Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is a disease that impacts the development of leg bones in young, large dogs. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy typically occurs between the ages of 2 to 7 months.

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy can impact all four legs, and will cause severe leg pain, swelling and lameness. Additional symptoms may include fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms may come and go over time. In more severe cases, hypertrophic osteodystrophy may cause bone structure deformities.

It is not yet known how or why this condition develops.

Clinical presentation and physical examination with x-rays are required to diagnose hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is treated with pain-relieving medications. The condition may resolve itself after only a short duration, usually 7 to 10 days, or it may be reoccurring. More severe cases can cause bone deformities which may be treated with surgery.

Since the cause is unknown, it is also not known how to prevent hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

No, you cannot contract hypertrophic osteodystrophy from your dog.