Radiographic Identification of Osseous Cyst- Like Lesions in the Distal Phalanx in 22 Lame Thoroughbred Horses Managed Conservatively and Their Racing Performance.
Abstract: To investigate the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses with osseous cyst-like lesions (OCLLs) in the distal phalanx causing lameness and treated conservatively. To assess horses' ability to race and perform after radiographic identification of OCLL in the distal phalanx of Thoroughbred horses with lameness at the time of detection and undergoing conservative treatment. Retrospective case control study. The clinical database of one equine clinic was reviewed in a 10-year period for Thoroughbreds showing lameness localized to the foot and a radiographic diagnosis of OCLL in the distal phalanx. Sex, age at time of detection of the OCLL, degree of lameness, affected limb, and treatment were recorded. Successful performance of horses was assessed by racing at least once after detection of the OCLL and maximum racing performance rating (RPR). Radiographic features such as size, location, sclerotic rim of the OCLL and irregularity of the articular surface of the distal phalanx were compared to successful performance using univariable statistical analysis. Successful performance of horses with OCLL was compared to a control group of maternal siblings by parametric testing. Twenty-two horses met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen horses raced after the detection of OCLLs. Eight did not race, one case had not yet reached racing age, resulting in 62% (13/21) of racing age racing at least once. The number of successfully performing horses with an OCCL was significantly lower compared to their maternal siblings [ = 0.03, Odds ratio (OR) = 0.30]. If horses with OCLL in the distal phalanx raced, their RPR was similar to their maternal siblings. No significant association was found between radiographic features of OCLLs and successful performance, but OCLLs in the left forelimb carried a more favorable outcome for racing ( = 0.02, OR = 2.33 95%CI 1.27, 4.27) compared to OCLLs in any other limb. Horses with lameness and an OCLL in the distal phalanx managed conservatively are less likely to race when compared to their maternal siblings. If horses with OCLLs in the distal phalanx are able to race, their performance, measured as RPR, was comparable to their maternal siblings. Due to the small numbers in this study the results should be interpreted carefully.
Publication Date: 2018-11-22 PubMed ID: 30525046PubMed Central: PMC6262755DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00286Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates the impact of osseous cyst-like lesions (OCLLs) in the foot bone (distal phalanx) causing lameness in Thoroughbred horses, and how these horses perform in races after being treated conservatively. It reveals that horses with such conditions are less likely to participate in races compared to unaffected horses, but their performance, when they do race, is found to be comparable with their unaffected siblings.
Research Method and Subjects
- This study is a retrospective type where the researchers reviewed a clinical database of an equine clinic over a 10-year period.
- The subjects of the research are Thoroughbred horses that showed signs of lameness localized to the foot and had a radiographic diagnosis of OCLL in the distal phalanx.
- The variables recorded included the horse’s sex, age at the time of OCLL detection, degree of lameness, affected limb, and treatment received.
Research Analysis
- The successful performance of the horses was determined by them being able to participate in at least one race after OCLL detection and their maximum racing performance rating (RPR).
- Radiographic features such as the size, location, sclerotic rim of the OCLL, and irregularity of the distal phalanx’s articular surface were compared to successful performance employing univariate statistical analysis.
- The performance of horses with OCLLs was compared to a control group of horses which were the maternal siblings of the affected horses, using parametric testing.
Findings of the Research
- A total of 22 horses met the inclusion criteria for the study. Of these, 13 managed to participate in races after OCLL detection. Eight did not race and one horse had not yet reached the racing age.
- The research found that the number of horses with OCLLs that managed to perform successfully was significantly lower than their unaffected maternal siblings.
- It was also found that if horses with OCLLs in the distal phalanx did race, their RPR was similar to their unaffected siblings.
- There was no significant association found between the radiographic features of OCLLs and successful performance. However, horses with OCLLs in the left forelimb had a more favorable outcome for racing compared to those with OCLLs in any other limb.
Conclusion of the Research
- Though the sample size was small, the results indicate horses with lameness and an OCLL in the distal phalanx who are treated conservatively are less likely to race compared to unaffected horses.
- If these horses are able to race, their performance was comparable to their maternal siblings. However, the results need careful interpretation due to the small sample size.
Cite This Article
APA
Peter VG, O'Keeffe TA, Smith LCR, Schweizer-Gorgas D.
(2018).
Radiographic Identification of Osseous Cyst- Like Lesions in the Distal Phalanx in 22 Lame Thoroughbred Horses Managed Conservatively and Their Racing Performance.
Front Vet Sci, 5, 286.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00286 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Newmarket, United Kingdom.
- Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Newmarket, United Kingdom.
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Hartl B, Strohmayer C, Vali Y, Lyrakis M, Kneissl SM. Computed tomographic signs of hyoid apparatus disease in 165 horses. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1631185.
- Zalig V, Vengust M, Blagus R, Berner D, Sandow C, Hanna A, Miklavcic M. The difference in radiographic findings in the distal limbs of working Lipizzan horses, used for dressage or driving. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1393325.
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