The signs of osteochondrodysplasia can typically be observed in puppies as young as 3 weeks of age. The clinical signs of osteochondrodysplasia in Miniature Poodles include a flattened ribcage, deformed paws, abducted hind limbs, enlarged joints, and an underbite. Long bones of the limbs are shortened and bent. Affected dogs are smaller in size compared to their unaffected littermates. Affected dogs can live for several years, but they often suffer from arthritis caused by misshapen limbs. Abnormal structure of the ribcage can cause breathing difficulties.

Treatment is pain management, supportive care, and symptomatic depending on the severity of the dog's clinical signs.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the Osteochondrodysplasia mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Osteochondrodysplasia mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Osteochondrodysplasia mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Osteochondrodysplasia mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.