What is HOD?
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)
HOD is a canine autoinflammatory disease affecting young rapidly growing large breed dogs between eight weeks to eight months of age.
Affected dogs exhibit swelling and pain in their legs with reluctance to stand or walk. In addition to orthopedic pain, there are variable systemic signs of which some or all may be presentduring an HOD episode. Systemic signs include fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite.
A diagnosis of HOD is founded on radiographic evidence of bone involvement concurrent with hyperthermia and pain, and by ruling out infectious causes of the clinical signs. The cause of the disease is unknown and current treatments are focused on controlling the fever, alleviating the pain and treating the specific systemic signs present.
Prognosis for severe cases is poor due to relapsing episodes and the low quality of life for the affected puppies that sometimes result in euthanasia. *Currently, dog breeders have no means of selecting against HOD.
Several breeds of dogs, including the Weimaraner are at high risk for developing HOD. Therefore, an inherited component is highly probable. Entire litters of Weimaraners, as well as closely related individuals, were found to be affected, also suggesting a strong genetic effect in the breed. An average of two new cases per month are reported to Dr. Noa Safra (which she is certain is only the tip of the iceberg) and demonstrates that HOD is a prevalent and an on]going problem in Weimaraners.
A research study with the goal of identifying the genetic basis for HOD is ongoing at the University of Davis, California, led by Dr. Noa Safra. Owners, breeders and treating veterinarians of affected Weimaraner puppies are encouraged to contact Dr. Safra: [email protected]; 530]752]1317 in to order to participate in this important study. The Weimaraner Foundation Fund (WFF) will assist in defraying the cost associated with submitting sample radiographs and blood samples. By identifying the chromosomal regions associated with HOD, we hope to assist breeders in selecting against this disease. Selective breeding will reduce the number of HOD affected puppies in the general population and perhaps save puppies and owners from the devastating outcome of euthanasia.
*There are currently no tests available to detect whether dogs are effected by the condition.
Breeders need to be open about their experiences, make informed decisions and breed selectively to lessen the likelyhood of HOD affected puppies.
Diagnosis of HOD is only conclusive upon acquiring radiographs of (at minimum) the Capri joints (two views are occasionally required for definitive diagnosis).
The photo above shows the typical bone lesions seen with HOD.
(Information from Weimaraner Club of America website)
Contact Details
Amanda WilliamsonSpringhurst, VIC, Australia
Phone : +61418711392
Email : [email protected]