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Author Clayton, H.M.; Lanovaz, J.L.; Schamhardt, H.C.; van Wessum, R. openurl 
  Title The effects of a rider's mass on ground reaction forces and fetlock kinematics at the trot Type Journal Article
  Year 1999 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume 30 Issue Pages 218-221  
  Keywords Animals; Body Weight; Computer Simulation; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/*physiology  
  Abstract (up) Ground reaction force (GRF) measurements are often normalised to body mass to facilitate inter-individual comparisons. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of a rider on the GRFs and fetlock joint kinematics of trotting horses. The subjects were 5 dressage-trained horses and 3 experienced dressage riders. Ground reaction force measurements and sagittal view videotapes were recorded as the horses trotted at the same velocity in hand (3.49 +/- 0.52 m/s) and with a rider (3.49 +/- 0.46 m/s). Data were time-normalised to stance duration. Ground reaction force measurements were expressed in absolute terms and normalised to the system mass (horse or horse plus rider). All the horses showed changes in the same direction when comparing the ridden condition with the in-hand condition. There was an increase in the absolute peak vertical GRFs of the fore- and hindlimbs with a rider. However, the mass-normalised peak vertical GRFs were lower for the ridden condition, with the peak occurring later in the forelimbs and earlier in the hindlimbs compared with the inhand condition. Maximal fetlock angle and its time of occurrence were similar for the 2 conditions, but the fore fetlock joint was more extended during the later part of the stance phase in ridden horses. The presence of a rider appeared to affect the GRFs and fetlock joint kinematics differently in the fore- and hindlimbs, and the ridden horse did not seem to be equivalent to a proportionately larger horse. This should be considered when normalising for body mass in studies comparing horses in hand and ridden horses.  
  Address Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1314, USA  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:10659255 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3733  
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Author Davies, H.M.S. openurl 
  Title The timing and distribution of strains around the surface of the midshaft of the third metacarpal bone during treadmill exercise in one Thoroughbred racehorse Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Australian Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Aust Vet J  
  Volume 83 Issue 3 Pages 157-162  
  Keywords Animals; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Metacarpus/*physiology; Motor Activity/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/physiology  
  Abstract (up) OBJECTIVE: To confirm that the midshaft dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bone experienced higher compressive strains during fast exercise than the medial or lateral cortices, and that the strain peak occurred earlier in the hoof-down phase of the stride on the dorsal cortex than the medial or lateral cortices. DESIGN: Observations of a single horse. PROCEDURE: Strains were collected from a single, sound, 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare during treadmill exercise from rosette strain gauges implanted onto the medial, lateral and dorsal surfaces of the midshaft of the right cannon bone, simultaneously with data from a hoof switch that showed when the hoof was in the stance phase. RESULTS: Peak compressive strains on the dorsal surface of the third metacarpal bone were proportional to exercise speed and occurred at about 30% of stance. Peak compressive strains on the medial surface of the non-lead limb reached a maximum at a speed around 10 m/s and occurred at mid-stance. Peak compressive strains on the lateral surface varied in timing and size between strides at all exercise speeds, but remained less than -2000 microstrains. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of peak compressive strains on the dorsal cortex suggests a relationship to deceleration of the limb following hoof impact, so the main determinants of their size would be exercise speed and turning (as shown in previous experiments). This experiment confirms data from other laboratories that were published but not discussed, that peak compressive strains on the medial surface occur at mid-stance. This suggests that they are related to the support of body weight. The strains on the lateral cortex occurred at variable times so may be associated with the maintenance of balance as well as the support of body weight. Understanding the loading of the third metacarpal bone will help to determine causes of damage to it and ways in which the bone might be conditioned to prevent such damage.  
  Address Department of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010. h.davies@unimelb.edu.au  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0005-0423 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15825628 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1891  
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Author Pearce, G.P.; May-Davis, S.; Greaves, D. openurl 
  Title Femoral asymmetry in the Thoroughbred racehorse Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Australian Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Aust Vet J  
  Volume 83 Issue 6 Pages 367-370  
  Keywords Animals; Cumulative Trauma Disorders/pathology/*veterinary; Femur/*pathology; Horse Diseases/*pathology/physiopathology; Horses; Locomotion; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology  
  Abstract (up) OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of geometrical asymmetries in the macro-architecture of left and right femurs from Thoroughbred racehorses previously used in competitive training and racing in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: Detailed postmortem measurements were made of 37 characteristics of left and right femurs from eleven Thoroughbred racehorses euthanased for reasons unrelated to the study. Measurements focused on articulating surfaces and sites of attachment of muscles and ligaments known to be associated with hindlimb locomotion. RESULTS: Five measurements were significantly larger in left compared to right femurs (P < 0.05). The regions showing significant differences between left and right limbs were proximal cranial and overhead medio-lateral widths, greater trochanter depth, depth of the fovea in the femoral head and distal inter-epicondylar width. CONCLUSION: The left-right differences in femoral morphology were associated with sites of muscle and ligament attachment known to be involved with hindlimb function in negotiating turns. These differences may be the result of selection pressure for racing performance on curved race tracks and/or adaptations related to asymmetrical loading of the outside hindlimb associated with repeated negotiation of turns on such tracks.  
  Address Faculty of Rural Management, University of Sydney, Leeds Parade, Orange, New South Wales 2800. gpp28@cam.ac.uk  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0005-0423 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15986917 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4036  
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Author Ryan, C.T.; Schaer, B.L.D.; Nunamaker, D.M. openurl 
  Title A novel wireless data acquisition system for the measurement of hoof accelerations in the exercising horse Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 7 Pages 671-674  
  Keywords *Acceleration; Animals; Biomechanics; Equipment and Supplies/*veterinary; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Kinetics; Musculoskeletal Physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Running/physiology  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A device is needed to safely and wirelessly evaluate accelerations experienced by the horse hoof under a variety of surface conditions with the horse exercising at training or racing speeds. OBJECTIVES: To develop a miniaturised wireless data acquisition system (WDAS) which reliably records hoof accelerations and the times over which they occur in a minimally invasive manner in the exercising Thoroughbred. METHODS: The following criteria were set for device development: production of a lightweight and minimally invasive system, which provides an adequate acceleration range, appropriate frequency response to capture high speed events, and compatibility with a low power wireless telemetry system. Following device development, the WDAS was calibrated, and tested in 6 Thoroughbred horses over a variety of surfaces. RESULTS: Collection of acceleration in seven trials using 6 horses over a variety of surfaces resulted in repeatable acceleration data with respect to the overall characteristic shape of the impact profile. Impact accelerations varied with surface, ranging 34.8-191.7 g. Accelerations on take off were in a similar range, although higher in some trials. Peak impact accelerations tended to larger over the grass paddock surface, than either the indoor arena or the dirt track. During dirt track trials, accelerations on take-off were often comparably larger than those observed on impact within the same footfall. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the development of a wireless system that successfully measures hoof acceleration in a minimally invasive manner over a variety of surface and exercise conditions. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The WDAS will be used in further studies to evaluate various components of the horse-racetrack interface, in an attempt to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in the Thoroughbred racehorse.  
  Address Richard S. Reynolds, Jr. Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17228584 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4023  
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Author Leleu, C.; Cotrel, C. openurl 
  Title Body composition in young standardbreds in training: relationships to body condition score, physiological and locomotor variables during exercise Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 98-101  
  Keywords Adipose Tissue/metabolism; Animals; Body Composition/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactates/blood; Male; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Body composition is an essential factor in athletic performance of human sprinters and long distance runners. However, in horses, many questions remain concerning relationships between body composition and performance in the different equine activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships between body composition, body score, physiological and locomotor variables in a population of young Standardbreds in training. METHODS: Twenty-four 2-year-old Standardbreds were studied, body condition on a scale 0-5 and bodyweight recorded, and height at withers measured. Percentage of fat (%F), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were estimated echographically. During a standardised exercise test on the track, velocity, heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood lactate concentrations were measured. V4 and V200 (velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and velocity of 200 beats/min) calculated. Basic gait variables were measured at 3 different speeds with an accelerometric device. RESULTS: Body composition variables: %F and FM were significantly related to body condition score and physiological variables. Body score was highly correlated to %F (r = 0.64) and FM (r = 0.71). V4 was negatively correlated to %F (r = -0.59) and FM (r = -0.60), P<0.05. V200 was also negatively related to %F and FM, (r = -0.39 and r = -0.37, respectively, P<0.1). No relationships were found between body composition and gait characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was closely related to indirect measurements of aerobic capacity, which is a major factor of athletic performance in middle distance running horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As in human athletes, trainers should take special note to evaluate optimal bodyweight and body composition of race horses to optimise performance.  
  Address Pegase Mayenne, Departement de Medecine du Sport, Centre Hospitalier, 53 015 Laval, France  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402400 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4015  
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Author Vermeulen, A.D.; Evans, D.L. openurl 
  Title Measurements of fitness in thoroughbred racehorses using field studies of heart rate and velocity with a global positioning system Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 113-117  
  Keywords Animals; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Physical Fitness/*physiology; Running/physiology  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Field based studies of changes in fitness are difficult to conduct in galloping Thoroughbreds. Measurements of heart rate (HR) and real time velocity with a global positioning system (GPS) could provide a method for routine field studies of fitness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate measurements of fitness in the field without using multiple, standardised steps of increasing velocity in the exercise test. METHODS: Twelve healthy 3- to 5-year-old Thoroughbreds were used in the study of reliability, and twelve 2-year-old Thoroughbreds in the investigation of the effect of training. Five second averages of velocity and HR were recorded during a typical fast exercise training session, using a GPS and Polar HR monitor. A standardised exercise test protocol was not used. Regression analyses using trot and gallop data were used to calculate velocities at HR of 200 beats/min (V200), and at maximal HR (VHRmax). Data were collected on consecutive 'fast' day training sessions to assess the reliability of measurements. The effect of training was investigated with fitness tests in weeks 2 and 6 of 'fast' training. Absolute and relative differences were calculated to evaluate reliability, and paired t tests were used to detect an effect of training. RESULTS: VHRmax, V200 and HRmax were reliable measurements of fitness, with mean differences of 2% or less. Reliability of VHRmax was not dependent on VHRmax. VHRmax and V200 both increased significantly with training (P<0.01), but there was no effect of training on HRmax. There were no significant changes in the slope or intercept of the regression equations after training. CONCLUSIONS: Velocity and HR measurements during field gallop exercise provided reliable measures of fitness which enabled a measurement of the response to training. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This approach offers a simple, noninvasive method for monitoring adaptations to training in the field.  
  Address Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402404 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4013  
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Author Hada, T.; Ohmura, H.; Mukai, K.; Eto, D.; Takahashi, T.; Hiraga, A. openurl 
  Title Utilisation of the time constant calculated from heart rate recovery after exercise for evaluation of autonomic activity in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 141-145  
  Keywords Animals; Atropine/pharmacology; Autonomic Nervous System/drug effects/*physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Oxygen Consumption/*physiology; Parasympatholytics/*pharmacology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Physical Fitness/physiology; Propranolol/pharmacology  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Heart rate (HR) recovery immediately after exercise is controlled by autonomic functions and the time constant (T) calculated from HR recovery is thought to be an index of parasympathetic activity in man. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether it is possible to evaluate autonomic function using the time constant in horses. METHODS: Five Thoroughbred horses were subjected to a standard exercise test. Following pre-medication with saline, atropine and/or propranolol, the horses ran for 2.5 min at a speed of 8 m/sec at a 10% incline and T was calculated from HR after the exercise. Secondly, 7 Thoroughbred horses were then trained for 11 weeks and T and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measured at intervals of 1 or 2 weeks. In 6 horses, T with atropine pre-medication was also measured before and after the whole training period. Furthermore, the HR variability at rest was evaluated by power spectral analysis at intervals of 3 or 4 weeks. RESULTS: Time constant was increased by atropine and/or propranolol pre-medication, decreased with the progress of training and inversely correlated with VO2max during training (r = 0.43, P<0.005). Parasympathetic blockade significantly decreased T only after and not before, the training; however, T was lower in post training than in pretraining, irrespective of parasympathetic blockade. On the other hand, parasympathetic activity at rest was attenuated and sympathetic activity became predominant following the training. CONCLUSION: Heart rate recovery is affected by sympathetic withdrawal and parasympathetic reactivation in horses and suggests that physical training hastened HR recovery by improving the parasympathetic function after exercise with aerobic capacity. However, the effects of other factors need to be considered because the training effect appeared on T even under parasympathetic blockade. The parasympathetic activity at rest is in contrast to that after exercise, suggesting that T does not reflect parasympathetic activity at rest. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: If demonstrated how HR recovery is controlled after exercise, its analysis will be important in the evaluation of physical fitness in horses.  
  Address Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13 Nischicha, Urakawa-cho, Uraakawagun, Hokkaido, Japan  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402409 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4010  
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Author Cayado, P.; Munoz-Escassi, B.; Dominguez, C.; Manley, W.; Olabarri, B.; Sanchez de la Muela, M.; Castejon, F.; Maranon, G.; Vara, E. openurl 
  Title Hormone response to training and competition in athletic horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 274-278  
  Keywords Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/*blood; Animals; Case-Control Studies; *Horses/blood/physiology/psychology; Hydrocortisone/*blood; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Sports; *Stress, Psychological  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: It is recognised that the amount of psychological stress that an animal encounters determines the degree of response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In human athletes, the added emotive stress of competition is an important element in the adrenal response. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of show-jumping as well as dressage on stress levels by comparing horses' stress response at a horse show compared to their familiar home. METHODS: Fifty-one horses involved in competition were used. EDTA blood samples were collected before exercise, upon arrived to the schooling area (control), and k over a jump or dressage course. After sampling, plasma was separated and stored at -80 degrees C until determinations of cortisol and ACTH were performed. Fourteen healthy horses not involved in competition were used as control group. RESULTS: Competition induced a significant increase in cortisol and ACTH responses in both, jumping and dressage horses and this effect was more apparent in dressage horses. When horses were most experienced, cortisol and ACTH responses were much lower. CONCLUSION: This study shows that competition elicits a classic physiological stress response in horses and that different training programmes induce different responses. It suggests that horses involved in competition can provide a good model to study the exercise-induced stress response.  
  Address Hospital SL., Madrid, Spain  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402431 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3705  
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Author Parsons, K.J.; Wilson, A.M. openurl 
  Title The use of MP3 recorders to log data from equine hoof mounted accelerometers Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 7 Pages 675-680  
  Keywords Acceleration; Animals; Equipment and Supplies/standards/*veterinary; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Running/physiology; Sensitivity and Specificity  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDy: MP3 recorders are readily available, small, lightweight and low cost, providing the potential for logging analogue hoof mounted accelerometer signals for the characterisation of equine locomotion. These, however, require testing in practice. OBJECTIVES: To test whether 1) multiple MP3 recorders can maintain synchronisation, giving the ability to synchronise independent recorders for the logging of multiple limbs simultaneously; and 2) features of a foot mounted accelerometer signal attributable to foot-on and foot-off can be accurately identified from horse foot mounted accelerometers logged directly into an MP3 recorder. METHODS: Three experiments were performed: 1) Maintenance of synchronisation was assessed by counting the number of samples recorded by each of 4 MP3 recorders while mounted on a trotting horse and over 2 consecutive 30 min periods in 8 recorders on a bench. 2) Foot-on and foot-off times obtained from manual transcription of MP3 logged data and directly logged accelerometer signal were compared. 3) MP3/accelerometer acquisition units were used to log accelerometer signals from racehorses during extended training sessions. RESULTS: Mean absolute error of synchronisation between MP3 recorders was 10 samples per million (compared to mean number of samples, range 1-32 samples per million). Error accumulation showed a linear correlation with time. Features attributable to foot on and foot off were equally identifiable from the MP3 recorded signal over a range of equine gaits. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple MP3 recorders can be synchronised and used as a relatively cheap, robust, reliable and accurate logging system when combined with an accelerometer and external battery for the specific application of the measurement of stride timing variables across the range of equine gaits during field locomotion. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Footfall timings can be used to identify intervals between the fore and hind contacts, the identification of diagonal advanced placement and to calculate stride timing variables (stance time, protraction time and stride time). These parameters are invaluable for the characterisation and assessment of equine locomotion.  
  Address Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17228585 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4022  
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Author Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M. openurl 
  Title Correlation between routine radiographic findings and early racing career in French trotters Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 473-478  
  Keywords Animals; Bone and Bones/anatomy & histology/pathology/*radiography; Carpus, Animal/anatomy & histology/pathology/radiography; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/radiography; Horses/*anatomy & histology/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Predictive Value of Tests; Sports; Stifle/anatomy & histology/pathology/radiography; Tarsus, Animal/anatomy & histology/pathology/radiography  
  Abstract (up) REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The relationship between the presence of radiological abnormalities and subsequent racing performance is controversial. However, as training is expensive and time consuming, it would save time and money to identify subjects with osteo-articular lesions not compatible with a normal racing career on the basis of routine radiographic screenings at yearling age. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of osteo-articular lesions on racing ability in French Trotters and identify radiographic changes associated with failure in 'qualification', in order to provide objective criteria for selection of horses based on their osteo-articular status. HYPOTHESIS: The influence of radiographic findings (RF) on racing ability depends on their nature, location, clinical relevance and number. METHODS: The limbs of 202 French Trotters were radiographed just before they started training. All the RF were graded according to a standardised protocol depending on their severity. The success in 'qualification' (first race in career of French Trotters) was the criteria used to assess racing ability. Breeders and trainers were questioned about the causes for horses not racing. RESULTS: Overall 113 (55.9%) horses qualified. Osteoarticular lesions were directly responsible for nonqualification in 31% of the horses. Subjects with more than one abnormal RF, with abnormal RF on the fore-, hind-fetlock or proximal tarsus were less likely to qualify. Dorsal modelling in the front fetlock and osteochondrosis of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur also significantly reduced the qualification rate. CONCLUSIONS: Most RF are compatible with beginning a racing career, but severe RF or multiple abnormal RF significantly compromise future racing career. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the use of routine radiographic programmes for detection of osteoarticular lesions in yearlings. A synthetic radiographic score, based on both the severity and the number of lesions, could be useful for breeders and trainers as complementary information to select their horses.  
  Address UMR INRA-ENVA de Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Veterinaire d'Alfort, 7 Av. du Gal de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402469 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4002  
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