[bay_blnd jmpr07]

I could've sworn I've seen a thread about OCD on here but I can't find it at all...

Is OCD caused by humans or is it genetic? Any info on it?

I've looked myself but my researching skills aren't that great and what I've read didn't answer my question/I couldn't understand it LOL

I see adds in the magazines for it. I'm interested.

[PeggySue]

The exact cause is unknown but is assumed to be multifactorial. Factors include genetic predisposition, fast growth, high caloric intake, low copper and high zinc levels, and endocrine factors.

The Merck Veterinary Manual -Osteochondritis Dissecans

[Sue B]

Recent research by Dr. Sarah Ralston (Rutgers U) and others, report that DOD/OCD is the result of a possible genetic link, but more importantly, it is more directly related to mineral imbalances and/or high carbohydrate (sugars/starches from grains) intake. The genetic link plays a role in that it may be involved in the horse's intolerance of carbs. Dr. Ralston indicates that she can look at a horse's bloodline (one she is familiar with) and know that the horse will most likely have a predisposition to carb intolerance. In the mineral imbalances, she specificallyh notes the following problems: failure to start the mare on a proper diet by the 3rd trimester, failure to maintain the mare and foal on the same diet until weaning and failure to maintain the foal on the same diet from birth to yearling, then a failure to maintain a proper amount of minerals from 1-2. In particular, she notes that calcium to phosphorous ratios are inappropriate followed by copper and zinc deficits. To gain a clear understanding of a possible carb intolerance, she recommends drawing blood prior to feeding and again after 2 hour of feeding a grain-based feed to compare insulin levels. Horses with insulin over 200 have insulin related issues that may contribute to OCD.

In addition to the all important dietary issues....Ralston noted that exercise played a role.....excess ive exercise (eg lunging or triiaing) and lack of exercie....foals provided all day turnout and then suddenly stalled at night experienced loss of minerals (magnesium in particular).

Some things she noted:
You can't slow a horse's growth unless you starve it....so feeding less is only harmful, but not going to slow the growth.
You can't reduce the amount of milk the mare produces...horsees don't work like cows...you need to feed to support what the mare is producing.
You can influence the major mineral content of the milk by what you feed.

Some other issues she noted:
Excessive intake of energy without complementary mineral input
Using feed to increase calories....use fiber and fat (with moderation)
Excessive intake of calories in the form of starches from grains.
Need 14-16% total daily intake of protein (not just the feed, but all of the food it eats).
Feed high fiber....pelleted and extruded feeds recommended....sweet feeds allow minerals to be bypassed.