🦴 Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in Dogs: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Bone Pain & Puppy Care 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What Is HOD in Dogs?

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) is an inflammatory bone disease seen in rapidly growing puppies—usually between 7 weeks and 8 months of age. It affects the growth plates in long bones and is most common in large and giant breed dogs. HOD is painful, often sudden in onset, and may affect multiple limbs at once 🐶.

HOD disrupts bone formation by decreasing blood flow near the joints, leading to weakened, swollen, and painful bones. It’s a developmental, autoinflammatory condition, meaning it’s triggered by the immune system and isn’t well understood.

🐾 Breeds Prone to HOD

HOD is most frequently seen in:

• 🦴 Weimaraners (strong genetic predisposition)
• 🐕 Great Danes
• 🐕 Saint Bernards
• 🐕 Irish Setters
• 🐕 Rottweilers
• 🐕 Labrador Retrievers
• 🐕 German Shepherds
• 🐕 Doberman Pinschers
• 🐕 Bullmastiffs, Boxers, Standard Poodles

Australian Cattle Dogs and Kelpies are also affected. In Weimaraners, relapses and resistance to some treatments are especially common 🧬.

📋 Symptoms of HOD

Signs vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms may be mistaken for general soreness or growing pains.

🟡 Mild Cases

• 🐾 Limping on one or more legs
• 😞 Pain at the bone near joints
• 📉 Reduced energy and reluctance to walk

🔴 Severe Cases

• 🔥 Fever up to 106°F
• 🥱 Lethargy, depression
• 📉 Decreased appetite and weight loss
• 🐾 Swollen, hot, painful leg bones
• 🛌 Lying down, unwilling to move
• 💧 Drooling and facial pain (jaw involvement)
• 🧬 Inflammation of vulva, skin lesions, eye discharge

Some puppies experience systemic flare-ups that affect multiple organ systems. In those cases, aggressive care is needed right away 🚨.

📷 Diagnosing HOD

Diagnosis is based on:

• 👩‍⚕️ Physical exam – limb swelling and pain
• 📸 Radiographs – show characteristic bone lesions near growth plates
• 🧪 Bloodwork – may show inflammation or infection

Other diseases like panosteitis or infection must be ruled out. X-rays often show changes in other bones, including the jaw, spine, or shoulders 📊.

💊 Treatment of HOD

1️⃣ Supportive Care

• 🛌 Rest and comfort
• 💧 IV fluids for hydration
• 🥩 Assisted feeding or appetite stimulants

2️⃣ Pain Management

• 💊 NSAIDs (e.g. carprofen) – common first-line treatment
• 🚫 If GI signs appear, discontinue NSAIDs
• 🧪 Weimaraners and some breeds may not respond well to NSAIDs

3️⃣ Corticosteroids

• 🧠 Prednisone or similar drugs used if NSAIDs fail
• 📅 Long-term tapering (up to a year in some dogs)
• ⚠️ Monitor for side effects (GI upset, immune suppression)

Weimaraners, Setters, and Kelpies often respond better to steroids than NSAIDs. Pain may require narcotic pain relief or hospitalization for IV injections 💉.

4️⃣ Antibiotics

Used only if secondary infection (e.g. pneumonia) is suspected or confirmed 🧬.

5️⃣ Gut & Immune Support

• 💊 Antacids (famotidine) to protect the stomach during steroid use
• 🦠 Probiotics for GI support
• 📉 Avoid vaccinations during flare-ups

🧘‍♂️ Recovery and Monitoring

• 📈 Most puppies recover with supportive care
• 🔁 HOD comes in episodes or relapses that can continue until 20 months
• 🩺 Follow-up X-rays to monitor bone healing
• 🚷 Limit exercise even if puppy seems better

Bone deformities are rare but may occur. Surgery may be required in severe cases 🦴.

📦 Prevention Tips

Because the cause is unknown, prevention is difficult—but good practices include:

• 🍖 Avoid excess calcium or supplements in large-breed puppies
• 📏 Choose large-breed puppy diets for balanced growth
• 🚫 Avoid excessive jumping or high-impact activity
• 🛏️ Provide non-slip, padded flooring
• 🧬 Screen relatives if breeding decisions are involved

📲 Ask A Vet for Help With HOD

Have a puppy with fever, lameness, or rapid growth changes? Reach out at AskAVet.com for real-time guidance 🐾.

• 🧠 Second opinions on X-rays or medications
• 📋 Breed-specific treatment plans
• 💬 Recovery support for relapses

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to speak with Dr Duncan Houston or another licensed veterinarian anytime—right from your phone 🐶📲.

💚 Final Thoughts

HOD is a painful and often confusing condition—but many puppies recover fully with the right care. If your dog is limping, feverish, or not growing normally, don’t wait. Diagnosis and early intervention make a difference 💉🧠.

For guidance, visit AskAVet.com or open the app and chat with a vet today 🐕.