For a Thoroughbred the road to the racetrack is sometimes a rocky one, wrought with physical challenges such as the musculoskeletal condition osteochondrosis (OC). But recently, English researchers have taken a step forward in understanding a potential genetic component of OC.

"Osteochondrosis is a condition in which the articular cartilage lining the ends of joints does not form properly in young horses," explains Laura Corbin, PhD, who completed her work with colleagues at The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

OC occurs most commonly in the stifle, fetlock, and hock, and clinical signs include joint swelling (effusion), lameness, and pain, making OC an important cause of horse wastage. Current estimates suggest that approximately 25% of Thoroughbreds are affected.

"Certain environmental factors such as nutrition, growth, body size, conformation, and endocrine (hormonal) (issues) are thought to play a role in the development of OC," noted Corbin. "There is also evidence that there is a genetic component to OC, but the exact cause of the condition is not known