21/06/2025
My Louis had bilateral shoulder arthroscopic surgery last month at 9months of age for developmental joint disease - shoulder OCD (Osteochondrosis dissecans). There is a significant genetic influence in these developmental joint diseases, including shoulder OCD. Shoulder OCD is commonly seen in some larger breeds, but also Border Collies.
Louis is feeling much better now he doesn’t have ouchy shoulders with cartilage pieces floating around. The surgery removed the broken cartilage fragments to reduce pain and help healing. However, the surgery is not curative, but instead "damage control to slow osteoarthritis disease progression".
Louis is not alone. As a Behaviour Vet, pain, including musculoskeletal pain (or discomfort), is always at the front of my mind in my patients as a possible influence in dogs and cats who show signs of anxiety or use aggressive behaviours.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a "young dog disease". It is primarily driven by developmental disease in dogs - and not "wear and tear" of old joints as we used to say. It is ALOT more common than people think.
A 2024 research study, published in the elite journal Nature, in the team of Enomoto and Lascelles took a random sample of 123 dogs of ages 8mnths-4 years from a single vet practice. 12 joints were radiographed and examined. Approximately 40% of these young dogs had radiographic osteoarthritis in 1 or more joints. Approx 16% (20 of these 123 "normal" dogs) had moderate clinical painful osteoarthritis.
Only two of these dogs were receiving OA pain management. Yet earlier effective treatment of OA pain may better control the pain and long term negative impacts on muscle strength, emotional state (such as anxiety and aggression). (see Gruen 2022).
The most frequent joints effected in this sample were elbows and hips, then hocks and stifles, then shoulders and lumbosacral joints.
I have linked this study in the comments.
The 4 Pillars of OA Management (Dr Kirby Shaw - Board certified SA surgeon and rehab specialist) are:-
1. Pain management
2. Weight management
3. Omega 3/Fish Oil supplementation (at correct doses)
4. Exercise - e.g. low impact, regular, controlled walks
(Now advised - 60 minutes broken into 3 or 4 sessions)
I am addressing these 4 pillars with Louis in order that he maintains strength, flexibility and comfort through his life. He can of course still play and run and enjoy his life to the full - but with care and understanding of his OA and how best to manage it.
