Question: My Border collie (9 months) has been diagnosed with osteo chrondrosis dessicans. Any help and advice with treatment please. Many thanks.
M.G. Auckland, New Zealand.

ANSWER: Without knowing which joint was diagnosed (most often OCD-osteochondrosis dessicans is found in the elbow, shoulder, stifle, or hock) it will be difficult to cover all of the possible causes. In general, OCD is a disruption in the formation of bone/cartilage at or near the joint. Surgery is the treatment of choice to remove any fragments of bone/cartilage or to fix some of the common underlying causes such as fractures, etc. Complete exploration of the joint during surgery will allow the surgeon to diagnose any co-existing problems in the joint (which are common with OCD lesions) and treat them. Prognosis depends upon the degree of the problem, the presence (or absence) of other complicating problems within the joint, and presence of osteoarthritis/degeneration. Younger dogs generally do much better than old dogs because they have less arthritis and the damage isn't as severe or as long standing. Most animals do quite well following surgery but may develop some arthritis as they age in the effected joint(s). The longer you wait for surgery the more arthritis and other degenerative changes can take place. I would suggest you and your veterinarian consult with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon (specialist) to have all of your questions answered to your liking. Good luck!