10/09/2026
With recent conversations surrounding sale horse radiographs, we want to talk about something that deserves more attention: early OCD screening in young horses.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic condition that can affect a horse’s joints, sometimes before any obvious signs of lameness appear.
Here’s what many owners don’t realize: A yearling with an OCD fragment, commonly referred to as a chip, may show no signs of lameness at all. However, that same lesion can contribute to joint inflammation and lameness years down the road, potentially around age five or later, and become career-limiting.
For breeders and owners preparing young horses for sale or future performance careers, early screening can make a significant difference.
🩻 When should you screen?
We recommend screening radiographs between 6–10 months of age, with many yearling sale prospects being evaluated between January and April.
🩻 What joints should be evaluated?
Hocks, stifles, and fetlocks are important areas to screen for OCD lesions.
🩻 Why does timing matter?
Identifying OCD early allows time to evaluate treatment options, address lesions that may require surgical intervention, and give horses appropriate recovery time before entering training or heading to a sale. In select cases, early medical management may also be an option.
Waiting until a horse becomes lame can mean addressing a problem that could have been identified years earlier.
The goal isn’t just clean sale radiographs. It’s giving young horses the best opportunity for a long, successful athletic career.
Whether you’re raising your next prospect or preparing a yearling for sale, let’s be proactive about their joint health.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss OCD screening radiographs for your young horses!
