[pyrnet] New member of list has a health question...

[Mary Delmage <mary@ericnagler.com>]

Hello everyone,

My name is Mary and I've just joined this list. I've been enjoying reading 
your letters.

I'm hoping someone can help me with a health problem one of my Pyrs has....

My lovely 7 month old Pyrenees pup called Bear has just been diagnosed with 
OCD -  Osteo Chondrosis Dissecans, a condition where the cartilage in his 
shoulder is shrivelling up.  My vet tells me he may need an expensive 
operation.  She says there is also a cheaper alternative 
treatment  consisting of Adequan injections, but this may be less effective.

Bear seems happy and energetic but is limping and apparently it will get 
worse my vet says.  She says he needs to be on strict rest. The hardest 
thing is keeping him confined to a crate as he is used to being outside 
with the other dogs enjoying the run of our 8 acres of bush here in 
Ontario.  He's miserable poor thing.

Does anyone have any experience of this condition and the results from the 
different types of treatment?

I would really appreciate any comments, thoughts or suggestions anyone may 
have.

All the best, Mary