Further remodeling is seen radiographically as increased radiolucency, giving the appearance of widening at the physeal growth cartilage, which is bordered by a margin of sclerotic bone formed in the surrounding metaphysis. The etiology of physitis is probably similar to OCD, in that nutritional excesses, deficiencies, or imbalances seem to be prevalent. High energy diets seem to be particularly represented in cases of physitis. Clinical Findings Clinically, horses generally present between 4 and 8 months of age. Occasionally, two year old horses that have recently entered training are affected.
Lameness varies from slight stiffness to overt lameness with reluctance to stand.
The affected physes have the typical flared appearance. In severe cases, flexural and angular limb deformities may accompany the disease. Flexural deformities are thought to be secondary to chronic pain which initiates a protracted withdrawal reflex. Angular limb deformities may develop secondary to the disturbed bone growth when one side of the physis is more or less involved than the other side. The treatment of physitis is aimed at correcting the underlying nutritional deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances.