Fracture injuries in racehorses on horse track in Malaysia

Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common cause of loss during training and racing in Thoroughbred racehorses. There were many studies on catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMIs) however non-catastrophic injuries were not well described. The present study was performed to determine the frequencies of fractures injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses during training and flat race racing in Malaysia with the possible associations. Radiographic and CMIs records for horses presented at Selangor Turf Club (STC) Equine Hospital were assessed for the occurrence of fracture injuries. A total of 107 cases were included in this study; fractures of carpus (31.8 %) were the most common with highest fractured bone of radial carpal (15 %). There were significant differences among age group, gender, location of fracture and fractured limb. Age group 5 to 8 years old, gelding, carpus and the left forelimb were the most to obtain fractures. However these factors were not significantly associated with CMIs. Non-catastrophic and CMIs were both commonly occurred at the forelimb. There were significant pattern of fracture injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses during training and racing.

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