Diagnosis and management of femoral head osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in two dogs.

Patient 1 was seen for severe pelvic limb lameness and evaluated radiographically and via computed tomography. A diagnosis of femoral head osteochondritis dissecans was obtained. The diagnosis was confirmed arthroscopically and treated with flap removal and abrasion arthroplasty. A micro-total hip arthroplasty was performed 4 weeks later. Patient 2 was also seen for severe pelvic limb lameness and evaluated radiographically. A suspected large osteochondritis dissecans lesion was present. This was confirmed grossly during a total hip arthroplasty procedure and the femoral head submitted for histopathology. In patient 1, the lameness improved from non-weight-bearing to mild lameness at re-evaluation 4 weeks post-operatively. Due to the extent of the lesion, which was confirmed as osteochondritis dissecans by a team of pathologists, revision to micro-total hip arthroplasty was performed. Surgery was uneventful and at 12 weeks post-operatively the patient was fully weight-bearing with no lameness and normal limb function. In patient 2, the lameness immediately resolved after successful management via uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty. Follow-up for both patients at the time of publication exceeds 3 years.