Radiographic abnormalities in the fetlock joints of equestrian horses in Tehran province, Iran

Disorders and injuries of the fetlock joint, encompassing both bone and soft tissue, are significant causes of limb pain and lameness in horses. Over time, these conditions can lead to joint dysfunction and a diminished quality of life. This study aimed to identify fetlock joint disorders using radiological examinations conducted during pre-purchase evaluations of horses and to evaluate the influence of age and sex on their incidence rates. ۱۰۰ horses were selected from equestrian centers in Tehran Province during ۲۰۱۷ - ۲۰۲۰. As part of pre-purchase examinations, standard radiographic projections of the fetlock joints of all four limbs were obtained. Among the ۱۰۰ horses examined, ۲۸ showed no abnormalities in the fetlock joint, while ۷۲ exhibited at least one disorder. Osteoarthritis was the most frequently observed condition, with an incidence of ۲۶.۷۵%, followed by soft tissue swelling (۱۵.۸۰%), medial and lateral proximal sesamoiditis (۶.۰۰%), osteochondritis dissecans (۷.۵۰%) and avulsion fractures (۱.۵۰%). Other disorders accounted for less than ۵.۰۰% of cases. The prevalence of disorders was significantly higher in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs, while no significant difference was found between male and female horses. The findings of this study underscored the importance of conducting pre-purchase radiographic examinations, particularly of the fetlock joints in both forelimbs and hindlimbs. These evaluations are crucial for identifying potential bone complications and for assessing the prognosis of a horse athletic performance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fetlock joint ، Horse ، Prepurchase examination ، Radiography