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Silicon supplementation and osteochondrotic lesions in 2-year-old Standardbreds: a preliminary study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2007

K K Turner ,
B D Nielsen ,
C I O'Connor  and
D S Rosenstein
K K Turner*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
B D Nielsen
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
C I O'Connor
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
D S Rosenstein
Affiliation:
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
*
*Corresponding author: kturner@uga.edu
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Abstract

Silicon appears to be an essential element for proper endochondral ossification and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Osteochondrosis (OC) is characterized by disturbed endochondral ossification, and glycosaminoglycan loss has been reported in OC lesions. Therefore, silicon may be effective in reducing OC lesions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental silicon on OC lesion size. Initial radiographs were taken on 2-year-old Standardbreds (n = 44) on private facilities to identify OC defects in the distal third metacarpus/tarsus or osteochondral fragments at the dorsal aspect of the joint and defects/fragments at the distal tibia and on the trochlear ridges of the talus. Only clinically sound horses were included. Follow-up radiographs were taken at 120 days. Radiographs were digitized and the length and height of the OC defects/fragments were measured. Horses meeting study-inclusion requirements (n = 8) were pair-matched by facility and affected joint(s) and assigned to a group: control (receiving 200 g whole grain flour) and silicon supplemented (receiving 200 g bioavailable silicon source). Treatments were top-dressed on the feed for 120 days. Due to the onset of lameness, four horses did not complete the 120-day study duration. There was no effect (P>0.22) of treatment, time or treatment × time on lesion length, height or area. Silicon supplementation did not alter the radiographic appearance of OC lesions. Future research should focus on the effects of a silicon supplement on the prevention of OC lesions.

Keywords

osteochondrosissiliconosteochodrotic lesionincidence of equine osteochondrosis
Type
Research Paper
Information
Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology , Volume 4 , Issue 2 , May 2007 , pp. 53 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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