toggle visibility Search & Display Options

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Senior, J.M.; Pinchbeck, G.L.; Allister, R.; Dugdale, A.H.A.; Clark, L.; Clutton, R.E.; Coumbe, K.; Dyson, S.; Clegg, P.D. openurl 
  Title Post anaesthetic colic in horses: a preventable complication? Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 5 Pages 479-484  
  Keywords Anesthesia/adverse effects/*veterinary; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Colic/chemically induced/epidemiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Confidence Intervals; Fasting; Fecal Impaction/complications/epidemiology/veterinary; Horse Diseases/chemically induced/*epidemiology/prevention & control; Horses; Logistic Models; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Postoperative Complications/chemically induced/epidemiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is little information on the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, post anaesthetic colic (PAC) in horses undergoing nonabdominal operations. OBJECTIVES: To undertake the first prospective study of prevalence of PAC and identify risk factors in its development in nonabdominal procedures. METHODS: A multicentre prospective case-control study was conducted, on every horse undergoing anaesthesia for a nonabdominal procedure between April 2004 and June 2005. Colic cases were defined as any horse with recognised signs of abdominal pain within 72 h of general anaesthesia that could not be attributed to any concurrent disease. Five control horses per case were selected randomly from the study population at all hospitals. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between predictor variables and the risk of developing PAC. RESULTS: The estimated mean prevalence of PAC in the study population was 5.2% (95% CI, 2.8, 8.0). However, the prevalence of colic varied between each centre. The most commonly diagnosed cause of colic was impaction. Multivariable analyses showed that the centre involved and the type of surgery performed were associated with an increased risk of PAC. Preoperative food deprivation and the use of opioid drugs were confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of PAC varied significantly between the 4 hospitals studied; there may be hospital-related covariates that account for this. The type of surgery performed influenced the risk of PAC. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Identifying the risk factors for PAC is a prerequisite for its prevention. This study indicates horses at increased risk of PAC that might benefit from a more critical evaluation of post anaesthetic gastrointestinal function and/or the provision of preventative measures. Further investigation is required to explain the variation in prevalence of PAC between centres.  
  Address Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16986610 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1860  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Husted, L.; Andersen, M.S.; Borggaard, O.K.; Houe, H.; Olsen, S.N. openurl 
  Title Risk factors for faecal sand excretion in Icelandic horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 351-355  
  Keywords Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Denmark; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/veterinary; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control; Horses/*metabolism; Logistic Models; Male; Pilot Projects; *Poaceae/growth & development; Risk Factors; Silicon Dioxide/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*analysis; Soil/*analysis  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sandy soil is often mentioned as a risk factor in the development of sand-related gastrointestinal disease (SGID) in the horse. There are other variables, but few studies confirm any of these. OBJECTIVE: To investigate soil type, pasture quality, feeding practice in the paddock, age, sex and body condition score as risk factors for sand intake in the horse. METHODS: Faeces were collected from 211 Icelandic horses on 19 different studs in Denmark together with soil samples and other potential risk factors. Sand content in faeces determined by a sand sedimentation test was interpreted as evidence of sand intake. Soil types were identified by soil analysis and significance of the data was tested using logistic analysis. RESULTS: Of horses included in the study, 56.4% showed sand in the faeces and 5.7% had more than 5 mm sand as quantified by the rectal sleeve sedimentation test. Soil type had no significant effect when tested as main effect, but there was interaction between soil type and pasture quality. Significant interactions were also found between paddock feeding practice and pasture quality. CONCLUSION: To evaluate the risk of sand intake it is important to consider 3 variables: soil type, pasture quality and feeding practice. Pasture quality was identified as a risk factor of both short and long grass in combination with sandy soil, while clay soil had the lowest risk in these combinations. Feeding practice in the paddock revealed feeding directly on the ground to be a risk factor when there was short (1-5 cm) or no grass. Also, no feeding outdoors increased the risk on pastures with short grass, while this had no effect in paddocks with no grass. More than 50% of all horses investigated in this study had sand in the faeces. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The identification of risk factors is an important step towards prevention of SGID. Further research is necessary to determine why some horses exhibit more than 5 mm sand in the sedimentation test and whether this is correlated with geophagic behaviour.  
  Address Department of Large Animal Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej 88, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark  
  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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16028626 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1888  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.P. openurl 
  Title A prospective cohort study to investigate risk factors for horse falls in UK hurdle and steeplechase racing Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 36 Issue 7 Pages 595-601  
  Keywords *Accidental Falls/mortality/statistics & numerical data; Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/mortality/*veterinary; Cohort Studies; Great Britain; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Rain; Risk Factors; Safety; Sports  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine fatalities during racing continue to be a major welfare concern and falls at fences are responsible for a proportion of all equine fatalities recorded on racecourses. OBJECTIVES: To identify and quantify risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt (NH) racing and to report the frequency of falling and falling-associated fatalities. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 2879 horse starts in hurdle and steeplechase races on 6 UK racecourses. Any horse that suffered a fall at a steeplechase or hurdle fence during the race was defined as a case. Data were obtained by interview and observations in the parade ring and from commercial databases. Multivariable logistic regression models, allowing for clustering at the level of the track, were used to identify the relationship between variables and the risk of falling. RESULTS: There were 124 falling cases (32 in hurdling and 92 in steeplechasing) identified. The injury risk of fallers was 8.9% and fatality risk 6.5%. Duration of journey to the racecourse, behaviour in the parade ring and weather at the time of the race were associated with falling in both hurdle and steeplechase racing. Age, amount of rainfall and going were also associated with falling in steeplechase racing. CONCLUSIONS: Falls at fences are significant contributors to equine fatalities during NH racing. Potentially modifiable risk factors identified were the condition of track surfaces and journey time to the racecourse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: It is hoped that information from this study may be used in future interventions to improve horse and jockey safety in racing. The study has also identified areas requiring further research, such as equine behaviour and its effect on racing performance, and the effect of light conditions on jumping ability.  
  Address Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15581324 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1898  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bachmann, I.; Audige, L.; Stauffacher, M. doi  openurl
  Title Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 35 Issue 2 Pages 158-163  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology); Data Collection; Female; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/*etiology/prevention & control; Horses; *Housing, Animal; Male; Mental Disorders/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Prevalence; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Switzerland/epidemiology  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Studies on the prevalence of behavioural disorders in horses and on associated risk factors have revealed inconsistent results. There are many studies on the neuropharmacological, surgical or mechanical therapy of stereotypies, but little is known about their causation. OBJECTIVES: To explore risk factors associated with the occurrence of behavioural disorders in horses. METHODS: A sample of horse owners, selected randomly and representative for Switzerland, was contacted in a postal survey. Answers were provided for 622 stables (response rate 35.2%). Individual data of 2,341 horses were examined with path analysis (multivariable linear and logistic regression), and adjustment made for possible confounding effects due to age and breed. RESULTS: Out of 60 possible risk factors, 11 were associated with the outcome at the univariable level (null-hypothesis path model) and 3 factors remained after the backward logistic regression procedure. Mature Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, assessed by the owners to be reactive, fed 4 times a day and without daily pasture, had increased odds of displaying crib-biting, weaving and box-walking. Furthermore, indirect associations of 5 factors with the outcome were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The final logistic regression model of risk factors leads to the hypotheses that causal prevention of stereotypic behaviours should be based upon housing and management conditions which allow tactile contact with other horses (e.g. mutual grooming), daily free movement (paddock or pasture), as well as the provision of high amounts of roughage but of little or no concentrates. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is one of the aims of population medicine to prevent the development of behavioural disorders. Further research is needed to test the concluding hypotheses in experimental studies or to verify them in the context of similar observational studies.  
  Address Institute of Animal Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), LFW B55. 1, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland  
  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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:12638792 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1907  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.R. openurl 
  Title Whip use and race progress are associated with horse falls in hurdle and steeplechase racing in the UK Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 36 Issue 5 Pages 384-389  
  Keywords Accidental Falls/*statistics & numerical data; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Great Britain/epidemiology; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Running/statistics & numerical data; Sports; Videotape Recording  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Falls during racing present a risk of injury to both horse and jockey and a risk of fatality to horses. OBJECTIVES: To use video recordings of races to describe the circumstances surrounding horse falls at hurdle and steeplechase fences and to identify and quantify within-race risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt racing in the UK. METHODS: A retrospective, matched, nested case-control study using video recordings of races was conducted on 6 UK racecourses. Cases and controls were matched on both race type and jump number at which the fall occurred. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to examine the univariable and multivariable relationship between predictor variables and the risk of falling. RESULTS: The risk of falling was significantly associated with whip use and race progress. Horses which were being whipped and progressing through the race were at greater than 7 times the risk of falling compared to horses which were not being whipped and which had no change in position or lost position through the field. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified whip use and the position of the horse with respect to others in the field as potential risk factors for horse falls. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: If these findings are confirmed by the use of intervention trials (e.g. with whip-free or restricted whip use races), modifications could be introduced which would reduce the frequency of horse falls, leading to improved equine welfare.  
  Address Epidemiology Group, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15253077 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3659  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parkin, T.D.H.; Clegg, P.D.; French, N.P.; Proudman, C.J.; Riggs, C.M.; Singer, E.R.; Webbon, P.M.; Morgan, K.L. openurl 
  Title Horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 36 Issue 6 Pages 513-519  
  Keywords Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/mortality/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fractures, Bone/epidemiology/mortality/*veterinary; Great Britain/epidemiology; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects/mortality; Questionnaires; Radius Fractures/epidemiology/mortality/veterinary; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Tibial Fractures/epidemiology/mortality/veterinary  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Fractures below the level of the radius or tibia (distal limb fractures) are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses; however, little is known about their epidemiology or aetiology. Identification of risk factors could enable intervention strategies to be designed to reduce the number of fatalities. OBJECTIVES: To identify horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses. METHODS: A case-control study design was used. Fractures in case horses were confirmed by post mortem examination and 3 matched uninjured controls were selected from the race in which the case horse was running. One hundred and nine cases were included and information was collected about previous racing history, horse characteristics and training schedules. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between a number of independent variables and the likelihood of fracture. RESULTS: Horses doing no gallop work during training and those in their first year of racing were at significantly increased risk of fracture on the racecourse. Case horses were also more likely to have trained on a sand gallop, i.e. a gallop described by trainers as being primarily composed of sand. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications to training schedules, specifically within the first year of racing, may have a large impact on the risk of fatal distal limb fracture on the racecourse. Horses should do some gallop work in training and our results suggest that the minimum distance galloped should be between 805-2012 m (4-10 furlongs)/week. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The information from this study can be used to alter training schedules in an attempt to reduce the incidence of fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses. Training should include some gallop work, and further studies, recording the exact level of work, will help to identify an optimum range of training speeds and distances which will reduce the liklihood of catastrophic fracture on the racecourse.  
  Address Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15460076 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3660  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Singer, E.R.; Saxby, F.; French, N.P. openurl 
  Title A retrospective case-control study of horse falls in the sport of horse trials and three-day eventing Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 35 Issue 2 Pages 139-145  
  Keywords Accidental Falls/prevention & control/*statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Child; Confidence Intervals; Female; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; *Sports/standards  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Serious injuries to horses and riders in horse trials (HT) and three-day events (3DE) are usually associated with falls of horses, which invariably involve falls of the riders. Many potential causes for these falls have been discussed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the risk factors for horse falls on the cross-country phase of horse trials and three-day events. METHODS: Using retrospective data, significant risk factors identified with unvariable analysis (P value <0.2) were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Significant risk factors (P value <0.05) were included in the final model. RESULTS: It was revealed that a number of course, obstacle and rider variables were significantly and independently associated with the risk of falling. Falling was associated with obstacles sited downhill (Odds ratio [OR] 8.41) and with obstacles with ditches in front (OR = 5.77). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between course variables and the risk of falling was characterised and showed a significantly increased risk with increasing numbers of jumps on the course and for jumping efforts later in the course. In contrast, after allowing for the total number of obstacles on the course, an increase in the total number of jumping efforts appeared to have a protective effect. A later cross-country start time was associated with a decreased risk of a horse fall. Amateur event riders were approximately 20 times more likely to fall than professional riders. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has identified a number of risk factors associated with horse falls and highlights areas that can be altered to improve safety in cross-country competitions.  
  Address Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:12638789 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3661  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Boden, L.A.; Anderson, G.A.; Charles, J.A.; Morgan, K.L.; Morton, J.M.; Parkin, T.D.H.; Slocombe, R.F.; Clarke, A.F. openurl 
  Title Risk of fatality and causes of death of Thoroughbred horses associated with racing in Victoria, Australia: 1989-2004 Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 4 Pages 312-318  
  Keywords Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/mortality/*veterinary; *Cause of Death; Female; *Floors and Floorcoverings; Horses/*injuries; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects; Risk Factors; Running/injuries; Safety; Sports; Victoria  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Determining the risk of fatality of Thoroughbred horses while racing is essential to assess the impact of intervention measures designed to minimise such fatalities. OBJECTIVES: To measure the risk of racehorse fatality in jump and flat starts on racecourses in Victoria, Australia, over a 15 year period and to determine proportional mortality rates for specific causes of death. METHODS: All fatalities of Thoroughbred horses that occurred during or within 24 h of a race were identified from a database. The risk of a start resulting in a racehorse fatality in all races and within flat and jump races, proportional mortality rates, population attributable risk, population attributable fraction and risk ratios were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. Poisson regression was also performed to estimate risk ratios. RESULTS: There were 514 fatalities over the 15 year period; 316 in flat races and 198 in jump races. The risk of fatality was 0.44 per 1000 flat starts and 8.3 per 1000 jump starts (18.9 x greater). The risk of fatality on city tracks was 1.1 per 1000 starts whereas on country tracks it was 0.57 per 1000 starts. Of the 316 fatalities in flat races, 73.4% were due to limb injury, 2.5% to cranial or vertebral injury and 19.0% were sudden deaths. Of the 198 fatalities in jump races, 68.7% were due to limb injury, 16.2% to cranial or vertebral injury and 3.5% were sudden deaths. The risk of fatality in flat starts increased between 1989 and 2004 but the risk in jump starts remained unchanged over the 15 year period. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of fatality in flat starts was lower in Victoria than North America and the UK but the risk in jump starts was greater. Catastrophic limb injury was the major reason for racehorse fatality in Victoria but there was a larger percentage of sudden deaths than has been reported overseas. The risk of fatality in jump starts remained constant over the study period despite jump racing reviews that recommended changes to hurdle and steeple races to improve safety. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides important benchmarks for the racing industry to monitor racetrack fatalities and evaluate intervention strategies.  
  Address Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16866197 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3761  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Murray, J.K.; Singer, E.R.; Morgan, K.L.; Proudman, C.J.; French, N.P. openurl 
  Title The risk of a horse-and-rider partnership falling on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 2 Pages 158-163  
  Keywords *Accidental Falls; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; Sports; Time Factors  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Fatalities resulting from horse falls occurring during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions initiated epidemiological investigation of the risk factors associated with horse falls. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables that increased or decreased the risk of a horse fall during the cross-country phase of an eventing competition. METHODS: Data were collected from randomly selected British Eventing competitions held in Great Britain during 2001 and 2002. Data were obtained for 173 cases (jumping efforts resulting in a fall of the horse-and-rider partnership) and 503 matched controls (jumping efforts not resulting in a fall). The risk of falling was modelled using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: An increased risk of a horse fall was associated with jumping into or out of water; taking off from good-to-soft, soft or heavy ground; fences with a drop landing; nonangled fences with a spread > or =2 m; and angled fences. Other risk factors included riders who knew that they were in the lead within the competition before the cross-country phase; an inappropriate speed of approach to the fence (too fast or too slow); horse-and-rider partnerships that had not incurred refusals at earlier fences; and riders who received cross-country tuition. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified modifiable course- and fence-level risk factors for horse falls during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions. The risk of horse and rider injury at eventing competitions should be reduced by 3 simple measures; maintaining good to firm take-off surfaces at fences, reducing the base spread of fences to <2 m and reducing the use of fences at which horses are required to jump into or out of water. Risk reduction arising from course and fence modification needs to be confirmed by intervention studies. Potential relevance: Knowledge of factors that increase or decrease the risk of a horse fall can be used by UK governing bodies of the sport to reduce the risk of horse falls on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions, and reduce the risk of horse and rider injuries and fatalities. As one in 3 horses that fall injure themselves and one in 100 horse falls results in fatality to the horse, we suggest that immediate consideration is given to these recommendations.  
  Address Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, 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 (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16536386 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3765  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kasashima, Y.; Takahashi, T.; Smith, R.K.W.; Goodship, A.E.; Kuwano, A.; Ueno, T.; Hirano, S. openurl 
  Title Prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in Japanese Thoroughbred flat racehorses in 1999 Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 36 Issue 4 Pages 346-350  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animals; Female; Forelimb; Hindlimb; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/etiology; Horses; Inflammation/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Japan/epidemiology; Ligaments/injuries/*pathology; Male; Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/veterinary; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Sports; Tendinopathy/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Tendon Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Overstrain injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SI) are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries which contribute to the considerable wastage of racing Thoroughbreds. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated the prevalence of and risk factors for tendon injury when racing but have not included those injuries sustained during training. However, since tendon injury during training is seen commonly in clinical practice, it is appropriate to determine the overall prevalence of tendon injury sustained during both training and racing. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overstrain injury to the SDFT and SL during training and racing among Thoroughbred flat racehorses in Japan in 1999. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using a sample population of 10,262 Thoroughbred racehorses. The medical information database of Thoroughbred racehorses registered by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in 1999 was analysed for SDFT and SL overstrain injury diagnosed by a veterinarian employed by JRA during training and racing. Jump racehorses were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The prevalence of forelimb SDFT tendonitis and SL desmitis was 11.1% (1130 cases) and 3.61% (370 cases) of the population, respectively. In the hindlimb, there were 0.06% (6 cases) and 0.14% (14 cases), respectively. Risks of SDF tendonitis in the forelimb in 3-year-olds or older horses were significantly higher than in 2-year-olds. In contrast, the risk of SL desmitis in the forelimb at age 3 and 4 years was 2.23 and 2.11 times higher, respectively, than in 2-year-olds, but this increased to 5.07 times in those age > or = 5 years. Entire males were at greater risk in comparison to females and geldings. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the prevalence of SDF tendonitis and SL desmitis in the forelimb was associated with the horse's age and sex. The prevalence of SL desmitis increased further with age compared with SDF tendonitis, possibly reflecting a more rapid accumulation of degeneration in this structure. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The age-related risk demonstrated in this study provides further support that overstrain injuries are associated with accumulated degeneration. These data provide a valuable resource for further research into the aetiology of tendon injury in the racehorse.  
  Address Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 321-4, Tokami-cho, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi, 320-0856, 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  
  ISSN (up) 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15163043 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3775  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print