The incidence of developmental orthopedic disease on a Kentucky Thoroughbred farm

Abstract

The incidence of developmental orthopedic disease on a commercial Thoroughbred farm was studied over a four year period. A total of 271 foals were monitored. DOD was diagnosed in 1070 of the foals. Fetlock OCDS tended to occur before 180 days of age whlle hock, shoulder and stifle OCDS occurred around 300 350 days of age. Foals that developed hock and stifle OCDS as yearlings tended to be large foals at birth that grew rapidly from 3 to 8 months. These foas were heavier than the average population as weanlings. Foals that developed fetlock OCDS before 6 months of age were born eary in the year (January, February or lvlarch). The results of this study suggest that groMh rate and management may affect the incidence of certain types of DOD.

Developmental orthopaedic disease in limbs of foals: between-breed variations in the prevalence, location and severity at weaning

“…One reason for the high prevalence in German Coldbloods compared with Wb, or in Wb compared with St and Tb foals, could be seen in weight growth rates or in the body format conducting to a higher weight for Coldbloods and Wb than for St and Tb horses. Sandgren et al (1993) and Pagan and Jackson (1996) showed that foals with OC lesions were heavier at birth and had a faster weight growth than foals without OC indeed. Another explanation for the high prevalence in German Coldbloods when compared with our prevalence estimate in Wb can be the differences in management practices between our two studies.…”

Taylarda Gelişimsel Ortopedik Hastalıklar

“…Other anticipated reasons are; malposition in uterus causing elongated compression on the vertebrae, degenerative joint disease secondary to chronic joint instability and other biomechanical diseases. This may be the result of mineral deficiency or imbalance in foals 41 . Accurate diagnosis in a horse with CVM presenting with neurologic symptoms will require one finding showing narrowing of the vertebral canal and another finding for static or dynamic compression in the spinal cord, as well as myelography.…”

DOD incidence in thoroughbred foals between 23 and 45 weeks of age – growth, nutrition and genetic factors

“…According to the literature, several sources [1,8,16,21] have stated different growth patterns for positive and negative DOD foals. The differences found in literature review [15] set a difference of 17 kg for approximately 17 weeks of age and 12 kg for 43 weeks taking into consideration the average population weight. This indicates that even though the difference found in the present study between population groups 1 and 2 was low compared with the literature references, it is statistically significant and corroborates the conclusions regarding the influence of growth pattern in DOD incidence.…”

“…Taking into consideration the latest research studies on developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD), the incidence in thoroughbreds is about 10% [15] but some studies have found percentages as high as around 40% [13] in show jumpers revealing the impact of these conditions on equine production. Prevention measures regarding the multifactorial nature of DOD have been studied since 1985 [15] leading to the development of knowledge in this research area.…”

“…Prevention measures regarding the multifactorial nature of DOD have been studied since 1985 [15] leading to the development of knowledge in this research area.…”