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Topic:Injury
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.
Cell phenotypic variation in normal and damaged tendons. Injuries to tendons are common in both human athletes as well as in animals, such as the horse, which are used for competitive purposes. Furthermore, such injuries are also increasing in prevalence in the ageing, sedentary population. Tendon diseases often respond poorly to treatment and require lengthy periods of rehabilitation. The tendon has a unique extracellular matrix, which has developed to withstand the mechanical demands of such tensile-load bearing structures. Following injury, any repair process is inadequate and results in tissue that is distinct from original tendon tissue. There ...
Stem cells in veterinary medicine–attempts at regenerating equine tendon after injury. Stem cells have evoked considerable excitement in the animal-owning public because of the promise that stem cell technology could deliver tissue regeneration for injuries for which natural repair mechanisms do not deliver functional recovery and for which current therapeutic strategies have minimal effectiveness. This review focuses on the current use of stem cells within veterinary medicine, whose practitioners have used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), recovered from either bone marrow or adipose tissue, in clinical cases primarily to treat strain-induced tendon injury in the horse. The backgr...
A simplified method of determining synovial fluid chondroitin sulfate chain length. To determine whether dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) analysis, when combined with agarose gel filtration chromatography (Superose 6), can be performed instead of fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) to determine chondroitin sulfate (CS) chain length in synovial fluid (SF). Methods: SF was obtained from (1) normal horses after 8 weeks of rest, (2) the same horses after 9 months of treadmill training, and (3) horses with osteochondral (OC) injury from racing. SF CS concentrations and chain lengths were determined by gel chromatography and DMMB analysis and compared with previou...
Active expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA in the granulation tissue of equine superficial digital flexor tendinitis. The DNA microarray analysis for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related mRNA expression in equine superficial digital flexor tendinitis indicated that mRNA level of MMP-13 was apparently up-regulated in the tendinitis as compared to normal tendon. In situ hybridization also revealed that fibroblastic cells proliferated in the granulation tissue generated in the tendinitis actively expressed MMP-13 mRNA. On the other hand, in normal tendon, a few fibroblastic cells and vascular components lied in the endotenon barely expressed its mRNA, but other cellular components in the tendon bundle were not...
Risk factors for proximal sesamoid bone fractures associated with exercise history and horseshoe characteristics in Thoroughbred racehorses. To assess individual and combined associations of high-speed exercise and horseshoe characteristics with risk of forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fractures and proximal sesamoid bone midbody fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: 269 deceased Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: A case-control study design was used to compare 121 horses with a fracture of at least 1 of 4 forelimb proximal sesamoid bones (75 horses had a midbody fracture) and 148 horses without a forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fracture. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potent...
Cuboid nutcracker fracture due to horseback riding in children: case series and review of the literature. We report 4 cases of nutcracker fractures of the cuboid resulting from equestrian sport in pediatric population. These lesions are often consistent with a trauma in forced abduction of the forefoot. The particular mechanism of the cuboid fracture due to horseback riding in children is discussed. The methods used to radiographically evaluate the compression fracture of the cuboid and its associated injuries are presented. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to severe alterations in foot mechanics and function, such as to severe pain. In addition, the surgical treatment to correct the nutcr...
3D kinematics of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint at walk and trot. The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and its supporting soft tissues are common sites of injury in athletic horses. Equine gait analysis has focused on 2D analysis in the sagittal plane and little information is available which describes 3D motions of the MCP joint and their possible role in the development of injuries. The aim was to characterize the 3D rotations of the equine MCP joint during walking and trotting. Three-dimensional trajectories of marker triads fixed rigidly to the third metacarpus and proximal phalanx of the right forelimb of healthy horses were recorded at walk (n = 4) and ...
Exercise and injury increase chondroitin sulfate chain length and decrease hyaluronan chain length in synovial fluid. (1) To investigate the effects of exercise and osteochondral (OC) injury on synovial fluid (SF) chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronan (HA) concentration and chain length, (2) to compare SF and cartilage CS data from joints with OC fragmentation, and (3) to compare SF CS and HA profiles with those seen in serum from the same horses. Methods: Serum and SF were obtained from (1) normal horses after 8 weeks rest, (2) the same horses after 9 months treadmill training, and (3) horses with OC injury from racing. Articular cartilage was also collected from group 3 horses. Concentrations and chain le...
Career-ending injuries to professional jockeys in British horse racing (1991-2005). It has been previously shown that professional jump and flat racing jockeys suffer a high incidence of injury as a consequence of their profession. This paper specifically examines career-ending injuries to professional jockeys in Great Britain. Objective: To investigate career-ending injuries in professional jockeys. Methods: Analysis of prospectively collected injury database on professional jockeys. Results: The majority of injuries in this study occurred to the head, shoulder or torso. Fractures were the most common type of injury that led to a decision to end a career, followed by neurolo...
Factors associated with outcome following treatment of horses with septic tenosynovitis: 51 cases (1986-2003). To identify factors associated with outcome (ie, survival and return to function) following treatment of horses with septic tenosynovitis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 51 horses with septic tenosynovitis. Methods: Information was obtained from medical records and through follow-up conversations with owners. Factors analyzed for an association with outcome included affected limb, etiology, duration of clinical signs prior to examination, presence of complications, primary treatment, secondary treatments, number of surgical procedures, and hospitalization time. Results: Concurren...
Injuries in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry. There is increasing concern in Australia about safety in the thoroughbred racing industry, but there has been no reported analysis of injury data. This review analyses injury and workers' compensation data recorded in Victoria. On the basis of the results, it is recommended that the injury and incident data collection systems are improved such that they are not only more complete but also accumulate more detailed information about the location of an incident or injury event, the activity at the time of the incident or injury event, and factors that may have influenced the occurrence.
An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level laser therapy through the equine tendon in vivo. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is frequently used in the treatment of wounds, soft tissue injury and in pain management. The exact penetration depth of LLLT in human tissue remains unspecified. Similar uncertainty regarding penetration depth arises in treating animals. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that transmission of LLLT in horses is increased by clipping the hair and/or by cleaning the area to be treated with alcohol, but is unaffected by coat colour. A LLLT probe (810 nm, 500 mW) was applied to the medial aspect of the superficial flexor tendon of seventeen equine forelim...
Traumatic injuries associated with horseback riding. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 30 million people ride horses each year in the United States. Horseback riding related injuries are common, with an estimated 50,000 emergency room visits annually. The popularity of recreational horseback riding has increased in South Florida and the incidence of associated traumatic injuries is a reflection of this. Methods: Retrospective review of patients admitted to a state designated Level I trauma center that sustained horseback riding associated injuries between January 2000 and December 2003. Information ex...
Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries. Horseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, football, and rugby. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and injury patterns, as well as risk factors associated with severe equestrian trauma. Methods: All patients with major equestrian injuries (injury severity score > or = 12) admitted between 1995 and 2005 were reviewed. A 46-question survey outlining potential rider, animal, and environmental risk factors was administered. Results: Among 7941 trauma patients, 151 (2%) were injured on horseback (mean injury severity score, 20; mortality rate, 7%). In...
Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders. Equestrian injury is commonly seen at trauma centers and the severity of injury is often high. We sought to determine the risk, incidence, and the influence of skill and experience on injury during horse-related activity (HRA). Methods: Members of horse clubs and individual equestrians in a three-state region (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) were recruited via mailings and community advertisements to take a survey regarding their horse contact time and injuries over their entire riding career. Serious injury (SI) was defined by hospitalization, surgery, or long-term disability. Results: There w...
Determination of mechanical loading components of the equine metacarpus from measurements of strain during walking. The mechanical environment of the distal limb is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of many injuries, but has not yet been thoroughly described. Objective: To determine the forces and moments experienced by the metacarpus in vivo during walking and also to assess the effect of some simplifying assumptions used in analysis. Methods: Strains from 8 gauges adhered to the left metacarpus of one horse were recorded in vivo during walking. Two different models - one based upon the mechanical theory of beams and shafts and, the other, based upon a finite element analysis (FEA) - were used to ...
Head and body centre of mass movement in horses trotting on a circular path. Horses are often worked along a circular trajectory but the mechanics of turning have not been reported. Objective: To develop a methodology for kinematic analysis of horses during circling and to report preliminary findings describing movements of the total body centre of mass (COMbody). Methods: Seventy-five skin markers, distributed over the head, neck, trunk and limbs of 5 sound horses, were tracked in a global coordinate system at 120 Hz as the horses trotted around a small circle. Based on segmental inertial data, 3D positions of the segmental centres of mass and COMbody were calculated....
Effect of uphill exercise on equine superficial digital flexor tendon forces at trot and canter. One cause of overstrain injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses is the force loaded on the SDFT during repeated running. Therefore, decreasing this force may reduce SDFT injury. It has been reported that strain on the SDFT decreases with a toe-wedge shoe. Uphill courses are used for training of racehorses, and the angle of hoof-sole to the horizon during uphill running is similar to that of the toe-wedge shoe. Objective: To determine the effects of uphill exercise on the force on the SDFT during trotting and cantering. Methods: Arthroscopically implantable force probes...
Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis. Although anecdotal reports of increased orthopaedic injury risk in equine sports exist, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Objective: To test whether horses undertaking a single competitive sport have increased risk of specific injuries compared to those used for general purpose riding (GP); and whether injury type varies with sport category and performance level. Methods: Data from 1069 records of horses undergoing orthopaedic evaluation (1998-2003) and meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sport category (GP, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), level (nonelite or ...
Trauma with neurologic sequelae. Spinal cord injury (SCI) in horses may arise from rearing and falling backward, collisions, kicks, and slipping. The pathophysiology of SCI comprises a primary mechanical injury followed by a cascade of secondary events. These secondary events include microvascular ischemia, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, ion dysregulation, and inflammation. It is often the severity of secondary injury that limits the restoration of neurologic function. Clinical signs after SCI depend on the location of the lesion and the relative amount of damage to the gray and white matter. Acute management of SCI should...
Fire and smoke inhalation injury in horses. Although not common in horses, fire and smoke inhalation trauma may require veterinary assistance at several levels. Most commonly, the equine clinician is called on to provide care of potentially complex and emotionally charged cases. Thermal injury, along with smoke inhalation, can cause local and diffuse lesions. Massive tissue edema may occur, which can be a challenge to manage as well as creating organ dysfunction at distant sites. Further complications of severely affected patients are varied and include life-threatening sepsis. This article reviews some of the important features of this...
Flood injury in horses. There is no way to prepare for every situation that arises in a disaster. By working closely with other producers and agricultural leaders, however, horse owners can lessen the impact of a disaster on their operation. Preparation and detailed planning are the most important aspects of flood-related injury prevention. Encouraging animal owners and caretakers to have an evacuation plan and dispersing knowledge about local and regional disaster authorities are critical for a successful disaster response. Educational programs on future disaster response empower communities to care for their people...
Injury to synovial structures. Injuries to synovial structures are common in horses and may be life threatening or career ending if severe. Early recognition and initiation of aggressive treatment in the form of appropriate systemic and local antimicrobial therapy and surgical treatment improve the likelihood of a good outcome. Chronic injuries and delayed treatment may result in progression of infection into tendons, bone, and other structures, thus complicating treatment and resulting in a poorer prognosis for return to function.
Thoracic trauma in horses. Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human beings and animals. After any form of suspected chest wall trauma, initial emergency management should include assurance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation, along with treatment for shock if present. As with any open wound, tetanus prophylaxis should be instituted. Types of trauma to the thoracic region of the horse include pectoral and axillary lacerations, penetrating chest wounds, flail chest, fractures of the ribs, blunt thoracic trauma, and several potential sequelae that include pneumot...
Descriptive analysis of retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses due to tendon injuries at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (1992-2004). This study was part of a programme to optimise the longevity and maximise the health and welfare of the Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong. Injuries to the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon are the most common veterinary reason for premature retirement in this population. Objective: To describe the frequency and pattern of retirements associated with SDF tendon injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses and to compare the characteristics of these horses with those that retired for other reasons. Methods: A retrospective analysis of retirement records documented in the Hong Kong Jockey Club cl...
Thoracic trauma in horses. Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human beings and animals. After any form of suspected chest wall trauma, initial emergency management should include assurance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation, along with treatment for shock if present. As with any open wound, tetanus prophylaxis should be instituted. Types of trauma to the thoracic region of the horse include pectoral and axillary lacerations, penetrating chest wounds, flail chest, fractures of the ribs, blunt thoracic trauma, and several potential sequelae that include pneumot...
Ophthalmic emergencies in horses. The emergency clinician is frequently in the position of receiving, evaluating, and initiating treatment on horses with ophthalmic emergencies or orbital trauma. In the best of circumstances, an ophthalmologist is available to guide initial therapy and ultimately assume responsibility for the management of the patient during the remainder of its hospitalization, but this is not always the case. The information presented here is meant to provide the emergency clinician with basic guidelines for the initial assessment and management of horses sustaining ocular injuries or presented with an ophth...
Field fracture management. Emergency management of distal limb and skull fractures in horses is vital to the successful outcome of these cases. Distal limb fractures, in particular, require careful assessment and counseling of the owner as well as adequate stabilization or coaptation of the fracture. Horses with limb or skull fractures may also have concurrent pain, blood loss, and other fluid losses that can result in shock requiring fluid therapy before definitive treatment of the fracture. Proper emergency fracture stabilization, initial treatment in the field, and patient transport are discussed.
