Effect of exercise and diet on the incidence of DOD

摘要

The term developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) was first coined in 1986 to encompass all orthopaedic problems seen in the growing horse and therefore encompasses all general growth disturbances of horses. It is non-specific and the definitions are not uniformly agreed. However, as defined by Mcllwraith 2001, DOD may be taken to include Osteochondrosis (OC: 'a defect in endochondral ossification that can result in a number of different manifestations, depending on the site of the endochondral ossification defect' - one manifestation of which is osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of cartilaginous origin); Subchondral cystic lesions (SBC); Physitis; Acquired Angular Limb deformities; Flexural deformities; Cuboidal bone malformation; Juvenile arthritis or juvenile degenerative joint disease and bony fragments of the palmer/plantar surface of the first phalanx of standardbred horses (believed traumatic lesions). It has been suggested that the clinical signs of OC occur only after a progression of eventsthat begin with a disturbance in the normal development of the cartilage (sometimes referred to as dyschondroplasia: DCP) leading to OC. At this point physical stresses are superimposed, leading to clinical signs. It is also thought possible that the initial defectsl lesions may heal or develop into OCD or into SBC. Due to the multifactorial nature of DOD, no single cause is likely to result in expression. Factors that may contribute include a genetic disposition, biomechanical trauma, and mechanical stress through inappropriate exercise, obesity, rapid growth and inappropriate or imbalanced nutrition. Different combinations may be involved in different cases. Environmental or managemental factors most likely determine if expression occurs (i.e. provide the final triggering factor(s).