Osteochondrosis is an orthopedic disorder of growing horses. It is failure of ossification of the growth plates. In other words, the cartilage that is present in growing horses affected with osteochondrosis does not ossify into bone like it normally should.

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a disease of joints characterized by the deterioration of the joint (articular) cartilage and changes in the bone and soft tissues of the affected joints.

“Navicular disease/ Navicular syndrome” are the terms used to define a number of different conditions that give rise to a chronic forelimb lameness characterized by heel pain and associated to the navicular bone and surrounding structures. Many theories have been proposed for the cause of this disease/syndrome.

There are many different causes for laminitis including fever, endotoxemia, grain overload, excessive weight bearing due to injury of another leg, excessive riding on hard ground and metabolic abnormalites (such as Cushing’s disease). Often times though, no specific cause can be cited.

Canker is an infection of the horn producing tissues of the foot. The infection begins in the frog. It can affect the sole, hoof wall, and bars of the foot as well. Although it most commonly affects draft breeds, any breed of horse can develop canker.

Angular limb deformity refers to deviation of the limb from the normal axis. The limbs can either turn outward (valgus deformity) or turn inward (varus deformity). This condition can affect the knees, hocks, and fetlocks; however, the knees are most commonly affected.