Evaluation of a new strategy to modulate skeletal development in racehorses by imposing track-based exercise during growth: The effects on 2- and 3-year-old racing careers

Authors
Rogers, C.W.; Firth, E.C.; McIlwraith, C.W.; Barneveld, A.; Goodship, A.E.; Kawcak, C.E.; Smith, R.K.W.; van Weeren, P.R.
Date
March 2008
Journal
Equine Veterinary Journal
Volume
40
Number
2
Pages
119-127

Abstract:Reasons for performing study: No data exist on the effects of conditioning exercise at foal age on workload and subsequent clinical injury rate during their 2- and 3-year-old racing careers.  Objectives: To investigate the effects of subjecting TB foals to conditioning exercise prior to the start of race training on: the workload required to reach a level of fitness sufficient to compete; and the prevalence of orthopaedic injury during the first 2 seasons of their racing careers.  Methods: Twenty 18-month-old TBs, 12 subjected to conditioning exercise at foal age (CONDEX) and 8 exercised spontaneously at pasture only (PASTEX) were trained and entered in competitive events. Workload was quantified using the cumulative workload index (the product of average velocity and distance at a specific gait) and the animals were monitored clinically and radiographically for signs of musculoskeletal disorders.  Results: Workload to reach the desired fitness level was similar for CONDEX and PASTEX. CONDEX performed more prerace training sessions as 2-year-olds (P<0.05). The incidence of orthopaedic injuries was low in both groups and there were no differences in the occurrence of orthopaedic ailments. PASTEX animals tended to show signs of musculoskeletal disorders earlier than CONDEX animals. This time difference was significant for metacarpophalangeal joint pain on flexion, reduced carpal flexion and hindlimb lameness (P<0.05).  Conclusions: Subjecting TB foals to conditioning exercise early in life does not have adverse effects on racing careers at ages 2 and 3 years, and does not influence the workload needed to reach a fitness level that is sufficient for racing.  Potential relevance: The lack of negative effects and the indications of some positive effects of early conditioning exercise in the Thoroughbred encourage further large-scale comparative studies.

Equine
Epidemiology

Related Article

The relationship between sagittal hoof conformation and hindlimb lameness in the horse
Corrective farriery to improve PADP may be investigated further as one component in the treatment of hindlimb lameness localised to regions proximal to the foot.
Use of a locking compression plate for equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: 29 cases (2008–2014)
Surgical arthrodesis of the PIPJ was successful in most horses of the study population. Various nuances of the system for fracture repair need to be understood prior to its use.
In vitro comparison of linear vs triangular screw configuration to stabilize complete uniarticular parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in horses
Triangular lag screw repair likely improves biomechanical conditions during postoperative weight bearing.
Use of an aiming device and computed tomography for assisted debridement of subchondral cystic lesions in the limbs of horses
CT-guided surgical debridement of SCL of the equine digit appears to result in a favorable outcome.
SNP-based heritability and genetic architecture of tarsal osteochondrosis in North American Standardbred horses
Future identification of the genes/variants that have the most impact on disease risk may allow early recognition of high-risk individuals.
Comparison of Metzenbaum scissors and Y-shaped fasciotome for deep metatarsal fasciotomy for the treatment of proximal suspensory ligament desmopathy in horses
A Y-shaped fasciotome may be the preferred surgical instrument for successful desmopathy of the PSL fasciotomy.