HOD is an inflammatory disease of young, rapidly growing, large breed dogs wherein the growth areas of the bones (called the metaphysis) becomes swollen and inflamed. The condition is rare and the cause completely unknown. Most dogs exhibit a very sudden onset of lameness, some dogs being reluctant to stand or move at all; pain and swelling will occur near the joints, with a loss of appetite, fever and weight loss occurring concurrently. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs and specific bone changes that can be seen on X-rays.
TREATMENT
OF HYPERTROPHIC OSTEODYSTROPHY (HOD)HOD is another disease that will run its course and then go away. The dogs, however, are in severe pain so the use of aspirin, butazolidin, etodolac, carprofen or arquel is highly advisable. Good nursing care to keep dogs moving and free from bedsores. (Some will lie down and not be willing to move) Making sure the pet is consuming food and proper amounts of liquids is also very important.
As this is a condition of rapidly growing dogs, it is advisable to feed a ration lower in protein and calories than the dog is used to, thus slowing growth of the bones which seems to speed the recovery. Vitamin C is often given but no real mode of action for this vitamin has been proven. Given time and good nursing care, most dogs can completely recover.