In Practice 19: 64-71 (1997)
© 1997 British Veterinary Association

Osteochondrosis in horses

¹ University of Cambridge

HORSE breeding as an international industry has made an enormous investment in science over the past three decades and this has reaped considerable benefits. For example, reproductive efficiency (ie, conception and birth rates) has been significantly improved in most breeds of horses and losses due to twinning almost eliminated. There have also been considerable advances in perinatology with improved rates of foal survival. However, the situation in relation to growth and skeletal development in young horses is far less satisfactory. This is largely because this area has not been designated for detailed investigation and research. The result is that there is too much ‘art’ and not enough ‘science’ in the rearing/growing of foals. Perhaps this is why the incidence of developmental problems (osteochondrosis, physitis, angular limb derformities and so on) is unacceptably high in many breeds of horse. Many of these conditions can lead to weakness, impaired skeletal integrity, lameness and poor performance potential.