Fragmentation of the dorsal distal aspect of the talus on weanling survey and pre-sale radiographs of juvenile Thoroughbreds: prevalence and 2- and 3-year-olds racing performance.

This research investigates the prevalence of a condition known as fragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the distal talus (FDDT) in young Thoroughbred horses and its potential impact on their racing performance. The study shows that FDDT does not significantly affect a horse’s racing performance.

Research Methodology

• The research used a retrospective case-control method to better understand FDDT in juvenile Thoroughbreds, specifically focusing on its prevalence and impact on racing performance.
• The researchers collected data from a vast database of survey and repository radiographic examinations of 5709 Thoroughbred horses.
• Out of this population, 36 horses were identified as having FDDT.

Key Findings

• The researchers discovered that the prevalence of FDDT in the study population was relatively low, at 0.63%.
• In contrast, the prevalence of osteochondrosis of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia was much higher, at 5.01% in the same population.
• In most FDDT cases, a mildly damaging single oval-shaped fragment (between 1-12 mm in diameter) was observed.
• The researchers compared the racing performance statistics of horses with FDDT and their counterparts and found no significant differences.
• Specifically, there was no significant difference in the average sale price, the likelihood of a horse starting a race or trial, or the averages of race starts, wins, places, and prize money when the horses were 2- and 3-years old.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that FDDT did not appear to significantly affect the racing performance of young Thoroughbred horses.
• However, they suggested that a more extensive study should be carried out to confirm these findings.