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Ciamillo SA, Wulster KB, Gassert TM, Richardson DW, Brown KA, Stefanovski D, Ortved KF. Prospective, longitudinal assessment of subchondral bone morphology and pathology using standing, cone-beam computed tomography in fetlock joints of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of training. Equine Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38247205 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catastrophic injuries of the fetlock joints occur in Thoroughbred racehorses and are preceded by stress-induced bone injury. Early detection of subchondral bone injury is essential to prevent irreversible damage or bone failure. OBJECTIVES To investigate the use of standing, robotic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for assessing longitudinal changes in subchondral bone morphology and pathology of the fetlock joints associated with race training in young Thoroughbreds. STUDY DESIGN Observational cohort study. METHODS Forty-one 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses were recruited prior to the start of race training. Standing CBCT and radiographs of all 4 metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints were obtained at 0, 6 and 12 months. Hyperdensity, as an estimate of subchondral bone sclerosis, was measured in the distal third metacarpal (MC3)/metatarsal (MT3) bone and proximal phalanx (P1) at each time point on computed tomography. CBCTs were examined for subchondral bone pathology consisting of areas of hypodensity within regions of hyperdensity. RESULTS Subchondral bone sclerosis increased significantly over time in the medial and lateral MC3/MT3 condyles and in the medial and lateral parasagittal grooves of MC3/MT3. The presence of subchondral bone pathology increased significantly over time in the medial and lateral palmar condyles of MC3/MT3, the lateral parasagittal groove, the medial dorsal condyle and the medial and lateral ridges of P1. MAIN LIMITATIONS There was attrition of horses due to relocation, change in ownership, and retirement from racing. Husbandry, training regimens and racing schedules were not controlled for in the study. CONCLUSIONS Standing CBCT is an efficient and effective screening tool for assessing subchondral bone morphology and identifying pathology of the fetlock joint in young Thoroughbred racehorses. CBCT may facilitate early detection of bone pathology allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more serious injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Ciamillo
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathryn B Wulster
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Taryn M Gassert
- Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County, Cochranville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dean W Richardson
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kara A Brown
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kyla F Ortved
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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Stover S, Uzal FA. Autopsies are required for all racehorses at most U.S. racetracks. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:925-926. [PMID: 36045546 PMCID: PMC9597349 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221120982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- Francisco A. Uzal, California
Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino Branch, University of
California–Davis, 105 W Central Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA.
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Biglycan neo-epitope (BGN 262), a novel biomarker for screening early changes in equine osteoarthritic subchondral bone. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:1328-1336. [PMID: 35870736 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Native biglycan (BGN), which can undergo proteolytic cleavage in pathological conditions, is well known to be involved in bone formation and mineralization. This study aimed to delineate the specific cleavage fragment, a neo-epitope for BGN (BGN262), in synovial fluid (SF) from young racehorses in training, osteoarthritic (OA) joints with subchondral bone sclerosis (SCBS), and chip fracture joints. DESIGN A custom-made inhibition ELISA was developed to quantify BGN262 in SF. Cohort 1: A longitudinal study comprising 10 racehorses undergoing long-term training. Cohort 2: A cross-sectional study comprising joints from horses (N = 69) with different stages of OA and radiographically classified SCBS. Cohort 3: A cross-sectional study comprising horses (N = 9) with chip fractures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed (healthy joints vs chip joints) to evaluate BGN262 robustness. RESULTS Cohort 1: SF BGN262 levels from racehorses showed a statistical increase during the first 6 months of the training period. Cohort 2: BGN262 levels were significantly higher in the SF from severe SCBS joints. Cohort 3: SF BGN262 levels in chip fracture joints showed a significant increase compared to normal joints. The ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.957 (95% C.I 0.868-1.046), indicating good separation between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The data presented show that BGN262 levels increase in SF in correlation with the initiation of training, severity of SCBS, and presence of chip fractures. This suggests that BGN262 is a potential predictor and a novel biomarker for early changes in subchondral bone (SCB), aiming to prevent catastrophic injuries in racehorses.
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Marsiglia MF, Yamada ALM, Agreste FR, Rose Marques de Sá L, Nieman RT, Lopes Correia Silva LC. Morphological analysis of third metacarpus cartilage and subchondral bone in Thoroughbred racehorses: An ex vivo study. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3385-3397. [PMID: 35338614 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Racehorses are exposed to repetitive overload during training and competition, causing joint hyperextension, tissue fatigue, and ultimately skeletal failure. Some degree of bone changes, such as sclerosis, are expected in equine athletes, as adaptation to the biomechanical rigors of training and racing. Understanding the imaging characteristics of the equine joint surface and subchondral bone would allow earlier detection of injuries or adaptation, improving prognosis and training programs. This study sought to describe the joint surface structural patterns and the periarticular structures of the third metacarpal bone (MC3). Both forelimbs of eight horses engaged in daily training programs, aged 3 to 5 years, which were euthanized for reasons unrelated to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, were collected. Specimens were evaluated through macroscopic inspection, radiography, ultrasonography, and microscopic examinations, such as optical microscopy and microtomography. Analysis of the microtomography images showed that 50% of the samples had higher trabecular thickness in the lateral condyle. Comparison of each imaging examination revealed that ultrasound images were most closely related to the histological examination (p = 0.29) in terms of sensitivity, while macroscopic and radiographic examinations differed most between evaluators. Finally, the irregularities and modifications observed in the articular cartilage surface and subchondral bone were normal adaptations of the anatomical structures of trained racehorses, which should be considered during clinical examination.
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Samol MA, Uzal FA, Blanchard PC, Arthur RM, Stover SM. Sudden death caused by spinal cord injury associated with vertebral fractures and fetlock failure in a Thoroughbred racehorse. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:788-791. [PMID: 34041971 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211018289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent causes of death in racehorses are musculoskeletal injuries, causing ~83% of deaths within the racing industry in California and elsewhere. The vast majority of these injuries have preexisting lesions that predispose to fatal injury. A 4-y-old Thoroughbred colt suffered an acute suspensory apparatus failure, including biaxial proximal sesamoid bone fractures of the right front fetlock, causing loss of support of the fetlock joint and consequent fall with fractures of the cervical and sacral spine. Cervical fracture caused spinal cord damage that resulted in sudden death. A preexisting lesion in the medial proximal sesamoid bone likely predisposed to complete fracture of this bone and fetlock breakdown. Interestingly, a comparable osteopenic lesion was present in the intact medial proximal sesamoid bone of the left forelimb, which is consistent with bilateral repetitive overuse injury in racehorses. The morphologic features of the cervical and sacral spine fractures were compatible with acute injury; no evidence of preexisting lesions was seen. Most likely, these acute vertebral fractures occurred as a result of the horse falling. This case emphasizes the importance of performing a detailed autopsy in horses that suffer an appendicular musculoskeletal injury, particularly in fatal cases when the horse dies following a leg injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Samol
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino
| | | | - Rick M Arthur
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Stover
- Tulare, J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory
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Zambruno T, Georgopoulos SP, Boden LA, Parkin TDH. Association between the administration of phenylbutazone prior to racing and musculoskeletal and fatal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses in Argentina. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:642-647. [PMID: 32856998 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.6.642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between prerace administration of phenylbutazone and the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) and fatal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses that raced between 2006 and 2015 at 2 of the 4 official racetracks in Argentina. SAMPLE Data from racetrack databases and veterinary reports on 283,193 race starts. PROCEDURES Data were collected relating to race performance and injury outcomes for starts at these tracks. The incidence of MSI and fatal injury was calculated for each year, stratified by the declared prerace administration of phenylbutazone. Univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression, was used to identify significant risk factors for both MSI and fatal injury. RESULTS Analyses identified associations between the declared prerace administration of phenylbutazone and the risk of MSI and fatal injury during racing. Horses with declared prerace phenylbutazone administration had greater odds of MSI (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03 to 2.04]) and fatal injury (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.27]) than did horses racing without prerace phenylbutazone administration. These associations remained significant when other risk factors were accounted for in both multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested an association between the prerace administration of phenylbutazone and the risk of MSI and fatal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses during racing. Although these results did not imply a direct causal relationship between prerace phenylbutazone administration and injury, they may be considered in the development of more conservative medication policies to optimize racehorse welfare in North and Latin America.
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Ellington-Lawrence RD, Delco ML, Codina LR, Johnson PJ. What Is Your Diagnosis? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:1227-1230. [PMID: 31730432 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.11.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bellone RR, Ocampo NR, Hughes SS, Le V, Arthur R, Finno CJ, Penedo MCT. Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 mutation (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) is not associated with catastrophic breakdown and has a low allele frequency in the Thoroughbred breed. Equine Vet J 2019; 52:411-414. [PMID: 31502696 PMCID: PMC7062577 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Catastrophic fractures are among the most common cause of fatalities in racehorses. Several factors, including genetics, likely contribute to increased risk for fatal injuries. A variant in the procollagen‐lysine, 2‐oxoglutarate 5‐dioxygenase1 gene (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) was shown to cause Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 (WFFS), a fatal recessive defect of the connective tissue. Screening of multiple horse breeds identified the presence of the WFFS allele in the Thoroughbred. PLOD1 is involved in cross‐linking of collagen fibrils and thus could potentially increase the risk of catastrophic breakdown. Objectives Estimate the frequency of the WFFS allele (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) and determine if it is a risk factor for catastrophic breakdown in the Thoroughbred. Study design Case–control genetic study. Methods Genomic DNA from hair and/or tissue samples was genotyped for the WFFS allele. Fisher’s Exact tests were performed to compare allele and carrier frequencies between the case cohort (catastrophic breakdown, n = 22) and several cohorts with no record of injury (n = 138 raced/trained at same track and season and n = 185 older than 7 years and raced during same season), nonracers (n = 92), and a random sample without consideration for racing history (n = 279). Results The frequency of the PLOD1 c.2032G>A variant in the Thoroughbred breed is low (1.2%). Seventeen of 716 Thoroughbreds tested were carriers (2.4%) and no WFFS homozygotes were detected. Only one catastrophic breakdown case carried the WFFS allele. No statistically significant difference in allele or carrier frequency was identified between case and control cohorts (P>0.05 in all comparisons performed). Main limitations This study evaluated cases from one single track. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the PLOD1 c.2032G>A associated with WFFS is present at very low frequency in Thoroughbreds and is not a genetic risk factor for catastrophic breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Bellone
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - N R Ocampo
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - S S Hughes
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - V Le
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - R Arthur
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - C J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - M C T Penedo
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Uzal FA, Kennedy LA, Maxie G. Special issue on racehorse pathology: In the service of equine and human welfare. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 29:381-382. [PMID: 28681689 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717710647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Uzal).,Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (Kennedy).,Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Maxie)
| | - Laura A Kennedy
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Uzal).,Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (Kennedy).,Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Maxie)
| | - Grant Maxie
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Uzal).,Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (Kennedy).,Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Maxie)
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