|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Staniar, W.B.; Kronfeld, D.S.; Hoffman, R.M.; Wilson, J.A.; Harris, P.A.
Title Weight prediction from linear measures of growing Thoroughbreds Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 2 Pages 149-154
Keywords Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Biometry; Body Weight/*physiology; Female; Horses/*anatomy & histology/*growth & development; Male; Mathematics; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity
Abstract REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Monitoring weight of foals is a useful management practice to aid in maximising athletic potential while minimising risks associated with deviations from normal growth. OBJECTIVE: To develop predictive equations for weight, based on linear measurements of growing Thoroughbreds (TBs). METHODS: Morphometric equations predicting weight from measurements of the trunk and legs were developed from data of 153 foals. The accuracy, precision and bias of the best fitting equation were compared to published equations using a naive data set of 22 foals. RESULTS: Accuracy and precision were maximised with a broken line relating calculated volumes (V(t + l)) to measured weights. Use of the broken line is a 2 step process. V(t + l) is calculated from linear measures (m) of girth (G), carpus circumference (C), and length of body (B) and left forelimb (F). V(t + I) = ([G2 x B] + 4[C2 x F]) 4pi. If V(t + l) < 0.27 m3, weight is estimated: Weight (kg) = V(t + l) x 1093. If V(t + l) > or = 0.27 m3: Weight (kg) = V(t + l) x 984 + 24. The broken line was more accurate and precise than 3 published equations predicting the weight of young TBs. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of weight using morphometric equations requires attention to temporal changes in body shape and density; hence, a broken line is needed. Including calculated leg volume in the broken line model is another contributing factor to improvement in predictive capability. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The broken line maximises its value to equine professionals through its accuracy, precision and convenience.
Address Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0306, 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:15038438 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1806
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.P.
Title A prospective cohort study to investigate risk factors for horse falls in UK hurdle and steeplechase racing Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) 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 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15581324 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1898
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wennerstrand, J.; Johnston, C.; Roethlisberger-Holm, K.; Erichsen, C.; Eksell, P.; Drevemo, S.
Title Kinematic evaluation of the back in the sport horse with back pain Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 8 Pages 707-711
Keywords Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/diagnosis/physiopathology/*veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/*physiology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Horses/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Locomotion/physiology; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiology; Range of Motion, Articular; Stress, Mechanical; Thoracic Vertebrae/physiology; Weight-Bearing
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Earlier studies have developed a clinical tool to evaluate objectively the function of the equine back. The ability to differentiate horses with back pain from asymptomatic, fully functioning horses using kinematic measures from this tool has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To compare the kinematics of the back at walk and trot in riding horses with back dysfunction to the same parameters in asymptomatic sport horses. METHODS: The kinematics of the back in 12 horses with impaired performance and back pain were studied at walk and trot on a treadmill. Data were captured for 10 sees at 240 Hz. Range of movement (ROM) and intravertebral pattern symmetry of movement for flexion and extension (FE), lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR) were derived from angular motion pattern data and the results compared to an earlier established database on asymptomatic riding horses. RESULTS: At walk, horses with back dysfunction had a ROM smaller for dorsoventral FE in the caudal thoracic region (T13 = 7.50 degrees, T17 = 7.71 degrees; P<0.05), greater for LB at T13 (8.13 degrees; P<0.001) and smaller for AR of the pelvis (10.97 degrees; P<0.05) compared to asymptomatic horses (FE-T13 = 8.28 degrees, FE-T17 = 8.49 degrees, LB-T13 = 6.34 degrees, AR-pelvis = 12.77 degrees). At trot, dysfunctional horses had a smaller (P<0.05) ROM for FE at the thoracic lumbar junction (T17 = 2.46 degrees, L1 = 2.60 degrees) compared to asymptomatic horses (FE-T17 = 3.07 degrees, FE-L1 = 3.12 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: The objective measurement technique can detect differences between back kinematics in riding horses with signs of back dysfunction and asymptomatic horses. The clinical manifestation of back pain results in diminished flexion/extension movement at or near the thoracic lumbar junction. However, before applying the method more extensively in practice it is necessary to evaluate it further, including measurements of patients whose diagnoses can be confirmed and long-term follow-ups of back patients after treatment. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Since the objective measurement technique can detect small movement differences in back kinematics, it should help to clinically describe and, importantly, objectively detect horses with back pain and dysfunction.
Address Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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:15656501 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3656
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.R.
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 (up) 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 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.
Title Horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) 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 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 Anderson, T.M.; McIlwraith, C.W.; Douay, P.
Title The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing Thoroughbred Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 7 Pages 571-575
Keywords Animals; Carpus, Animal/anatomy & histology/physiology; Horse Diseases/etiology/*pathology/surgery; Horses/*anatomy & histology/injuries/physiology; Likelihood Functions; Logistic Models; Muscle, Skeletal/*anatomy & histology/pathology; Musculoskeletal Diseases/pathology/surgery/*veterinary; Tarsus, Animal/anatomy & histology/physiology; Treatment Outcome
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The relationship of conformation to future potential injury is a standard approach in practise but, at present, is largely based on subjective observations. OBJECTIVE: To measure conformation in 3-year-old Thoroughbreds and objectively test its relationship with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: Conformation measurements were taken from photographs using specific reference points marked on the horses and processed on the computer. Clinical observations were recorded for each horse on a regular basis. Stepwise (forward) logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the binary response of the clinical outcomes probability and the conformation variables by the method of maximum likelihood. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes significantly (P<0.05) associated with conformational variables included effusion of the front fetlock, effusion of the right carpus, effusion of the carpus, effusion of the hind fetlock, fracture of the left or right carpus, right front fetlock problem and hind fetlock problem. CONCLUSIONS: Offset knees (offset ratio) contributed to fetlock problems. Long pasterns increased the odds of a fracture in the front limb. An increase in the carpal angle as viewed from the front (carpal valgus) may serve as a protective mechanism, as the odds for a carpal fracture and carpal effusion decreased with an increase in the carpal angle. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates relationships between conformation and musculoskeletal disease in the racehorse. The information may be useful in selection and management of the racing Thoroughbred.
Address Colorado State University, Equine Science and Equine Orthopaedic Research Programs, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, 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:15581320 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3697
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Licka, T.; Kapaun, M.; Peham, C.
Title Influence of rider on lameness in trotting horses Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 8 Pages 734-736
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Body Weight; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Forelimb/physiopathology; Gait/*physiology; Head Movements/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiopathology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Horses; Humans; Lameness, Animal/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Male; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/physiology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine lameness is commonly evaluated when the horse is being ridden, but the influence of the rider on the lameness has not been documented. OBJECTIVE: To document the effect of 2 riders of different training levels on the vertical movement of the head and croup. METHODS: Twenty mature horses were ridden at trot by an experienced dressage rider and a novice rider, as well as trotted in hand. Kinematic measurements of markers placed on the horse's head and sacral bone were carried out. The asymmetries of the vertical head and sacral bone motion were calculated as lameness parameters and compared with paired t tests. RESULTS: Trotting in hand, 17 horses showed forelimb lameness (1-4/10) and 13 hindlimb lameness (1-2/10). Intra-individually, 11 horses showed significant differences in forelimb lameness and 4 horses showed significant differences in hindlimb lameness when ridden. Over all horses, hindlimb lameness increased significantly under the dressage rider compared to unridden horses. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a rider can alter the degree of lameness; however, its influence cannot be predicted for an individual horse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: In order to evaluate mild lameness, horses should be evaluated at trot both under saddle and in hand. If lameness is exacerbated, a second rider may be helpful; the level of training of the rider should be taken into consideration.
Address Movement Science Group, Department V, Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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:15656506 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3715
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Erichsen, C.; Eksell, P.; Drevemo, S.
Title Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 6 Pages 495-498
Keywords Age Factors; Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/diagnosis/veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/*veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis; Horses/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Sex Factors
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Clinical history and examination are important features in diagnosis of equine back dysfunction. However, interpretation is subjective and therefore may vary substantially. OBJECTIVES: To establish a clinical tool to objectively evaluate the function of the equine back, in the form of a database on the kinematics of the back at the walk and trot in fully functioning riding horses. METHODS: Thirty-three fully functioning riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. Morphometrics and kinematics were tested for correlations to age, height, weight and stride length, and differences between gender (geldings and mares) and use (dressage and showjumping). RESULTS: A database for range of movement and symmetry of movement for extension and flexion, lateral bending, lateral excursion and axial rotation was presented. Symmetry values were very high for all variables. Significant differences were observed in use and gender. Age was negatively correlated to extension and flexion of the thoracolumbar junction. CONCLUSIONS: Interrelationships between use, gender and age to conformation and movement were established. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The database provides a basis for objective reference for diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of clinical cases of back dysfunction.
Address Departments of Anatomy and Histology, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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:15460073 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3716
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rollot, Y.; Lecuyer, E.; Chateau, H.; Crevier-Denoix, N.
Title Development of a 3D model of the equine distal forelimb and of a GRF shoe for noninvasive determination of in vivo tendon and ligament loads and strains Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 8 Pages 677-682
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Floors and Floorcoverings; Forelimb/*physiology/ultrasonography; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods/*veterinary; Ligaments, Articular/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Models, Biological; Shoes; Tendons/*physiology; Toe Joint/physiology/ultrasonography
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: As critical locomotion events (e.g. high-speed and impacts during racing, jump landing) may contribute to tendinopathies, in vivo recording of gaits kinematic and dynamic parameters is essential for 3D reconstruction and analysis. OBJECTIVE: To propose a 3D model of the forelimb and a ground reaction force recording shoe (GRF-S) for noninvasively quantifying tendon and ligament loads and strains. METHODS: Bony segments trajectories of forelimbs placed under a power press were recorded using triads of ultrasonic kinematic markers linked to the bones. Compression cycles (from 500-6000 N) were applied for different hoof orientations. Locations of tendon and ligament insertions were recorded with regard to the triads. The GRF-S recorded GRF over the hoof wall and used four 3-axis force sensors sandwiched between a support shoe and the shoe to be tested. RESULTS: Validation of the model by comparing calculated and measured superficial digital flexor tendon strains, and evaluation of the role of proximal interphalangeal joint in straight sesamoidean ligament and oblique sesamoidean ligament strains, were successfully achieved. Objective comparisons of the 3 components of GRF over the hoof for soft and hard grounds could be recorded, where the s.d. of GRF norm was more important on hard ground at walk and trot. CONCLUSIONS: Soft grounds (sand and rubber) dissipate energy by lowering GRF amplitude and diminish bounces and vibrations at impact. At comparable speed, stance phase was longer on soft sand ground. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The conjugate use of the GRF-S and the numerical model would help to quantify and analyse ground/shoe combination on comfort, propulsion efficiency or lameness recovery.
Address UMR INRA-ENVA de Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, 7, Avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, 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 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15656495 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3769
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kasashima, Y.; Takahashi, T.; Smith, R.K.W.; Goodship, A.E.; Kuwano, A.; Ueno, T.; Hirano, S.
Title Prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in Japanese Thoroughbred flat racehorses in 1999 Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) 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 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15163043 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3775
Permanent link to this record