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  Discussion on Research Summary: Early Predicition of OsteochonDrOsis Problems
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Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 - 6:55 am:

In earlier studies presented in this area we found serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase a marker for osteochonDrOsis (OC) damage. Here we find other serum markers that are predictive of future problems with OC. Osteocalcin is a protein that is released by osteoblasts as they form and mineralize bone. High levels of activity very early in a foals life are strongly predictive of future radiographically evident OC.

Exactly what we can do with this information is unknown at this time but if we go out on a limb just a little bit... It suggests that the predisposition for OC is strongly associated with the genetic trait for height. The question is on finding this problem early what adjustments can be made to decrease the later findings of OC.

Equine Vet J. 2008 Jan 8;
Early changes in biomarkers of skeletal metabolism and their association to the occurrence of osteochonDrOsis (OC) in the horse.

Donabedian M, van Weeren PR, Perona G, Fleurance G, Robert C, Leger S, Bergero D, Lepage O, Martin-Rosset W.

Department of Animal Sciences, INRA, 63122 St Genes Champanelle, France.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Diagnosis of osteochonDrOsis (OC) is based on clinical signs and radiography, but alternative methods for detection at an early stage would be useful. OBJECTIVES: To determine in the juvenile horse the relationship between serum concentrations of a number of biomarkers that reflect changes in cartilage and bone turnover and age, feeding level, growth, and the occurrence of OC. METHODS: Foals were assigned to a high (n = 20) or moderate (n = 19) feeding level group from birth to age 1 year. Bodyweight, withers height and cannon width were measured. Osteoarticular status was assessed radiographically at 5.5 and 11 months in all foals, and by necropsy at 12 months for 8 foals/group. Serum biomarkers of bone (osteocalcin, CTX-1) and cartilage (CPII, C2C) metabolism were assayed at 8 time points between ages 2 and 52 weeks. Ratios between biomarkers of tissue formation and degradation were calculated at each time point. RESULTS: Consistent age-related patterns in biomarker serum concentrates were found, indicating a markedly higher metabolism before age 20 weeks but concentrations were not affected by feeding level. Bodyweight was correlated negatively to C2C and CTX-1, and withers height was positively correlated to osteocalcin and the osteocalcin/CTX-1 and CPII/ C2C ratios. Osteocalcin concentration at 2 weeks and CPII/ C2C ratio at 20 weeks had strong positive correlations to OC, as diagnosed radiographically at 5.5 months. Osteocalcin had a strong correlation with radiographically detected OC at 11 months but at that time there was no significant relationship between CPII/C2C ratio and OC. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of OC lesions is significantly associated with anabolic changes in bone metabolism during the first weeks post partum, given the strong relation with osteocalcin. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Measuring osteocalcin concentrations during the first few weeks post partum may have potential value for the prediction of risk for OC development.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 - 9:22 am:

I know one thing we can do with this information-- if a young foal tests as highly probable to develop OC, we don't repeat the breeding. Many people re-breed on foal heat or first cycle. This test might provide enough of a red flag to seek a different cross for the mare.
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