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Veterinary surgery : VS2024; doi: 10.1111/vsu.14129

Athletic prognosis following arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the proximal dorsal sagittal ridge of the fetlock in Thoroughbreds intended for flat racing.

Abstract: To establish racing prognosis in Thoroughbred yearlings with proximal sagittal ridge osteochondral lesions and compare them to dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx osteochondral lesions. Methods: A total of 47 horses had proximal sagittal ridge lesions, 34 had palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions, and 115 had dorsoproximal first phalanx lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of Thoroughbred yearling racing prospects treated arthroscopically for fetlock osteochondral lesions were reviewed. Data were collected from a public database, including the ability to train and race, earnings, starts, wins, and placed races. Racing prognosis was analyzed and compared between three lesion locations. Results: Of the proximal sagittal ridge group, 76.6% raced, 65.71% of the palmar/plantar first phalanx group, and 74.58% of the dorsoproximal first phalanx group. Career length was similar for all lesions. A lower number of "starts" in the group "five years old and older" was found for the dorsoproximal first phalanx group compared to the cohort with proximal sagittal ridge lesions. Mares had more "earnings" at two years old but fewer "starts" at "five years old" compared to colts and geldings. Forelimb lesions were predictive for fewer total career starts. Conclusions: Proximal sagittal ridge lesions had similar prognoses to dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions. In older horses, there was an increase in the number of starts for the proximal sagittal ridge group compared to the dorsoproximal first phalanx group. Mares and forelimb lesions were associated with decreased racing starts. Conclusions: These findings aid in prognostication for Thoroughbreds with osteochondral lesions removed arthroscopically in the fetlock joint.
© 2024 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-24 PubMed ID: 38923047DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14129Google 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 assesses the racing prognosis of Thoroughbred yearling horses that underwent arthroscopic removal of osteochondral lesions in the fetlock joint at different locations. The results show that horses with proximal sagittal ridge lesions had a similar prognosis to those with dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions, but with increased race starts in older horses. Notably, mares and forelimb lesions were associated with fewer race starts.

Research Background and Methodology

  • The study’s aim was to determine the racing prognosis of Thoroughbred yearlings with different types of osteochondral lesions located at the proximal sagittal ridge, palmar/plantar first phalanx, and dorsoproximal first phalanx. Consequently, it provides insights into future performance prognosis for trainers, owners, and veterinarians.
  • The researchers conducted a retrospective case study involving a total of 196 horses, divided into three groups based on the lesion locations. The medical records and public database data of these horses, treated arthroscopically for fetlock osteochondral lesions, were analyzed to gather essential data. Information gathered included the ability to train and race, earnings, race starts, wins, and placed races.

Findings of the Study

  • The study found significant similarities with career length across all horses, regardless of lesion location. Notably, a similar percentage of horses raced across all three lesion locations. Specifically, 76.6% of the proximal sagittal ridge group, 65.71% of the palmar/plantar first phalanx group, and 74.58% of the dorsoproximal first phalanx group raced after treatment.
  • Interestingly, the group of horses aged five years or older with dorsoproximal first phalanx lesions started fewer races than those with proximal sagittal ridge lesions. It suggests that in older horses, having a proximal sagittal ridge lesion might be associated with a better prognosis for racing frequency compared to a dorsoproximal first phalanx lesion.
  • Additionally, the study revealed differences based on gender, and limb involvement. Mares earned more at two years but started fewer races at five years compared to colts and geldings. Moreover, forelimb lesions were seen as a predictor for fewer total career starts.

Conclusion and Implications

  • Based on the study’s results, proximal sagittal ridge lesions had similar prognoses to dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions, contributing valuable insight towards prognosis in horses with these conditions.
  • The variation in the number of race starts in older horses and differences in performance between mares, geldings, and forelimb involved suggests the complexity of the prognosis and the influence of multiple factors on horses’ racing career after arthroscopic lesion removal.
  • The study’s findings could aid in better decision-making concerning the management, treatment, and racing career planning of Thoroughbreds with osteochondral lesions in the fetlock joint.

Cite This Article

APA
Luick ML, Khouzam NA, Pérez-Nogués M. (2024). Athletic prognosis following arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the proximal dorsal sagittal ridge of the fetlock in Thoroughbreds intended for flat racing. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14129

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Luick, Mackenzie L
  • Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, Ocala, Florida, USA.
Khouzam, Natalie A
  • Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, Ocala, Florida, USA.
Pérez-Nogués, Marcos
  • Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, Ocala, Florida, USA.

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