Comparison of racing performance before and after treatment of incomplete, midsagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in standardbreds: 49 cases (1986-1992)
Tetens, J.; Ross, M.W.; Lloyd, J.W.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(1): 82-86
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8977654 Document Number: 480101
Medical records of 49 Standardbred horses admitted to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, USA, between July 1986 and December 1992, with a definitive radiographic diagnosis of an incomplete, midsagittal fracture of the proximal phalanx (P1) were reviewed. Performance index and racing time were compared before and after diagnosis and treatment of fracture, using ANOVA that controlled for the effects of horse, gender, age, track length and track condition. 43 horses (88%) raced after diagnosis and treatment of the fracture. Expected racing time increased by 0.7 seconds and performance index decreased by 0.7 points, although controlling for factors known to affect racing performance had a substantial impact on these results. It is concluded that Standardbreds with incomplete, midsagittal fractures of P1 have a favourable prognosis for return to racing; recovered horses will likely have slower racing times and decreased performance indices.