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Equine veterinary journal2010; 42(4); 322-326; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2009.00021.x

An investigation of the relationship between race performance and superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

Abstract: There is limited information regarding the number of races and the period for evaluation of outcome which is critical for assessment of SDF tendonitis treatments. Objective: To evaluate the re-injury rate and racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses that sustain SDF tendonitis in relation to matched controls in terms of number of races post treatment and maximum racing performance ratings before and after injury. Methods: Clinical records and racing histories of 401 racehorses with a first occurrence of SDF tendonitis diagnosed by ultrasonography. Controls were of the same age, sex and were horses training in the same establishment at the time of injury as the case horses and where the trainer reported that the horse had not had a previous SDF tendon injury or treatment. Results: Eighty percent of both case and control horses returned to racing after the date of injury, and the re-injury proportion within 3 years of treatment was 53%. The difference in Racing Post Rating((max)) (RPR((max))) and the Racing Post Rating in the race immediately before the treatment date was significantly smaller in case horses (mean = 9.6 lbs; range = 0-75) compared to control horses (mean = 17.0 lbs; range = 0-79). No significant decrease in RPR((max)) was noted post injury. No difference between case and control horses was found for return to racing and racing 3 times, but control horses were significantly more likely to compete 5 races post treatment date than case horses. Conclusions: Injury was associated with an individual's pre-injury maximum performance level and return to racing and completion of 3 races are not useful indicator of the outcome of horses with SDF tendonitis. The assessment of the outcome of horses with an SDF injury in a population of racehorses using the number of races post injury requires a minimum of 5 races post injury to be a useful indicator. Further, a re-injury proportion in a population of horses in training for 3 years post treatment.
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Publication Date: 2010-06-09 PubMed ID: 20525050DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2009.00021.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates how superficial digital flexor tendonitis (SDF tendonitis) affects the performance of Thoroughbred racehorses. It reveals that 80% of horses with this injury were able to return to racing, although subsequent re-injury occurred in 53% of cases. Importantly, the study indicates that a horse’s pre-injury peak performance level might predict its chances of injury and its performance post-injury.

Research Context and Objectives

  • This study was developed due to scarce information related to outcomes after Thoroughbred racehorses experience superficial digital flexor tendonitis (SDF tendonitis) – a common injury in racing horses.
  • The research aimed to evaluate the re-injury rate and racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses that sustained SDF tendonitis compared to horses of the same age, sex, and training environment that never had the injury.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used clinical records and racing histories of 401 racehorses with a first instance of SDF tendonitis, diagnosed via ultrasonography.
  • The control horses were selected based on age and sex similarity, and those undergoing training in the same establishment at the time of injury. The control horses also had no prior reported instances of SDF tendon injuries or treatments.

Results and Findings

  • Out of the examined racehorses, 80% from both case and control groups returned to racing post-injury.
  • A proportion of 53% experienced re-injury within three years after treatment.
  • The difference in Racing Post Rating (RPR), both pre-injury and the one immediately before the treatment, was significantly smaller in case horses compared to control horses.
  • The post-injury decrease in maximum RPR was not significant.
  • While the return rate to racing and completion of three races post-injury were similar for both case and control horses, control horses were more likely to compete in at least five races post-treatment date.

Conclusions and Future Research

  • The study concludes that the likelihood of a horse to get injured and its post-injury performance level is associated with the horse’s maximum performance level pre-injury.
  • Returning to racing and completing three races does not sufficiently indicate positive outcomes for horses with SDF tendonitis.
  • An effective evaluation should include at least five races post-injury.
  • The study provides a foundation for the re-injury proportion in a horse population that has undergone training for three years post-treatment.

Cite This Article

APA
O'Meara B, Bladon B, Parkin TD, Fraser B, Lischer CJ. (2010). An investigation of the relationship between race performance and superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the Thoroughbred racehorse. Equine Vet J, 42(4), 322-326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2009.00021.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 4
Pages: 322-326

Researcher Affiliations

O'Meara, B
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 IQH, Scotland, UK.
Bladon, B
    Parkin, T D H
      Fraser, B
        Lischer, C J

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Horse Diseases / therapy
          • Horses
          • Running / injuries
          • Sports
          • Tendinopathy / pathology
          • Tendinopathy / therapy
          • Tendinopathy / veterinary
          • Tendon Injuries / pathology
          • Tendon Injuries / therapy
          • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
          • Tendons / pathology
          • Treatment Outcome

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