Musculoskeletal problems associated with lameness and poor performance among horses used for barrel racing: 118 cases (2000-2003).

The research focused on identifying specific musculoskeletal issues leading to lameness or poor performance in barrel racing horses. It found that the forelimbs are more likely to be affected than the hind limbs, with forelimb foot pain and osteoarthritis being the most common problems.

Methodology

• The study was retrospective and utilized a case series method involving 118 horses.
• Medical records for these horses were critically studied and revealed information about their health history, lameness examination findings, diagnostic tests conducted, the specific diagnosis, and the treatment implemented.

Findings

• The most common performance issue was a refusal or failure to properly turn around the first barrel, as observed in 19 out of 46 cases (41%).
• An analysis of limb affliction showed the right forelimb was most commonly affected (48%), succeeded by the left forelimb (43%), the left hind limb (26%), and finally the right hind limb (21%).
• In 26% of the cases, both forelimbs were affected, while in 5% of the cases, both hind limbs were seen to be problematic.
• The most frequently occurring musculoskeletal issues were forelimb foot pain alone (33%), osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints (14%), suspensory ligament desmitis (13%), forelimb foot pain in conjunction with distal tarsal joint osteoarthritis (9%), and bruised feet (8.5%).
• In 69% of the cases, the affected joint was treated with an intra-articular medication.

Conclusion

• The findings indicate that in the context of horses used for barrel racing, the forelimbs are more susceptible to ailments than the hind limbs.
• The most routinely observed problems pertaining to these ailments are forelimb foot pain and osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints.