Risk Factors for Epistaxis in Thoroughbred Flat Races in Japan (2001-2020).
- Journal Article
Summary
The study looks into the risk factors leading to nosebleeds (epistaxis) in Thoroughbred flat races in Japan, with an analysis spanning 20 years. The findings reveal several factors contributing to the occurrence of epistaxis, including race conditions, horse attributes, and geographical differences.
Research Methodology
- The research involved analyzing veterinary records of horses that experienced epistaxis during a race, captured via endoscopy, and comparing these to the official racing results between 2001 and 2020.
- Different facets were taken into account such as the racecourses (10 in total), type and condition of the surface, race class, race distance, race year, sex and age of the horses, two training centers, ambient temperature, and body weight on race days.
- These factors were subjected to a multivariable logistic regression to ascertain the odds of epistaxis occurrence.
Key Findings
- Out of 475,709 race starts, there were 616 instances of epistaxis. The occurrence rate was 1.30 cases per 1000 starts.
- Nine variables were found to have a significant association with epistaxis.
- Among these, seven were previously identified in earlier studies: low ambient temperature, soft surface conditions, shorter race distances (≤1400 m), older age of horses, female horses and geldings as compared to male horses, training center, and race year.
- In addition, the study identified two new variables that had a significant correlation with epistaxis: increase in body weight per 20 kg and racecourses where the horses ran. The latter variable, racecourse, exhibited especially higher odds in Sapporo, Hakodate, and Kokura as compared to the reference racecourse (Kyoto).
Implications of the Study
Despite its wide scope and detailed statistical analysis, the research suggests the necessity of additional interventions to cut down instances of epistaxis in flat racing. Possible actions could include managing the horses’ body weights, providing proper training, adjusting condition preparation depending on the racecourse, and paying special heed to horses running at specific racecourses identified as high-risk areas.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Tochigi, Japan.
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Tochigi, Japan.
- Equine Department, Japan Racing Association, 1-1-1, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato 105-0003, Tokyo, Japan.
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Tochigi, Japan.
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Tochigi, Japan.
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke 329-0412, Tochigi, Japan.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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