Post by IH Health on Jul 30, 2009 14:56:29 GMT 1
Osteochondrosis
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is a condition where the conversion from cartilage to bone is disturbed during bone formation, resulting in excess cartilage in the area under the articular cartilage (cartilage that covers bones). This can cause fragments of cartilage and bone to break off called a ‘joint mouse’ and can cause pain and lameness.
When a fragment occurs, the condition is known as Osteochrondrosis dissecans (OCD) and is often see in the stifle, hock or less commonly in the shoulder joint. OCD can lead to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) if left untreated.
Causes
The most at risk of this condition is the young horse who is forced to grow up quickly or has too much pressure on its joints as a youngster. Youngsters feed with high nutrition (ie racehorses) are particularly susceptible. Improper shoeing/trimming can also cause issues.
Symptoms
• Inflammation around the stifle, hock or shoulder (or any other joint)
• Distension of the joint due to excessive synovial fluid production
• Stiffness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Osteochondrosis is through x-rays. The symptoms are similar to arthritis but is more likely to occur in younger horses.
Treatment
Firstly the cause must be identified. If the youngster is on too rich grass or being worked too hard then this must stop. Anti-inflammatories such as bute may be administered if the area is swollen. Surgery may be needed to remove the fragment to avoid the potential development of DJD. Otherwise rest and bute is recommended.
Websites (click on title for link)
Osteochondrosis
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
None as yet!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is a condition where the conversion from cartilage to bone is disturbed during bone formation, resulting in excess cartilage in the area under the articular cartilage (cartilage that covers bones). This can cause fragments of cartilage and bone to break off called a ‘joint mouse’ and can cause pain and lameness.
When a fragment occurs, the condition is known as Osteochrondrosis dissecans (OCD) and is often see in the stifle, hock or less commonly in the shoulder joint. OCD can lead to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) if left untreated.
Causes
The most at risk of this condition is the young horse who is forced to grow up quickly or has too much pressure on its joints as a youngster. Youngsters feed with high nutrition (ie racehorses) are particularly susceptible. Improper shoeing/trimming can also cause issues.
Symptoms
• Inflammation around the stifle, hock or shoulder (or any other joint)
• Distension of the joint due to excessive synovial fluid production
• Stiffness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Osteochondrosis is through x-rays. The symptoms are similar to arthritis but is more likely to occur in younger horses.
Treatment
Firstly the cause must be identified. If the youngster is on too rich grass or being worked too hard then this must stop. Anti-inflammatories such as bute may be administered if the area is swollen. Surgery may be needed to remove the fragment to avoid the potential development of DJD. Otherwise rest and bute is recommended.
Websites (click on title for link)
Osteochondrosis
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
None as yet!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.