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Home / Equine Research Bank / Am J Vet Res / Quantitative analysis of long-bone growth in the horse.
American journal of veterinary research1984; 45(8); 1602-1609;

Quantitative analysis of long-bone growth in the horse.

Abstract: Long-bone growth at the distal ends of the radial bones, the distal ends of the 3rd metacarpal bones, the distal ends of the 3rd metatarsal bones, and the proximal ends of the proximal phalangeal bones (of thoracic and pelvic limbs) was quantitatively analyzed in 9 Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse foals from birth to 2 years of age. Metal growth markers were surgically implanted in the bones of the animals at 2 to 4 days of age. Radiographs of the bones were made on the day of surgical manipulation, the next day, and then once a week for 8 months, and once a month thereafter for an additional 18 months. On each radiograph, the intervals between the growth markers were measured and plotted, and these accumulated growth data were subjected to statistical analyses. Growth curves, cumulative growth, and relative growth rates were determined. The ages of radiographic growth plate closure also were determined. Total bone growth observed in these foals was proportionately greater than that observed in a similar study of Shetland-Welsh ponies, probably indicating a breed difference. The most rapid growth rate at the 5 anatomic sites in the foals occurred from birth to 10 weeks of age; however, in the distal part of the radius, there was a continuous, though declining growth rate until 60 weeks of age, whereas in the distal ends of the 3rd metacarpal and metatarsal bones and the proximal end of the proximal phalanges growth ceased abruptly and nearly plateaued after 10 weeks of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Publication Date: 1984-08-01 PubMed ID: 6476573
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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.

This research analyses the long-bone growth in Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse foals from birth to 2 years of age, specifically focusing on their radial bones, 3rd metacarpal bones, 3rd metatarsal bones, and proximal phalangeal bones.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted on nine Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse foals from the time they were born until they reached two years of age.
  • At 2 to 4 days old, these young horses had metal growth markers surgically inserted into their bones. These acted as data points for researchers to track bone growth over time.
  • Radiographs, or X-ray images, of the foals’ bones were taken immediately after surgery, the following day, and then at regular intervals for a period of 26 months (once a week for the first eight months and once a month for the next eighteen months).
  • Growth markers on the radiographs were then measured and logged to compile a comprehensive dataset of bone growth within the study period.

Findings and Analysis

  • The resulting data were subjected to quantitative analysis to generate growth curves, determine cumulative growth, and understand relative growth rates of these bones in young horses.
  • In addition to this, the intent was to determine when radiographic growth plate closure occurred – this is the stage when a bone stops growing in length.
  • The researchers noticed that the total bone growth in the foals from the study was proportionately greater than that observed in Shetland-Welsh ponies from a similar study, indicating there might be breed-specific differences to consider.
  • Among the five anatomical sites – the radial bone, 3rd metacarpal bone, 3rd metatarsal bone, and proximal end of proximal phalanges of both thoracic and pelvic limbs – the most rapid growth occurred from birth to 10 weeks of age.
  • However, they noted that in the distal part of the radius, growth continued up to 60 weeks albeit at a declining rate. Additionally, growth in the distal ends of the 3rd metacarpal and metatarsal bones and the proximal end of the proximal phalanges nearly plateaued after the initial 10 weeks.

Cite This Article

APA
Fretz PB, Cymbaluk NF, Pharr JW. (1984). Quantitative analysis of long-bone growth in the horse. Am J Vet Res, 45(8), 1602-1609.

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 8
Pages: 1602-1609

Researcher Affiliations

Fretz, P B
    Cymbaluk, N F
      Pharr, J W

        MeSH Terms

        • Aging
        • Animals
        • Body Weight
        • Bone Development
        • Epiphyses / growth & development
        • Female
        • Growth Plate
        • Horses / physiology
        • Male
        • Metacarpus / growth & development
        • Metatarsus / growth & development
        • Radius / growth & development
        • Sex Factors

        Citations

        This article has been cited 10 times.
        1. Van Cauter R, Serteyn D, Lejeune JP, Rousset A, Caudron I. Evaluation of the appearance of osteochondrosis lesions by two radiographic examinations in sport horses aged from 12 to 36 months. PLoS One 2023;18(5):e0286213.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286213pubmed: 37220101google scholar: lookup
        2. Rogers CW, Gee EK, Dittmer KE. Growth and Bone Development in the Horse: When Is a Horse Skeletally Mature?. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 29;11(12).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11123402pubmed: 34944179google scholar: lookup
        3. Kemper AM, Drnevich J, McCue ME, McCoy AM. Differential Gene Expression in Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone of Neonatal and Adult Horses. Genes (Basel) 2019 Sep 25;10(10).
          doi: 10.3390/genes10100745pubmed: 31557843google scholar: lookup
        4. Hurtig MB, Buschmann MD, Fortier LA, Hoemann CD, Hunziker EB, Jurvelin JS, Mainil-Varlet P, McIlwraith CW, Sah RL, Whiteside RA. Preclinical Studies for Cartilage Repair: Recommendations from the International Cartilage Repair Society. Cartilage 2011 Apr;2(2):137-52.
          doi: 10.1177/1947603511401905pubmed: 26069576google scholar: lookup
        5. Modesto RB, Rodgerson DH, Masciarelli AE, Spirito M. Standing placement of transphyseal screw in the distal radius in 8 Thoroughbred yearlings. Can Vet J 2015 Jun;56(6):605-9.
          pubmed: 26028683
        6. Hunter B, Duesterdieck-Zellmer KF, Huber MJ, Parker JE, Semevolos SA. Carpal valgus in llamas and alpacas: Retrospective evaluation of patient characteristics, radiographic features and outcomes following surgical treatment. Can Vet J 2014 Dec;55(12):1153-9.
          pubmed: 25477542
        7. Strand E, Braathen LC, Hellsten MC, Huse-Olsen L, Bjornsdottir S. Radiographic closure time of appendicular growth plates in the Icelandic horse. Acta Vet Scand 2007 Jul 17;49(1):19.
          doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-49-19pubmed: 17640333google scholar: lookup
        8. Lloyd-Bauer PM, Fretz PB. Correction of acquired flexural deformity by deep digital flexor tenotomy in a miniature horse. Can Vet J 1989 Jul;30(7):585-9.
          pubmed: 17423374
        9. Firth EC. The response of bone, articular cartilage and tendon to exercise in the horse. J Anat 2006 Apr;208(4):513-26.
          doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00547.xpubmed: 16637875google scholar: lookup
        10. Son JK, De Paz P, Kim J, Sanaei R, Ryu S, Bailey S, Davies HMS. The change in third metacarpal mid-diaphyseal radiographic dimensions in Thoroughbred foals through growth. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1600-1611.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14484pubmed: 39967447google scholar: lookup
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