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Published on: April 25, 2016
Retrospective evaluation of equine prepurchase examinations performed 1991-2000
L M van Hoogmoed1, J R Snyder, H L Thomas
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal
|July 26, 2003
Summary
Prepurchase examinations reveal that while navicular bone and distal phalanx radiographic changes correlate with lameness, tarsal changes do not. Clinical evaluation alongside radiography is crucial for assessing a horse's soundness and sale outcome.
Area of Science:
- Equine veterinary medicine
- Diagnostic imaging in horses
- Pre-purchase soundness evaluation
Background:
- Prepurchase examinations are increasingly vital for assessing a horse's future soundness.
- Limited literature exists on the correlation between radiographic findings and lameness examinations in comprehensive prepurchase evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize clinical and radiographic findings from prepurchase examinations.
- To determine if radiographic findings correlate with lameness examination results and sale outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed records of 510 horses, evaluating radiographs and assigning grades to the navicular bone, distal phalanx, and tarsus.
- Obtained follow-up information on horse status via telephone interviews for 173 horses.
Main Results:
- 52.8% of horses examined were lame; Thoroughbred geldings were most common.
- Radiography, particularly of front feet and tarsi, was frequently used.
- Higher radiographic grades for navicular bone and distal phalanx correlated with lameness, while tarsal changes showed less association with lameness.
- Horses with significant tarsal changes could still compete at expected levels.
Conclusions:
- Prepurchase examinations significantly impact sale outcomes.
- Radiographic findings for the navicular bone and distal phalanx should be interpreted alongside clinical lameness assessments.
- Tarsal radiographic changes have a weaker association with lameness compared to navicular bone and distal phalanx changes.
