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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Pathol / Osteochondrosis of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage comple...
Veterinary pathology1995; 32(6); 641-647; doi: 10.1177/030098589503200605

Osteochondrosis of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex in young horses: evidence for a defect in cartilage canal blood supply.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine in horses 1) the ages at which viable cartilage canal vessels are present in the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex of three predilection sites and one nonpredilection site of osteochondrosis (OC), 2) the prevalence of lesions of OC in these sites, and 3) whether there was an association of lesions of OC with necrotic cartilage canal blood vessels. The medial femoral condyle, lateral femoral trochlear ridge, and distal ends of the tibia and proximal phalanx were examined grossly, microradiographically, and histologically in 35 horses 18 months old or younger. Cartilage canals containing patent blood vessels were present in all sites examined in foals less than 3 weeks old and were absent from all sites by 7 months of age. The overall prevalence of lesions of OC at one or more of the sites examined was 12/35 (34%). Prevalence increased to 11/22 (50%) in horses 2 months old and older. These lesions occurred primarily in the medial condyle of the femur (n = 5) and the intermediate ridge of the distal tibia (n = 5). All lesions seen in horses between 3 weeks and 5 months of age were associated with necrotic cartilage canal blood vessels. In horses 7 months of age and older, lesions of OC were considered chronic because of extensive involvement of the subchondral bone and bone marrow. These results suggest that OC lesions develop prior to 7 months of age and that ischemic necrosis of cartilage secondary to a defect in vascular supply is an important factor in the pathogenesis of this disease in horses.
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Publication Date: 1995-11-01 PubMed ID: 8592799DOI: 10.1177/030098589503200605Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

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 study investigates the relationship between cartilage canal blood supply and the prevalence of osteochondrosis in young horses. The results suggest that osteochondrosis develops due to insufficient vascular supply, leading to necrosis of cartilage.

Objectives and Methodology

  • The study was aimed to determine three crucial findings in relation to horses: the presence of viable blood vessels in areas predisposed to osteochondrosis (OC) at different ages, the prevalence of OC in these areas, and any potential connection between OC lesions and necrotic cartilage canal blood vessels.
  • The research analyzed four specific body parts: the medial femoral condyle, lateral femoral trochlear ridge, distal ends of the tibia, and proximal phalanx. These regions were chosen as areas of predilection and a nonpredilection site for OC.
  • The study was conducted on 35 horses that were 18 months old or younger. Each horse was extensively examined using gross, microradiographic, and histological methods.

Findings

  • Initial findings showed that cartilage canals with viable (fully operational) blood vessels were present in all four examined regions in foals less than three weeks old. However, these were not present in any of the regions by the time they reach seven months.
  • The overall prevalence of OC lesions was found to be 34% (12 out of 35 horses examined). This incidence rate rose to 50% in horses aged two months or older.
  • The lesions primarily occurred in the medial condyle of the femur and the intermediate ridge of the distal tibia.
  • Notably, all lesions observed in horses aged between three weeks to five months were found to be linked with necrotic cartilage canal blood vessels.
  • In horses aged seven months and older, OC lesions were considered chronic due to extensive involvement of the subchondral bone and bone marrow.

Conclusion

  • The results infer that OC lesions develop prior to the age of seven months.
  • The study highlights that a defect in vascular supply resulting in ischemic necrosis of cartilage is an important contributing factor to the development of OC in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Carlson CS, Cullins LD, Meuten DJ. (1995). Osteochondrosis of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex in young horses: evidence for a defect in cartilage canal blood supply. Vet Pathol, 32(6), 641-647. https://doi.org/10.1177/030098589503200605

Publication

Veterinary pathology
ISSN: 0300-9858
NlmUniqueID: 0312020
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 6
Pages: 641-647

Researcher Affiliations

Carlson, C S
  • Department of Comparative Medicine, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Cullins, L D
    Meuten, D J

      MeSH Terms

      • Aging / pathology
      • Animals
      • Cartilage, Articular / blood supply
      • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
      • Female
      • Femur / blood supply
      • Femur / pathology
      • Growth Plate / blood supply
      • Growth Plate / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
      • Horses
      • Male
      • Osteochondritis / epidemiology
      • Osteochondritis / pathology
      • Osteochondritis / physiopathology
      • Osteochondritis / veterinary
      • Prevalence
      • Regional Blood Flow
      • Tibia / blood supply
      • Tibia / pathology

      Grant Funding

      • RR08562 / NCRR NIH HHS

      Citations

      This article has been cited 21 times.
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