Description of the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of proximal limb and pelvic fractures in Hong Kong racehorses during 2003-2014.

This study aims to analyze the frequency, symptoms, and outcomes of proximal limb and pelvic fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses at the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 2003 to 2014. Findings suggest that such fractures are not common and do not have to end a horse’s racing career, with many returning to racing following treatment.

Methodology

• The research involved a retrospective cohort study of horses with confirmed proximal limb and pelvic fractures (PLPF).
• The fractures were confirmed through nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasonography, radiography, or post-mortem examination.
• Data concerning training and racing was gathered for the horses involved in the study.
• The incidence of fractures was calculated per 1000 horses in training and per 1000 race starts for those fractures that occurred during racing.
• The study utilized descriptive statistics to provide a detailed outline of the study population.

Results

• During the study period, 129 instances of PLPF were observed in 108 racehorses.
• The bones most commonly fractured were the humerus (49.6%) and the tibia (29.4%).
• Of the nine horses that met fatal fractures, eight of these incidents occurred during racing.
• Fractures during racing happened at a rate of 0.30 per 1000 starts.
• A substantial share (two-thirds) of the fractures took place during training.
• A vast majority of the horses had grade 3 lameness due to their fractures, whereas all those with grade 5 lameness sustained fatal injuries.
• Following non-fatal injuries, all horses took a period of box rest, and 81 of these resumed racing. Of those returning to racing, 45 ended up winning a race.
• The median retirement age for injured horses was found to be 25 months after injury.

Conclusions

• The study couldn’t calculate the horse days at risk due to the rest protocols for non-training racehorses at HKJC and recording of rehabilitation regimens post-injury.
• The rate of PLPF occurrence at the HKJC is relatively low.
• PLPF, as long as they’re non-fatal, don’t necessarily put an end to a horse’s racing career. A significant number of horses were found to resume racing and even win races after conservative treatments for their fractures.