Transection of the lateral and long digital extensor tendons in racehorses.
Abstract: To report on the outcome of wounds to the hindlimb of racehorses, and horses with the intended use of racing, where both the long digital extensor (LoDE) and lateral digital extensor (LaDE) tendons had been completely transected. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Records of all horses admitted with hindlimb lacerations between 2002 and 2009 were examined for cases where both the LoDE and LaDE tendons in the hindlimb had been severed, and specifically in horses intended to be used for racing. Outcome was assessed via retrieval of race records and via telephone questioning of the owners. Results: In total, 589 records were retrieved and 34 horses met the inclusion criteria: 26 horses (76%) had proximal wounds that severed both the LoDE and LaDE tendons and 8 (24%) had more distal wounds, where the tendons were severed below the point at which they join; 14 horses (41%) were euthanased prior to discharge. Of the 20 horses discharged, 6 (30%) raced and 12 (60%) did not; 2 (10%) of the treated horses, both Thoroughbred colts, were in race training and showing no signs of lameness at the time of the study. Of the 34 horses presented for treatment, 18% went on to race. Conclusions: The prognosis for racing after transection of both hindlimb extensor tendons is poor. Clinicians may wish to consider these findings when formulating advice for clients regarding this injury in racehorses.
© 2012 The Authors. Australian Veterinary Journal © 2012 Australian Veterinary Association.
Publication Date: 2012-01-20 PubMed ID: 22256980DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00871.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article studies the outcomes of severe hindlimb injuries in racehorses and those intended for racing, specifically focusing on cases where both the long and lateral digital extensor tendons have been completely severed. The findings reflect a poor prognosis for horses returning to race after such injuries.
Objective and Methods
- The study aims to analyze the outcomes of severe leg injuries in racehorses, where both the long digital extensor (LoDE) and lateral digital extensor (LaDE) tendons were entirely cut. These injuries generally result from accidents during a race or training sessions.
- The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis by examining medical records of all horses admitted with hindlimb injuries between 2002 and 2009.
- The inclusion criteria specified cases in which both the LoDE and the LaDE tendons in the hindlimb had been severed, and the horses were either racehorses or intended for racing.
- The outcomes of the injuries were assessed mainly through two methods: by retrieving race records to see if the horses were able to race again after recovery, and via phone interviews with the horse owners.
Results
- A total of 589 records were evaluated, and 34 horses met the inclusion criteria.
- Of the 34 horses, 26 (76%) had injuries that severed both the LoDE and LaDE tendons at a point where they meet, while eight (24%) had injuries more towards the distal part of the leg, where the tendons were severed below their convergence point.
- 14 horses (41%) had to be euthanized before they could be discharged due to the severity of their injuries, implying the seriousness of such an injury.
- Out of the 20 horses that were discharged, only six (30%) returned to racing, indicating a high rate of racing discontinuation due to their injuries.
- Among the treated and discharged horses, 2 (10%) were thoroughbred colts who were able to continue race training without any signs of lameness at the time of the study.
Conclusion
- Overall, the study concludes that the likelihood of a racehorse returning to racing after transection of both hindlimb extensor tendons is low, with only 18% of the treatment-seekers able to race again.
- Clinicians and horse owners are advised to consider these findings in their injury management decision-making process, as it gives them realistic expectations about recovery and return to competition.
Cite This Article
APA
Elliott CR, Vasey JR, Russell TM.
(2012).
Transection of the lateral and long digital extensor tendons in racehorses.
Aust Vet J, 90(1-2), 20-23.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00871.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, Victoria, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Hindlimb
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Prognosis
- Sports
- Tendon Injuries / surgery
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Tendons / anatomy & histology
- Tendons / surgery
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Tsang AS, Dart AJ, Biasutti SA, Jeffcott LB, Smith MM, Little CB. Effects of tendon injury on uninjured regional tendons in the distal limb: An in-vivo study using an ovine tendinopathy model.. PLoS One 2019;14(4):e0215830.
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