Any sudden change or increase in the exercise program can contribute to DOD occurrence. If exercise is curtailed for a prolonged period of time, it must be gradually resumed. Heavy work, without adequate preparation or even a traumatic blow can lead to bone growth errors. Tips to Aid in Prevention of Developmental Orthopedic Disease Analyze hay and grain annually to detect any major alterations. Commercially prepared diet analysis should be available.
Maximal growth requires exquisite attention in balances of all nutrients.
Provide mares with proper prenatal nutrition. Use common sense in exercising foals and avoid abrupt changes in an exercise schedule. Allowing foals free exercise over large areas requires less management to ensure healthy growth. Observe foals daily for injury, lameness, gait alterations, etc. There are many unanswered questions to the exact cause and cure of developmental orthopedic disease.