|
|
Discussion on ALD - predisposed to DJD?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Wolfydoc
|
Posted on Monday, Jul 26, 2004 - 12:16 am:
Hello fellow horse lovers,
Are horses who have had angular limb deformities, assuming they've been treated appropriately as foals, predisposed to having degenerative joint disease in the affected joint as adults?
Also, are these diseases heritable? I.e., should a horse who had an ALD not be bred?
I'm considering purchasing a Kentucky Mountain Saddle mare who had an ALD involving the carpus. She's now 6 years old and allegedly has no history of lameness. Of course I will have a prepurchase exam unless someone tells me that these horses (who've had an ALD) are more likely to develop DJD, in which case I won't consider purchasing.
Thanks,
Cindy
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Monday, Jul 26, 2004 - 2:14 pm:
The answer to both of your questions is not straightforward.
Concerning DJD it depends on severity, cause, treatment, and response to treatment. However since that was 6 years ago, a good set of radiographs should be able to rule out this possibility.
Concerning hereditibility there are both hereditable and non-hereditable causes. Take a close look at parents and siblings and if there is no pattern of problems breeding might be OK.
DrO
|
Member:
Wolfydoc
|
Posted on Monday, Jul 26, 2004 - 2:37 pm:
Thanks DrO,
I guess I have a big advantage in this case, since the horse is 6 years post surgery. My thoughts exactly - it should be apparent at this time if there are any problems. I am trying to track down the old records, if they still exist, just to gather any additional info, but it may be a mute point here and now.
I also have the advantage of knowing the breeder, who is local, and who is actually an owner of the Kentucky Mountain registry. She is intensely protective of the breed, and knows all siblings and relatives.
I've scheduled a prepurchase exam, to include radiographs. We'll see what comes up!
Thanks so much,
Cindy
|
|
|
