Prevalence, Radiographic Features, Management and Outcomes of Orthopaedic Limb Conditions Affecting Racehorses in Kenya

Abstract

Racehorses incur various orthopaedic conditions during racing events as well as during rigorous training regimes. Prevalence, radiographic features, management and outcomes of orthopaedic limb conditions affecting racehorses in Kenya have not been documented previously, hence the reason for the current study. This study was carried out with the following objectives: 1. to determine the prevalence of various types of orthopaedic conditions affecting the limbs of racehorses in Kenya, 2. to determine the radiographic characteristics of the various types of orthopaedic conditions affecting the limbs of racehorses in Kenya, 3. to determine the management and outcomes of various types of orthopaedic conditions affecting the limbs of racehorses in Kenya, and 4. to determine the association between the radiographic features, management and outcomes of various types of orthopaedic limb conditions of racehorses in Kenya. The study was carried out at the equine facility of the Jockey Club of Kenya, located at the Ngong Racecourse. The data was collected through retrospectively studying radiographs of racehorses that manifested lameness from 1st January, 2005 to 31st December, 2014. The case records and the radiographs were retrieved from the record archives and each radiograph was examined thoroughly for any noticeable radiographic changes on the affected limbs, the bones affected and the radiographic diagnoses. Other information retrieved from each case record included case management/treatment protocols and outcomes. Each retrieved parameter was recorded in the data collection sheets and the frequencies of each parameter were calculated in percentages. Association between the variable factors and outcomes was done through univariate and multivariate regression analysis using STATA® Version 12 (College Station, United States of America).