What is a key preventative measure recommended to avoid Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in rapidly growing Collie puppies?
Answer
Avoiding extra calcium supplementation during puppyhood
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) arises in rapidly growing puppies when cartilage fails to properly adhere to the underlying bone, frequently occurring in joints like the shoulder. This orthopedic issue is often triggered or exacerbated by improper nutrition during the growth phase, specifically overfeeding or supplementing the diet with excessive calcium, which encourages growth rates that outpace skeletal maturation. To prevent OCD, owners must adhere strictly to veterinarian recommendations for large-breed puppy formulas and actively avoid adding any extra calcium supplements, focusing instead on maintaining a controlled, steady growth rate.
Related Questions
At what age can veterinary ophthalmologists check puppies for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)?What crucial function does the protein produced by the MDR1 gene perform in Collies?What clinical sign might manifest in very young pups suffering from the red cone dysplasia 2 form of PRA?What human neurological disease is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) compared to in its progressive nature?What is a key preventative measure recommended to avoid Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in rapidly growing Collie puppies?What is the severe consequence associated with Canine Cyclic Neutropenia (gray collie syndrome) in puppies?What anatomical feature of the Collie predisposes them to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)?What is the primary functional deficiency that defines Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in Collies?What painful physical effect occurs when a Collie suffers from Entropion?By what age does dental disease commonly affect up to 80% of all dogs, including Collies?