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Home / Equine Research Bank / Ir Vet J / Incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) in Dutch warmblood ...
Irish veterinary journal2008; 61(1); 33-37; doi: 10.1186/2046-0481-61-1-33

Incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) in Dutch warmblood horses presented for pre-purchase examination.

Abstract: Data are lacking in the literature regarding the incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) [OC(D)] in relation to lameness evaluation in Dutch Warmblood horses. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of radiological abnormalities consistent with osteochondrosis or osteochondrosis dissecans in 1,231 sound Dutch Warmblood (DW) horses presented for pre-purchase examination. Standardised (Dutch) pre-purchase examination protocols were evaluated. The pre-purchase examination included a clinical, lameness and radiological evaluation, performed at a private equine clinic in the Netherlands. Radiographical examination included views of the distal (DIP) and proximal (PIP) interphalangeal, metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP), tarsocrural (TC) and femoropatellar (FP) joints. Radiographical evidence of OC(D) was found in 44.3% of clinically sound DW horses. In this study, 443 horses (36%, n = 1,231) had evidence of OCD and 102 horses (8.3%, n = 1,231) had evidence of OC on pre-purchase radiographs. The results also indicated that the TC joints were significantly more likely to be affected. A considerable number of horses did not demonstrate any lameness, although radiographs revealed OC(D).
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Publication Date: 2008-01-01 PubMed ID: 21851701PubMed Central: PMC3113880DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-61-1-33Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study analyzed the incidence of osteochondrosis, a bone and cartilage condition, in Dutch Warmblood horses during pre-purchase examinations. Despite being clinically sound, nearly half of the examined horses had radiographical signs of this condition.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The researchers aimed to determine the incidence of osteochondrosis (OC) or osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), a joint condition in horses, during pre-purchase exams. This study comes in response to a lack of data concerning the connection between this condition and lameness evaluations in Dutch Warmblood horses.
  • The retrospective study assessed over 1,200 sound Dutch Warmblood horses through standardized pre-purchase examination protocols, which included clinical evaluations, lameness assessments, and radiological checks, all undertaken at a private equine clinic in the Netherlands.

Examination Areas and Findings

  • The areas under radiological examination include the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints, tarsocrural, and femoropatellar joints.
  • Results showed radiographical signs of OC(D) in about 44.3% of the horses that were clinically sound. In total, there were 443 horses (around 36%) with evidence of OCD and 102 horses (or 8.3%) with evidence of OC based on the pre-purchase radiographs.

Notable Results and Observation

  • The study found that the tarsocrural joints were more likely to be affected by OC(D).
  • Of interest was the considerable number of horses that did not show any sign of lameness, even though their radiographs revealed the presence of OC(D). This indicates a discrepancy between the physical and radiological health assessments of these animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Vos NJ. (2008). Incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) in Dutch warmblood horses presented for pre-purchase examination. Ir Vet J, 61(1), 33-37. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-0481-61-1-33

Publication

Irish veterinary journal
ISSN: 0368-0762
NlmUniqueID: 0100762
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 1
Pages: 33-37

Researcher Affiliations

Vos, Nicolas J
  • Unit of Veterinary Surgery, University Veterinary Hospital, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. nvos@mail.usyd.edu.au.

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