A review of the salient features of osteochondrosis in the horse.

This research focuses on the rising incidence of a bone disease called osteochondrosis in young, fast-growing horses, mainly in Europe and the USA. The study highlights the disease’s genetic predisposition, its growth-related and feeding patterns, and its potential control through careful breeding and feeding restriction.

Understanding Osteochondrosis in Horses

Osteochondrosis is a disease thought to be congenital, affecting the process of endochondral ossification in growing bones, particularly:

• It can be localized to a single joint, or it may manifest as a generalized condition, affecting multiple joints in the body.
• The disease leads to secondary chronic degenerative joint disorder in adult horses, implying that the affected horses will experience persistent joint problems that will worsen over time.

Factors Contributing to Osteochondrosis

The research sheds light on the predisposing factors related to the disease, these include:

• Genetic Predisposition: The research affirms that there is a genetic predisposition to the condition, suggesting that it can be passed on from parents to offspring.
• Rapid Growth and High Energy Feeding: The study establishes a clear link between osteochondrosis, an accelerated growth rate, and a high energy diet. Young horses that grow rapidly or are fed an excessively high energy diet appear to be more susceptible to developing osteochondrosis.

Prevention and Control Measures

The study suggests strategies to control the incidence of osteochondrosis, which are:

• Careful Genetic Selection: Selecting breeds or individual horses for breeding that do not carry the genetic predisposition for osteochondrosis can significantly decrease its incidence rate.
• Feeding restriction: A controlled, balanced feeding regimen that promotes healthy growth while preventing excessive energy intake can lessen the disease’s occurrence.

In conclusion, the research provides crucial insights into understanding osteochondrosis in young horses, its predisposing factors, and possible prevention and control methods.