Hello,
I have a yearling (14 months) who has a bit of physitis in his knees. He never appeared to be sore, or at least that I could tell, and I never noticed a change in the shape of his knees, probably because I see him every day and couldn't see anything changing. Then I just happened to be looking him over one day and noticed his knees looked..weird. Like the inside bone was "knobbier" than normal, and it made it cannon bones look as if they angled to the inside (so that his feet were closer together). I immediately panicked because I didn't know what was wrong. Upon doing hours of research and talking with our vet, he seems to have physitis.
The problem may have arisen for a few reasons, either all of them or any of them. He is a Quarter Horse but not halter bred (he is pleasure-bred). However, he does have a lot of muscle for his size. He did seem to go through a growth spurt but is not that tall, so I'm guessing he just had too much weight for his knees to handle at the time (?). Also, our farrier suggested that we boost his feed through the winter because he "looked thin." We didn't feel we were overfeeding him, and we trust our farrier's advice as he has pointed us in the right direction several times before.
Right now, he is getting just a handful of 12% sweet feed. I checked the tag and at the moment I don't recall all of it, but the calcium to phosphorus ratio is about 2:1. He is also getting MSM as a supplement to help with circulation and reducing swelling (I've heard it can help, I am curious what your opinion is on this as well). He is on pasture 24/7 except for nasty weather, then he comes in, but that's not often. In addition, he gets grass hay twice a day because the grass supply hasn't been great (dry weather).
From weaning up until about 6 weeks ago, he was getting 16% sweet feed and alfalfa hay (esp. through the winter). The alfalfa is high-quality. He is no longer getting alfalfa, though we do have some. I wasn't sure if he should have it or not (ie will it hurt him or help him?)
I'm stressing myself out worrying about him and fear that I've ruined him. Like I said, he does not appear sore, but I want him to stay sound as he ages (obviously) and I feel so mad at myself that I may have caused this .
I have never personally seen a horse with physitis, so I've been doing as much research as I can, but I seem to get a lot of mixed advice as well as opinions on it. I've read that it is common for weanlings and yearlings because of growth spurts and such. However some seem to think it can be eventually treated and others seem to think it's an immediate "death sentence." Some suggest plenty of exercise and some say stall rest. I don't know what to believe and what to ignore.
What do you think I should feed him? Is alfalfa alright? Would you suggest a specific type of feed (if any)? Do you think the MSM would benefit him or is it a waste?
I'm so sorry this is so long but I'm desperate for all the input I can get. Thank you!!

Brittany

Where are you from? Zanesville, Ohio

How did you locate this forum? Google, research

Hello Brittany,

I understand your concern about him and I would like to visit with you over the phone, since a simple response will not be possible. So, if you would like to arrange for a consultation, let me know.

In the meantime, Epiphysitis can be caused by two major factors. First, a high starch diet. So, he should not have any sweet feed. Instead, he needs a low starch feed that does not contain cereal grains (oats, corn, barley, etc.) or any molasses. He also needs some alfalfa -- about 30 to 40% of the hay.

Second, mineral balances are critical during growth. Too little copper in the diet can lead to this disorder and is compounded by the high iron levels that are naturally found in forages. So, put him on a vitamin/mineral supplement designed for growth. I recommend Mare/Foal IIP.

MSM is fine -- it is an anti-inflammatory agent that will assist with his healing.

I strongly recommend having your hay and pasture analyzed, for a proper evaluation. Equi-Analytical Laboratories -- www.equi-analytical.com is an excellent company for the analysis.

I hope this will get you started. Please let me know if I can assist you further.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thank you for your reply.
I do have one more quick question. Many people have sworn by a feed called Buckeye Grow N Win for growing horses. It supposedly helps prevent and correct issues such as epiphysitis. I provided the link to the nutrition facts for this feed..could you look it over and let me know what you think about it?
Thanks

Where are you from? Zanesville, Ohio

How did you locate this forum? Google, research

Hi Brittany,

Yes, Grow N Win will be fine as long as you add at least 2 lbs per day to the diet.

Keep me posted,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

thank you. I just realized I hadn't posted the link with my last response! Oh well at least you knew what I was talking about. Thanks very much. This is a wonderful site; I'm thankful I came across it!!

Where are you from? Zanesville, Ohio

How did you locate this forum? Google, research

Glad I could help.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

How is your yearling doing? I am going through the same problem and I am really stressed out over it.

Where are you from? Michigan

How did you locate this forum? google

Hello Kelly,

I'm sorry to hear about your youngster. The best approach in preventing or reducing physitis symptoms is to feed a diet low in starch and sugar. Therefore, choose a feed that does not contain any oats, corn, barley, etc., or molasses. Instead, either go with a commercial feed that has a low percentage of non-structural carbohydrates such as ADM Alliance Junior Glo or Triple Crown Junior. Or you can simply feed beet pulp plus a good vitamin/mineral supplement.

Provide all the grass hay your horse wants, along with alfalfa to boost protein quality to provide building blocks for healthy tissue.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO