I have a 6 month old dog with swelling in both hind ankles, more severe and extremely lame in left hind.
Does not respond to non steroidal anti-inflammatories.
He has had digital radiographs done of all rear assembly which show nothing
and has had a full tick serology done, all negative.
The orthopedic specialist seems to think it is OCD and wants to do a cat scan and surgery if something is found.
I have never had an OCD problem before and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on this subject.

It is called OCD of the hocks, and swelling and lameness are usually the first symptoms. Unfortunately OCD can rear it's ugly head in anyone's breeding program and if you breed long enough it probably will. I am sorry for your pups pain.

Have just gone through same thing with 5 month old pick dog. My Vet x-rayed right away, saw the cartilage chips, forwarded us to a real good Ortho. He confirmed double Hock OCD. Double laser surgery 3 days later. Dog was walking next day, recoup time was about 6 weeks to be around other dogs. Dog is 18 months now, 90 lbs, and in great shape. Have to keep their weight down. He will never be able to have extreme activities, but he sure does look as good as new, and no pain. Gets a Glucos pill every day.

I think that it is very important to get the surgery as soon as possible, to keep from tearing their joints up too much. The operation came out just like the Ortho said it would. This Ortho that did the surgery, was the only one that would do both Hocks at the same time. Most want to do one, and then the second 6 weeks later, making it a three month event. It's a lot cheaper doing it both at the same time, and the recoup time is half. Make sure you discuss with the Vet.

I agree with Breeder about sx after final diagnosis of OCD with joint mouse.
See an board certified orthopedic vet or your local veterinary school to get this cleaned out and your young man on the road to recovery. My first labrador had this unilaterally and at that time they were placing screws in to stabilize the tarsal bone. I am sure the surgery and treatments will depend on the location of the lesions on both ankles.

Best.

Adequan injections is preferred over surgery by many Vets treating OCD especially of the hocks because it is such a complicated joint. The shots are non-invasive and can do no harm. You may avoid surgery with its possible complications. Dogs have been put down from hock surgery because they are so crippled. OCD is like a pebble in a loose fitting shoe. You can remove the pebble but the shoe still fits badly and invading the joint can cause more problems than it solves.

A series of five Adequan injections given five days apart to start and then re-evaluate. Sometimes a second series is needed followed by periodic maintenance injections depending on the degree of healing. In some cases the joints heal to the point of normal function. Adequan builds cartilage, replaces fluids and sometimes dissolves the lesion. The puppy's activity should be kept to leash walks and crate rest and if he isn't already neutered be sure he's kept intact until his growth plates are completely closed. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Same thing here. Got opinions from 2 different orthopedic surgeons. Both recommended arthroscopy on both hocks, same day. The incisions are tiny and the dog walked out of the hospital the next day. They would have done surgery only if the arthroscopy did not go as hoped for. That would have been on the same day. Recovery is 6 weeks. The condition is very painful for the dog and should be taken care of asap.

Thank you for all your helpful advice. I will let you know how it goes

I highly recommend Adequan injections for your puppy. Here is the site for more information.


http://www.luitpold.com/canine/faq/faq.htm

Certainly could be OCD but rule out tick related illness first.

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I have a 6 month old dog with swelling in both hind ankles, more severe and extremely lame in left hind.
Does not respond to non steroidal anti-inflammatories.
He has had digital radiographs done of all rear assembly which show nothing
and has had a full tick serology done, all negative.
The orthopedic specialist seems to think it is OCD and wants to do a cat scan and surgery if something is found.
I have never had an OCD problem before and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on this subject.