Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), also called metabolic bone disease, is a new general term for orthopedic abnormalities that occur between birth and eighteen months of age. It includes osteochondrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, subchondral cystic lesions, physitis (epiphysitis), acquired flexure deformities (contracted tendons), cervical vertebral malformation (wobblers), malformation of the cuboidal bones of the carpus and tarsus (angular limb deformity), and juvenile arthritis. The causes include genetics, external stress or trauma and poor nutrition (Ott, 1992).

In TCM, DOD is related to Spleen and Kidney. The Kidney is the root of prenatal Jing and controls bones. The Spleen is the root of postnatal Jing. While the prenatal Jing is continually depleted by the day to day Qi requirements of the body, the Spleen Qi creates postnatal Jing from food and uses it to replenish the prenatal jing. Foals with DOD usually have insufficient prenatal Jing, which fails to nourish and support bones. The horses with osteoporosis often have a weak Spleen Qi. The key to treating DOD in horses is to reinforce both the Kidney and Spleen. Yi Zhi Ren Powder has been used since 1608 and is one of classical equine herbal formulas for DOD and osteoporosis (Yu, 1608). It reinforces both Spleen and Kidney Qi, clears Damp, moves Qi and relieves pain.

TCVM Indications:
Developmental orthopedic disease in young horses
Osteoporosis
Pulse: Weak
Tongue: Pale or red

Contraindications:
None

Warning:
Stop administration immediately if the patient develops diarrhea or other unusual signs.

Dosage for Horse:
15 g twice daily as top dressing on feed

Dosage for Dog/Cat:
0.5 g per 10 to 20 lb body weight twice daily

Directions:
Use as needed up to 3 months.

Chinese Principles of Treatment:
Warm and tonify Spleen and Kidney, clear Damp, move Qi and relieve pain

Classical Antecedent:
Yi Zhi Ren San (Alpinia Powder) from Yuan Heng Liao Ma Ji (Yuan-heng鈥檚 Therapeutic Treatise of Horses) written by Yu Benyuan and Yu Benheng in 1608.

Ingredients and Actions:          
Bai Shao-Paeonia, Bai Zhu-Atractylodes, Cao Guo-Amomum, Chuan Mu Xiang-Vladimiria Souliei,
Chuan Xiong-Ligusticum, Dang Gui-Angelica, Hou Po-Magnolia, Qing Pi-Citrus, Rou Dou Kou-Myristica,
Rou Gui-Cinnamomum, Sha Ren(Guang)-Amomum, Yi Zhi Ren-Alpinia, Zhi Ke-Aurantium