Hi,
   I was just wondering if anybody had any experiences with this, and also how it was treated/how much it cost.

Thanks alot

Katie

These links show surgical and non-surgical treatment:

http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/feed_program_for_ocd_repair.htm
http://www.thepetcenter.com/xra/ocd.html

MY IW boy had both shoulders operated on for OCD. He had to have complete rest for 4 weeks after each op. and then a gradual return to full exercise over another 4 weeks. The surgery was very successful and he is fully fit, sound and pain free now. The surgery cost ~ £1000 for each side.

My lab has OCD in one of his joints - our vet advised no surgery as he said the surgery itself is likely to cause arthritis (just his opinion - I'm sure others will disagree).  He gave us metacam for when it's bad, but this seemed very expensive, not particularly good and quite dangerous.  So... he now has green lipped mussel extract and is doing fabulously, he doesn't limp anymore.  I rested him for about a month after diagnosis, and built up his exercise - he now has about 2 hours a day, and a lot of this is full speed running.  I'm amazed he's doing so well, as I was gutted by the diagnosis!!!
~Clare

Hi there my boxer has elbow OCD and he had very successful surgery and his lameness has gone. We had arthroscopy done which involves inserting a small camera into the joint to see the affected area. He then had a small piece of bone removed and the area smoothed. The whole process cost in the region of £2500 including surgery and arthroscopy, x-rays, followup appointments and mediaction for post-op. Bruno had eight weeks rest after the surgery and gradually we introduced an exercise program of gentle lead walking to give his leg the best chance to heal. The best way to help this condtion is to keep the weight of the dog, keep it lean so it doesn't add any unnecessary pressure on the joints. We also supplement Bruno with Glucosamine, msm and vit c which works as a natuarl anti-inflammatory.I would avoid anything strenuous like ball chasing etc whivh can also cause havoc to the joints. Surgery did work for us and after a long trawl I am glad to see Buno skipping round like a puppy again and enjoying his walks. Kind regards, Clare

When any of you had this surgery done were your dogs insured? and did the insurance companies pay out as I understood that OCD is hereditary and they will not pay out on hereditary problems?

Hi Bella, yes my dog is insured with Diectline and yes they did pay out. As far as OCD is concerned it is not set in stone that it is hereditary. Obviously a dog that has been diagnosed should not be bred from but there are other environmental factors that can also pay a role in this condtion developing. For example a dog that is exercised to much or endures vigourous activities such as agility or chasing after balls when very young or fed an inadequate diet. OCD isn't something that is seen too often in my breed but I do know in other breeds such as Labs it is something that breeders usually screen for before breeding.