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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Ultrasonographic assessment of the superficial digital flexo...
Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(5); 449-454; doi: 10.2746/042516409x391042

Ultrasonographic assessment of the superficial digital flexor tendons of National Hunt racehorses in training over two racing seasons.

Abstract: It is important to ascertain the prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries and to improve methods of predicting injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses. Objective: To establish: 1) the prevalence of SDFT tendinopathy in NH horses; 2) whether routine ultrasonography can be used to predict SDFT injuries; 3) whether previous tendinopathy predisposes to reinjury; 4) a normal range for the SDFT cross-sectional area (CSA); and 5) the effects of gender, age, background (ex-flat or ex-store), limb, training and rest periods on SDFT CSA. Methods: Routine ultrasound assessment of the palmar metacarpal soft tissues of 263 NH racehorses was performed on up to 6 occasions over 2 NH racing seasons. Results: The prevalence of SDFT pathology detected using ultrasonography was 24% (n = 148), with a nonsignificant variation between yards of 10-40%. No changes in SDFT CSA or ultrasonographic appearance were detected prior to injury. Older horses had a significantly higher prevalence of SDFT pathology compared to younger horses, and horses with tendinopathy were more likely to suffer an acute injury compared to horses with no evidence of pathology. A reference range for normal CSA measurements was established as 77-139 mm2 at level 4, from 142 horses with no ultrasonographic evidence of SDFT pathology. The CSA of normal horses did not vary significantly with age, limb or over 2 racing seasons, but did with sex and background. Conclusions: The study confirms that SDFT tendinopathy is common in NH horses, with substantial variation between training yards. Ultrasonography at 3 month intervals did not seem to predict acute SDFT injuries. Conclusions: Variation in the prevalence of tendinopathy between yards suggests that training methods may influence injury rate. It was not possible to predict injury using routine ultrasonography and therefore other methods must be identified. A normal reference range for SDFT CSA is provided.
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Publication Date: 2009-08-01 PubMed ID: 19642404DOI: 10.2746/042516409x391042Google 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 research is a study of National Hunt racehorses over two racing seasons, examining the prevalence and predictors of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries. Utilizing routine ultrasonography, the study explores factors such as gender, age, and training methods, and also establishes a normal range for SDFT cross-sections.

Research Methods

  • The study used ultrasound to monitor the superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT), a tendon area prone to injury in racehorses, in 263 National Hunt (NH) racehorses across two racing seasons.
  • The monitoring was done on six different occasions to examine the state of the SDFT and to gauge if there were any visible changes or indicators of impending injury.

Findings

  • The study found that 24% of the racehorses displayed signs of SDFT injuries, called ‘SDFT tendinopathy’.
  • No visible changes were detected in the cross-sectional area (CSA) or appearance of the SDFT even prior to injury.
  • Older horses were found to be more susceptible to SDFT tendinopathy, and horses already exhibiting tendinopathy were more likely to suffer acute injuries.
  • The research provided a reference range for the CSA in normal horses, which did not significantly vary with age, limb, or over two racing seasons.
  • However, the CSA of normal horses varied with the horse’s sex and background.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The prevalence of tendinopathy varied between different training yards, suggesting that the training methods employed could have an impact on the risk of injury to the tendons.
  • The routine ultrasonography performed did not prove to be effective in predicting the occurrence of SDFT injuries. This suggests that other, more effective methods need to be identified and implemented for prediction and prevention of injury.
  • The researchers provided a normal reference range for the SDFT cross-sectional area, which could be useful for further study in this area.

Cite This Article

APA
Avella CS, Ely ER, Verheyen KL, Price JS, Wood JL, Smith RK. (2009). Ultrasonographic assessment of the superficial digital flexor tendons of National Hunt racehorses in training over two racing seasons. Equine Vet J, 41(5), 449-454. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x391042

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 5
Pages: 449-454

Researcher Affiliations

Avella, C S
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
Ely, E R
    Verheyen, K L P
      Price, J S
        Wood, J L N
          Smith, R K W

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Female
            • Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
            • Forelimb / pathology
            • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
            • Horse Diseases / pathology
            • Horses
            • Male
            • Physical Conditioning, Animal
            • Tendon Injuries / diagnostic imaging
            • Tendon Injuries / pathology
            • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
            • Time Factors
            • Ultrasonography

            Citations

            This article has been cited 25 times.
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