Injury in horses encompasses a range of physical traumas that can affect various tissues and structures, including bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can arise from numerous causes, such as accidents, overexertion, or improper handling. Common types of equine injuries include fractures, sprains, strains, and lacerations. The management and treatment of these injuries require an understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics, as well as appropriate veterinary care. This page collects peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries in horses, providing insights into their impact on equine health and performance.
Gross I, Hadar A, Bala M, Hashavya S.Horse riding has become increasingly popular in recent years and is a common activity among children. As a result, pediatric horse-related injuries are frequently encountered in emergency departments. Objective: To examine the characteristics of horse-related injuries in the pediatric population. Methods: We collected and analyzed the data on all pediatric horse-related injuries presented to a tertiary hospital, level one trauma center, during the years 2006-2016. Results: A total of 53 children with horse-related injuries were documented. Forty-two patients were male (79%) and their mean age ...
Mattacola CG, Quintana C, Crots J, Tumlin KI, Bonin S. During thoroughbred races, jockeys are placed in potentially injurious situations, often with inadequate safety equipment. Jockeys frequently sustain head injuries; therefore, it is important that they wear appropriately certified helmets. The goals of this study are (1) to perform impact attenuation testing according to ASTM F1163-15 on a sample of equestrian helmets commonly used by jockeys in the United States and (2) to quantify headform acceleration and residual crush after repeat impacts at the same location. Seven helmet models underwent impact attenuation testing according to ASTM...
Brown HR, Peloso JG, Werner WC, Mecholsky JJ, Cohen ND, Vogler JB.A 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse had LF lameness that began post high-speed exercise and persisted for two days before the horse once again became sound. Diagnostic analgesia localized the lameness to the LF distal metacarpus, and a standing MRI identified a unicortical condylar fracture. A single 5.5 mm cortical screw was placed in lag fashion. The horse began hand walking at 14 days, racetrack jogging at 30 days, and racing at 5 months after the day of surgery. Placement of a single lag screw ahead of the tip of the crack in unicortical condylar fracture may be useful for reducing the rec...
Moiroud CH, Coudry V, Denoix JM. The aim of this study was to analyse the pelvic fracture distribution and location in a referral centre caseload. Methods: Medical records of 6,717 horses examined in a referral centre over a 7-year period were reviewed to identify all horses diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. Eighty-six horses were identified and divided into three disciplines, namely Thoroughbred racehorses (TBR), Standardbred trotter racehorses (STR) and non-racing sport horses (NRSH). Results: A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 1.3% of the cases examined during the study period. Prevalence was significantly higher ...
Mizobe F, Nomura M, Kanai K, Ishikawa Y, Yamada K.Six Thoroughbred racehorses with palmar process fractures of the distal phalanx were evaluated with standing magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). In all the cases, the fractures were detectable on T1-weighted images and fat-suppressed images. Furthermore, multi-planar reconstruction images were useful for assessing the articular involvement of the fractures. Follow-up sMRI was obtainable in 3 cases, which revealed that the area of high signal intensity on fat-suppressed images decreased over time as symptoms improved. Our findings support the use of sMRI for the detailed evaluation of distal pha...
Walmsley EA, Jackson M, Wells-Smith L, Whitton RC.Subchondral bone injury at the palmar/plantar aspect of the condyles of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone (MC/MT3) commonly causes lameness and poor performance in racehorses. Injury occurs due to repetitive loading, the magnitude of which may be influenced by the position of the distal phalanx relative to the ground surface, i.e. the solar angle. The association of solar angle and injury at the palmar/plantar condyles of distal MC/MT3 therefore warrants investigation. Objective: Investigate the relationship between solar angle and radiopharmaceutical uptake at the palmar/plantar aspect of ...
Doering AK, Reesink HL, Luedke LK, Moore C, Nixon AJ, Fortier LA, Ducharme NG, Ross MW, Levine DG, Richardson DW, Stefanovski D, Ortved KF.To determine the prognosis for racing of horses surgically treated for slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3). Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Horses (n = 125) surgically treated for C3 slab fractures. Methods: Medical records of horses surgically treated for dorsal or sagittal C3 fractures were reviewed for age, sex, breed, limb, fracture type, degree of cartilage damage, and surgical treatment. Radiographs were evaluated to determine fracture depth, width, and displacement. Osteophytes, C3 lysis, and fragmentation were scored. Racing performance was obtained from online...
Joss R, Baschnagel F, Ohlerth S, Piskoty G, Fürst A, Bischofberger AS. The aim of this study was to compare the potential of an unshod and shod hoof to cause an orbital fracture in the event of a kick. Methods: Thirty-four equine cadaveric orbitae were exposed to a steel or horn impactor in a dropping test set-up. An impactor velocity of 7 m/s was used for both materials. Testing was repeated on the same orbit at a velocity of 10 m/s with the horn impactor if no damage occurred. A high-speed camera was used to analyse the impact process. Physical parameters (peak force and impact duration) were calculated based on quantitative video-tracking. Computed tomog...
Whitton RC, Walmsley EA, Wong ASM, Shannon SM, Frazer EJ, Williams NJ, Guerow JF, Hitchens PL.Long bone fractures in racehorses may present as stress fractures which have a good prognosis, or complete fractures, which often result in a fatal outcome. In order to identify differences in modifiable management practices that may contribute to these outcomes, racing histories of horses with humeral or tibial fractures and of matched controls were examined. A retrospective case-control study of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses diagnosed with a fracture of the humerus or tibia by scintigraphy or at post-mortem between 2002 and 2016 was undertaken. Control horses were matched from the same ...
Mizobe F, Nomura M, Ueno T, Yamada K.This study focused on 8 Thoroughbred racehorses showing bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx, with the aim of understanding its clinical significance. Standing magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in assessing osseous abnormalities that were not radiographically identifiable. Further, a histopathological result from one of the cases showed there was oedema surrounding adipose tissues with increase in density of trabecular scaffolding. This may indicate presence of osseous injury within the area of decreased elasticity due to subc...
Spargo KE, Rubio-Martinez LM, Wheeler DP, Fletcher L, Carstens A.The incidence and types of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds that resulted in euthanasia on selected racetracks in South Africa between 1998 and 2012 were investigated by an observational retrospective investigation. Data from the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa for these racetracks were used to calculate incidence rates in Thoroughbreds (n = 114) that sustained catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries during racing that required immediate euthanasia, based on the diagnosis made by the on-site veterinarian as well as on fetlock radiographs and dissections o...
Turlo AJ, Cywinska A, Frisbie DD.High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in racehorses and its impact on horse welfare and racing economics call for improved measures of injury diagnosis and prevention. Serum biomarkers of bone and cartilage metabolism have previously shown promise in prediction of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. This study aimed to re-evaluate usability of the predictive serum biomarkers identified in North American Thoroughbred racehorses in a geographically distinct group of Polish Thoroughbreds. Results: Serum concentrations of bone and cartilage biomarkers: osteocalcin, c-terminal telopeptide of...
Tozaki T, Miyake T, Kikuchi M, Kakoi H, Hirota KI, Kusano K, Ishikawa Y, Nomura M, Kushiro A, Nagata SI.Thoroughbred racehorses are produced by mating small numbers of Arabian stallions and native British mares, and have been improved by selection of horseracing performance for about 300 years. While these improvements led to good performance as racehorses, they exposed horses to numerous medical disorders, aggravated by extensive exercise. Fractures are frequent medical disorders in Thoroughbred racehorses. In this study, fracture heritability was estimated using 3,927 Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses to elucidate the risk of racehorse fractures. The heritability estimates of all examined frac...
Trauma case reportsFebruary 21, 2019
Volume 20 100179 doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2019.100179
van Delft EAK, Thomassen I, Schreuder AMM, Sosef NL.Every year patients present to the emergency department due to bites, scratches and falls caused by animals. Although bite and scratch injuries have been described in literature, the exact number of patients that visit the emergency department due to all animal related injuries has never been described before. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all emergency department visits throughout a 1-year period was performed from April 2015 until March 2016. Results: 516 Patients were treated at the emergency department because of animal related injuries. Most were female and the median age was 38 ...
Chang LY, Chang SM, Andrews L, Saeedi O.Hippotherapy has recently emerged as a horse-based rehabilitative therapy to improve balance, coordination, and strength in patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Although several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in restoring balance and gait in patients who have suffered cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), few studies have reported on adverse events associated with the treatment. Methods: This case report describes a female post-stroke patient who fell from a horse during a hippotherapy session. She suffered a closed right zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and ruptured g...
Aldrich ED, Goodrich LR, Contino EK, Kawcak CE, Barrett MF, King MR, Valdés-Martínez A.CASE DESCRIPTION A 12-year-old mixed-breed mare (horse 1) and 6-year-old Friesian gelding (horse 2) were examined for chronic lameness associated with the stifle joint. CLINICAL FINDINGS Lameness examination revealed effusion of the right (horse 1) or left (horse 2) femoropatellar and medial femorotibial joints and grade 3/5 (horse 1) or 4/5 (horse 2) lameness. A diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury with associated mineralization and avulsion (horse 1) or mineralization alone (horse 2) was facilitated in both horses with a caudomedial-craniolateral oblique radiographic view obta...
Elghoul N, Jalal Y, Bouya A, Zine A, Jaafar A.Almost 2% of all emergency admissions involve an animal bite. While horses bite humans very rarely, their bites are mostly associated with fatalities. Herein, we report the case of a 23-year old bitten by a domestic horse causing a crush injury to his fourth finger with fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The patient benefited upon arrival at the emergency department from copious irrigation with saline serum, tetanus toxoid, postexposure rabies vaccination, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy. In the operating room, surgical exploration found the ulnar digital pedicle s...
Torrent A, Spriet M, Espinosa-Mur P, Clark KC, Whitcomb MB, Borjesson DL, Galuppo LD.A technique for intra-arterial injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been established for front limbs with the use of the median artery. This approach has been proposed for treatment of soft tissue injuries of the equine distal limb. A technique has not been validated yet for hindlimb injection. Objective: To assess the feasibility of injection of the cranial tibial artery in horses, and to evaluate the distribution and persistence of MSC after injection. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: In a first phase, the cranial tibial arteries of both hindlimbs of three research horses were ...
Peloso JG, Cohen ND, Vogler JB, Marquis PA, Hilt L.OBJECTIVE To compare bony changes of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) of Thoroughbred racehorse cadavers with (cases) or without (controls) catastrophic condylar fracture by use of standing MRI. SAMPLE 140 forelimbs from 26 case horses (both forelimbs) and 88 control horses (single forelimb). PROCEDURES Bone marrow lesions (BMLs), identified as a decrease in T1-weighted (T1W) signal and increases in T2*-weighted (T2*W) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signals, and dense bone volume percentage (DBVP), identified as decreases in T1W, T2*W, and STIR signals, in the distopalmar aspect of MC3...
Public healthJanuary 25, 2019
Volume 168 67-75 doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.11.023
Meredith L, Thomson R, Ekman R, Kovaceva J, Ekbrand H, Bálint A.Horse riding is a popular activity but has also been found to lead to many injuries and even fatalities. No reduction in the numbers of those being admitted to hospital for equestrian-related injuries have been seen in Sweden in recent years. The aim of this work was to examine injuries, fatalities, and predictors of fatalities in equestrian-related activities and to investigate the cost of these injuries to the public health system. Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of hospital data. Methods: National Swedish hospital and mortality registers were retrospectively examined, inclusi...
Roy RC, Riley CB, Stryhn H, Dohoo I, Cockram MS.Undetected injury of horses sustained during road transport to slaughter is a welfare concern. This study evaluated digital infrared thermography (DT) for the detection of ante-mortem bruising in horses following transport to a slaughter plant. The sensitivity and specificity of DT for the detection of bruises following transport was evaluated. DT images were obtained from 93 horses (2-3 horses per load; 40 loads) at a Canadian federally approved slaughter plant. From an elevated platform 5 m from the horses, left and right lateral DT images, and one caudal pelvic area image were obtained from...
Perry S, Larhammar M, Vieillard J, Nagaraja C, Hilscher MM, Tafreshiha A, Rofo F, Caixeta FV, Kullander K.Neuronal networks within the spinal cord, collectively known as the central pattern generator (CPG), coordinate rhythmic movements underlying locomotion. The transcription factor doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 3 (DMRT3) is involved in the differentiation of the dorsal interneuron 6 class of spinal cord interneurons. In horses, a non-sense mutation in the gene has major effects on gaiting ability, whereas mice lacking the gene display impaired locomotor activity. Although the gene is necessary for normal spinal network formation and function in mice, a direct role for -deri...
Zani D, Rabbogliatti V, Ravasio G, Pettinato C, Giancamillo MD, Zani DD.The use of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of orthopedic pathologies in equine patients is poorly described. In few studies, enhanced MRI allowed to differentiate active lesions from chronic ones and to classify ambiguous lesions. The aim of this clinical prospective pilot study is to describe and compare the MRI lesions observed in horses with lameness localized to the foot using a single intravenous bolus dose of gadolinium contrast versus regional intraarterial bolus of contrast agent. Ten horses that underwent contrast enhanced MRI were included in the ...
Pinidiyapathirage J, Kitchener S, McNamee S, Wynter S, Langford J, Doyle A, McMahon A.Agricultural industries are among the most dangerous in Australia posing significant public health risks. This study analyses the nature and management of agriculture-related injuries presenting to EDs in selected hospitals in Southern Queensland. Data on agricultural injury presentations over a 6 month period was collected at four rural hospitals by a dedicated onsite hospital data coordinator. Additionally, in two of the participating hospitals all injury presentations over the same 6 month period were recorded. A pre-tested survey instrument, modified for rural settings and designed and dev...
Hitchens PL, Morrice-West AV, Stevenson MA, Whitton RC.Studies of racehorse injury or fatality in various countries have identified common, and in some cases conflicting, risk factors. We conducted a systematic search of the relevant literature published from 1990 to 2017. Peer-reviewed articles were included if they reported the incidence of fatal or catastrophic musculoskeletal injury (CMI) in Thoroughbred flat races (n=21) or risk factors for CMI (n=65). Pooled effect sizes were estimated using the random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model. The pooled incidence of CMI was 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.90, 1.44) per 1000 race starts. Almost 300 f...
Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Whitton RC.Little is known about the types of surfaces used during training of Thoroughbred racehorses or methods of exercise used in addition to ridden track-work. Our aims were to (1) describe the types of surfaces used in the training of Thoroughbred racehorses and to (2) identify alternative approaches used to exercise horses in addition to, or in place of, ridden overground track-work. Information regarding surface and alternative exercise methods was collected as part of an in-person survey of training practices of 66 registered Thoroughbred trainers in Victoria, Australia. Sand and synthetic surfa...
Padalino B, Rogers CW, Guiver D, Thompson KR, Riley CB.Injuries resulting from road transport are common in horses and are a potential welfare concern, as well as, a source of economic loss. An online cross sectional survey was used to determine the prevalence of road transport related injuries to horses in New Zealand and the association of human factors including demographics, industry background, training and the horse handling experience of the respondents with transport related injury. The survey generated 1133 valid responses that were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. At least o...
Gaughan EM.An accurate and timely diagnosis of the systemic and local tissue influences of a wound are essential to target successful treatment measures and reach the best result for an affected horse. A complete physical examination should be completed for any wounded horse and appropriate systemic therapies instituted. Visual and manipulative examinations aid in the complete understanding of wounded tissues. Imaging and invasive diagnostic techniques also have value in determining the extent of a wound. Considering what tissues are involved from an inside-out perspective can assist in developing a comp...
Andres SA, Bushau-Sprinkle AM, Brier ME, Seger YR.To investigate the risk reduction and benefit of wearing body protection/safety vests in equestrian sports. Methods: A comparison of equestrians wearing body protective vests and those not wearing vests was performed using incident report data of 718 participants in the United States Pony Clubs during 2011-2017. Data obtained included age, gender, certification level of member, type of activity, description of incident, description of injuries, what protective equipment was worn and other possible contributing factors. Results: While wearing body protective vests when riding on the flat or for...
O'Brien EJO, Smith RKW.Tendon/ligament mineralization is recognized in horses but information regarding its clinical significance is limited. The aims of this observational study were to report the structures most commonly affected by ultrasonographically detectable mineralization and, for these, determine frequency of diagnosis and key clinical features. Cases presented at our hospital in April 1999-April 2013 and September 2014-November 2015 were included: a total of 27 horses (22 retrospective, five prospective). Mineralizations were most common in deep digital flexor tendons (10) and suspensory ligament branches...
Vachon A, Bramlage LR, Gabel AA, Weisbrode S.To determine the effect of subchondral bone drilling (forage) on the cartilage repair process after injury has occurred, a cartilage defect (1 cm in diameter) was created on the radial facet of the proximal surface of each third carpal bone in 6 adult horses. In one of the third carpal bones (right or left thoracic limb) of each horse, a 1-cm cartilage defect was created, and 5 holes (1 mm in diameter and 10 mm deep) were drilled through the subchondral bone into the cancellous bone. In the other thoracic limb, an identical defect was created, but not drilled. Analyses of cell numbers and type...
Cresswell EN, Ruspi BD, Wollman CW, Peal BT, Deng S, Toler AB, McDonough SP, Palmer SE, Reesink HL.To examine whether proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) articular cartilage and bone osteoarthritic changes or palmar osteochondral disease (POD) scores were associated with exercise history and catastrophic PSB fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: PSBs from 16 Thoroughbred racehorses (8 with and 8 without PSB fracture). Methods: Exercise history was collected, and total career high-speed furlongs was used as the measure of total exercise per horse. At necropsy, medial and lateral condyles of the third metacarpus from each forelimb were assigned a POD score, followed by imaging with micro-CT ...
Hill AE, Stover SM, Gardner IA, Kane AJ, Whitcomb MB, Emerson AG.To evaluate effects of toe grabs, exercise intensity, and distance traveled as risk factors for subclinical to mild suspensory apparatus injury (SMSAI) in Thoroughbred racehorses and to compare incidence of severe musculoskeletal injury (MSI) in horses with and without SMSAI. Methods: Nested case-control study. Methods: 219 Thoroughbred racehorses racing or in race training. Methods: Racehorses were examined weekly for 90 days to determine incidence of suspensory ligament injury and monitor horseshoe characteristics. Every horse's exercise speeds and distances were recorded daily. Conditional ...
Verheyen KL, Price JS, Wood JL.This study aimed to determine the effects of exercise on racecourse performance in horses racing on the flat. Daily exercise and race records were obtained over a 2-year period for a cohort of racehorses in training for which injury data were also available. Multivariable regression techniques were used to investigate associations between canter, training gallop and race distances accumulated in the 30 days prior to each race and the odds of winning the race, earning prize money and the amount of prize money won. Higher cumulative high-speed (gallop+race) distances were associated with increas...
Dahlgren LA, Mohammed HO, Nixon AJ.he treatment of overuse tendon injuries with exogenous growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) may facilitate an improved return to sustained athletic function. The biological effects of IGF-I are exerted under the control of a complex of IGF receptors, binding proteins, and proteases. This IGF system includes a family of six structurally related high-affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) that protect IGF-I from local proteases and restrict access of IGF-I to its receptor. This study describes the expression of the IGFBPs in flexor tendon after acute injury and during heal...
Jackson BF, Lonnell C, Verheyen KL, Dyson P, Pfeiffer DU, Price JS.Dorsal metacarpal disease (DMD) is a common problem in 2-year-old racehorses and results in loss of a significant number of days from training. Biochemical markers of bone cell activity measured early in the training season could have value for identifying 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses that develop DMD. Objective: To determine the association between serum concentrations of osteocalcin, the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen (PICP) and the carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) measured early in the training season and the risk of DMD. Methods: Blood...
Gibson MJ, Legg KA, Gee EK, Rogers CW.Race day fatalities as a consequence of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury and cardiac failure are both a welfare concern and provide a challenge for the social perceptions of equine welfare within the racing industry. To reduce race day fatalities, the risk factors under New Zealand racing conditions need to be identified. The aim of this study was to examine race and horse-level risk factors for fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred flat racing using retrospective race day data from the 2011/12-2021/22 racing seasons. Horse and race-level factors associated with a suspected cardiac failure...
Alzola R, Easter C, Riggs CM, Gardner DS, Freeman SL.Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is an important health and welfare concern in racehorses. It is generally diagnosed with ultrasonography, but predictive ultrasonographic features have not been reported. Objective: To determine ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injury at initial presentation in Thoroughbred racehorses that could predict a successful return to racing (completing ≥5 races). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Digitised ultrasonographic images of 469 horses with forelimb SDFT injuries from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2003-2014) were evaluated, u...
Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA.Despite the common nature of orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports, there is no published review to specifically characterize orthopaedic injuries in equestrian athletes. Objective: To characterize orthopaedic injury patterns in equine sports-related injuries and their treatment. Methods: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This review was performed through a PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus query (from 1978 to June 2014) in the English literature using search terms "(equine-related OR equestrian-related OR horse-related OR equestrian OR equestrians) AND (injury OR injuries)." Only...
Sivaguru M, Eichorst JP, Durgam S, Fried GA, Stewart AA, Stewart MC.Injuries and damage to tendons plague both human and equine athletes. At the site of injuries, various cells congregate to repair and re-structure the collagen. Treatments for collagen injury range from simple procedures such as icing and pharmaceutical treatments to more complex surgeries and the implantation of stem cells. Regardless of the treatment, the level of mechanical stimulation incurred by the recovering tendon is crucial. However, for a given tendon injury, it is not known precisely how much of a load should be applied for an effective recovery. Both too much and too little loading...
Dabbene I, Bullone M, Pagliara E, Gasparini M, Riccio B, Bertuglia A.Information on interference injuries in racehorses is lacking. Objective: To describe clinical findings and prognosis of palmar forelimb interference injuries in Standardbreds. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Records of 74 racehorses sustaining palmar forelimb interference injuries were studied; 7 occurred during training and 67 during racing. The number of starts before injury, hind shoeing status, gait penalties and racing speeds in cases occurring during racing were compared with negative controls (67 age, sex and speed category matched horses) from the same races. The number ...
Hessler C, Namislo V, Kammler G, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Meenen NM.Horseback riding entails several risk factors that predispose the participant to injury. Especially craniocerebral as well as spinal trauma were common reasons for severe injuries. Hence, it is important to use effective protective gear during riding activities. However, the protective effect of actual safety vests and helmets in case of accident is still unknown. In the present study reasons, mechanisms and patterns of equine-related spine injuries were analyzed. Based on these data the effectiveness of used protective gear during accident was assessed. Methods: 30 equestrians took part in a ...
Hitchens P, Blizzard L, Jones G, Day L, Fell J.Thoroughbred jumps racing jockeys have a fall rate greater than their flat racing counterparts. Previous studies have focused on factors that contribute to falls by horses but, to date, there has not been a study of risk factors for falls to jockeys in jumps races. Data on race-day falls were extracted from stipendiary stewards reports lodged with Principal Racing Authorities following each race meeting. Denominator data were provided by Racing Information Services Australia on races conducted from August 2002 until July 2009. Univariable and multivariable analyses, estimating incidence rate r...
Smith MR, Wright IM, Minshall GJ, Dudhia J, Verheyen K, Heinegård D, Smith RK.To evaluate digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) synovial fluid cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations as a molecular marker for intrathecal pathology. Methods: Case control study. Methods: Horses (n=46) with DFTS tenosynovitis; 23 fresh cadaver horses. Methods: DFTS synovial fluid samples were collected from clinical cases with noninfected DFTS tenosynovitis and from control DFTS. Clinical and surgical findings were recorded, and dissection of control limbs was performed to confirm the DFTS to be grossly normal. Synovial fluid COMP was quantified using a homologous competiti...
Shrestha K, Gilkerson JR, Stevenson MA, Flash ML.The destinations of Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses exiting the racing industry is a high-profile issue with ethical and welfare implications of interest to both animal welfare groups and racing regulators. This cross-sectional study investigated the reasons that TBs temporarily or permanently exited racing and training in Australia in the 2017-2018 racing season and the outcomes for these horses post-racing. An online questionnaire was sent to the last registered trainers of a representative sample of 2,509 'inactive' TBs. Inactive horses were defined as those horses that were recorded as 'activ...
Hessler C, Eckert V, Vettorazzi E, Meenen N, Jürgens C, Schult M, Flamme C, Herberhold HJ, Madert J, Ekkernkamp A, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Pohlenz P.Despite the benefit of safety vests to the reduction of torso injuries in children and adolescents is unclear, its' use is recommended. The aim of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of safety vests actually used in pediatric equestrian activities. Methods: In this case-control-study, we analyzed the accidents of 92 riders aged 18 or younger who fell off a horse onto his/her torso during a period of 18 months. Data were gathered from the clinical records. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered on the day of trauma by the patients and/or their parents. Results: The cases...
Spargo KE, Rubio-Martinez LM, Wheeler DP, Fletcher L, Carstens A.The incidence and types of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds that resulted in euthanasia on selected racetracks in South Africa between 1998 and 2012 were investigated by an observational retrospective investigation. Data from the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa for these racetracks were used to calculate incidence rates in Thoroughbreds (n = 114) that sustained catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries during racing that required immediate euthanasia, based on the diagnosis made by the on-site veterinarian as well as on fetlock radiographs and dissections o...
Schlachter C, Lewis C.A good rehabilitation program takes into account the possible causes for the injury. Once the underlying cause of the injury is determined, a veterinarian can construct an appropriate rehabilitation plan and use the available electrophysical therapies to their greatest effect. Treating the horse correctly for the type and location of injury, and the stage of rehabilitation of the tissue, helps ensure full rehabilitation success. This article discusses when and how to use the most common electrophysical therapies in horses including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, neuromuscular ele...
Butterwick DJ, Meeuwisse WH.To document injury rates, severity, and relative risk during five competitive seasons of Canadian professional rodeo, between experienced (saddle bronc [SB], bareback [BB], and bull riders [BR]) and inexperienced (novice saddle bronc [NSB], novice bareback [NBB], and boys' steer riders [BSR]) rough stock competitors. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Canadian professional rodeo competition. Methods: Experienced competitors included professional cowboys from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Inexperienced competitors included cowboys from Canada and the Un...
Northey G.The aims of this study were to investigate the extent of equestrian injuries in New Zealand and provide a range of prevention interventions. Methods: An examination of New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS) morbidity data for 1993 to 2001 and mortality data for 1993 to 1999 was undertaken. Recent studies on equestrian injuries were evaluated. Results: NZHIS data indicated that as a result of horse-related injuries 5613 people were hospitalised between 1993 and 2001 and there were 16 fatalities between 1993 and 1999. Horse-related injuries were most prevalent in young females aged 10 to...
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.Although a well recognised clinical entity, only small numbers of osteochondromata on the caudal distal radius have previously been published and its occurrence in young racing Thoroughbreds has not previously been reported. Identification and management of associated lesions in the deep digital flexor tendon have received scant attention in the literature. Objective: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur commonly in young racing Thoroughbreds. They vary in size and location, sagittally and proximodistally, but the majority cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendo...
Hendricks KJ, Adekoya N.To provide data on the magnitude and patterns of animal related on-farm injuries to youth in the United States. Methods: A survey of 26,000 farm households conducted for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1998. Methods: Youth younger than 20 years of age. Results: There were an estimated 6,438 animal related on-farm injuries to youth in 1998. 70% occurred to farm residents; 69% were work related. Males accounted for 64% and approximately 41% occurred to those younger than 10; 37% involved horses and 31% cattle. Most horse...
Plevin S, McLellan J, O'Keeffe T.Sesamoiditis is a common radiological finding in yearling Thoroughbreds. The condition is believed to be associated with suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI), which is known to affect racing performance. The presence of subclinical suspensory ligament branch change (SSLBC) in untrained yearlings has not been investigated. Associations between sesamoiditis, SSLBC and subsequent SLBI would allow more accurate prognoses to be made regarding the development of SLBI. They could also provide opportunity for intervention and prevention of SLBI. Objective: To test our hypotheses that untrained yea...
Levet T, Martens A, Devisscher L, Duchateau L, Bogaert L, Vlaminck L.There is a lack of evidence-based data on the prevalence, outcome and risk factors of distal limb cast sores, and no objective tool has been described for the early detection of cast sores. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, location, outcome and risk factors of cast sores after application of a distal limb cast and to determine whether static thermography of the cast is a valuable tool for the assessment of sores. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on horses treated with a distal limb cast. At each cast removal, cast sores were graded as superficial sores (SS), deep dermal sore...
Public healthJanuary 25, 2019
Volume 168 67-75 doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.11.023
Meredith L, Thomson R, Ekman R, Kovaceva J, Ekbrand H, Bálint A.Horse riding is a popular activity but has also been found to lead to many injuries and even fatalities. No reduction in the numbers of those being admitted to hospital for equestrian-related injuries have been seen in Sweden in recent years. The aim of this work was to examine injuries, fatalities, and predictors of fatalities in equestrian-related activities and to investigate the cost of these injuries to the public health system. Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of hospital data. Methods: National Swedish hospital and mortality registers were retrospectively examined, inclusi...
Rogers CW, Dittmer KE.In mammals, play behaviour appears innate and, because of this, may provide insight into the frequency and intensity of load that is required to stimulate positive musculoskeletal development. The objective of this review was to explore the interaction between play and tissue (bone) development at a molecular through to whole-animal level, with specific focus on the horse as a model. The basis of our understanding of the response of bone to loading is the mechanostat theorem. This assumes that at a tissue level, bone attempts to keep localised strain within the physiological range of 1500-2500...
Asa N, Newton A, Sullivan L, Shi J, Wheeler K, Smith GA, Yang J.Despite inherit dangers of horseback riding (HBR), research on HBR-related injuries is sparse. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to (1) examine HBR-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) and associated risk factors and (2) explore HBR-related injury experiences and recommendations for prevention strategies from the perspective of riders. We retrospectively analyzed data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), identifying HBR-related ED visits between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, we conducted 10 phone interviews with active horseback ride...
Fraser BS, Bladon BM.Lacerations to the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) are a common injury in the horse, but little information is available in the literature regarding prognostic indicators. Objective: To ascertain whether laceration of the DFTS carried a better prognosis if treated by tenoscopic lavage, debridement and repair within 36 h of the original injury. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 39 horses treated surgically for lacerations to the DFTS was performed over a 3 year period. The injury-to-surgery interval was recorded as <36 or >36 h. The structures damaged by the injury were also recorded, as...
Quiney L, Murray R, Dyson S.This case report describes the successful management of two horses with medial carpal collateral ligament injury. This is a rare cause of forelimb lameness and existing reports indicate a poor prognosis for return to athletic function with conservative management. Both horses were treated with a combination of box rest with controlled exercise and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). Both horses returned to previous athletic function, one at Grand Prix level dressage and one at Novice level eventing. With appropriate management, the prognosis for carpal collateral ligament injury may be good. ...
