation. Nutritionally caused OCD is usually in more than one joint and gives a shifting leg lameness where the puppy limps on the joint which hurts the most. HOD - Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy This condition is characterized by abnormal bone growth of the lower front legs. It is seen in puppies from 2 to 6 months of age. It causes lameness,sometimes fever and can be very painful. Linda Ardt states on her website (www.greatdanelady.com) that vaccine reactions,certain antibiotics and septicemia can be misdiagnosed as HOD. I have never seen HOD symptoms from a vaccine reation in 25 years of administering vaccines. I only use Merial vaccines, in my opinion are the best on the market,which maybe why I have never seen this reaction. The vaccine reaction is usually from the cheaper vaccines and can trigger an autoimmune response which makes the bone start to develop out of control.In very early stages can look like HOD but soon goes beyond it and the legs are like stone, Calcium development gone awry. Cephlosporins(Keflex) and sulfonamides are two classes of antibiotics proposed to cause HOD symptoms. I never use sulfonamides as they do have many side effects, but I have used Keflex extensively for 25 years and have never seen a problem using it. Supposedly Keflex dries out the synovial fluid of the joints which is what causes the pain and achy joints. Now every drug has side effects and I still use Keflex but with a watchfuleye. This is reversible so if your dog shows any signs of pain or limping when on Keflex call your vet and stop the Keflex. Now septic arthritis certainly can cause lameness, swelling and pain in a joint, fever and other systemic signs so can indeed mimic HOD. Septic arthritis is usually in just one joint whereas nutritionally induced HOD is usually in both. The biggest problem with HOD is too many calories consumed than activity expended. Causes of HOD Intake versus output Supplements like human food,cottage cheese,dairy products Poor quality dog food Minerals that are not available-sequestered Calorie dense foods |
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Hip Dysplasia This is luxation of the femur from the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis causing a remodeling of this joint. The mismatch of the ball and socket leads to arthritis. It is the development of the arthritis that causes lameness, pain and abnormal gait. Hip dysplasia is a polygenetic trait (involves many genes) and so is very difficult to breed out. A dysplastic dog should not be used for breeding but does not necessarily mean that the dog will develop lameness etc. I have a 6 year old Dane who did not pass her OFA hips and so was spayed but she runs around like a crazy dog and shows no signs of arthritis.Of course she has been fed properly and been on joint supplementation her whole life. Hip dysplasia can also be affected by nutrition as rapid growth or weight gain can aggravate the condition and cause signs of lameness to occur. Pano - Panosteitis This is a disease of the long bones in the legs and is called growing pains by some. Puppies with exremely large bone are at greater risk as are males. Although this condition can cause lameness and pain, it is self limiting and there is no permanent damage to the joints. It is often seen during growth spurts and can cause a shifting leg lameness. The condition can last a few days to many weeks. True pano does not occur in dogs after their growth plates are closed which in Danes is 18 to 24 months. The second part of this article addresses the influences that cause developmental Bone Disease see Prevention page. |
