Osteochondrosis dissecans of the stifle is a developmental joint disease causing pain and lameness in young horses, with welfare implications for breeding and management.
OCD causes chronic joint pain that may go undetected for months as horses compensate behaviorally. Affected foals and young horses experience discomfort during normal movement and play. Breeding for rapid growth and extreme conformation increases prevalence, creating welfare problems for future generations. Management gaps — overfeeding grain, mineral imbalances, and restricted movement — are modifiable risk factors. Post-surgical horses require careful rehabilitation, and those with severe bilateral disease may face persistent lameness. The welfare cost includes both physical pain and the psychological stress of restricted activity during recovery.