What causes OCD in horses?

OCD is usually caused by a combination of several factors acting together, including: Rapid growth and large body size. Nutrition: Diets very high in energy or have an imbalance in trace minerals (low copper diets) Genetics: Risk of OCD may be partially inherited.

Can OCD in horses be cured?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a common disease of domesticated horses characterized by loose cartilage and/or bone fragments in the joints. Fortunately, there’s a “germ of happiness” in the prognosis: Many OCD lesions heal spontaneously within a few months.

Should I buy a horse with OCD?

Congenital or developmental orthopedic diseases such as OCD or juvenile arthritis may not yet be causing lameness but certainly can with increased work and age. Certain OCD lesions may not preclude the purchase of the horse but they can certainly influence the price.

What are the symptoms of OCD in horses?

The most common sign of a horse with OCD is an enlarged joint, swollen with extra fluid due to inflammation. The symptoms may present as lameness to varying degrees, which can be more pronounced on some days than others.

What do you feed a horse with OCD?

All-Phase is an appropriate feed for young horses that require energy-restricted diets but still need complete nutrition. All-Phase is a concentrated source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, formulated to be fed at 1-3 lb (0.45-1.4 kg) per day depending on the horse’s life stage.

Does osteochondritis dissecans go away?

The loose piece can break away completely from the end of the bone. Osteochondritis dissecans happens most often in the knee, elbow, or ankle. It usually takes 3 months or longer to heal completely. If it heals completely, kids who have it usually don’t have any long-lasting problems.

What is horse Physitis?

Physitis is inflammation of the growth plates in the long bones of growing foals (physis = growth plate, -itis = inflammation).

What is equine Epiphysitis?

Epiphysitis, also known as physitis, is a generalized bone disease of young, growing horses that is characterized by the enlargement of the growth plates in long bones such as the tibia, radius, and cannon bones.

What is a PPE on a horse?

A pre-purchase examination (PPE) in a horse is a “snapshot” of the horse’s current health and soundness, and can range from a standard physical examination to a comprehensive inside and out inspection that includes a full musculoskeletal workup complete with imaging.

What is stifle OCD?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a type of skeletal maturation problem that affects joint cartilage and also often involves the subchondral bone just beneath the cartilage surface. The cause of OCD has generally been considered a defect in bone mineralization at the joint surface.

Is wobblers syndrome in horses hereditary?

The exact cause of wobbler syndrome in horses is unknown. It is believed that the syndrome is caused by genetic predisposition, feeding excessive amounts of energy and other nutrients, rapid growth, physical trauma, decreased copper/ increased zinc levels, or a combination of these factors.

How do you prevent OCD in horses?

The provision of a correctly balanced diet (not only to the weanling and yearling but also and perhaps more importantly to the pregnant and lactating mare) containing the appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is helpful for the prevention of OCD.

What do horses benefit from OCD pellets?

Who Benefits From OCD Pellets OCD™ Pellets will support the bone and joint health of horses in all disciplines and stages of life. The main role of the equine skeleton is to provide structural support. Broodmares. Weanlings and Yearlings. Young Horses and Horses in Training. Mature and Older Horses.

What are OCD lesions in horses?

May 30, 2017 by. OCD lesions are cartilage flaps (sometime containing bone) that develop at the end of bones during the development of young horses. This condition is most common in young horses that experience rapid growth spurts.

Are OCD lesions in horse’s treatable?

Are OCD Lesions In Horse’s Treatable? Yes. OCD lesions are generally treated with surgery. A surgeon will remove the cartilage flap (OCD lesion), scrape away any underlying diseased bone or tissue and then flush the joint to ensure removal of any lingering fragments.

What is horse bone conditions does OCD pellets treat?

A solution to your equine orthopedic problems. OCD Pellets is effective in the treatment of: OCDs, Epiphysitis, DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease), Bucked Shins, Sesamoiditis, Bone Cysts, Bone Bruising, Navicular and Fractures.