By what age do OCD lesions in horses typically develop or are diagnosed?

By what age do OCD lesions in horses typically develop or are diagnosed?

• A. 2 months
• B. 7 months
• C. 5 months
• D. 9 months

Answer: (B)

OCD lesions arise when rapid skeletal growth disrupts normal endochondral ossification, leading to cartilage flaps or loose bone pieces in the joint. In foals and young horses, this process is most active during the first year of life, and many lesions become detectable around the middle of that period. Seven months sits squarely in this active growth window, making changes radiographically apparent as the articular cartilage thickens and the subchondral bone begins to show irregularities. That’s why seven months is the most commonly cited time for development or diagnosis. The earlier ages are usually too young for reliable detection, while nine months is less typical, though not impossible.

OCD lesions arise when rapid skeletal growth disrupts normal endochondral ossification, leading to cartilage flaps or loose bone pieces in the joint. In foals and young horses, this process is most active during the first year of life, and many lesions become detectable around the middle of that period. Seven months sits squarely in this active growth window, making changes radiographically apparent as the articular cartilage thickens and the subchondral bone begins to show irregularities. That’s why seven months is the most commonly cited time for development or diagnosis. The earlier ages are usually too young for reliable detection, while nine months is less typical, though not impossible.