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American journal of veterinary research2007; 68(7); 760-771; doi: 10.2460/ajvr.68.7.760

Risk factors for proximal sesamoid bone fractures associated with exercise history and horseshoe characteristics in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: To assess individual and combined associations of high-speed exercise and horseshoe characteristics with risk of forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fractures and proximal sesamoid bone midbody fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: 269 deceased Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: A case-control study design was used to compare 121 horses with a fracture of at least 1 of 4 forelimb proximal sesamoid bones (75 horses had a midbody fracture) and 148 horses without a forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fracture. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential risk factors for association with proximal sesamoid bone fracture. Results: Compared with horses that died without proximal sesamoid bone fractures, horses that died with proximal sesamoid bone fractures were more likely to be sexually intact males, spend more time in active trainingand racing, complete more events, train and race longer since their last layup, have higher exercise intensities during the 12 months prior to death, and have greater cumulative distances for their career. Horses with proximal sesamoid bone midbody fractures were more likely to be sexually intact males, train and race longer since their last layup, and have higher exercise intensities during the 12 months prior to death. Conclusions: Limitingexercise intensity and the continuous time spent in activity duringa horse's career may decrease the frequency of forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Thoroughbred horses.
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Publication Date: 2007-07-04 PubMed ID: 17605612DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.68.7.760Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The study explores the relationship between high-speed exercise, horseshoe characteristics, and the risk of forelimb proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses. The findings suggest that limiting exercise intensity and continuous activity time could help reduce the incidence of such injuries.

Study Overview and Methodology

  • The study implemented a case-control design to compare Thoroughbred racehorses with and without a specific type of injury: fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone in the forelimbs. The sesamoid bones are small bones embedded in the tendons of the horse’s lower leg.
  • The sample comprised 269 deceased horses, 121 with at least one of this type of fracture and 148 without.
  • The researchers collected data on each horse’s exercise history, sex, and horseshoe characteristics, among other details.

Key Findings

  • Horses that had died with proximal sesamoid bone fractures were more likely to be sexually intact males.
  • These horses also tended to have spent more time in active training and racing, completed more events and trained or competed for longer periods since their last break.
  • They also showed higher exercise intensities during the 12 months leading up to their death and had covered greater cumulative distances throughout their careers.
  • Specifically, horses with midbody fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone also displayed the above patterns and were likely to have higher exercise intensities during the year prior to death.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The findings suggest that factors such as the horse’s sex, training and racing history, exercise intensity, and distance covered may contribute to the risk of proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses.
  • Steps such as limiting high-intensity exercise and amount of time spent in continuous activity could help decrease the frequency of these injuries, which are apparently associated with long periods of strenuous activity.
  • This information could be useful to horse trainers and owners, as well as conditioners and racetrack regulatory bodies, as they make decisions about horse training schedules and racing regulations.

Cite This Article

APA
Anthenill LA, Stover SM, Gardner IA, Hill AE. (2007). Risk factors for proximal sesamoid bone fractures associated with exercise history and horseshoe characteristics in Thoroughbred racehorses. Am J Vet Res, 68(7), 760-771. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.68.7.760

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 68
Issue: 7
Pages: 760-771

Researcher Affiliations

Anthenill, Lucy A
  • J. D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Stover, Susan M
    Gardner, Ian A
      Hill, Ashley E

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • California / epidemiology
        • Case-Control Studies
        • Female
        • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
        • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
        • Horses / injuries
        • Logistic Models
        • Male
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal
        • Sesamoid Bones / injuries
        • Shoes

        Citations

        This article has been cited 24 times.
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