Radiographic changes in Thoroughbred yearlings. Part 2: Associations with racing performance

Reasons for performing study: Although the radiographic examination of yearlings has become commonplace at some large Thoroughbred sales, there are few data to support the decisions facing veterinarians who are asked to evaluate future racing potential. Objectives: To identify radiographic changes i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Equine veterinary journal 2003-06, Vol.35 (4), p.366-374
Main Authors: Kane, A.J, McILraith, C.W, Park, R.D, Rantanen, N.W, Morehead, J.P, Bramlage, L.R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Carpus, Animal - anatomy & histology
Carpus, Animal - diagnostic imaging
Costs and Cost Analysis
feet
Female
horse
Horse Diseases - diagnosis
Horse Diseases - diagnostic imaging
horses
Horses - anatomy & histology
Horses - physiology
Male
metacarpus
osteochondrosis
Physical Exertion - physiology
racing performance
radiograph
Radiography
sales
sesamoid bones
Sesamoid Bones - anatomy & histology
Sesamoid Bones - diagnostic imaging
Sports - economics
stifle
Stifle - anatomy & histology
Stifle - diagnostic imaging
Tarsus, Animal - anatomy & histology
Tarsus, Animal - diagnostic imaging
Thoroughbred
veterinarians
yearlings
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Summary:Reasons for performing study: Although the radiographic examination of yearlings has become commonplace at some large Thoroughbred sales, there are few data to support the decisions facing veterinarians who are asked to evaluate future racing potential. Objectives: To identify radiographic changes in the fetlocks, proximal sesamoid bones, carpi, tarsi, stifles and fore feet of Thoroughbred yearlings associated with future racing performance during ages 2 and 3 years. Methods: Radiographs from routine pre- and post sale examinations of 1162 yearlings were used to identify individual radiographic changes in sale yearlings. Starting a race, the percent of starts placed, money earned and earnings per start were used to assess racing performance and examined for associations with the radiographic changes observed. Results: Overall 946 (81%) yearlings started at least one race during ages 2 or 3 years. Fourteen of 24 (58%) yearlings with moderate or extreme palmar supracondylar lysis of the third metacarpus, 8 of 14 (57%) of those with enthesophyte formation on the proximal sesamoid bones and 19 of 30 (63%) of those with dorsal medial intercarpal joint disease started a race. The oDs of starting a race when age 2 or 3 years were 3 times lower for yearlings with these changes (P
ISSN:0425-1644
2042-3306
DOI:10.2746/042516403776014307