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Radiographic and morphological prevalence of dorsopalmar hoof distortions in Brazilian high-performance racehorses
Mayara Gomes Correa1, Jessica Fontana Magalhães1, Julia Renault Baeta Guedes1
1EQUINOVA Research Group, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Background:
Although racehorses represent a dominant segment in equine industry, there are growing concerns regarding injury prevention, with hoof conformation increasingly recognized as a contributing factor.
Objectives:
To morphologically and radiographically evaluate the forelimb digits of racehorses at the São Paulo Jockey Club in order to determine the prevalence of dorsopalmar hoof distortions and to compare morphological and radiographic methods for assessing the hoof-pastern axis.
Methods:
The forelimb digits of 59 thoroughbred horses aged 3 to 4 years were evaluated using standardized photographic and radiographic imaging techniques.
Results:
A broken-backward hoof-pastern axis was identified in 100% of cases by all three radiographic methods, compared to only 55.2% by photographic analysis. Radiographic evaluation also detected high prevalences of hoof distortions, including low heel angles (85%), underrun heels (97%), low palmar angles (87%), and negative palmar angles (56%).
Conclusions:
The high prevalences of dorsopalmar imbalance-associated hoof distortions in this population are alarming and highlight the need for improved hoof trimming and shoeing practices to prevent injuries, ensure animal welfare, and promote long-term sustainability of this equine activity.
