Hypertrophic Osteopathy (HO)
What is hypertrophic osteopathy?
Hypertrophic osteopathy is a disease process that results in
excess bone production along the
mid-section of the bones of the leg. It often begins in the bones
of the paw and then works its way up the limb.
What causes hypertrophic osteopathy?
The cause of hypertrophic osteopathy is unknown. However, it is sometimes found to be a result of another disease that exists in the body. Tumors within the chest or abdomen are often found to be the underlying cause for HO.
What are signs of hypertrophic osteopathy?
Common signs associated with hypertrophic osteopathy include:
Listlessness
Reluctance to move
Lameness in one or more legs
Sore legs
Legs that are enlarged and firm to the touch but do not pit (hold
the dent of the touch)
Swelling of the toes extending to the level of the elbow and stifle
joints
How is hypertrophic osteopathy diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may suspect hypertrophic osteopathy after examining your pet, but will probably perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the underlying cause. Hypertrophic osteopathy is an indicator of another disease process; therefore, it is important to understand the need for further diagnostic tests to identify the primary cause. Radiographs (X-rays) of the affected bones generally show characteristic changes for this condition. Radiographs of the chest and abdomen, and an ultrasound study of the abdomen are often performed to look for the underlying cause of the HO condition. Blood tests are performed to assess the general health of your pet and to look for organ dysfunction that may point to an underlying cause.
How is hypertrophic osteopathy treated?
The treatment for hypertrophic osteopathy is to identify, and
in most instances surgically remove
the underlying mass (tumor). The type and extent of surgery required
depends on the underlying
cause.
What is the prognosis for animals with hypertrophic osteopathy?
Removal of the inciting cause may or may not bring about regression
of clinical signs. Lameness
and limb disfigurement due to bony changes may take several months
to regress, if at all. The
prognosis for animals with HO is generally guarded to poor due
to the frequent recurrence of the
tumors.
The majority of the information in this page is has been taken from VetMedCenter.com. For further information about this useful source of informtion follow the link or look, on the internet, at www.vetmedcenter.com.