What is osteochondrodysplasia?
Most bones in the body are first formed of cartilage, which is gradually replaced by bone early in life. Irregularities in this process will result in bones which are abnormal in size or shape. Osteochondrodysplasia describes a range of disorders which are characterized by abnormal growth of cartilage and bone. These disorders typically result in skeletal dwarfism, with the limbs of an animal being disproportionately short.
Most of the disorders classified as osteochondrodysplasias affect the bones of the limbs, such that the limbs are short relative to body length, but some forms also affect the formation and growth of vertebrae, resulting in a body which is abnormally short. Breeds such as the dachshund and basset hound have been selectively bred for dwarfism; this discussion concerns the osteochondrodysplasias in breeds where dwarfism is not part of the breed standard.
How is osteochondrodysplasia inherited?
This condition is autosomal recessive in several of the breeds in which it occurs.
What breeds are affected by osteochondrodysplasia?
Osteochondrodysplasia occurs in the following breeds:
breed name of condition Alaskan malamute non-selected chondrodysplasia Great Pyrenees chondrodysplasia The Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals (GDC) maintains an open research database for this condition in the Great Pyrenees. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/gdc/gdc.html Labrador retriever osteochondrodysplasia Eye abnormalities (cataracts and retinal degeneration) may also be seen with the bone changes. Norwegian elkhound chondrodysplasia Samoyed pseudoachondrodysplasia Affected dogs often have eye abnormalities as well (eg. cataracts, retinal degeneration). Scottish deerhound osteochondrodysplasia Dogs have short, bowed legs and a decrease in their ability to exercise; boney abnormalities worsen with age. The condition has also been reported in the Irish setter.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does osteochondrodysplasia mean to your dog & you?
There is a range in the severity of problems caused by this condition. Mildly affected dogs may have short stature due to short limbs, with no associated clinical problems. Progressively more severe effects include bowed limbs, or limbs which are angled to the side, enlarged and deformed joints, joint looseness, lameness, decreased ability to exercise, and severe debilitation. Animals with this condition are more likely to develop arthritis and joint pain.
How is osteochondrodysplasia diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will make this diagnosis based on your dog's physical appearance; x-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis, or to screen puppies less than 13 weeks of age for this condition.
How is osteochondrodysplasia treated?
There is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Intermittent joint pain can be treated with pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs (eg. buffered aspirin). In some cases, surgery may be recommended to help to correct a deformity.
Affected dogs, their parents (carriers of the disorder), and siblings (suspect carriers) should not be bred.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Ackerman L. 1999. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, p. 126. AAHA Press,Lakewood, Colorado
Johnson KA, Watson ADJ, Page RL. 1995. Skeletal diseases. In EJ Ettinger and EC Feldman(eds) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, p. 2087 WB Saunders Co., Toronto
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 20, 2002.This database is a joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.