Equine Veterinary Education最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in peripheral nerve injuries in horses","authors":"L. V. de Oliveira Ferreira,&nbsp;R. Martins Amorim","doi":"10.1111/eve.70069","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) in horses represent a significant clinical challenge, frequently associated with functional deficits and reduced athletic performance. Conventional therapeutic approaches, primarily based on anti-inflammatory treatments and rehabilitation, offer limited efficacy, driving the search for innovative alternatives. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained attention for their robust paracrine activity, which underlies their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative effects. In vitro studies demonstrate that equine MSCs can transdifferentiate into Schwann-like cells and neural-like cells, further expanding their therapeutic potential. However, in vivo applications remain poorly explored, with few studies available in horses and divergent outcomes that may have been influenced by differences in injury type, dosage and route of administration. Thus, this perspective critically examines the available knowledge, highlighting key advances, ongoing challenges and future directions needed to support the safe and effective implementation of MSC-based therapies in equine PNI.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"252-260"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.70069","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equine experimental lameness induction models","authors":"A. Dockery,&nbsp;B. Beasley,&nbsp;V. J. Moorman","doi":"10.1111/eve.70035","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Equine lameness due to musculoskeletal injury remains a common and significant cause of decreased performance. While our understanding and management of lameness have improved with advanced imaging, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic progression, a need for experimental equine models of lameness remains. Ideal features of experimentally induced models include the ability to predict severity, onset and progression of clinical signs or disease. In addition, the disease process needs to be as close biomechanically and biochemically to natural disease. To allow for objective research assessments, the identification of lameness needs to be sensitive and based on validated models. Although a wide range of both in vitro and in vivo models have been explored, the complexity of clinical disease has led to a broad scope of research with osteoarthritis as well as tendon and ligament injuries being major areas of focus. While nonsynovitis models have been widely studied, and detailed in the author's previous review, mechanical or alternate models have also been investigated. This evidence-based review will evaluate the efficacy, reproducibility and alternate considerations associated with these investigated models of joint and tendon/ligament injury to guide decision-making and improve future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"270-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.70035","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Successful repair of a carpal sheath synovial hernia using a polypropylene mesh","authors":"S. R. L. Neild,&nbsp;J. D. Stack,&nbsp;M. D. Cullen,&nbsp;B. M. Curnow","doi":"10.1111/eve.14197","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.14197","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A cob-cross mare presented with a carpal sheath synovial hernia on the distolateral antebrachium following carpal sheath tenoscopy to treat a radial physeal exostosis and deep digital flexor tendon injury. The presumed source of pain was the weakened skin over the hernia as the intrathecal pathology identified at the initial tenoscopy had resolved. Herniorrhaphy was performed using a polypropylene mesh to reinforce the site. Long-term follow-up showed that the horse was no longer lame, the mesh had successfully prevented re-herniation of the synovium and the cosmetic outcome was much improved. This case demonstrates the feasibility of performing herniorrhaphy of a synovial structure which has not previously been described. Performing surgical procedures on a synovial structure involves incising through the fibrous capsule surrounding the structure, thus creating a weakness in that area. If the area were to be repaired without the support of a mesh, the defect may still be present, and the hernia may recur. This case report describes the procedure, outcome and long-term follow-up for a case of synovial herniation following tenoscopy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"e228-e234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.14197","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute neurologic presentation of a 2-year-old standardbred colt with multicentric diffuse large B cell lymphoma","authors":"K. MacMillan,&nbsp;J. Burns,&nbsp;E. John,&nbsp;M. Buote","doi":"10.1111/eve.14204","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.14204","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lymphoma in horses is uncommon and rarely diagnosed as a cause of ataxia. This case report describes a 2-year-old Standardbred cryptorchid colt who presented with acute onset of grade 3–4/5 spinal ataxia in all four limbs, with the hindlimbs more severely affected than forelimbs and severe proprioceptive deficits. Due to the severity of the ataxia, a full neurologic examination could not be completed, and the colt was humanely euthanised. Post-mortem examination revealed multiple osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the cervical and lumbar spine. Initially, this was thought to be the cause of the ataxia; however, histopathology revealed multifocal areas where the spinal nerve roots and epidural surface of the dura mater of the meninges were surrounded or covered by plaques of neoplastic round cells which infiltrated the adipose tissue surrounding the spinal tissues. Atypical round cells similar to those observed in the spinal meningeal tissues were also found in the kidneys, lungs, liver, testes and one lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining of meningeal tissue samples revealed moderate-to-intense cytoplasmic/membranous immunoreactivity for CD20 and a diagnosis of multicentric diffuse large B cell lymphoma was made. These results indicate that lymphoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for a horse presenting with acute ataxia that does not have evidence of spinal cord compression, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy, equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy, equine motor neuron disease, trauma or other more common sources of ataxia.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"e218-e221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.14204","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving mare fertility via broad ligament imbrication with barbed suture and intracorporeal suturing device","authors":"A. del Rincon,&nbsp;J. M. O'Leary,&nbsp;A. Derham,&nbsp;C. Hawkes","doi":"10.1111/eve.70004","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In this short case series, we report the outcome of four mares undergoing mesometrial imbrication (uteropexy) using barbed suture and an automated laparoscopic suturing device. Medical records of four mares infertile because of delayed uterine clearance (DUC) that underwent laparoscopic mesometrial imbrication to elevate a vertically positioned uterus using an intracorporeal suturing device and barbed suture were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, anaesthesia, surgical time and recommendations for post-operative management. Long-term outcome was determined by telephone communication with each owner. The uterus of all four mares was elevated to a more horizontal position. Three mares became pregnant the same year they underwent uteropexy, and each produced a live foal in each of the three subsequent years. Uteropexy also improved poor perineal conformation. Uteropexy using an automated, laparoscopic suturing device with barbed suture was performed more rapidly than previously reported techniques of uteropexy. We concluded that uteropexy of barren mares having poor uterine conformation may allow the mares to conceive and carry a foal to term the same year as uteropexy and in subsequent years. Using barbed suture and an automated laparoscopic suturing device can shorten the previously reported times of uteropexy. The clinical significance of this is that uteropexy corrects poor perineal conformation and improves the fertility of mares barren because of DUC caused by poor uterine positioning by returning a vertically oriented uterus to a more horizontal position. Suturing with an automated laparoscopic suturing device and using barbed suture eases laparoscopic uteropexy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"e243-e248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.70004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon branches: Clinical presentation, diagnostic features and outcome","authors":"P. Spiesshofer,&nbsp;V. O'Hara,&nbsp;K. S. Garrett,&nbsp;R. K. Smith","doi":"10.1111/eve.14205","DOIUrl":"10.1111/eve.14205","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Background&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) branch is uncommon and the response to different treatments has not been reported.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Objectives&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, treatment methods, and outcome of horses diagnosed with SDFT branch injuries. We hypothesised that the application of ancillary treatments would improve outcome and reduce re-injury rate. We further hypothesised that SDFT branch injuries associated with avulsion fractures would have a decreased probability of return to racing.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Study Design&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Retrospective case series.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Data from medical records of horses diagnosed with SDFT branch injuries over a 10-year period (2014–2024) were reviewed. The inclusion criterion was the diagnosis of non-septic overstrain tendonitis of the SDFT branch based on ultrasonographic evaluation. Outcomes (return to racing, re-injury, and earnings) were compared with diagnostic features and treatment modalities for Thoroughbred racehorses.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Twenty-one Thoroughbreds and nine other breeds were included in the descriptive data. Lesions in the forelimb were overrepresented (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 25, hindlimb &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 7). There was an even split between the laterality of the affected branches (medial and lateral). Of the Thoroughbred racehorses that had raced prior to injury, 7/13 (53.8%) returned to racing. Overall, 9/20 (45%) surviving horses raced post-injury. No treatment group was significantly associated with a higher probability of return to racing compared to conservative management alone. The presence of avulsion fractures did not adversely affect the return to racing statistically (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.84). The re-injury rate was 19%.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Main Limitations&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Small size of treatment groups with heterogeneous treatment regimens and lack of a standardised rehabilitation programme.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Of the Thoroughbred racehorses with SDFT branch injuries, 45% returned to racing. The presence of avulsion fractures did not decrease the likelihood of","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 5","pages":"e254-e263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.14205","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonists as analgesic drugs in equine medicine","authors":"J. A. E. Hubbell,&nbsp;J. Brandly,&nbsp;W. W. Muir III,&nbsp;J. Page,&nbsp;K. Hopster","doi":"10.1111/eve.70028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.70028","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Managing pain in horses is challenging despite the availability of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anaesthetics, opioids and α₂-adrenoreceptor agonists. While α₂-agonists are widely used for sedation and restraint, their analgesic properties remain underutilised. This review outlines their mechanisms, clinical applications and limitations in equine practice. Commonly used agents, including xylazine, detomidine, romifidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine, act on α₂-adrenoreceptor subtypes in the central and peripheral nervous system. Centrally, they reduce norepinephrine release and nociceptive transmission, producing sedation and analgesia. Peripherally, they cause transient vasoconstriction, decreased gastrointestinal motility, hyperglycaemia and diuresis. Cardiovascular effects typically follow a biphasic pattern of hypertension and bradycardia, then hypotension. Clinically, α₂-agonists are integral for managing colic pain, reducing inhalant anaesthetic requirements and providing multimodal analgesia. They can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, epidurally or transmucosally, with epidural use producing prolonged effects when combined with local anaesthetics. Xylazine and dexmedetomidine act rapidly but briefly, whereas detomidine and romifidine provide longer sedation and analgesia. Reversal agents such as yohimbine, tolazoline and atipamezole exist, though side effects limit routine use. Their use may be limited by regulatory and licensing restrictions, potential for human abuse and adverse effects such as dysphoria and gastrointestinal stasis. Vatinoxan, a peripherally selective antagonist, may allow sedation with reduced cardiovascular depression while preserving central sedative and analgesic effects.</p><p>A persistent challenge is separating analgesia from sedation, as both overlap clinically. Evidence suggests that analgesic duration varies by drug, and future research should aim to develop α₂-agonists with potent analgesic but minimal sedative effects to improve equine pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 4","pages":"220-228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.70028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147562388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Removal of the proximal third of metacarpal IV: Surgical complications and post-operative outcome","authors":"K. A. Lloyd,&nbsp;J. S. Fretton,&nbsp;M. S. Hall","doi":"10.1111/eve.14209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.14209","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A 3-year-old Warmblood filly that presented for lameness was diagnosed with an open, comminuted fracture of proximal metacarpal IV (MCIV). Initial treatment with local debridement and systemic antimicrobial administration was unsuccessful, with the development of osteomyelitis. A segmental ostectomy resulted in avulsion of the proximal MCIV from the third metacarpal bone post-operatively. Reduction and internal fixation of the displaced MCIV with cortical lag screws resulted in immediate bone failure upon recovery. The proximal MCIV was then removed standing under sedation and local anaesthesia. Subsequent joint instability led to the development of osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal and middle carpal joints, but the horse showed no obvious lameness 12-month post-operatively. Despite the surgical complications being previously described, there are limited case reports on the removal of MCIV in the horse and the associated outcomes. Although this surgical procedure is historically not recommended and the long-term soundness of this horse is yet to be determined, this case report may support MCIV removal when other treatment options have failed.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 4","pages":"e202-e206"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147562146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repeated injection of pooled frozen allogeneic umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stromal cells in 5 flat-racing horses","authors":"A. Merchan Muñoz,&nbsp;N. Coté,&nbsp;T. Koch,&nbsp;S. Mehrpouyan,&nbsp;A. H. Alizadeh,&nbsp;K. A. Russell,&nbsp;G. Monteith,&nbsp;J. Koenig","doi":"10.1111/eve.14181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.14181","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tendinopathies in racehorses are challenging to treat, and restoring normal tendon composition remains elusive despite extensive research. Equine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have shown promise for tendon repair, and various sources of MSC have been described.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The objectives of the study were (1) to report the clinical efficacy of superficial digital tendon flexor tendinopathy treated with repeated injections of pooled frozen allogeneic umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSC); (2) to confirm that the use of allogeneic CB-MSC for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries through repeated injections does not induce adverse reactions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Study design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Prospective clinical study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Five Thoroughbreds, in speed training and racing, sustaining an SDFT lesion within 6 weeks prior to the treatment were included. Pooled frozen allogeneic umbilical CB-MSC were delivered twice intralesionally 4 weeks apart. CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte populations were analysed by flow cytometry. Ultrasound and lameness rechecks were performed every 4 weeks for a year.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>All three flat-racing Thoroughbreds receiving CB-MSC who adhered to the prescribed rehabilitation programme raced multiple times and remained reinjury-free during the 12-month follow-up period. No serious adverse reactions were noted to the treatment. Four horses treated with CB-MSC displayed an expansion of the needle tract at the injection site.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main limitations</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study's main limitations include a small number of horses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The novel repeated intralesional treatment using thawed pooled allogeneic equine CB-MSC resulted in positive clinical outcomes, with all horses returning to racing without reinjury when following the rehabilitation programme.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 4","pages":"183-194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.14181","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147563264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-operative performance in Standardbreds after distal splint bone ostectomy with concurrent suspensory ligament branch desmitis","authors":"K. Hargitaiova,&nbsp;M. L. Delco,&nbsp;E. Gabor,&nbsp;E. Fousekis,&nbsp;K. Galea,&nbsp;C. Robinson","doi":"10.1111/eve.14187","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.14187","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Distal splint bone fractures are often complicated by suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmitis. These combined injuries are known to impair postoperative performance, but contemporary data on prognosis is limited.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To evaluate the postoperative performance of Standardbred horses following distal splint bone fracture ostectomy with concurrent SLB desmitis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Study design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retrospective cohort study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Clinical, demographic and racing data were retrospectively analysed from Standardbreds racing in Malta. Horses with a splint bone fracture and concurrent SLB desmitis underwent standing ostectomy and were followed for 24 months. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed the time to return to racing. Pre and postoperative performance was compared within the surgery group and against age-, sex- and breed-matched controls using mixed effects models. The effects of SLB lesion grade and adjunctive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy were also analysed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eleven horses [median age 10 years (9-11)] with fractures of the distal 1/3 of the splint bone and concurrent SLB desmitis were included. The mean time to return to racing was 8.5 months (95% CI: 7.5–9.5). Sixty-four % (7/11) of horses raced at least three times postoperatively. The surgery group raced significantly more than controls over 24 months (mean difference: 2.2 ± 0.4; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001). No difference was found between pre and postoperative performance within the surgery group (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). Horses with grade 1 SLB lesions raced more than those with grade 2 or 3 lesions (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001) and controls (<i>p</i> = 0.0008). Age and PRP treatment had no effect.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main limitations</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Small sample size (<i>n</i> = 11) and lack of conservatively treated group for comparison.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Older Standardbred horses with distal splint bone fractures and mild SLB desmitis can successfully return to racing. Prognosis is favourable for less severe SLB lesions, emphasising the importance of accurate lesion grading in surgical decision-making.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11786,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Education","volume":"38 4","pages":"195-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147568493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}