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Sonya Harper
New Member
Username: 1sonya1
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Dec 11, 2002 - 11:24 pm: |   |
I just bought a 3 and 1/2 year old gelding that has been ridden on trails for the last year. Some people have mentioned that he may have been ridden too early thus damaging the growth plates. Is this true? And at what age is it safe to start him over fences? |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 7424
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Dec 12, 2002 - 6:18 am: | |
It is very unlikely the growth plates have been hurt Sonya, I have never seen a work induced physitis at this age.
I have seen too much work too early cause permanant arthritis (DJD) but horses ridden reasonably at 2 and 1/2 years of age are not likely to have any problems from this at all. Despite all you hear about this there is mounting evidence that growing horses exposed to the type work they are going to do the rest of their life, in a reasonable manner, are actually sturdier. Note: this is not a license to go out there and bust your yearlings.
DrO |
Elizabeth Donahue
Member
Username: Paul303
Post Number: 294
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Dec 12, 2002 - 10:26 pm: | |
What does cause epiphysitis, then, Dr.O? |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 7425
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, Dec 13, 2002 - 7:27 am: | |
As you might quess we have an article on this subject that you can find at: Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of Joints » Epiphysitis, Physitis, and Physeal Dysplasia.
DrO |
Elizabeth Donahue
Member
Username: Paul303
Post Number: 295
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Dec 13, 2002 - 8:48 pm: | |
And another great article it is! |
