Lameness due to orthopedic problems in hind limbs often occurs in dogs. Hip dysplasia is the maincause of lameness in young adult dogs of large breeds. If the problem is localized in the stifle joint,osteochondritis dissecans should always be considered, besides patellar luxation and early ruptures of thecranial cruciate ligament. Diagnostic findings and therapy are illustrated by a clinical case ofosteochondritis dissecans in a young German shepherd dog.