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Equine veterinary journal2020; 52(5); 670-677; doi: 10.1111/evj.13239

Associations between the radiographic appearance of vascular channels in proximal sesamoid bones, their microstructural characteristics and past racing performance in Thoroughbreds.

Abstract: Abnormalities in vascular channel appearance within the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) are the most common findings in Thoroughbred yearling presale radiographs and are often evaluated on radiographs of adult racehorses. Despite this, their pathogenesis and clinical significance are poorly understood, and associations with racing performance are inconsistent. Objective: To determine microstructural characteristics of the PSBs associated with the radiographic appearance of vascular channels using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and to determine associations with past racing performance in mature horses. Methods: Cross-sectional. Methods: One pair of PSBs were isolated from a forelimb of 59 Thoroughbred racehorses undergoing post-mortem examination. Each PSB (n = 118) was radiographed, assigned a vascular channel grade using previously published and novel grading systems, then imaged using µCT. Associations between radiographic, µCT and performance variables were investigated with uni- and multivariable generalised linear models. Results: All PSBs had at least one vascular channel (mean 3.6 ± 0.89) observed on µCT originating from the abaxial border, yet in only 63.6% (75/118) were channels observed radiographically. Proximal sesamoid bones with a higher bone volume fraction (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.15; P = .03) and wider channel diameter (mm) on µCT (OR 20.67; 95% CI 3.29-130.00; P = .001) were more likely to have vascular channels identified on radiographs. Greater radiographic channel number (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.92-1.00; P = .04) and channel diameter (mm; OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.92-1.00; P = .04) were associated with fewer career placings. Conclusions: Radiographs of isolated bones avoided the normal superimposition of tissue encountered in the live horse. Conclusions: The ability to identify vascular channels radiographically indicates widening of channels and densification of the PSB. More radiographic channels and greater channel diameter were associated with similar or poorer measures of past performance, suggesting that these changes are not desirable.
© 2020 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-21 PubMed ID: 31991478DOI: 10.1111/evj.13239Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research explored the link between vascular channel structure in Thoroughbred horses’ proximal sesamoid bones (PSB), as seen through a Microcomputed Tomography (µCT) scan, and the horses’ past racing performance. The study found that wider vascular channels and denser PSB were more likely to be identified on the radiographs, with horses showing more radiographic channels and a greater channel diameter tending to have a similar or poorer racing performance record.

Research Methodology

  • This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 59 Thoroughbred racehorses during their post-mortem examination.
  • From each horse, a pair of proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) was isolated from a forelimb. In total, the study looked at 118 PSBs.
  • Each PSB was radiographed and a vascular channel grade was assigned using both previously published and novel grading systems.
  • The PSBs were then imaged using microcomputed tomography (µCT), a highly detailed imaging technique.
  • The researchers then investigated associations between radiographic, µCT and performance variables using uni- and multivariable generalised linear models.

Key Findings

  • All studied PSBs had at least one vascular channel, measured at an average of 3.6 ± 0.89, seen through µCT. However, only 63.6% (75/118) of those channels were visible in radiographs.
  • PSBs with a higher bone volume fraction and wider vascular channel diameter were more likely to have their vascular channels identified on the radiographs.
  • More radiographic vascular channels and greater channel diameter were associated with fewer career placings, indicating a similar or poorer past performance in races.

Conclusions

  • Radiographs avoided the normal superimposition of tissue encountered in the live horse, providing clearer results.
  • The ability to identify vascular channels through radiographs suggests PSB densification and channel widening.
  • The presence of more radiographic channels and greater channel diameter were markers of similar or poorer measures of past performance, suggesting that these observed changes may not be desirable for optimal race performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Lloyd KA, Ayodele BA, Hitchens PL, Beck C, Mackie EJ, Whitton RC. (2020). Associations between the radiographic appearance of vascular channels in proximal sesamoid bones, their microstructural characteristics and past racing performance in Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet J, 52(5), 670-677. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13239

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 5
Pages: 670-677

Researcher Affiliations

Lloyd, Kristen A
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Ayodele, Babatunde A
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Hitchens, Peta L
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Beck, Cathy
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Mackie, Eleanor J
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Whitton, Robert C
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Forelimb
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Sesamoid Bones
  • X-Ray Microtomography

Grant Funding

  • University of Melbourne
  • Victorian State Government
  • Racing Victoria Limited
  • Victorian Racing Industry

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This article includes 25 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S. Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 23;15(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15213079pubmed: 41227410google scholar: lookup
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