Osteochondrosis, also known as osteochondritis or OCD, is a joint disease in which the cartilage located where your dog’s bones interact is damaged or becomes thickened. The cartilage’s function is to reduce joint friction and allow your dog’s bones to move smoothly. When the cartilage is thickened or cracked, it can be very painful for your dog to move his joints. In some cases, pieces of the cartilage break off and continue to grow. These free-floating cartilage pieces are known as "joint mice." Osteochondrosis is more commonly found in larger dogs where the stress on the joints is greater.

Osteochondrosis can cause mild to severe pain and lameness in one or more of your dog’s joints. Symptoms grow worse after exercise and improve with rest.

Although the exact cause is unknown, there are several factors that may lead your dog to develop osteochondrosis. These factors include injury, malnutrition, a decrease in blood flow to the cartilage due to another medical condition, rapid growth and heredity. However, the exact genetic mechanism leading to the development of hereditary osteochondrosis is unknown.

A physical examination and x-rays are required to diagnose osteochondrosis.

With milder cases of osteochondrosis, treatment may simply be to restrict your dog’s activities for several weeks during which your dog will be on anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. More serious cases may require surgery to repair or remove the damaged portion of the cartilage.

Since osteochondrosis may be inherited, dogs with a family history of osteochondrosis should not be bred. Proper nutrition, especially during the growth months, may also help to prevent osterochondrosis.

No, you cannot contract osteochondrosis from your dog.