Osteochondrosis (OCD) is the failure of the bone to develop a strong cross-linkage of collagen fibers. This condition affects the articular joint (cartilage), and often involves the subchondral bone just beneath the cartilage surface. Clinical signs develop when the cartilage in the joint starts to flake away, releasing debris into the joint and resulting in joint inflammation. OCD lesions can cause serious lameness and may show up only when the horse is stressed.
What are the causes?
Poor nutrition, mechanical trauma, and rapid growth are the three leading causes of OCD, with poor nutrition being the most important. The most common sign of OCD is effusion in the joint of a young horse. Colorado State University found that 55.9% of the horses presented to them with OCD were young horses (less than 1 year old). Skeletal growth is rapid during the first 12 months; at 6 months of age bone mineralization is 68% complete.
What are the treatments?
Once a horse is diagnosed with an OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans), there are few choices:
- Surgery
- Rest
- Nutrition (OCD™ Pellets)
OCD™ Pellets address the daily nutritional requirements in the development of the cartilage/bone for horses, regardless of age.
OCD FREE and BETTER BONE
A revolutionary supplement for young fast growing horses that are being conditioned to achieve maximum maturity at an early age, OCD™ Pellets, when fed in the second trimester of the mare’s pregnancy and during the first year of a colt’s life, address these nutritional requirements, resulting in OCD-free bones.
