What is the prognosis for OCD following treatment?
The provision of a correctly balanced diet (not only to the weanling and yearling but also and perhaps more importantly to the pregnant and lactating mare) containing the appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is helpful for the prevention of OCD. Several reputable feed companies offer diets and supplements specifically designed and formulated for horses of all ages and stages of their lives. It is important to get exercise levels right. For normal foals, weanlings and yearlings, regular but not excessive exercise is essential to encourage normal musculoskeletal growth and development. There is evidence to suggest that exercise can also be protective against OCD. However, where OCD develops, exercise on the abnormal and inflamed joint can cause complicating damage (DJD) and so box rest should be given as soon as OCD is suspected or diagnosed. It is important to discourage rapid growth rates. Regular measurement of weight, girth and height can be used to assess grow
