Results of conservative treatment of osteochondrosis of the tibiotarsal joint in the horse

The present study relates to 146 horses (Warmbloods and Standardbreds) exhibiting tibiotarsal joint distension and radiographic signs of OCD. Conservative treatment included normal box rest or a less intense training program together with a low energy diet. Follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 5 years and was acquired from a questionnaire addressed to the owners. Localization of the lesion in the joint did not seem to play an important part in the clinical symptoms. A final evaluation was achieved in 96 horses. Sixty percent of the Warmbloods and 18% of the Standardbreds performed normally. Eighteen percent of the Standardbreds performed beyond level as opposed to 10% of the Warmbloods. Forty-one percent of the Standardbreds and 7% of the Warmbloods (66% with additional femoral ridge involvement) performed badly. Finally, 23% of the Standardbreds and 23% of the Warmbloods could not perform because problems (not related to the OCD of the tibiotarsal joint) developed during the follow-up period. If the performance problems which were not related to OCD of the tibiotarsal joint were excluded, good results were obtained in 80% of the Warmbloods, compared to only 23% of the Standardbreds. Therefore, systemic arthroscopic treatment of tarsal OCD is questionable in Warmbloods, in contrast with Standardbreds.