Osteochondrosis is a common joint disorder seen in many animal species that is caused by a failure of blood supply to growing cartilage. It occurs in focal areas of cartilage and bone, especially in weight bearing joints. While factors like heredity, rapid growth, anatomy and trauma may play a role, current evidence suggests the primary cause is ischemic necrosis of vessels in cartilage canals during adolescence. This leads to necrosis of cartilage that later fails to properly ossify. Prophylactic measures should focus on this growth period when vulnerable blood vessels are present.