## Overview Osteochondrosis of the shoulder is a developmental lesion, most often of the humeral head or glenoid cavity. It is less common than hock or stifle OCD but causes more significant lameness. Young horses show forelimb lameness and sometimes shoulder-muscle atrophy. Arthroscopic treatment is possible but technically demanding, and the prognosis is more guarded than for other joints. ## Causes Failure of normal cartilage ossification. ## Diagnosis Radiographs of the shoulder, sometimes with contrast or advanced imaging. ## Treatment Arthroscopic debridement when feasible. Conservative management for some lesions. Athletic prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded compared with hock or stifle OCD. ## Prevention Growth and nutrition management.
forelimb lameness in a young horse; shoulder muscle atrophy in chronic cases; radiographic osteochondrosis of the humeral head or glenoid
## Overview Osteochondrosis of the shoulder is a developmental lesion, most often of the humeral head or glenoid cavity. It is less common than hock or stifle OCD but causes more significant lameness. Young horses show forelimb lameness and sometimes shoulder-muscle atrophy. Arthroscopic treatment is possible but technically demanding, and the prognosis is more guarded than for other joints. ## Causes Failure of normal cartilage ossification. ## Diagnosis Radiographs of the shoulder, sometimes with contrast or advanced imaging. ## Treatment Arthroscopic debridement when feasible. Conservative management for some lesions. Athletic prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded compared with hock or stifle OCD. ## Prevention Growth and nutrition management.
forelimb lameness in a young horse; shoulder muscle atrophy in chronic cases; radiographic osteochondrosis of the humeral head or glenoid