Osteochondrodysplasia (OC)
A form of severe dwarfism was first described in the Miniature Poodle in Great Britain almost 60 years ago (1). Also known as osteochondrodysplasia (OC), it involves abnormalities in cartilage and bone development. The initial clinical signs of the disorder appear at 3 weeks of age when affected puppies show stunted growth and abnormal movements. Later, deformity in limbs, jaws and the rib cage become apparent, causing difficulties in breathing and feeding. Affected puppies are typically euthanized. Dogs with less pronounced symptoms of OC can survive into adulthood but the majority have significant physical abnormalities and increased incidence of osteoarthritis.