Influence of liver copper status of mare and newborn foal on the development of osteochondrotic lesions.

The research examines the relationship between liver copper concentrations in mares and foals and the occurrence of osteochondrotic lesions in the foals. It concludes that copper levels are not a significant factor in the development of osteochondrosis. However, foals with high copper status at birth showed a significant decrease in the number and seriousness of osteochondrotic lesions compared to those with low copper levels.

Methods

• The research used liver copper concentration as a measure, which was assessed through biopsies taken from both horses and foals within 4 days after birth and from the foals at the age of 5 months.
• The biopsies were taken while the animals were standing and sedated and under the guidance of an ultrasound.
• To detect the presence and severity of osteochrondotic lesions, the research utilized radiographs of both the hocks and stifles at ages 5 and 11 months.

Results

• The study found that copper concentrations were high in newborn foals and varied greatly, but declined over time to levels similar to those in mature horses at 5 months.
• Osteochondrotic lesions decreased in number and severity from ages 5 to 11 months, more so in the stifle joints than in the hocks – this corresponds with previous observations.

Conclusions

• The study found no relationship between liver copper levels in horses or their foals and the presence or severity of osteochondrosis at either the 5 or 11 month marks.
• Contrarily, osteochondrotic lesions in foals with low copper levels at birth significantly decreased less in number and severity than in foals with high copper levels at birth.
• The conclusion from the research is that copper likely has little role in the development of osteochondrosis.
• However, the study suggests the possibility of a significant effect of high copper status on the natural process of healing early lesions.