Date: ​28th January 2018

Subject: ​Osteochondritis Dissecans

MLA Citation:

“Large Animal Topics.” ​Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in Horses | ACVS​,

www.acvs.org/large-animal/osteochondritis-dissecans-horses​. Accessed 28 Jan. 2018.

Assessment:

This article entitle, “Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in Horses” discusses the common
developmental disease that impacts the cartilage and bones in the joints of horses. This can occur
in any breed of horses, it can be seen in 5-25% of horses. When a horse has OCD their cartilage
in their joints doesn’t form the way that it is supposed to. It instead grows with an irregular
thickness and is weaker than normal in the joints and spreads into the bones surrounding the
joints. This can also cause the growth of the cartilage and bone flaps to partially attach to the
bone or to break off completely and float around the joint. The loose flaps and the areas of
irregular cartilage and bone typically cause inflammation in the joint and over time it may lead to
the development of arthritis. Osteochondritis Dissecans is caused by a combination of things
including, poor or imbalanced nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and the largest cause is rapid
growth.
There are a few different symptoms that can convey that a horse may have OCD. The
most common sign is effusion, or swelling, in the joints. These signs can begin arising as early as
when a foal is five months old, but also may not occur until the horse has started to work.
Osteochondritis Dissecans can cause lameness depending on the location and severity. Most
horses are able to walk, but may display lameness at faster speeds. OCD can happen in almost all
joints, but most frequently occurs in the hocks, stifle, and fetlocks.
Horses that have serious lameness and joint swelling will most likely have a more serious
problem and they should be examined on a much more frequent basis. When diagnosing a horse
with Osteochondritis Dissecans a vet will want to complete a physical exam, lameness exam, as
well as radiographs. OCD is most frequently bilateral and the x-rays should be taken of the
opposite joint, even if there is no swelling in that joint. Sometimes an OCD fragment is made
completely of cartilage and contains no bone and so it cannot be seen on a radiograph.
The best treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans is to surgically remove all of the
abnormal bones and cartilage. The most common way to remove OCD fragments is called
arthroscopy. This is done by making two or more very small incisions into the joint through
which a small camera and other tools are placed. Arthroscopy is done more commonly rather
than arthrotomy, making a much larger incision, to cause a less traumatic surgery and post-op
recovery time.