Effect of displaced versus non-displaced pelvic fractures on long-term racing performance in 31 Thoroughbred racehorses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced versus non-displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy. DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. METHODS: Medical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non-displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow-up, and correlated with fracture type to determine long-term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range. RESULTS: Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving two sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with non-displaced fractures (n = 19) (median 0.5, range 0-13 vs 7, 0-24; P = 0.037), but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the two groups (median A$0, range A$0-$123,250 vs A$14,440, A$0-$325,500, respectively; P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were euthanased on humane grounds because of persistent severe pain. When these horses were excluded from the analysis, there were no differences in performance variables between horses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture. CONCLUSION: Thoroughbred racehorses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post-injury period have a good prognosis for racing.

Right dorsal displacement of the large colon as a cause of surgical colic in three foals in New Zealand.

CASE HISTORY: Over a 3-year period between July 2008 and July 2011, 10 exploratory laparotomies were performed on foals in a Waikato referral facility in New Zealand. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDDLC) was identified during four exploratory laparotomies in three foals that presented for mild-to-moderate colic that was non-responsive to medical management. One foal required a repeat laparotomy 7 weeks post initial surgery, and RDDLC was again diagnosed. DIAGNOSIS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon in foals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further investigation may identify risk factors or management practices contributing to this condition. This is an important and uncommonly reported cause of surgical colic in foals, that is also important to consider in non-responsive medical colic cases that do not appear to be associated with severe pain, but may still require prompt surgical intervention to avoid a strangulating obstruction. The incidence of the condition in one Waikato referral facility appears higher than what could be expected based on the current literature.