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The Veterinary record2002; 151(21); 623-626; doi: 10.1136/vr.151.21.623

Incidence and risk factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis in thoroughbred racehorses in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: Telephone surveys of 34 racing yards with 1276 horses in training were made to establish the overall incidence of exertional rhabdomyolysis in the previous year. A case-control study was used to investigate the risk factors for the syndrome in 12 yards selected on the basis of the routine confirmation of diagnoses by the evaluation of the serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. The overall incidence of the syndrome was 6.7 per cent and 80 per cent of the trainers had at least one affected horse. In 74 per cent of the affected horses it frequently recurred, with an average of six lost training days per episode. Risk factors identified for the syndrome included being female, having a nervous, excitable temperament, and being two years old.
Publication Date: 2002-12-14 PubMed ID: 12479297DOI: 10.1136/vr.151.21.623Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 studied exertional rhabdomyolysis, a muscle disorder, in thoroughbred racehorses in the United Kingdom. The study identified the incidence and risk factors such as gender, temperament and age.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used telephone surveys for 34 racing yards housing 1276 horses to find out about exertional rhabdomyolysis in the previous year.
  • They conducted a case-control study to investigate the risk factors for this muscle disorder.
  • The case-control study included 12 yards chosen based on the routine confirmation of diagnoses that were evaluated by analyzing the serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase, enzymes typically increased in the blood due to muscle damage.

Research Findings

  • The overall incidence of exertional rhabdomyolysis was found to be 6.7% in the surveyed population.
  • About 80% of the trainers had at least one horse that was affected by this syndrome.
  • In 74% of the horses experiencing this disorder, it was frequently recurring, leading to an average of six lost training days per episode.

Risk Factors

  • The research identified several risk factors associated with the onset of exertional rhabdomyolysis.
  • Being female was found to be a risk factor. This could potentially be due to hormonal differences, though the study does not specify.
  • Another risk factor identified was the horse’s temperament. Specifically, horses with a nervous, excitable temperament were more prone to the syndrome. This could possibly be due to stress or anxiety experienced by these horses increasing muscle tension and leading to the condition.
  • The age of the horse was also a significant risk factor. Younger horses, specifically two years old, were more likely to have the syndrome. The reason behind this could be the intense training they undergo which their bodies might be unaccustomed to.

Cite This Article

APA
McGowan CM, Fordham T, Christley RM. (2002). Incidence and risk factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis in thoroughbred racehorses in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec, 151(21), 623-626. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.151.21.623

Publication

ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 151
Issue: 21
Pages: 623-626

Researcher Affiliations

McGowan, C M
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA.
Fordham, T
    Christley, R M

      MeSH Terms

      • Aging
      • Animals
      • Behavior, Animal
      • Case-Control Studies
      • Disease Susceptibility
      • Female
      • Horse Diseases / blood
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horses
      • Incidence
      • Male
      • Odds Ratio
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal
      • Rhabdomyolysis / blood
      • Rhabdomyolysis / epidemiology
      • Rhabdomyolysis / veterinary
      • Risk Factors
      • Sex Characteristics

      Citations

      This article has been cited 11 times.
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