Effects of sex and age on the ossification of the collateral cartilages of the distal phalanx of the Finnhorse and the relationships between ossification and body size and type of horse.

This study investigates the effect of age and sex on the growth of cartilage bone (ossification) in the distal phalanx of Finnhorses. The examination was done via radiographs of horses aged six months to 20 years, wherein it was discovered that this ossification was more common in females and typically increased with age, body size, and type of horse.

Study Methodology

• The research utilized dorsopalmar radiographs to assess the ossification of the collateral cartilages in the distal phalanx of 202 Finnhorses of mixed gender and aged between six months and 20 years.
• The evaluated parameters involved the horse’s sex, age, body measurements, and horse type, meaning whether the horse was a working type, a trotter, or a riding horse.

Findings

• Ossification was found to be more frequent and extensive in female horses compared to male horses from around two years of age.
• In female horses, the ossification was noticeably more prominent in lateral cartilages than in medial ones, whereas in males, the ossification was more evenly distributed.
• The rate of ossification was seen to rise quickly during the second and third years of a horse’s life, before slowing down as the horse reaches adulthood.

Connection to Body Measurements and Horse Type

• A slightly positive correlation was discovered between ossification and various body measurements. This suggested that larger horses are more prone to ossification. A statistically significant correlation was also noted between ossification and chest-width in adult horses.
• The type of horse also appeared to affect ossification. Occupational horses appear to show slightly more ossification than trotters and riding horses.

Evaluation of Ossification Extent

• In expressing the level of ossification, variables such as ossification at the base of the cartilage, and at potential distinct centres of ossification (encompassing total ossification of individual cartilages and “possibly significant” ossification in the front feet), were considered the most effective measurements.