Hello World! Welcome Friends! Hypertrophic osteodystrophy or skeletal scurvy is known to be a vitamin C deficiency in larger dog breeds. This is a disease that affects the end part of the long bones in many retrievers and Labradors. You can know more about deficiency in vitamin C in this link here.
When HOD starts, a series of events also unfolds. Initially, the blood vessels located in the bones’ growth plate begin to disrupt. The vessels begin to bleed and distend into the bone instead of ossifying and hardening themselves like they usually should. As the disruption is making its progress, the bone in the limbs die and gets reabsorbed. This results in a micro-fracture since the surrounding structures become weaker.
In response to all of these, the dog’s body begins to lay down the foundations of a new bone in place of the one that got reabsorbed. The overall results are swollen and thick ends of the ulna, tibia, and radius. HOD can also affect the jaw, ribs, and paw bones.
Most Afflicted by HOD
Most young dogs between the ages of 3 to 6 months are commonly affected by hypertrophic osteodystrophy. If you have larger breeds such as Irish Setters, Great Danes, Weimaraners, and German Shepherds, they need extra care since they are the most common breeds to acquire this disease. The female ones commonly experience HOD, especially in autumn.
Signs that your Pet Has HOD
According to the team at Reunion Celebration Vet, there are signs that you need to look for at the onset of the disease. Most puppies younger than a year can contract HOD, and they might have severe pain when walking. If you notice the refusal to walk or stand, there’s something wrong with their limbs.
Most of the symptoms commonly associated with HOD are anorexia, fever, diarrhea, pneumonia, lethargy, depression, swelling, and pain. Know more about other symptoms when you visit sites like https://petcbdcommunity.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs-hypertrophic-osteodystrophy/ that can give you lots of information about common remedies of HOD. You should also look for swelling in the affected areas and make sure to get x-rays and other tests to confirm. The puppies can relax for a time since osteodystrophy can wane, however, they can experience periods of relapse if the owner is not careful.
Treatment and Medication
For bigger breeds, they need to stay hydrated while they experience symptoms. Others don’t lose their appetites even if walking is uncomfortable. The treatment involved aims to lessen the pain on the legs.
Some vets may recommend supportive treatment. This can cause therapy with IV fluids during periods of high fevers. If there are pain medications available, it is best to give it to your pet. There are CBD oils in the market that can act as a pain reliever since they affect the endocannabinoid system of many dogs. Others have tried alfalfa, yucca, and root of dandelions to aid with pain relief.
Most puppies with HOD are known to have low levels of Vitamin C., But you mustn’t overfeed your dog with lemon water or administer vitamin C pills for them without your vet’s approval. Some breeds effectively synthesize their own vitamins inside the body. Therefore, they won’t respond well if an extra dose is given to them. Most experts agree that scurvy or lowered levels of vitamin C can be considered as a symptom and not as a cause.
For medication, there are pet parents that were prescribed with NSAIDs that are similar to aspirin. These can be in the form of meloxicam or carprofen. Others opt for non-narcotic opiates such as tramadol to help with discomfort and pain. In cases where the conditions are severe, narcotics such as fentanyl and hydromorphone are often used to prevent infection. Before giving any of these medications, it is essential to check in with your vet first and get a legit prescription.
Costs to Consider
Many puppies will grow out of this condition in time. Some of the treatments can last only for weeks. In severe cases, they can last up to months, but this is often rare. There are low-cost diagnoses available for many owners as well as affordable medications out there. The expenses can vary depending on the severity of the case, so it is best to talk with the vet about this.
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in dogs, which is quite informative. It’s important for pet owners, especially those with larger breeds, to be aware of such conditions. The detailed explanation of symptoms, treatment options, and the emphasis on the importance of veterinary consultation is very helpful. It’s also good to know that while HOD is serious, many puppies can outgrow it with proper care