A Cross-Sectional Survey of Forelimb Hoof Conformation and the Prevalence of Flat Feet in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS;2. Equine Medical Associates, Lexington, KY;3. Steamboat Springs Veterinary Hospital, Steamboat Springs, CO;4. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI;1. Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany;2. Department for Research and Development, Werkman Horseshoe factory, Groningen, The Netherlands;1. Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy;2. Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada;3. Equine Clinic “Equine Practice srl”, Campagnano di Roma (RM), Roma, Italy;1. Working Group Animal Breeding, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Augasse 2-6, A-1090 Vienna, Austria;2. Movement Science Group, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria;3. Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK;1. Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC;2. Biological Sciences Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC;3. Mathematical Sciences Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC;1. Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;2. Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands;3. Department of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Winterthur, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Racehorses in New Zealand predominantly train counter clockwise. This training pattern has been associated with between forelimb differences in bone mineral density profile and asymmetrical limb loading after training. At present, there is limited data on the hoof conformation of these racehorses. Distal forelimb and digital hoof conformation data were collected from 75 Thoroughbred racehorses (2–5 years old) from two training yards. Digital conformation was subjectively graded, and multiple hoof measurements were made with a modified tire gauge (sole and sulci depth) and from digital photographs. All the horses were shod by two registered master farriers within a median of 15 (interquartile range [IQR], 1–25) days before measurement. There were few distal limb conformation abnormalities scored. Most (62/75) horses presented with some deviation from normal hoof parameters, with 2 (IQR, 1–3) abnormalities reported per horse. The most common hoof abnormality was uneven sulci, which was identified in 43 horses and 59 affected hooves, followed by higher medial hoof wall height in 38 horses and 53 affected hooves. Many of the linear and hoof angle measurements and their ratios were within the bounds reported within the literature and indicative of a balanced foot. The length and width measurements increased with horse age. The dorsal hoof wall (DHW) length:heel length ratios were consistently less than 3:1, and the absolute difference between toe and heel angle was generally greater than 5°. Between limb hoof variation was identified for a number of the morphologic measurements including frog length and sole length and the ratio of sole width:sole length. Flat feet (lack of concave solar surface) were identified in 21/75 (28%) horses and in 28/150 (19%) forelimb hoofs. More horses had a flat left foot (10/75) than right foot (4/75), but seven horses had both feet classified as being flat. Flat feet had 2.4 (1.1–5.6, P = .036) greater odds of presenting with uneven sulci. These data indicate that uneven sulci depth and flatter hooves with may be a typical presentation of Thoroughbred feet. Asymmetry in measurements between limb may reflect the greater loading of the left forelimb when race training counter clockwise. |
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| Keywords: | Horse Thoroughbred Racing Hoof Farriery |
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