• Reasonably uncommon cause of hindlimb lameness in young animals, medium to large breeds.
• Usually manifests as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of medial or lateral trochlear ridge of talus, with lesions of proximal medial trochlear ridge predominating.
• Signs: variable lameness with pain and crepitus and reduced range of flexion on joint manipulation - may be bilateral. Often associated with an abnormally upright stifle and hock conformation.
• Diagnosis: signs, radiography.
• Treatment: surgical intervention may be better than conservative management.
• Prognosis: chronic intermittent or continuous lameness is possible irrespective of management. The progression of secondary degenerative joint disease (DJD) is not arrested by surgery, although surgery may reduce likelihood of this being of clinical significance.

Presenting signs

• Variable hindlimb lameness. May become intermittently non-weight bearing.
• Pain and crepitus on joint manipulation.

• Abnormally upright stifle and hock conformation.

Age predisposition

• 4-6 months onwards.

Breed/Species predisposition

• Rottweiler Rottweiler.

• Bull Terrier Bull Terrier.
• Labrador Retriever Retriever: Labrador.
• Golden Retriever Retriever: Golden.
• Bullmastiff Bullmastiff.

Cost considerations

• Arthrotomy and fragment removal is relatively inexpensive due to ease of approach. With the development and progression of degenerative joint disease, chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will increase cost.