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The Veterinary record1985; 116(3); 66-69; doi: 10.1136/vr.116.3.66

Epidemiological study of wastage among racehorses 1982 and 1983.

Abstract: An epidemiological study of wastage among racehorses was conducted in 1982 and 1983 among six stables, five of which were in Newmarket. The basis of the survey was the inability of horses to take part in cantering exercise as a result of injury or disease. The greatest number of days lost to training was caused by lameness (67.6 per cent) and respiratory problems (20.5 per cent). Conditions of the foot (19 pe cent), muscle (18 per cent), carpus (14 per cent), fetlock joints (14 per cent), tendons (10 per cent) and sore shins (9 per cent) were the major reasons for training days being lost in 198 cases in which a positive diagnosis of the site of lameness was made. The results confirm a previous investigation by Jeffcott and others (1982) and suggest that the diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis of lameness merit a high priority in research efforts to reduce wastage among young racehorses.
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Publication Date: 1985-01-19 PubMed ID: 3976145DOI: 10.1136/vr.116.3.66Google 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.

The research article presents an epidemiological study conducted on wastage in racehorses in 1982 and 1983. The study primarily investigates the inability of horses to undergo cantering exercise due to injury or disease.

Methodology of the Study

  • The study was conducted across six stables, five of which were located in Newmarket.
  • The main factor considered under the research was the inability of horses to participate in cantering, a type of horse gait, due to injury or disease. This situation is recognized as wastage.

Key Findings

  • The research determined that a significant number of training days were lost due to lameness, which constituted 67.6 per cent of cases.
  • Respiratory problems caused a loss of 20.5 per cent of training days.
  • The primary reasons for the loss of training days, where a clear lameness diagnosis was made, were foot conditions (19 per cent), muscle issues (18 per cent), issues with the carpus (wrist) (14 per cent), fetlock joint (horse equivalent of the human ankle) conditions (14 per cent), hurt tendons (10 per cent), and sore shins (9 per cent).

Significance of the Study

  • The findings of the study affirmed previous research conducted by Jeffcott and others in 1982.
  • The outcomes of the study highlighted the need for prioritizing research into the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of lameness to reduce wastage among young racehorses.

The study provides valuable insights into the critical factors leading to the inability of racehorses to undergo training due to injuries or diseases, thereby informing targeted efforts for reducing wastage in this sector.

Cite This Article

APA
Rossdale PD, Hopes R, Digby NJ, offord K. (1985). Epidemiological study of wastage among racehorses 1982 and 1983. Vet Rec, 116(3), 66-69. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.116.3.66

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 116
Issue: 3
Pages: 66-69

Researcher Affiliations

Rossdale, P D
    Hopes, R
      Digby, N J
        offord, K

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • England
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horses
          • Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
          • Respiration Disorders / epidemiology
          • Respiration Disorders / veterinary

          Citations

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