Developmental orthopedic diseases (DODs) encompass a complex of musculoskeletal abnormalities that may affect growing horses (NRC, 2007). It includes angular limb deformities, physitis, subchondral bone cysts, osteochondrosis (OCD), flexural limb deformities and cervical vertebral malformation. DODs can be caused by trauma, injury, illness, environment, genetics and/or nutrition.
Here are some nutritionally-related causes of DODs and solutions using BUCKEYE™ Nutrition products.
Nutritional Cause | Reason | Resulting Condition | Solution |
Feeding too much | Consumption of mare's grain | Rapid growth, impaired skeletal development | FOAL-AIDE™ and - if younger than 3 months, Foal Starter - If older than 3 months, GRO 'N WIN |
High non-structural carbohydrate levels | Consumption of grains high in non-structural carbohydrates | Reduced cartilage synthesis, growth plate cartilage formation and bone ossification | Free-choice quality forage and - If younger than 3 months, Foal Starter - If older than 3 months, GRO 'N WIN or Growth Formula |
Feeding too little | Poor milk quality or quantity, inadequate diet | Reduced growth, impaired skeletal development | - If younger than 3 months, MARE'S MILK PLUS and Foal Starter - If older than 3 months, GRO 'N WIN |
Nutritional Cause | Reason | Resulting Condition | Solution |
Feeding too little | Inadequate diet | Reduced growth rate and feed intake | GRO 'N WIN or Growth Formula |
Low lysine and threonine levels | Poor milk quality, low quality protein | Reduced growth rate | - If younger than 3 months, Foal Starter - If older than 3 months, GRO 'N WIN |
Nutritional Cause | Reason | Resulting Condition | Solution |
Low calcium and phosphorus | Poor milk quality, inadequate diet | Reducing bone development and growth | GRO 'N WIN or Growth Formula |
Excessive phosphorus | Diet imbalance | Impaired calcium absorption and retention | Evaluation of total ration including forages |
Low copper | Inadequate copper in mare's ration during gestation | Cartilage defects | FOAL-AIDE™ and - if younger than 3 months, Foal Starter - If older than 3 months, GRO 'N WIN |
View more details about each product below or contact us with any questions about the needs of your horse with a developmental orthopedic disease.