A disease characterized by abnormal differentiation of growth cartilage. Called also dyschondroplasia. It is a common disease in pigs and dogs and is also recognized in horses, turkeys and possibly in young bulls. The manifestations and sequelae vary with the species. In pigs osteochondrosis includes osteochondritis dissecans, epiphysiolysis deformities of bones and arthropathy. See also leg weakness.

Osteochondrosis of the shoulder. By permission from Kirberger RM, Wrigley RH, Barr F, Dennis R, Handbook of Small Animal Radiological Differential Diagnosis, Saunders, 2001

• o. and arthrosis — this disease of pigs causes severe degenerative lesions of the articular cartilage and underlying bone which are recognizable to autopsy but often without clinical signs. See also leg weakness.

Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.