2013/04/26 by SE Hennessy, MA Muurlink, GA Anderson +4 · 1 citation
Medicine · Veterinary · #Tendon Structure and Treatment #Veterinary Equine Medical Research #Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology
paper · doi:10.1111/avj.12053
crossref issued 2013/04/26 · crossref published 2013/04/26 · crossref published-online 2013/04/26 · openalex publication_date 2013/04/26 · crossref created 2013/04/26 · crossref published-print 2013/06/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · crossref deposited 2024/05/09 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced versus non-displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy. DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. METHODS: Medical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non-displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow-up, and correlated with fracture type to determine long-term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range. RESULTS: Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving two sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with non-displaced fractures (n = 19) (median 0.5, range 0-13 vs 7, 0-24; P = 0.037), but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the two groups (median A0, range A0-123,250 vs A14,440, A0-325,500, respectively; P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were euthanased on humane grounds because of persistent severe pain. When these horses were excluded from the analysis, there were no differences in performance variables between horses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture. CONCLUSION: Thoroughbred racehorses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post-injury period have a good prognosis for racing.