I was hoping someone out there can share any experiences with ongoing health after ocd to the hock.

Last wednesday my 11 month old golden retriever (boy) had an operation to remove a small cartilage 'mouse' from his right hock after I noticed some swelling around that joint and occasional limping. He is now on rest for 4 weeks ( that's easier said than done!), antibiotics and rimadyl, and will have weekly cartrophen injections for 6 weeks. The vet said there was a 'little bit' of arthitis already present in the joint but it was to the side rather than the middle (whatever that means but it think it meant that was good). He said prognosis is 'uncertain'.

I have been looking on the net for ideas about prognosis of ocd of the hock in particular but apart from ' guarded', 'variable', and 'more problematic than ocd in other joints' I am finding it hard to see what this really means. Am I looking at having a very disabled dog for the rest of his life? Or will it just mean a normal life with occasional trouble at the joint? I would be really grateful for any experiences shared!!!!

Hi Goldiepup,

I have a Rottie girl that had the same op when she was 6mths old. She is now 2 1/2 years old and is doing ok.  The leg hasn't got the same good muscle definition as the other and is slightly lame in her movement (looking at her with show head on) but other than that you wouldn't know there was anything wrong with her.  She is happy, loves playing with the other dogs, goes on the same walks.  She is on no pain killer medication and hasn't been since the op.  On the odd occassion if she over does it she may be stiffer on the leg but once she get's going she is fine.  With age she will most probably need medication and there could be a chance the joint may need to be fused, but while she's young and enjoying herself I let her get on with it.

Unfortunately it is one of the worst areas to have OCD but all you can do is follow the recovery period and gradually increase excersise.  Watch their weight as they don't want to be carrying any extra pounds around.

Good luck with the rest period, never easy with youngsters.

Got a two year old Border collie who had OCD in his shoulder at 8 months. You would not notice now and I recommend Glucosimine DS (Double strength) we get it on line and he has two tablets sprinkled on his dinner daily and hes very active. Swimming is good, he had the op and recovered well but we never, ever, let him jump down in fact he's a real baby and we tend to carry him in and out of the trucks and estate cars just in case. We do know (have been advised) he will probably get arthiritus later in life and we will deal with that as and when it arrives but it hasn't slowed Jake down at all!! We did drop to 1 tablet about three months after his op as recommended by the vet, but, he used to limp a little after a sleep so we upt it again and no sign of a limp at all. Play it by ear and good luck we were devestated when Jake got OCD but we are really happy with him now. He's two today!!!!!

It is good to hear he is doing so well- I know OCD of the shoulder has an excellent prognosis if caught early. Where do you get your glucosamine from? I had a look online but there are loads of different DS preparations!

Thanks for your reassuring response about your Rottie. That was what I was hoping to hear and I am sure I can live with that. We are currently trying to invent some 'thinking' games for Milo to keep him busy (under which cup is the ball- etc.) as he is bored out of his brain. Also watching doggie films on youtube seems to entertain him!!!!  Haha all I need is computer games for the dog and we'll be fine (it works for the kids- they won't move for days given the chance!)

Pet meds though many try the horse preparation which is cheaper just get the weights right! I use double strength one with the picture of the Goldie on the front. Jake's doing well.

Its called Cosequine I could not think of that! it cost me £90 off the vet for 120 tabs and £84 fpr 240 on line!!