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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lamen...
Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14551

Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lameness in Australian campdraft horses.

Abstract: Campdrafting is a unique Australian cow horse sport, which evolved from mustering cattle and is one of Australia's fastest growing equine sports. This discipline is associated with its own unique set of musculoskeletal injuries yet to be reported. Objective: To describe the prevalence, anatomical location, and diagnostic modality used to localise lameness in campdrafting horses to better assist efficient orthopaedic management of the campdraft horse. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records were examined from one private practice equine group and one university veterinary hospital between 2017 and 2024. Lameness examinations conducted by 5 veterinarians were included. Data were collected regarding signalment, history, findings on physical and lameness examinations, results of diagnostic procedures performed, and final diagnoses. Results: Two hundred and sixty-seven horses were observed; the most common lameness grade was 2/5 (AAEP; 116; 43%), and the most common breed was Australian stock horses (109; 40%). Forelimb lameness was observed in 53% (143/267) and hindlimb lameness in 41% (112/267) of horses. Forelimb lameness was bilateral in 36 (13%) horses, and bilateral hindlimb lameness was observed in 19 horses. Diagnostic anaesthesia was utilised in 187 (70%) of the 267 horses, with anaesthesia of the abaxial sesamoid nerve block rendering most commonly a positive response (43; 22%). Diagnostic anaesthesia followed by radiography sufficed to obtain a final diagnosis in 110 (41%) cases. Diagnostic anaesthesia, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination was used to achieve a final diagnosis in 67 (25%) cases. Lameness associated with the distal interphalangeal joint was the most common finding (23%; 63/267), followed by the metacarpus and metatarsus (19%; 53/267). Conclusions: Responses to diagnostic anaesthesia and lameness were evaluated subjectively. Conclusions: In the study sample of campdraft horses, lameness was more commonly observed in the distal forelimb compared with samples from other disciplines in cow horse sports.
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Publication Date: 2025-06-24 PubMed ID: 40551710DOI: 10.1111/evj.14551Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study investigates the common musculoskeletal issues causing lameness in Australia’s campdraft horses, a specific breed engaged in a unique cow horse sport, by examining veterinary records for relevant injury and diagnosis data.

Study Methodology

  • The researchers analyzed retrospective cases, sourcing data from a veterinary practice and a university veterinary hospital spanning seven years, from 2017 to 2024.
  • Lameness examinations conducted by five veterinarians were considered valid for the study.
  • Various elements were looked into like the breed, physical findings, lameness examination results, diagnostic procedures performed, and final diagnoses.

Key Findings

  • Out of 267 horses studied, the highest prevalence of lameness graded 2/5 on the American Association of Equine Practitioners scale was found in 43% of horses, with Australian Stock horses being the most common breed affected.
  • Lameness wasfound more in the forelimbs (53% of horses) than in the hindlimbs (41% of horses), with bilateral lameness observed in both.
  • Diagnostic anaesthesia methods were employed in 70% of the cases, and, in 22% of those cases, the abaxial sesamoid nerve block was the most effective.
  • Lameness associated with the distal interphalangeal joint was the most common finding (23% of horses), followed by the metacarpus and metatarsus (19% of horses).
  • In a significant 41% of the cases, the coupling of diagnostic anaesthesia and radiography sufficed to diagnose the condition. A combination of diagnostic anaesthesia, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination was needed in 25% of cases.

Conclusions of the Study

  • Responses to diagnostic anaesthesia and evaluations of lameness were subjective.
  • In the studied sample, lameness was found more frequently in the distal forelimb as compared to samples from other cow horse sport disciplines.

Cite This Article

APA
Argue BJ, Labens R. (2025). Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lameness in Australian campdraft horses. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14551

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Argue, Brodie J
  • Tamworth Equine Veterinary Centre, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.
Labens, Raphael
  • School of Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.

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