Document Detail


The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing Thoroughbred.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15581320     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The relationship of conformation to future potential injury is a standard approach in practise but, at present, is largely based on subjective observations. OBJECTIVE: To measure conformation in 3-year-old Thoroughbreds and objectively test its relationship with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: Conformation measurements were taken from photographs using specific reference points marked on the horses and processed on the computer. Clinical observations were recorded for each horse on a regular basis. Stepwise (forward) logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the binary response of the clinical outcomes probability and the conformation variables by the method of maximum likelihood. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes significantly (P<0.05) associated with conformational variables included effusion of the front fetlock, effusion of the right carpus, effusion of the carpus, effusion of the hind fetlock, fracture of the left or right carpus, right front fetlock problem and hind fetlock problem. CONCLUSIONS: Offset knees (offset ratio) contributed to fetlock problems. Long pasterns increased the odds of a fracture in the front limb. An increase in the carpal angle as viewed from the front (carpal valgus) may serve as a protective mechanism, as the odds for a carpal fracture and carpal effusion decreased with an increase in the carpal angle. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates relationships between conformation and musculoskeletal disease in the racehorse. The information may be useful in selection and management of the racing Thoroughbred.
Authors:
T M Anderson; C W McIlwraith; P Douay
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Equine veterinary journal     Volume:  36     ISSN:  0425-1644     ISO Abbreviation:  Equine Vet. J.     Publication Date:  2004 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-12-07     Completed Date:  2005-05-05     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0173320     Medline TA:  Equine Vet J     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  571-5     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Colorado State University, Equine Science and Equine Orthopaedic Research Programs, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Carpus, Animal / anatomy & histology,  physiology
Horse Diseases / etiology,  pathology*,  surgery
Horses / anatomy & histology*,  injuries,  physiology
Likelihood Functions
Logistic Models
Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology*,  pathology
Musculoskeletal Diseases / pathology,  surgery,  veterinary*
Tarsus, Animal / anatomy & histology,  physiology
Treatment Outcome

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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