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American journal of veterinary research2004; 65(11); 1508-1517; doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.1508

Effects of injury to the suspensory apparatus, exercise, and horseshoe characteristics on the risk of lateral condylar fracture and suspensory apparatus failure in forelimbs of thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: To assess concurrently the effects of moderate ligamentous suspensory apparatus injury (MLSAI), racing-speed exercise, and horseshoe characteristics on risk of catastrophic suspensory apparatus failure (SAF) or metacarpal condylar fracture (CDY) in forelimbs of racehorses. Methods: Cadavers of 301 Thoroughbred racehorses (108 with SAF, 33 with CDY and 160 control horses). Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was used to describe distributions and relationships between MLSAI, exercise, and horseshoe variables. Logistic regression was used to assess potential risk factors for developing SAF and CDY. Results: Exercise variables were more highly associated with age than height of a steel bar affixed to the ground surface of the front of a horseshoe (ie, toe grab) or sex. Marginal associations were detected between MLSAI and age and height of toe grab. Higher risk for developing SAF was associated with MLSAI, use of a pad on a horseshoe, longer interval since last period of > or = 60 days without a race or timed workout (ie, layup), 2 to 5 career races, and higher intensity of recent exercise. Higher risk for developing CDY was associated with MLSAI, male horses, age between 2 and 5 years, higher intensity of recent exercise, and longer interval since layup. Conclusions: Recognition of MLSAI and rehabilitation of affected horses should reduce incidence of SAF and CDY. Horses in longterm continuous training with recent high-intensity exercise are at greater risk for injury. Use of pads in horseshoes was associated with SAF, although the relationship may not be causal.
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Publication Date: 2004-11-30 PubMed ID: 15566089DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.1508Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • 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 article examines how moderate ligamentous suspensory apparatus injury, exercise intensity, and horseshoe characteristics influence the risk of injury such as suspensory apparatus failure and metacarpal condylar fracture in thoroughbred racehorses. The study findings suggest that earlier detection of these injuries and proper rehabilitation, alongside monitoring exercise intensity and considering horseshoe adjustments, could lessen the risk of severe injuries in these animals.

Methodology

  • The research was conducted using cadavers of 301 Thoroughbred racehorses: 108 with suspensory apparatus failure (SAF), 33 with a metacarpal condylar fracture (CDY), and 160 control group horses.
  • A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was used to uncover the distributions and relationships between moderate ligamentous suspensory apparatus injury (MLSAI), the intensity of exercise, and variables related to the horseshoes used.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors contributing to SAF and CDY.

Results

  • The study results suggest that the intensity of exercise was more significantly associated with the age of a horse than the height of a steel bar affixed to the surface of the front of a horseshoe (toe grab) or the sex of the horse.
  • Only marginal associations were found between MLSAI and the age and height of the toe grab.
  • Higher risks for SAF were associated with MLSAI, use of a pad on a horseshoe, longer intervals since the last period of 60 or more days without a race or timed workout (layup), 2 to 5 career races, and higher recent exercise intensity.
  • Higher risks for CDY were found with MLSAI, male horses, horses aged between 2 to 5 years, higher recent exercise intensity, and longer intervals since layup.

Conclusions

  • Recognizing the signs of MLSAI and correctly rehabilitating affected horses could reduce the incidence of SAF and CDY injuries.
  • Horses engaged in long-term continuous training with recent bouts of high-intensity exercise have a higher risk of injury.
  • The use of pads in horseshoes was linked to an increased risk of SAF, but the study suggests that the relationship may not be causational.

Cite This Article

APA
Hill AE, Gardner IA, Carpenter TE, Stover SM. (2004). Effects of injury to the suspensory apparatus, exercise, and horseshoe characteristics on the risk of lateral condylar fracture and suspensory apparatus failure in forelimbs of thoroughbred racehorses. Am J Vet Res, 65(11), 1508-1517. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.1508

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 65
Issue: 11
Pages: 1508-1517

Researcher Affiliations

Hill, Ashley E
  • J. D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Gardner, Ian A
    Carpenter, Tim E
      Stover, Susan M

        MeSH Terms

        • Age Factors
        • Animals
        • Female
        • Forelimb / injuries
        • Fractures, Bone / etiology
        • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
        • Horses / injuries
        • Ligaments / injuries
        • Logistic Models
        • Male
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal
        • Risk Factors
        • Shoes

        Citations

        This article has been cited 16 times.
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