Osteochondrosis in a Yorkshire Cross barrow

Abstract

Osteochondrosis is a non-infectious, degenerative condition of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage and growth plate with secondary changes in bone. It occurs very commonly in growing animals including swine, and is the main cause of leg weakness in commercial swine. This is an important cause of economic loss as well as an animal welfare concern in swine production. Osteochondrosis is considered a multifactorial disease with trauma, rapid growth, nutritional and hereditary factors having been suggested as important etiologic factors. Treatment in swine is generally limited to pain relief with corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.