I have a six-month-old foal which was recently diagnosed with OCD. He wasn’t overfed so getting condition off him wasn’t any concern. My vet told me to feed him lightly and keep him stabled. What a disaster! We had only just purchased him in the middle of November  Thankfully,  I found you on the internet. I hope and pray that we will have good news in a few months. I am just wondering if we should continue with the small feeds and keep him stable bound?

Regards, Josephine

Thanks,
Dr. Albert

Myrna Smith

Thanks for your timely response. I’d like to start him on the Pellets as soon as possible if you think they might help him, even in his advanced age.
Respectfully,
Jan

Thanks,
Heather

– Kathy

Please let me know your thoughts

Thank you ,
Christine D

– Krikitt

 Thank you,

Joe

I brought him home and he shortly showed great signs of improvement. However several days ago, he went lame again. I took him back to the vet who took several x-rays, and an ultra sound, and found no real cause for the amount of lameness.  The vet discussed the option of cutting our losses, and putting him down. The vet said he can not tell me if this horse will become sound again, because he cannot find anything wrong. The swelling has gone down, the joint appears to be normal, the ultra sound was good, however a small cyst was found on the x-ray. The vet said he has not seen a cyst located as this one was, but did not seem to think it was the cause of his lameness. Do you feel your product would work so that he would not have to be put down?

Thank you,
Laura D.

Also, I did ocd surgery (well not me 7 1/2 years ago on my now 9 year old Thoroughbred gelding, he had an ocd the size of a half dollar in his left stifle, he has never taken a lame step since.. but do you think that I should put him on the pellets as a caution? Thanks again!

For the last four months she has been on stall rest with orchard grass hay. The swelling has improved – her left hock is almost normal and the right is ping pong ball size. Radiographs taken at 14 months show improvement over originals taken at 12 months, Our vet has suggested that we could start the filly on a supplement. Would OCD pellets be an appropriate choice? Can you provide me with nutritional facts for your product? Do you have any other suggestions for her nutrition needs?

I have a 2 year old 1/2 arab dutch cross gelding. He has been out in a large pasture since he was weaned. This April I noticed his right hock had swelling and fluid. I took him in for x-rays, and found he had OCD in the right hock and both stifles. I had the surgery done on the joints, and brought him in the barn for re-hab, stall rest then, walking only. We have another 30 days of walking before he can go to normal work. 4 months total.
His job is to be a show horse. I want to start his training in the fall. There is still some fluid in his hock. I have Total Joint Care supplement, and He gets Adequan shots regularly.

My question is, even after the surgery, will feeding OCD Pellets help him go on to be a performance horse? The right hock joint picture showed lesions, and flaking, and the joint was flat and irregular. Will this product be beneficial?

Chuck

I have a 5 year of dressage gelding that was diagnosed with an OCD cyst in his left hind stifle at 2 years old.  He is now showing signs of lameness in his stifle.  My vet is x-raying him to determine if the OCD cyst is the cause and the plan would be to inject his stifle and if that is not successful to operate.  What do you think?  Also, what is the best feed for this horse in the future and will the OCD supplement help a 5 year old.  He is about 16 hands, a lighter frame, and is of good weight and muscle.  I have heard that the low starch feed is good for OCD horses but have received conflicting views.

Diane

We raise racing Quarter horses.  We are having problems with chips on radial carpus bones on 3 horses – all by the same  stallion.  Although it doesn’t appear conformationally that these horses are calf-kneed, the  vets tell me these chips are a result of calf-kneed horses.  Can OCD pellets help to increase bone in these areas in foals?  Also, we  have a horse that will undergo surgery for a chip in the upper carpal bone.   Can OCD pellets help rebuild bone for him in the knees?

Thanks for your insight.
Linda

We want to THANK-YOU so much for your advice. You are AWESOME. We are keeping him on OCD, the locking did not get worse at all from stopping the hormone therapy since being on OCD. So now we’ll see what decent, caring farriering does. Our hopes are high. And you know, after the last time the other farrier did his feet the hormones only helped for I think 1 or 2 days and he was locking again. Interesting!!!

Again WE THANK-YOU!!! And we will keep you posted. Today will be his first ride with better feet, excited to see how it goes.   Jackwin

What do you recommend as a feeding program for an 8 month old with OCD? I have read conflicting views on protein amounts/ nutrition requirements for babies with OCD. Thank you for any help you can provide! Also, am curious, as I have also read conflicting reports: is OCD a genetic disorder? This filly’s full brother had no problems and is sound, but I do know several other foals by her sire which have had OCD problems.

Thank you again!

Thanks for your time,

Kathryn

  Around her 2yr year she started to show soreness in her feet, and I simply attributed it to the farrier trimming her a tad short, as the soreness was intermittent. I waited until she was 3 to start her, but due to personal injuries, she only got about 15 rides under saddle before I had to put her out to pasture while I recuperated- and she sat in the pasture (a.k.a. corral with hay/grass feeding mmaintained.

At 4yr, the soreness in her front legs increased dramatically, and I took her in for x-rays to find ex tensor process chips growing off the coffin bone in BOTH front feet. My vet referred me to a surgeon, who took additional x-rays and decided upon initial examination that there was “more going on” with the mare than just the bone-chips. We took x-rays of the navicular bone, and found that area to be the primary area of concern. The mare is more than simply “sore”; for a mare that used to have at least a 2-ft stride, she now has (if she’s having a good day), a 10-16″ stride. This may increase slightly if taken out of her stall and left solely on soft pasture; but little improvement is shown.

We have delayed the surgery to remove the ex tensor process bone chips and have applied special navicular (egg-bar) shoes along with a 3/4″ wedge pad, plus allowed her heel to grow and trimmed her toes back. This has slightly alleviated her pain, but she still shows some severe soreness and reluctance to walk.

I have kept her feed rations to barely more than a flake of alfalfa 2x daily – even though she stands nearly 17 hands and pushes 1500 pounds  with ribs barely showing. We also added 1 gal Nutrena’s Omalene 400 with 1gal Black Oil Sunflower seeds, 4-6 oz corn oil, and 1/4 c asprin/flax seed blend to help with inflammation. Most days, she does really good to tolerate her current state of living; but if we miss a day with the aspirin (some days even adding 2gr Butte – which starts to take a toll on her digestive system), then she’s hurt’n!

I have ordered your OCD pellets hoping that they will help with the issues we are seeing in her navicular bone/bursa – any suggestions? We will be taking her in for another navicular bursa injection (with the associated x-rays) in 2 weeks, but am tempted to push them back another 2 weeks to see if the OCD pellets show any assistance in the bone matrix….I want to get her sound enough to alleviate some of this pain (ideally to breed…. again, any suggestions?). I am also more than willing to forward you a cd of her x-rays if you’d like, for “research.”

 Sincerely,

Kristin Kariger

I have a Quarter Horse broodmare who came up with a knot that looks like she may have been kicked. Our vet seems to think it is arthritis. We just got her pregnant, too. Is it okay to feed OCD Pellets to her, or should we wait till later? We have a three week old Quarter Horse foal that has just started eating grain. Would it be alright to feed it to her? It says it is for pregnant mares and then it talks about feeding the mare the second trimester. So I need to know if it is okay to feed it to her now with no complications. Thank you for your time, I do appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Virginia

I picked up an 8 year old mare that has been pretty hard used. She was used on a cow/calf operation when she was three, and the guy used her hard. Then she was sold to a younger girl who used her for roping and some barrel racing. The mare has some old rope scars on her hind legs. The girl was chasing a bull and ran the mare through a bog and the mare came up sore after that.

After we bought her at the sale, we brought her home and I noticed she has a raised bump on her backbone in the lower lumbar area. She was also very short strided in her hind end and very stiff on her right side.

I had a vet/chiropractor look her over, who thought she might have some scar tissue in her back. She said her stifles were clean from what she could tell. She was able to adjust her neck but the mare wouldn’t let her get close to her back.

I have been massaging and trying to stretch this mare every day, and it has helped her some. I also gave her adequan and use a photonic torch light on her. The bump on her back has gone down a lot since she has been able to roll when she needs to. She is still short strided but is getting a little better.

I was wondering if your OCD pellets might help in a case like this? I have always used Legend and Adequan and hock injections on my competition horses, but I’m trying to find something that is more cost effective. I have one of my mares on daily 72 minerals supplement. Would OCD work with this?

I would appreciate any information you could give me.

Thank you,
Shannon

My 6 month old APHA colt came up 3-legged lame after jumping a small ditch outside our barn on Sat. The vet came yesterday and did a large variety of tests and x-rays. Her findings indicated epiphysitis on his right rear pastern and an OCD lesion, which she felt was large. This is possibly the nicest colt I’ve gotten from his dam and possibly her last foal as she is getting some age on her. This colt is large and very muscular, and I’ve not been feeding him an extreme amount of protien as he’d been out on pasture with his momma until he was weaned about a month ago. The current treatment consists of stall rest and bute. I feel like this will not be enough. Do you think your product would help him?

Thank you,
Kerry

I have some questions – I have two weanlings and a yearling that so far have no soundness issues, but I don’t want to wait until I do. Is it OK to feed them the OCD pellets as a prevention and if so, for how long? I also have an 8 yr old with a subcondylar cyst in her P2 rear leg – the University tried drilling to release pressure, but it’s still there. Will this help her?

Thank you,
Cindy

I am inquiring to know if your product OCD would have any beneficial effect on an 18 year old TB show jumper. The reason I consider using it is that he has had a bone cyst on his right lower jaw that stayed infected for about a year, and we are sure of some bone loss due to the infection and slight necrotic tissue. The vet has debrided it and we are treating the infection, but would OCD have any effect in helping new bone rebuild itself in that part of the body even if it’s not a leg?

I just want to help him heal the right way; he is the most athletic, sweet, unbelievable individual anyone could ask for and deserves the best.

Thank you,
Amanda

What about dry hock joints?

Thank you,
Donna

What is the protein content of this supplement? Can you feed it with a feed like “Safe Choice” for weanlings along with their hay, or would you feed this only with oats or beet pulp and hay? How do I get the protein content high enough for the weanling? The mare is pregnant again, so could I just add this to her food as well? She too is on free choice hay/pasture paddock and Safe Choice. both are on 24/7 turnout. I have asked questions before but want to be sure I am not over-supplementing.

Thank you,
Ann

At what age do you recommend starting OCD pellets? What would be the proper dose for a two month old warmblood colt?

Thank you,
Gina

I have a seven year old Connemara that has been diagnosed with bone lesions and bone cysts in both stifles. I have taken her to NC State Vet Hospital in Raleigh, NC. The option was surgery. I opted out for now, for several reasons: no guarantee of correction, cost, long term complications and heat of the summer. Tentatively, surgery is set for this winter. When I saw your ad for OCD I was so excited!! I adore my pony and she is so beautiful, athletic and smart. It broke my heart to learn she was lame. I have shed many a tear! I have just ordered your product and will begin giving it to my mare tonight. I hope and pray that it works as well for her as it has for other horses…she is such an awesome pony and deserves to have a full life.

Thank you,
Valorie

I have emailed before, but have another question. I already feed Platinum Performance (flax based); could I finish this out while on OCD Pellets? Also how much biotin is in the pellets? I have a mare (hopefully)Pg TB/dutchwbld that has low slung heels, and I want to help her grow better feet if possible. Would the pellets be enough? My daughter has an App with sore heels as well; both could use a little help with their feet. I would like to put my 3 month old baby on this, because it sounds very helpful in OCD prevention and other growing bone problems; but I do not want to over-supplement. As I mentioned before, I am a small animal vet with minimal nutritional background in horses although I recognize that most horses need low starch, adequate protein, and fat, with tons of forage to do well. Mare and baby are out side 24/7 on pasture or eaten down pasture, and hay. Mare is breeding and App is eventing and boarded elsewhere, and eats hay/pasture and progressive supplements and Plat. Performance. He gets Legend injections and had his hocks recently injected and is doing fabulous. He has shoes and pads but the mare is barefoot and occ. heelsore as well…bruises easily.

Thanks you,
Ann

We have used OCD with great success in the past. We have just learned our very promising 2 year old colt in training has suffered a fracture to the left knee. It appears the fracture is not displaced and the vet is suggesting stall rest and not surgery. We immediately started him on OCD. My question is: do you have a recommended diet in conjunctionwith the regimen of OCD?

Thank you,
Tracy

I have a foal that was sent to Auburn Vet Hospital at one week of age with a diagnosis of joint ill. She has been treated for two weeks with aggressive flushing of the elbow joint and has progressed very well. I will be bringing her home Monday, June 23….she will be on oral antibiotics another 30 days. The elbow joint shows a bone lesion from the infection and my question is: will the OCD supplement help in such a young foal… she’s not eating grain at this point….but I plan to set up a creep feeder for her when she gets home and want to provide every nutrient available to help her recovery. Another question: is your product available in a paste form?

Thank you,
Sherry

Sherry,

This has been a very common situation- bone lesions post joint ill. OCD Pellets certainly are an asset to the healing process as they aid in the formation of quality bone. Due to the fact that your foal is receiving antibiotics, you must be aware that bone can be affected (not infected ) in many different ways, so to feed the bone would be prudent.

We do not have a paste form at this time but we have clients that make a paste with the pellets and it works very well. They sometimes add molasses or honey and the foal begins to eat the pellets/honey out of your hand.

Thank you for your interest in OCD Pellets.

Respectfully,

Dr. D.R. Beebe

Requirements for this horse would be riding and driving for pleasure and occasionally pulling a wagon — with a team mate, in the mountains 1 week, twice a year.

She is also a very finicky eater. As far as introducing new products to her, I have thrown some very expensive supplements away.

We have done the Adaquan route and the Cosequine with no difference.
Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Joyce

Joyce,

What a nice all-round useful horse.   Sounds like she is having arthritic conditions that are not being resolved and may not be totally resolved but certainly some degree of comfort may be achieved. We have had many clients that have tried the products you have mentioned and after feeding the OCD Pellets were very pleased and excited. One main distinction we provide our clients is, we will return your money if we do not meet your level of satisfaction. I understand your concern about buying expensive products only to realize your horse will not eat them . OCD Pellets are alfalfa based and we are told many times that the horses will eat them out of your hand-so that is not an issue. Many thoroughbreds are finicky eaters and we have not had any that would not eat them readily.

Respectfully,
Dr. D.R. Beebe

I have a Dutch/TB mare that was bred to a Freisan and my colt is now 2 months old.  She eats SafeChoice and free choice home grown hay and a small amount of grass in pasture/paddock. He nibbles these things as well. They are outside 24/7 at this point and in the winter will be in a large 20 acre pasture.  She has been on Platinum Performance which is an Omega 3 supplement with trace minerals and glucosamine. Would this be instead of that or in addition? Do you recommend a specific feed to go with your OCD Pellets for weanling? SafeChoice is low starch and appropriate for all ages it says… I am a small animal vet and continue to be confused with equine nutrition and supplements. I don’t want to do anything to hurt my new colt (1st time I have bred my mare).  I am finding that even equine vets seem to have a lot of opinions.  Thank you for any information you can give me.  Are OCD pellets a good supplement for all horses? I have a 9 year old Dressage mount (Paint) that I give Legend to and my daughter has a 9 year old “heel sore” Appaloosa that has some mild changes in the navicular bone; would this help? He too is on Legend and Platinum Performance products.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Ann Winsor

Dear Dr. Ann,

Equine nutrition/supplements can be confusing and we do not have all the answers. We are however, beginning to understand the nutritional requirements with respect to the skeletal system. This has been an area which has not been properly addressed. I certainly do not know all the answers – I did graduate work in nutrition prior to Vet School so have always been interested in nutrition. To answer your questions: Your Dutch/TB /Freisan colt is a prime candidate for OCD Pellets as he will be a rapid growth type and we must feed the skeletal system along with the muscular system. The KEY is  minimal CHO’s and more fiber with significantly higher levels of fat than you are used to feeding. I feed a fat supplement along with oats and good quality hay/pasture. Exercise is critical (turn out). Research has shown that high levels of CHO’s, which significantly increase blood glucose levels and consequently corresponding insulin levels, are detrimental to the formation of good quality bone. I am glad to see the colt is outside 24/7.

SafeChoice is a good product although I am not absolutely sure of the fat content. Remember you do not want your colt to be as obese as a lot of your small animal clients have their pets. Platinum Performance products are very good, and if you are feeding a product for the vitamin/mineral content then you can continue that regime.  However, the OCD Pellets contain all the Trace mineral complexes needed for the formation of strong bone along with 50mg. of Hyaluronic Acid per day. If you are feeding a maximum dose (2 oz.) per day which we recommend for horses that have significant bone lesions or arthritic conditions, your horse would be receiving 100mg. of Hyaluronic Acid per day. As bone is continually “remodeling” (remember all that remodeling “process” we learned in Path.), OCD Pellets are being fed to all types of horses from riding horses to event horses, and clients are very pleased with the results they are seeing. Although heel pain is a very serious problem (if in fact it is heel pain that is causing the discomfort), we have found that several clients resolved their issues after feeding OCD Pellets. Many times it can be anything from navicular to arthritic conditions that are causing the problem of soreness – unless of course you have “Blocked” out and diagnosed the condition to be precisely heel pain. Legend is a great product and I have used it many times in the past, but to be honest, I was always treating the joint and not the bone. After all, a joint consists of mainly two components; fluid and bone. As much as 75-90 % of joint problems occur at the level of the bone, so we must address the bone if we want long term resolution.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the difference with the OCD Pellets, and you will be using less Legend.

Thank you for your interest in OCD Pellets.

Respectfully,

Dr. D.R.Beebe