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Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Osteochondritis dessicans and subchondral cystic lesions in ...
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne1998; 39(10); 627-633;

Osteochondritis dessicans and subchondral cystic lesions in draft horses: a retrospective study.

Abstract: The clinical features, radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome in 51 draft horses with osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) or subchondral cystic lesions (SC) are reported. Clydesdale and Percheron were the most commonly affected breeds, and affected animals represented only 5% of the hospital population of draft horses. Horses were most frequently affected in the tibiotarsal joints and 73% (24 of 33 cases) of the horses with tibiotarsal effusion were affected bilaterally. Osteochondritis dessicans of the distal intermediate ridge was the most common lesion found in the tibiotarsal joint. The stifle was also frequently affected; 87% (13 of 15 cases) of horses with femoropatellar OCD only were lame, and lesions were most commonly located on the lateral trochlear ridge. Sixteen cases were managed conservatively, 30 received surgery, and 5 were euthanized. Lameness, effusion, or both clinical signs resolved in more than 50% of surgically treated cases, but clinical signs improved in 30% of conservatively-managed cases.
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Publication Date: 1998-10-28 PubMed ID: 9789673PubMed Central: PMC1539460
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  • Comparative Study
  • 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.

This research studied the clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, treatments, and outcomes of 51 draft horses affected by osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) or subchondral cystic lesions. Comparisons were made between conservative management of these conditions and surgical intervention, with latter providing a slightly more favorable outcome.

Study Background and Objective

  • This study was carried out to analyze the clinical signs, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes for draft horses who were diagnosed with osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) and subchondral cystic lesions (SC).
  • The aim was to gain a better understanding of these conditions in draft horses and monitor the effectiveness of different treatment options.

Study Participants and Methodology

  • The study was conducted on 51 draft horses diagnosed with either OCD or SC.
  • The horses under study consisted mainly of Clydesdale and Percheron breeds, representing 5% of the entire draft horse population at the hospital.
  • Detailed clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted. These included identifying the most affected regions in the bodies of the horses and any bilaterality in the cases.

Results and Findings

  • The tibiotarsal joints were the most frequently affected areas in the horses. Almost 73% of the horses with tibiotarsal effusion were affected on both sides.
  • OCD was most common in the distal intermediate ridge of the tibiotarsal joint.
  • The stifle was also a common area of affliction. Notably, 87% of the horses with femoropatellar OCD were lame.
  • Out of the total cases, 16 were managed through conservative methods, 30 required surgical intervention, and 5 horses had to be euthanized.

Treatment Outcomes

  • Over half of the horses who underwent surgical treatment saw resolution in their lameness, effusion, or both.
  • However, only about 30% of the cases managed conservatively saw similar positive results.
  • These results indicate that surgical treatment might be a more promising approach for managing these conditions in draft horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Riley CB, Scott WM, Caron JP, Fretz PB, Bailey JV, Barber SM. (1998). Osteochondritis dessicans and subchondral cystic lesions in draft horses: a retrospective study. Can Vet J, 39(10), 627-633.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 10
Pages: 627-633

Researcher Affiliations

Riley, C B
  • Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Scott, W M
    Caron, J P
      Fretz, P B
        Bailey, J V
          Barber, S M

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Bone Cysts / physiopathology
            • Bone Cysts / therapy
            • Bone Cysts / veterinary
            • Female
            • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
            • Horse Diseases / therapy
            • Horses
            • Male
            • Osteochondritis Dissecans / physiopathology
            • Osteochondritis Dissecans / therapy
            • Osteochondritis Dissecans / veterinary
            • Retrospective Studies
            • Species Specificity
            • Treatment Outcome

            References

            This article includes 8 references
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            Citations

            This article has been cited 1 times.
            1. Muirhead T, McClure JT, Bourque A, Pack L. Osteochondrosis of the occipital condyles and atlanto-occipital dysplasia in a Belgian horse.. Can Vet J 2003 Dec;44(12):984-6.
              pubmed: 14703085
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