Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses: A Descriptive Study.
Abstract: There has been little investigation into the health patterns of the eventing horse population outside veterinary clinics. To target health problems in the eventing horse population, it is important to determine the relative impact of different health problems. The objectives were to describe the prevalence and patterns of lameness/illness in registered British eventing horses. An online survey was released for all horses registered with British eventing in 2018. Data were collated and descriptive analyses undertaken. A total of 1677 surveys were completed, among which 49.4% reported a previous lameness/musculoskeletal problem, 26% being in the previous six months. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal problems were in the foot (421), joints (382), wounds (340), back (333), ligament (205), tendon (213), bones (140) and muscles (135). The most frequent non-musculoskeletal problems related to the skin (183), gastric ulceration (173), colic (145) and infection (88). Injuries to the hoof sole/muscles/tendons were most frequently sustained in competition, suspensory ligament/splint bone/stifle/tarsal injuries were more frequently sustained in training and abscess/foot penetration at rest. DDFT injuries were most frequently out of training for >12 months, SDFT/stifle/suspensory ligament for <12 months, tendon sheath/splint bone for <3 months and tarsal/sole bruising/abscess for <2 weeks. A greater understanding of injuries/illnesses frequently sustained could be useful for veterinarians working with event horses.
Publication Date: 2024-09-13 PubMed ID: 39335262PubMed Central: PMC11429326DOI: 10.3390/ani14182667Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research attempted to understand the prevalence and patterns of lameness or illness in British eventing horses to enhance medical care. It utilized an online survey method for horses registered with British Eventing in 2018 and showed that approximately half had experienced past lameness or musculoskeletal problems and a quarter in the last six months. The study highlighted the foot as the frequently injured part, followed by the joint, wounds, the back, and other areas of the body. It also shed light on various non-musculoskeletal problems.
Understanding the Research Methodology
- The study relied on an online survey filled out by owners, trainers, or handlers of horses registered with British Eventing in 2018. The survey was designed to gather accurate data on the health issues and injuries of these horses.
- The scope of the study was broad, focusing on both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal health issues, to provide a holistic understanding of the horses’ health patterns.
- Data were collated and descriptive analyses conducted to facilitate pattern and prevalence determination.
Findings of The Study
- The study revealed that approximately half (49.4%) of the surveyed horses had encountered a prior musculoskeletal problem, while a quarter (26%) had faced such an issue within the past six months.
- Analyses of the survey data indicated that the foot was the most common site of musculoskeletal problems, followed by the joints, wounds, back, ligament, tendon, bones, and muscles.
- The research also highlighted non-musculoskeletal issues. The skin (183), gastric ulceration (173), colic (145), and infection (88) were among the prevalent problems.
- The study further divided injuries based on their occurrence during competition, training, or rest. Injuries to the hoof sole, muscles, and tendons were most likely to happen during competition, while suspensory ligament, splint bone, stifle, and tarsal injuries commonly occurred during training. At rest, abscess and foot penetration were observed.
- Recovery periods varied according to the nature of the injury. For instance, DDFT injuries usually required over a year of recovery, while injuries to the tendon sheath and splint bone could heal in under three months.
Implications of The Study
- The comprehensiveness of this study can result in more informed and accurate veterinary care for eventing horses.
- Identifying the most prone areas for injury and the common health problems amongst eventing horses can also help in developing strategic medical programs and preventive measures.
- This study will contribute to future research on equine health issues, providing a broad database that can be referenced for comparative studies or for looking deeper into specific injuries or illnesses.
Cite This Article
APA
Tranquille CA, Chojnacka K, Murray RC.
(2024).
Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses: A Descriptive Study.
Animals (Basel), 14(18).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182667 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket CB8 7UU, UK.
- VetCT, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK.
Grant Funding
- N/A / British Equestrian Federation World Class Programme
- N/A / British Eventing Charitable Trust
- N/A / World Horse Welfare
- N/A / Animal Health Trust
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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