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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(4); 366-371; doi: 10.2746/042516409x368372

Post mortem evaluation of palmar osteochondral disease (traumatic osteochondrosis) of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: Thoroughbred racehorses are commonly affected by subchondral bone injury, but the exact prevalence and the distribution of palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) lesions are unknown. The relationship between pathologies has not been elucidated, although it is widely accepted that POD is a manifestation of traumatic overload arthrosis. Objective: There is an association between grade of POD and other pathologies affecting the third metacarpal and metatarsal (MC/MTIII) condyles (wear lines, cartilage loss, marginal remodelling, dorsal impact injuries and linear fissures). Objective: To evaluate the pathology found affecting the distal MC/MTIII condyles of Thoroughbred racehorses at post mortem examination, to describe the prevalence and distribution of POD lesions within a population of racing Thoroughbreds and to determine relationships between pathologies of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Methods: The metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints of 64 Thoroughbred racehorses were examined at routine post mortem examination and graded for third metacarpal and metatarsal condylar pathology. Associations between pathologies were determined. Results: POD had a within horse prevalence of 67%. There was a significant linear relationship between grade of POD and grades of wear lines, cartilage ulceration and dorsal impact injuries. There was a significant relationship, but this was not linear, between grade of POD and grade of linear fissures. Using ordinal logistic regression, compared to condyles with grade 0 or grade 2 linear fissures, condyles with grade 1 linear fissures were found to be more likely to have a lower POD grade. Conclusions: POD can be considered to be a manifestation of traumatic overload arthrosis, but the role of subchondral bone adaptation is complex and warrants further investigation.
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Publication Date: 2009-07-01 PubMed ID: 19562898DOI: 10.2746/042516409x368372Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 is about investigating the prevalence, distribution, and relation to other pathologies of palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) lesions in Thoroughbred racehorses. By examining these horses after death, the study finds out that these POD lesions are related to traumatic overload arthrosis, although the role of subchondral bone adaptation needs more understanding.

Research Objectives

The study aimed to achieve several objectives:

  • Examine the pathology impacting the distal metacarpal and metatarsal (MC/MTIII) condyles of Thoroughbred racehorses after death.
  • Document the occurrence and distribution of POD lesions among a population of racing Thoroughbreds.
  • Identify the relationships between various illnesses of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted routine post mortem examinations on the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints of 64 Thoroughbred racehorses.
  • They determined and recorded the grade of the pathology for the third metacarpal and metatarsal condylar.
  • The researchers also identified any correlations between the different forms of pathology.

Results

  • The investigation found a 67% prevalence of POD in the examined horses.
  • A significant linear relationship was discovered between the grade of POD and the grades of wear lines, cartilage ulceration, and dorsal impact injuries.
  • The researchers found a significant but non-linear relationship between the grade of POD and the grade of linear fissures.
  • According to an ordinal logistic regression analysis, the study found that condyles with grade 1 linear fissures are more likely to have a lower grade of POD compared to condyles with grade 0 or grade 2 linear fissures.

Conclusion

The study concludes that POD appears to be a manifestation of traumatic overload arthrosis, implicating the heavy strain racing imposes on the horses. However, the study also highlights the complex nature of subchondral bone adaptation, indicating that more research is needed to understand its role fully.

Cite This Article

APA
Barr ED, Pinchbeck GL, Clegg PD, Boyde A, Riggs CM. (2009). Post mortem evaluation of palmar osteochondral disease (traumatic osteochondrosis) of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J, 41(4), 366-371. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x368372

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 4
Pages: 366-371

Researcher Affiliations

Barr, E D
  • Division of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
Pinchbeck, G L
    Clegg, P D
      Boyde, A
        Riggs, C M

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Foot Injuries / pathology
          • Foot Injuries / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / pathology
          • Horses
          • Male
          • Osteochondrosis / pathology
          • Osteochondrosis / veterinary

          Grant Funding

          • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

          Citations

          This article has been cited 20 times.
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