Treating and Managing Developmental Orthopedic Disease in Equines

​

Treating and managing DOD in equines should be directed towards clinical symptoms and/or the direct location of disease and may or may not be disease specific depending on the affliction. Methods of treatment across the majority of orthopedic diseases in equines consists of restricted exercise, proper nutrition for age and activity level, reduced energy intake, and pain management [3]. Other modes of treatment for more severe cases of DOD include hyaluronic acid joint injections, corrective shoe trimming, splinting, bandaging, surgery, and euthanasia in the most extreme cases. Spontaneous full recovery has been commonly observed in mild cases with proper management; However, intrusive treatment methods and surgical interventions may present significant financial burdens to respective horse owners and as such preventative measures should be taken throughout the animals lifetime [10].

 

If you suspect your horse has DOD, or have a confirmed diagnosis, the first step would be to speak to your veterinarian about appropriate treatment and management options specific to your horse. Further details on common disease-specific treatments are outlined below.

 

Osteochondrosis

Treatment is highly dependent on the location of affliction and clinical signs, with a high chance of full recovery in mild cases [10]. Particular care should be taken while managing the nutrition and energy intake of growing foals in order to treat osteochondrosis. This is because growing bones require sufficient nutrients and energy but too much weight can strain the growth plates.

Conservative Treatment [10]

• Reduced energy intake and balanced nutritional formulations 

• Mineral and joint supplements

• Pain management and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Hyaluronic acid joint injections

Severe Cases

• Arthroscopic surgery, particularly in the stifle, hock, and fetlock joints [23]

• Surgical removal of lesions, damaged cartilage, osteochondral fragments, or compromised bone [3, 13]

• Euthanasia if unresponsive to conservative treatments

 

Physitis

Can occur and should be treated in conjunction with osteochondrosis [10].

Conservative treatment

• Balanced nutrition to control growth rates [3]

• Reducing body weight by decreasing energy intake and providing a balancing nutrition [10]

• Restrict exercise

• Treat infections with antibiotics and NSAIDs [3]

• Provide proper footing substrates such as shavings, sand, or peat moss to relieve pressure on the joints [10]

 

Subchondral bone cysts [12, 24]

Conservative treatment

• Restrict exercise

• Pain management and NSAIDs

• Joint supplements

Severe Cases

• Surgical intervention [12,24]

  • Injecting corticosteroids into the affected site

  •  Removing the contents and lining of subchondral cysts, followed by inserting an absorbable implant

• Euthanasia if unresponsive to conservative treatments

 

Angular and Flexor Tendon Deformities

Clinical signs and subsequent treatment options vary widely as this can be congenital or caused by external factors and may or may not occur in conjunction with another DOD [10]. Mild cases in newborns sometimes resolve on their own and do not require treatment. Overall, the outlook on recovery is highly dependent on proper management.

Conservative treatment

• Balanced nutrition to control growth rates [3]

• Pain management

• Vitamin and mineral supplements 

• Restricted exercise 

• Splinting affected limbs straight [25]

• Corrective trimming and therapeutic shoeing [3]

Severe Cases  [10]

• Surgical intervention 

  • Cutting the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon

  • Cutting of the tendon and tendon lengthening

  • Corrective osteotomy [3]

• Euthanasia if unresponsive to conservative treatments

 

Cervical Vertebral Malformation (Wobbler Syndrome)

This syndrome occurs as a result of malformed vertebrae causing a narrowing of the spinal canal and as such, treatment options focus on the spinal column, central nervous system, as well as associated muscles and nerves [3]. 

Conservative treatment

• Balanced nutrition to control growth rates [3]

• Restricted exercise to prevent further injury [3]

• Osmotic agents and diuretics to control brain and nerve swelling [3]

• NSAIDs [26]

Severe Cases  

• Surgical intervention

  • Inserting metal basket around malformed vertebrae to stimulate fusion and relieve compression [26]

• Euthanasia if unresponsive to conservative treatments [3]