Dr. Beebe,
I have a 5 year of dressage gelding that was diagnosed with an OCD cyst in his left hind stifle at 2 years old. He is now showing signs of lameness in his stifle. My vet is x-raying him to determine if the OCD cyst is the cause and the plan would be to inject his stifle and if that is not successful to operate. What do you think? Also, what is the best feed for this horse in the future and will the OCD supplement help a 5 year old. He is about 16 hands, a lighter frame, and is of good weight and muscle. I have heard that the low starch feed is good for OCD horses but have received conflicting views.
Diane
Hi Hondata, Have you submitted a question?
Diane,
A couple of things. First, these bone lesions are induced or result from nutrition. the majority of the time, they can be resolved through proper nutrition. Bone is always remodeling, and if given the proper nutrition will form a strong bone matrix. However, although there are different theories in both human and equine nutrition, it has been shown many times, that feeds high in Carbohydrates (sweetfeeds) are definitely bad for the formation of a strong bone matrix. This is because, simple Carbohydrates do the same in horses as they do in people – they cause significant increases in blood sugar levels, which in turn cause significant increases in Insulin. It is these peaks (increases) in blood sugar/insulin that are detrimental to the formation of strong bone.
Thank you for your interest in OCD Pellets. Have a great day.
Respectfully,
Dr. D.R. Beebe