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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Descriptive epidemiology of fracture, tendon and suspensory ...
Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(4); 372-378; doi: 10.2746/042516409x371224

Descriptive epidemiology of fracture, tendon and suspensory ligament injuries in National Hunt racehorses in training.

Abstract: While fractures and tendon injuries are known to be important diseases in National Hunt (NH) racehorses during racing, there are no accurate estimates of their incidence in NH training yards. Objective: To estimate the incidence of fractures and tendon and suspensory ligament injuries (TLIs) in NH racehorses in training; to describe the injuries incurred and to compare injury incidence rates by horse age, trainer, gender and background (ex-flat vs. ex-store horses). Methods: Cohort data were collected from 14 UK NH training yards for 2 racing seasons. Daily exercise regimens and details of fractures and TLIs occurring in study horses were recorded. Results: Data were gathered from 1223 horses that spent 9466 months at risk of injury. The fracture incidence rate was 1.1/100 horse months and varied significantly by trainer (P<0.001) but not by gender, age or background. The pelvis and third metacarpal bone (MCIII) were the most common fracture sites, although this varied between racing and training. The TLI incidence rate was 1.9/100 horse months and varied significantly by trainer (P = 0.05) and age (P<0.001) but not by gender or background. However, ex-store horses were significantly more likely to have a TLI on the racecourse than ex-flat horses (P = 0.01). Superficial digital flexor injuries accounted for 89% of all TLIs, the remainder being suspensory ligament injuries. Conclusions: Fractures and TLIs are important causes of morbidity and mortality in NH racehorses in training in England. This study provides accurate estimates of their incidence in this population and provides a baseline against which to monitor the effect of future interventions.
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Publication Date: 2009-07-01 PubMed ID: 19562899DOI: 10.2746/042516409x371224Google 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.

This research paper investigates the incidence of fractures and tendon and ligament injuries in National Hunt (NH) racehorses during training, describing the types of injuries sustained, and comparing rates of injury according to different factors such as horse age, trainer, gender and background.

Study Methodology

  • The researchers gathered cohort data from 14 UK National Hunt training yards over two racing seasons.
  • Details of the horses’ daily exercise regimens and any fractures or tendon and ligament injuries occurring were recorded.

Study Results

  • Data was collected from a total of 1223 horses, who collectively spent 9466 months at risk of injury.
  • The fracture incidence rate was found to be 1.1 per 100 horse months, with variation observed between different trainers but not between different genders, ages or backgrounds of horses.
  • The most common fracture sites were the pelvis and third metacarpal bone, although the specific site varied between training and actual racing.
  • The rate of tendon and ligament injuries was 1.9 per 100 horse months, with variation again differing by trainer and age, but not by gender or background.
  • However, horses previously used in store (ex-store horses) had a significantly higher likelihood of sustaining a tendon or ligament injury on the racecourse compared with horses previously used in flat racing.
  • Of all tendon and ligament injuries, 89% were superficial digital flexor injuries, with the remaining being suspensory ligament injuries.

Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that fractures and tendon and ligament injuries are significant causing of morbidity and mortality in National Hunt racehorses during training in England.
  • The study provides accurate estimates of the incidences of such injuries and serves as a baseline for monitoring the impact of future preventative interventions.

Cite This Article

APA
Ely ER, Avella CS, Price JS, Smith RK, Wood JL, Verheyen KL. (2009). Descriptive epidemiology of fracture, tendon and suspensory ligament injuries in National Hunt racehorses in training. Equine Vet J, 41(4), 372-378. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x371224

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 4
Pages: 372-378

Researcher Affiliations

Ely, E R
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
Avella, C S
    Price, J S
      Smith, R K W
        Wood, J L N
          Verheyen, K L P

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • England / epidemiology
            • Female
            • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
            • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horses
            • Ligaments / injuries
            • Male
            • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
            • Tendon Injuries / epidemiology
            • Tendon Injuries / veterinary

            Citations

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