The growth plates of large breed dogs are vulnerable to developmental disorders during the rapid growth phase, and appropriate management reduces the risk of painful and career-limiting conditions.
Developmental bone and joint disease in large breed puppies causes pain and dysfunction that may persist lifelong if not identified and managed appropriately. Osteochondrosis causes acute pain from cartilage flap formation that may detach and become a joint mouse causing ongoing irritation. Elbow disease causes significant forelimb lameness that compounds with subsequent osteoarthritis. Early surgical intervention for appropriate lesions before full skeletal maturity significantly improves long-term welfare outcomes. Prevention through appropriate nutrition and exercise management during growth reduces but does not eliminate risk from these heritable conditions.