Topic:Racehorses
Racehorses are a distinct category of horses bred and trained for competitive racing events, characterized by their speed, agility, and stamina. These horses are primarily Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, or Quarter Horses, each with specific attributes suited to different types of racing. The physiology and management of racehorses focus on optimizing performance through training, nutrition, and veterinary care. Research in this area often explores aspects such as biomechanics, cardiovascular health, and injury prevention. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the physiology, training methodologies, and health management practices associated with racehorses, providing insights into the factors influencing their performance and welfare.
The effect of ambient temperature on infrared thermographic images of joints in the distal forelimbs of healthy racehorses. The aim of the study was to describe the dependence on ambient temperature of distal joint temperature at the forelimbs of racehorses. The study also investigated the influence of differing ambient temperatures on the temperature difference between joints: this was measured ipsilaterally (i.e. between the carpal and fetlock joints along each forelimb) and contralaterally (i.e. between the same joints of the left and right forelimbs). Sixty-four healthy racehorses were monitored over 10 months. At each session, three thermographic images were taken of the dorsal, lateral and medial aspects of t...
Modelling the effect of race surface and racehorse limb parameters on in silico fetlock motion and propensity for injury. The metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) is the most commonly affected site of racehorse injury, with multiple observed pathologies consistent with extreme fetlock dorsiflexion. Race surface mechanics affect musculoskeletal structure loading and injury risk because surface forces applied to the hoof affect limb motions. Race surface mechanics are a function of controllable factors. Thus, race surface design has the potential to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injury through modulation of limb motions. However, the relationship between race surface mechanics and racehorse limb motions is...
Nomenclature, classification, and documentation of catastrophic fractures and associated preexisting injuries in racehorses. Racehorses are susceptible to bone fractures when damage from repetitive, high-magnitude loads incurred during training and racing exceed concurrent damage removal and replacement, resulting in transient periods of focal osteoporosis and bone weakening. Clinically, these events correspond to cortical stress fractures and subchondral bone stress remodeling. Evidence of these preexisting lesions include periosteal callus, endosteal callus, and intracortical focal hyperemia for cortical stress fractures; and subchondral focal hyperemia located superficial to sclerotic compacted trabecular bone ti...
Effects of racetrack surface and nail placement on movement between heels of the hoof and horseshoes of racehorses. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of racetrack surface and shoe characteristics on formation of wear grooves in the horseshoes of racehorses. SAMPLES 1,121 horseshoes from 242 Thoroughbred racehorses collected during routine horseshoeing procedures at 4 racetracks with dirt or synthetic surfaces. PROCEDURES Data for 1,014 horseshoes from 233 racehorses were analyzed. Horseshoes were photographed, and length and width of grooves formed at the heels of the solar surface of horseshoes were measured on the photographs. Effects of racetrack, racetrack surface, and shoe characteristics (eg, shoe si...
Heritability of Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racehorses Derived From SNP Genotyping Data. Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses is characterized by episodes of muscle rigidity and cell damage that often recur upon strenuous exercise. The objective was to evaluate the importance of genetic factors in RER by obtaining an unbiased estimate of heritability in cohorts of unrelated Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. Four hundred ninety-one Thoroughbred and 196 Standardbred racehorses were genotyped with the 54K or 74K SNP genotyping arrays. Heritability was calculated from genome-wide SNP data with a mixed linear and Bayesian model, ...
The influence of breed, age, gender, training level and ambient temperature on forelimb and back temperature in racehorses. A previous thermographic study of racehorses identified 13 regions of interest (ROIs) for monitoring the impact of training. However, that investigation did not consider the influence of breed, age, gender or training intensity level on the temperature of ROIs. The present study adopted a multivariate analysis approach to determine whether the aforementioned factors, along with ambient temperature, significantly influenced ROI temperature in the key body regions. Thermography measurements were obtained from 53 racehorses of three breeds. Horses were in regular training for over 10 months, havi...
Can we use subchondral bone thickness on high-field magnetic resonance images to identify Thoroughbred racehorses at risk of catastrophic lateral condylar fracture? Fractures of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpus (MC3) are a significant welfare concern in horseracing worldwide. Objective: The primary aim of this work was to identify magnetic resonance (MR) image-detectable prefracture markers that have the potential for use as a screening tool to identify horses at significant risk of catastrophic fracture. Methods: Case-control study of bone-level risk factors for fracture in racehorses. Methods: A total of 191 MC3s from horses, with and without lateral condylar fracture of MC3, were subjected to MR imaging. The depth of dense subchondral/trabec...
Hitting the ground running: Evaluating an integrated racehorse limb and race surface computational model. Race surface mechanics contribute to musculoskeletal injury in racehorses. These mechanics affect ground reaction forces applied to the hoof, and thus limb motions during stance that can contribute to musculoskeletal pathologies. Race surface design has been largely empirical within the industry, with little uniform consensus for injury prevention and performance. Furthermore, race surface installations are too expensive to install experimentally. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate an integrated racehorse limb and race surface computational model. Combined forward/inver...
Cross-sectional survey of parasite control practices on Thoroughbred and Standardbred training yards in New Zealand. There is growing concern worldwide regarding anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites. In order to improve parasite control practices and reduce the selection for resistant parasites, baseline data are required. Objective: To describe the current parasite management and control practices used for racehorses. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers were surveyed online regarding demographics, parasite control methods, grazing management and quarantine, and the use of faecal egg counts (FEC), with questions stratified by horse type, i.e. racehorses (ho...
Quantitative comparison of bone mineral density characteristics of the distal epiphysis of third metacarpal bones from Thoroughbred racehorses with or without condylar fracture. To compare regional proportions and spatial distributions of volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the palmar aspect of the distal epiphysis of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) in limbs with or without a condylar fracture from Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: McIIIs from cadavers of Thoroughbred racehorses with (n = 6 bones) and without (8) a condylar fracture. Methods: BMDv and spatial distributions of BMDv in peripheral quantitative CT images of the distal epiphysis of McIIIs were quantitatively assessed with spatial analysis software. Relative proportions of voxels within 9 threshold ...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ulcerative keratitis in a Thoroughbred racehorse. We report the first case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis in a racehorse. A 5-year-old mare developed punctate keratitis after racing. The corneal ulcer continued to expand despite ophthalmic antimicrobial therapy. On day 6, a conjunctival graft surgery was performed. The mare was euthanized, following colitis and laminitis development on day 10. MRSA was isolated from the corneal swab taken at the time of euthanasia. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated gram-positive and anti-S. aureus monoclonal antibody-positive cocci infiltration of the corneal stroma; a...
Hoof position during limb loading affects dorsoproximal bone strains on the equine proximal phalanx. Sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in the racehorse appear to be associated with turf racing surfaces, which are known to restrict forward slide of the foot at impact. We hypothesized that restriction of forward foot slip would result in higher P1 bone strains during metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) hyperextension. Unilateral limbs from six equine cadavers were instrumented with strain gauges and bone reference markers to measure dorsoproximal P1 bone strains and MCPJ extension, collateromotion and axial rotation during in vitro limb loading to 10,500 N. By limiting movement of th...
Getah Virus Infection among Racehorses, Japan, 2014. An outbreak of Getah virus infection occurred among racehorses in Japan during September and October 2014. Of 49 febrile horses tested by reverse transcription PCR, 25 were positive for Getah virus. Viruses detected in 2014 were phylogenetically different from the virus isolated in Japan in 1978.
Acute phase proteins in racehorses with inflammatory airway disease. Systemic inflammation is observed in horses with heaves and could also be present in horses with a lesser degree of pulmonary inflammation. Objective: It was hypothesized that racehorses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD) have increased concentration of circulating acute phase proteins. The objective of this study was to compare serum acute phase proteins of racehorses with and without lower airway inflammation. Methods: Serum from 21 client-owned Standardbred racehorses with exercise intolerance and lower airway inflammation and serum from 10 client-owned Standardbred racehorses with exer...
(D)-Ribose supplementation in the equine: lack of effect on glycated plasma proteins suggesting safety in humans. d-Ribose is a popular dietary supplement for humans and the equine because of its crucial role in cellular bioenergetics. However, as a reducing sugar, it has been suggested that ingestion of d-ribose might promote the formation of glycated proteins in vivo with potential adverse consequences. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine if d-Ribose would promote the formation of glycated proteins in vivo following exercise in training thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Two groups of horses received the supplement (30 and 50 g d-Ribose daily) for 17 weeks, during which period the horses were...
A cross-sectional epidemiological study of prevalence and severity of bit-induced oral trauma in polo ponies and race horses. Bit and bridle accessories improperly fitted in ridden horses can cause oral trauma such as bone spurs, commissure ulceration, and tongue lacerations. This study was used to identify, grade, and compare the types of oral traumas commonly found within polo ponies and race horses. Injuries were assessed visually and by palpation on the tongue, lips' commissures, and interdental space. A total of 50 polo ponies and 50 race horses were sampled in the South of England. A Poisson model was successfully fitted to the data (p < .001), and the variables of discipline (p < .001), injury type (p &l...
The fifth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. The article discusses the key findings and discussions from the fifth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. This summit presented several ways in which data collection and analysis can […]
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of furosemide for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. Furosemide is the most commonly used medication for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH); however, critical evaluation of the strength of evidence for efficacy of furosemide is lacking and is warranted so that evidence-based treatment decisions can be made. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of furosemide to reduce the severity or frequency of detection of EIPH in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Systematic review with meta-analyses. Methods: Primary studies were identified via searches of electronic databases, relevant texts and reference lists of published article...
Modeling equine race surface vertical mechanical behaviors in a musculoskeletal modeling environment. Race surfaces have been associated with the incidence of racehorse musculoskeletal injury, the leading cause of racehorse attrition. Optimal race surface mechanical behaviors that minimize injury risk are unknown. Computational models are an economical method to determine optimal mechanical behaviors. Previously developed equine musculoskeletal models utilized ground reaction floor models designed to simulate a stiff, smooth floor appropriate for a human gait laboratory. Our objective was to develop a computational race surface model (two force-displacement functions, one linear and one nonlin...
The impact of different equine influenza vaccine products and other factors on equine influenza antibody levels in Thoroughbred racehorses. More knowledge of equine influenza (EI) vaccine usage in training yards and the factors that influence serological response to vaccination are required to determine evidence-based vaccination strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the vaccination history of a population of Thoroughbred racehorses and identify factors that impacted on their antibody titres against EI. Methods: Observational field study. Methods: The study population consisted of 102 vaccinated Thoroughbred horses in training on a single premises. The vaccination histories recorded in their official passpo...
Dynamic upper respiratory abnormalities in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Africa. Upper airway endoscopy at rest has been the diagnostic method of choice for equine upper respiratory tract (URT) conditions. Development of high-speed treadmill endoscopy improved the sensitivity of URT endoscopy by allowing observation of the horse's nasopharynx and larynx during exercise. However, treadmill exercise may not always accurately represent the horse's normal exercise as track surface, rider, tack and environmental variables are altered. Recently, the development of dynamic overground endoscopy (DOE) has addressed some of these shortcomings. A retrospective study was undertaken to...
Unicortical condylar fracture of the Thoroughbred fetlock: 45 cases (2006-2013). Fracture of the metacarpal/tarsal condyle is usually preceded by prodromal pathology. Early recognition of injury is desirable to minimise the risk of serious breakdown; however, the clinical and diagnostic characteristics of unicortical condylar fractures have been poorly documented to date. Objective: To describe the clinical, imaging and outcome features of racehorses in first opinion practice diagnosed with short unicortical fracture of the metacarpal/tarsal condyle. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: All flat racehorses sustaining a unicortical condylar fracture while under the ...
Equine total carbon dioxide testing in Illinois in 2012. During prolonged strenuous exercise, racehorses can experience acidemia. To counteract this phenomenon, trainers can administer blood alkalizing agents that raise the plasma pH and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration. In Illinois, the administrative threshold for TCO2 in plasma is 37.0 mmol/L. Because accuracy in the reported measurement of TCO2 must be ensured, uncertainty measurements are often issued alongside the reported concentrations. We report a validated method for measuring TCO2 levels in equine plasma using the Beckman UniCel DxC 600. A six-point calibration curve ranging from...
Copy number deletion has little impact on gene expression levels in racehorses. Copy number variations (CNVs), important genetic factors for study of human diseases, may have as large of an effect on phenotype as do single nucleotide polymorphisms. Indeed, it is widely accepted that CNVs are associated with differential disease susceptibility. However, the relationships between CNVs and gene expression have not been characterized in the horse. In this study, we investigated the effects of copy number deletion in the blood and muscle transcriptomes of Thoroughbred racing horses. We identified a total of 1,246 CNVs of deletion polymorphisms using DNA re-sequencing data from...
Changes in plasma leptin concentration during different types of exercises performed by horses. Leptin is a tissue-derivative adipokine that regulates appetite, food intake and energy expenditure. It is still not clear how exercise affects plasma leptin concentration in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of exercise intensity and duration on plasma leptin levels in working horses. A total of 38 horses were prospectively included in the study and grouped according to the type of exercise they performed: dressage (six stallions, group D), jumping (12 stallions, group J), race (12 Thoroughbred horses, six stallions and six mares, group R) and harness (10 light draft...
Three-week summer period prevalence of Clostridium difficile in farm animals in a temperate region of the United States (Ohio). The cross-sectional (period) prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 875 farm animals from 29 commercial operations during the summer of 2008 in Ohio, USA was quantified. Compared to an external referent population of intensively managed race horses (12.7%), intensively managed commercially mature food animals (poultry, cattle, swine; < 0.6%) were infrequent shedders of C. difficile (P < 0.00001) during the warmest weeks of 2008. La prévalence par période de chez 875 animaux de ferme provenant de 29 exploitations commerciales durant l’été de 2008 en Ohio, aux États-Unis, est quan...
Elevations in serum muscle enzyme activities in racehorses due to unaccustomed exercise and training. Hereditary muscular disease is well described in racehorses, yet little is known about traumatic muscle disease associated with unaccustomed exercise or training. The objective of the study was to compare sedentary horses, racehorses undergoing training for the first time (unaccustomed exercise), and experienced racehorses during a training season (accustomed exercise) to investigate the effect of exercise and training on serum muscle enzyme activities and other variables. Horses were sampled prior to exercise for serum activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), creatine kinase and other...
Measurement of Carbonic Anhydrase I and II Isozymes in Feces as a Marker of Occult Blood in Horses with Intestinal Tract Bleeding. Although endoscopy is the definitive diagnostic method for the detection of colonic ulcers, the equipment required for performing the test is costly and difficult to use. Therefore, a simple cost-effective and reliable screening test for intestinal tract bleeding is needed. To this end, we measured carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA-I and CA-II) originating from erythrocytes by ELISA in order to determine if they could be used as markers of occult blood in feces. For fecal extract preparation, 2 g of feces were mixed with 4 ml of 0.01 M Tris-HCl (pH 8.0) containing 0.01% thimerosal. The concentra...
Musculoskeletal scintigraphy of the equine athlete. Nuclear scintigraphic examination of equine athletes has a potentially important role in the diagnosis of lameness or poor performance, but increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) is not necessarily synonymous with pain causing lameness. Nuclear scintigraphy is highly sensitive to changes in bone turnover that may be induced by loading and knowledge of normal patterns of RU is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Blood pool images can be useful for identification of some soft tissue injuries, although acute bone injuries may also have intense IRU in blood pool images. Some muscle injuries may be...