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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2018; 245; 29-40; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.11.014

Meta-analysis of risk factors for racehorse catastrophic musculoskeletal injury in flat racing.

Abstract: Studies of racehorse injury or fatality in various countries have identified common, and in some cases conflicting, risk factors. We conducted a systematic search of the relevant literature published from 1990 to 2017. Peer-reviewed articles were included if they reported the incidence of fatal or catastrophic musculoskeletal injury (CMI) in Thoroughbred flat races (n=21) or risk factors for CMI (n=65). Pooled effect sizes were estimated using the random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model. The pooled incidence of CMI was 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.90, 1.44) per 1000 race starts. Almost 300 factors have been investigated in epidemiological studies for potential associations with CMI. Factors found to have consistent evidence of increasing risk of CMI are: (1) Horse-level factors such as older horse age and age at first start, male sex, and higher race class or lower claiming price; (2) Race-level factors such as firmer track conditions on turf and wetter conditions on dirt, longer race distance, and a greater number of starters; and (3) Management-related factors including more time since previous start, greater number of starts, longer career length, issues identified at pre-race examination, previous injury, and recent administration of medication or injections. Studies investigating recent cumulative distance of high-speed exercise were conflicting and suggestive of at least two mechanisms of injury related to the accumulation of bone damage: (1) In well adapted bone following a period of intense training; and (2) In poorly adapted bone at relatively low levels of training intensity. Future studies should evaluate success of interventions and mechanisms for injury.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2018-12-01 PubMed ID: 30819423DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.11.014Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

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 involves a systematic meta-analysis of risk factors associated with catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMI) in racehorses partaking in flat racing. With an overview of relevant literature from 1990-2017, it highlights that numerous factors like horse age, race conditions, and even management practices could contribute to the increased risk of CMI.

Study Overview

The research systematically analyzed academic literature published between 1990 and 2017, focusing on the incidence and potential risk factors of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMI) in Thoroughbred flat races. The researchers used the DerSimonian-Laird model to estimate the pooled effect sizes.

  • The literature consisted of studies from various countries, each investigating different risk factors associated with racehorse injuries or fatalities.
  • The total incidence of CMIs in flat races, as per the pooled effect sizes, was approximately 1.17 per 1000 race starts.
  • Around 300 factors have been studied in epidemiological research to assess their potential connection to CMIs.

Identified Risk Factors

Upon analysis, the research identified a series of risks that consistently demonstrated evidence of incresed likelihood of CMIs in racehorses.

  • Horse-level factors include older age of the horse, male gender, and higher racing class or lower claiming price.
  • Race-level factors like firmer track conditions on turf and wetter conditions on dirt, longer race distance, and increased number of starters were also associated with a higher incident rate of CMIs.
  • Management-related factors like extended periods since the previous start, a higher number of starts, a longer career duration, issues identified during pre-race examinations, previous injuries, and recent medication or injection usage were all listed as consistent risk factors.

Other Findings

The study also found conflicting evidence regarding the cumulative distance of high-speed exercise. Implementation mechanisms for injury are suggested, linked the accumulation of bone damage in well-adapted bones following intense training, and in poorly-adapted bones at relatively low intensity training levels.

Recommendations for Future Research

The implications of the study suggest that future research should focus on evaluating the success of interventions and injury mechanisms, with an embrace of nearly three decades of literature. The comprehensive identification of risk factors could help in effective decision-making related to training, racing, and horse management, thereby potentially reducing the incidence of CMIs.

Cite This Article

APA
Hitchens PL, Morrice-West AV, Stevenson MA, Whitton RC. (2018). Meta-analysis of risk factors for racehorse catastrophic musculoskeletal injury in flat racing. Vet J, 245, 29-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.11.014

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 245
Pages: 29-40

Researcher Affiliations

Hitchens, P L
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia. Electronic address: phitchens@unimelb.edu.au.
Morrice-West, A V
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.
Stevenson, M A
  • Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
Whitton, R C
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones / injuries
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Risk Factors
  • Running
  • Sex Factors
  • Sports
  • Time Factors

Citations

This article has been cited 47 times.
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