How does the average horse owner and breeder prevent DOD through nutritional management of mares and young horses?
There are several different DOD problems including angular limb deformities, physitis, acquired contracted tendons, OCD, bone cysts, and Wobbler’s Syndrome for us to consider Cartilage has a very poor blood supply and therefore, does not heal well. Tendons change in their biochemical makeup as they age. Thus, by the time foals are long yearlings, you cannot expect their tendons to stretch and/or become normal again. Therefore, knock-kneed or bow-legged yearlings most likely will remain that way. Keep in mind that DODs are “abnormal” happenings in the young horse. You cannot expect a young horse with “abnormal” development to grow up to excel in performance events or stay sound while doing it. Unfortunately, there are aspects involved in DOD that we cannot control, which include trauma or injury and genetics. However, nutrition is one aspect that we can control. To assure that nutrition is not the limiting factor when dealing with DOD, you can follow these guidelines: • Begin a balanced
