DOD encompasses several skeletal conditions affecting growing horses. This guide covers welfare impacts, nutrition, and management.
Key Facts
DOD includes osteochondrosis, physitis, flexural deformities, and angular limb deformities
Osteochondrosis (OC) involves failure of normal cartilage ossification
OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans) causes joint pain and effusion in young horses
Nutrition is a primary risk factor — rapid growth and energy excess increase risk
Genetics influences susceptibility, particularly in Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds
Early identification and appropriate management prevents long-term welfare impacts
Welfare Considerations and Management
Welfare-centred DOD management requires nutritional control to support healthy growth rates without excessive energy intake. High non-structural carbohydrate diets should be avoided in susceptible breeds. Controlled exercise on appropriate surfaces supports bone development. OCD lesions causing significant lameness or joint effusion may require surgical fragment removal. Regular farriery manages angular limb deformities in foals. Breeders should select for skeletal health alongside performance traits.
What You Can Do
Manage mare and foal nutrition to avoid rapid growth spurts
Monitor young horses regularly for joint effusion and lameness
Seek veterinary assessment promptly for any young horse with joint swelling
Consider radiographic screening of OCD-prevalent breeds at weaning