Observations on the intraarticular use of corticosteroids in the racing thoroughbred.

The research examines the effect of using corticosteroids in treating joint conditions in racing Thoroughbreds over several racing seasons, concluding that the treatment can be beneficial if administered carefully.

Objective

The study was designed to evaluate whether intraarticular corticosteroid therapy – injected directly into the joint – had a negative impact on thoroughbred racing horses during the 1971-1973 seasons.

Study Details

• The researchers had 22 horses for follow-up examinations after they received the corticosteroid therapy.
• Out of the 22 horses, radiographic examinations revealed six horses showed signs of physical deterioration after being treated with corticosteroids.
• One of those six horses had to be euthanized due to probable corticosteroid-induced arthropathy, a debilitating condition affecting the horse’s joints.

Findings

• The remaining 16 horses did not show any signs of physical decline or deterioration after the treatment.
• In one specific example, a successful racehorse had received 12 injections to his left front fetlock – a leg joint similar to the human ankle – over three years without showing any signs of deterioration or adverse effects.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that intraarticular corticosteroid therapy can be safely administered if there is careful and appropriate aftercare.
• This indicates that corticosteroids, when used properly and managed with due caution, might not necessarily be detrimental to the overall health and performance of the racing thoroughbred.