AAEP Annual Convention Salt Lake City 2014
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Short-and Long-Term Outcomes of Pelvic Fractures in 136 Thoroughbreds (2000-2010)

Author(s):

S.T. Peters, A.J. Ruggles, L.R...

In: AAEP Annual Convention - Salt Lake City, 2014 by American Association of Equine Practitioners
Updated:
DEC 10, 2014
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Pelvic fractures in Thoroughbreds have a good prognosis. Acetabular involvement, comminution, and articular involvement negatively affect the short-term outcome, but those discharged from the hospital could go on to be successful. Authors’ addresses: High Plains Veterinary Clinic, 996 10th Avenue SE, Sidney, MT 59270 (Peters); and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, PO Box 12070, Lexington, KY 40580-2070 (Ruggles, Bramlage, Hopper, Embertson, Woodie); e-mail: petersvmd@ gmail.com. 

1. Introduction

Pelvic fractures are a cause of poor performance in horses. Our objectives are to describe the current epidemiology of pelvic fractures in a Thoroughbred population and determine the short-and long-term outcomes.

2. Materials and Methods

The records of Thoroughbreds diagnosed with a pelvic fracture during the period 2000–2010 were reviewed. The short-term outcome (discharged from hospital) and long-term success (racing or live offspring) were evaluated with respect to different factors.

3. Results

There were 136 horses included, of which 72 (62%) raced after their fracture and 42 (36%) were subsequently able to have at least one foal. Acetabular involvement (p < 0.001), articular involvement (p = 0.008), and comminution (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a negative short-term outcome. Of horses with acetabular involvement, 60% had a good short-term outcome, 75% of which were successful long-term. Racehorses with fractures only involving the ileum (p 0.014), as well as young horses and racehorses (p = 0.0002) were more successful. Overall, 86% of horses had a good shortterm outcome, 77% of which were successful long-term.

4. Discussion

This study found a better short-term prognosis for pelvic fractures than previously reported. While acetabular involvement was significantly associated with a negative short-term outcome, over half of them were still successful long-term. Comminution and articular involvement were significantly associated with a negative short-term outcome but did not impact the long-term success.

Acknowledgments

Conflict of Interest

The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication

High Plains Veterinary Clinic, 996 10th Avenue SE, Sidney, MT 59270 (Peters); and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, PO Box 12070, Lexington, KY 40580-2070 (Ruggles, Bramlage, Hopper, Embertson, Woodie)

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