Prognosis for racing with conservative management of cervical vertebral malformation in thoroughbreds: 103 cases (2002-2010).

This research is a retrospective study looking at 103 thoroughbred horses who were presumed to have Cervical Vertebral Malformation (CVM) and treated conservatively between 2002 and 2010 to evaluate factors influencing their chances of racing after diagnosis. The study found that some horses could still race after a CVM diagnosis and certain neurological examinations and radiographic findings could predict their racing prognosis.

Study Objective and Methodologies

• The main goal of the research was to evaluate medical records of thoroughbred horses presumably diagnosed with CVM and review their ensuing racing records. The objective was to determine the radiographic and neurologic examination findings that could impact their ability to perform athletically after undergoing a conservative management approach.
• Retrospectively, the medical histories and racing records of 103 thoroughbreds diagnosed with CVM and treated conservatively from 2002 to 2010 were studied.
• The horses were divided into separate groups based on whether they raced post-treatment or not.
• Multiple factors were assessed and compared between both groups, such as results of neurologic examination, radiographic and lab findings, treatments, and outcome.

Results and Conclusions

• Out of the total number of horses studied, 16 were excluded due to insufficient data. Subsequently, 33 horses were euthanized after diagnosis while the other 70 received discharge for conservative treatment.
• On observing these 70 horses, it was found that 21 of them, or 30%, were able to race post-treatment.
• Horses that resumed racing had significantly lower neurologic grades with a median of 1.0 in the thoracic limbs and 2.0 in the pelvic limbs.
• Euthanized horses and nonstarters exhibited a higher likelihood of having either kyphosis or cranial stenosis, as indicated by standing lateral cervical radiographs.
• The research concluded that despite a CVM diagnosis, some horses possess the ability to compete in races.
• It was also discerned that neurological examinations and radiographic findings can assist in predicting a horse’s prognosis to continue racing.