What is OCD in a stifle?
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a type of skeletal maturation problem that affects joint cartilage and also often involves the subchondral bone just beneath the cartilage surface.
What are the symptoms of OCD in horses?
The most common sign of a horse with OCD is an enlarged joint, swollen with extra fluid due to inflammation. The symptoms may present as lameness to varying degrees, which can be more pronounced on some days than others.
How do they test for OCD in horses?
OCD in horses: diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis can be made based on the clinical signs, but these may be subtle and X-rays are usually necessary to confirm the condition. X-rays only show bone clearly, however, not cartilage.
Should I buy a horse with OCD?
Even though an OCD may have no effect on a horse’s ability to train or perform, its very existence can be a mark against the horse when seen on radiographs at auction and, to this point in time, may be enough to cause some buyers to cross the horse off their short list without further consideration.
Can OCD in horses be cured?
Usually the best treatment is surgical removal of the abnormal bone and cartilage. The most common technique used to remove OCD fragments is arthroscopy (Figure 3).
What causes stifle problems in horses?
The stifle is considered the most complex joint in the horse’s body with a similar function to the human knee. Stifle injuries can result from repetitive stress, trauma, excessive use, changes in direction and rapid deceleration. Horses engaged in jumping and barrel racing are most at risk of these injuries.
What are OCD lesions?
Osteochondritis Dissecans (os tee o kon DRY tiss DIS uh kanz) (OCD) is a condition that develops in the joints, most often in children and adolescents. OCD lesions can develop when the area of bone beneath the cartilage is injured. In children, they are most often found in the knee and elbow.
Where do horses get OCD?
Virtually any joint in the horse’s skeletal system can develop OCD. The more commonly recognized joints include the hock, stifle, fetlock and between the neck vertebrae. The less common joints include the shoulder, elbow and hip.
How do you prevent OCD in horses?
The provision of a correctly balanced diet (not only to the weanling and yearling but also and perhaps more importantly to the pregnant and lactating mare) containing the appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is helpful for the prevention of OCD.
How common is OCD in horses?
Overview: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a relatively common developmental disease that affects the cartilage and bone in the joints of horses. It causes clinical signs of disease in 5-25% of all horses and can occur in all horse breeds.
How do you tell if a horse has a stifle problem?
Signs and Symptoms of Stifle Lameness
- Dragging the toe.
- Canter resistance.
- Very rough canter.
- Difficulty backing up.
- Shortened stride.
- Issues going up and down hills.
- Drifting to one side over fences.
- Problems transitioning from trot to canter and vice versa.
How to treat stifle problems in horses?
– When treating locked stifle, you should walk your horse by hand instead of riding it. – Regular exercise is also a good way to prevent locked stifle, as a lack of exercise is one of the possible causes of the condition. – You can attach ankle weights to your horse to work the muscles that support the stifle, strengthening them in the process.
How much does stifle OCD surgery cost?
The cost for dog cataracts surgery ranges from $1,500 up to $3,000. The cost typically includes several days stay at the veterinary hospital, but in some cases it may not. Hip Dysplasia Surgery
What are OCD lesions in horses?
Rapid growth and large body size. : An unusually rapid phase of growth and/or growth to a large size can be associated with OCD formation.
Are OCD lesions in horse’s treatable?
Are OCD Lesions In Horse’s Treatable? Yes. OCD lesions are generally treated with surgery. A surgeon will remove the cartilage flap (OCD lesion), scrape away any underlying diseased bone or tissue and then flush the joint to ensure removal of any lingering fragments.