The incidence of epistaxis in racehorses in South Africa.
Abstract: In South Africa 2,41% of horses bleed in a race. If all raced until they were 7 years old probably another 2,12% would bleed. Many others bleed after the race or during exercise or at rest. The incidence of epistaxis is significantly greater in geldings than in females and uncastrated males (P less than 0,001). There is an age distribution of bleeding which is highest at 4 years and lowest at 2 years of age (P less than 0,001).
Publication Date: 1976-09-01 PubMed ID: 994143
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study reports on the incidence of nosebleeds in racehorses in South Africa. Study data indicates that nosebleeds are more common in geldings compared to female and uncastrated male horses, and that the prevalence of nosebleeds changes with age.
Study Overview
- This research was conducted to determine the incidence of epistaxis, or nosebleeds, in racehorses in South Africa. With proper data in hand, it can assist in breed selection, training, and medical attention needs of racehorses.
Incidence of Epistaxis
- The study found that 2.41% of horses experienced bleeding during a race. It was also predicted that another 2.12% would likely bleed if all horses raced until they were 7 years old.
- A non-insignificant number of horses also experienced bleeding after a race, or during exercise or even at rest, indicating that the issue is not confined to racing scenarios alone.
Comparison Between Genders
- Different genders of horses showed significant variances in incidence rates. Notably, geldings (castrated male horses) exhibited a significantly higher incidence of epistaxis compared to their female and uncastrated counterparts. This was statistically significant at P less than 0.001.
Age Distribution of Epistaxis
- The study also charted an age distribution for the occurrence of epistaxis and discovered a trend. The highest incidence of bleeding was at the age of 4 years and the lowest incidence was at 2 years.
- This age-dependent trend was also found to be statistically significant with P less than 0.001, indicating that the occurrence of epistaxis in horses isn’t random but instead varies with age.
Implications of the Study
- These findings suggest the need for a differentiated approach to the health and well-being of racehorses, factoring in the gender and age of the horse.
- The knowledge that geldings and older horses are more susceptible to bleeding can help in deciding training intensity, racing decisions, and overall veterinary care to prevent epistaxis.
Cite This Article
APA
Pfaff G.
(1976).
The incidence of epistaxis in racehorses in South Africa.
J S Afr Vet Assoc, 47(3), 215-218.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Epistaxis / epidemiology
- Epistaxis / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Male
- Seasons
- Sex Factors
- South Africa
Citations
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