46TH
ANNUAL
CONGRESS
OF
THE
SAEVA
SKUKUZA
16-‐20
FEBRUARY
2014
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There was an 8.7% prevalence of inversion of the third pedal bone. Other studies
describing radiographic changes in Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings did not
investigate inversion of the third pedal bone, therefore results cannot be compared.
The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with
proximal sesamoid bones:
The prevalence of dorsoproximal phalanx one fragmentation (1.2%) of
metacarpophalangeal joints were similar compare d to other studies. Osteochondral
fragmentation of proximal plantar phalanx one (6%) was 8.5 times more prevalent
when compared to proximal palmar phalanx one (0.7%). The latter prevalence is in
agreement with similar studies. There were low incidences of subchondral cyst-like
lesions seen in distal third metacarpus (0.4%), distal third metatarsus (0.2%) and
proximal first phalanx, similar to other studies. The most common change recorded
on the dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus and metatarsus was a well-defined
semi-circular notch (dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus 20.3%; dorsal aspect of
distal third metatarsus 27%) similar to other studies. Our study showed a higher
prevalence of lucencies present at dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus (8.5%) and
metatarsus (4.2%) compared to other studies.
There was a marked lower prevalence in the current study of flat distal palmar third
metacarpal condyles (6%). Prevalence of palmar and plantar third metacarpal and
metatarsal supracondylar lysis were markedly higher in the present study. Slight
palmar and plantar third metacarpus and metatarsus supracondylar lysis was seen in
19.3% of the horses. Moderate to extreme palmar and plantar third metacarpus and
metatarsus supracondylar lysis were present in 10.2% of the horses.
The carpi:
There was a higher prevalence of dorsomedial carpal disease in our study population
(11.3%) and prevalence of carpal osseous cyst-like lesions such as a circular lucency
in ulnar carpal bone was lower (14%). A markedly higher prevalence of 4.2% in
carpal osteochondral fragmentation was found.
The tarsi:
Osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint showed a similar prevalence (13.4%).
Degenerative joint disease of tarsometatarsal joint had a higher prevalence (36%)
than the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint (20.3%). There was also a higher
incidence of degenerative joint disease in tarsometatarsal joint (36%).
The stifle:
In the current study, osteochondrosis of the stifle had a similar prevalence (3.6%)
when compared to other studies.
Selected references:
1.
2.
Furniss, C., Carstens, A. & Van den Berg, S.S., 2011, ‘Radiographic changes in Thoroughbred
Yearlings in South Africa’, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association’, 82(4), 194204.
Howard, B.A., Embertson, R.M., Rantanen, N.W. & Bramlage, L.R., 1993, ‘Survey radiographic
findings in Thoroughbred sales yearlings’, Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the
American Association of Equine Practitioners, 38:397-402.
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