Editorial Type:
Bone, Joint, and Cartilage

Use of quantitative ultrasonography for noninvasive surveillance of the third metacarpal bone in racing and training Thoroughbreds

Juan J. Tabar-Rodriguez Comparative Orthopedics Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.

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 DVM, MS
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Antonio M. Cruz Comparative Orthopedics Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.

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Gabrielle Monteith Comparative Orthopedics Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.

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Karen Gordon Department of Biological Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.

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Mark B. Hurtig Comparative Orthopedics Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.70.12.1484
Volume/Issue:
Volume 70: Issue 12
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2009
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To use quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate the association between the speed of sound (SOS) at 9 sites in the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) of racing Thoroughbreds with workload accumulation and the effect that MCIII failure has on this association.

Animals—Sixty-two 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in racing condition.

Procedures—Cumulative work index (CWI) was used to calculate total workload (CWItotal) and also 3 independent CWIs for the various gaits (ie, trot [CWItrot], gallop [CWIgallop], and race [CWIrace]) used during training and racing. Speed of sound was monitored in horses during the 2007 racing season and compared with the CWIs via regression analysis. Sex, age, limb, and MCIII failure were included as covariates in the model.

Results—SOS was significantly associated with CWItotal at 8 sites and with independent CWIs of the various gaits at all 9 sites. Progression of SOS in MCIIIs with workload differed significantly in horses with clinical signs of metacarpal bone failure, compared with results for horses with clinically normal MCIIIs, in 1 site by use of CWItotal and in 5 sites by use of the independent CWIs for the various gaits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results indicated that SOS in the MCIII of racing Thoroughbreds followed a constant pattern of progression as workload accumulated. With the development of more precise quantitative ultrasonography devices, SOS corrected for amount of activity may be used to identify horses at risk of bone failure.

Abstract

Objective—To use quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate the association between the speed of sound (SOS) at 9 sites in the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) of racing Thoroughbreds with workload accumulation and the effect that MCIII failure has on this association.

Animals—Sixty-two 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in racing condition.

Procedures—Cumulative work index (CWI) was used to calculate total workload (CWItotal) and also 3 independent CWIs for the various gaits (ie, trot [CWItrot], gallop [CWIgallop], and race [CWIrace]) used during training and racing. Speed of sound was monitored in horses during the 2007 racing season and compared with the CWIs via regression analysis. Sex, age, limb, and MCIII failure were included as covariates in the model.

Results—SOS was significantly associated with CWItotal at 8 sites and with independent CWIs of the various gaits at all 9 sites. Progression of SOS in MCIIIs with workload differed significantly in horses with clinical signs of metacarpal bone failure, compared with results for horses with clinically normal MCIIIs, in 1 site by use of CWItotal and in 5 sites by use of the independent CWIs for the various gaits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results indicated that SOS in the MCIII of racing Thoroughbreds followed a constant pattern of progression as workload accumulated. With the development of more precise quantitative ultrasonography devices, SOS corrected for amount of activity may be used to identify horses at risk of bone failure.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Tabar-Rodriguez' present address is Hospital Veterinario San Vicente del Raspeig, Cami del Rodalet n 17, San Vicente del Raspeig 03690, Alicante, Spain.

Dr. Cruz' present address is Paton and Martin Veterinary Services, 22944 Old Yale Rd, Aldergrove, BC V2Z 2A5, Canada.

Supported by the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association and Equine Guelph.

The authors thank Dr. Jose A. Ruiz, Catherine Cruz, Richelle Neundorf, and Caroline Gutman for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Tabar-Rodriguez (jtabarr@hotmail.com).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2009
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