A survey of injuries at five greyhound racing tracks

The number of orthopaedic injuries sustained by racing greyhounds from five greyhound tracks in the state of Wisconsin, USA, was obtained over a two-year period. Calculated injury rates were analysed to predict the probability that a given competitor would have an injury based on track design, temperature, bodyweight, grade of race, race distance, race number, injury location on track and type of trauma. One track had a significantly higher injury rate than the others, and this track was constructed with a decreased initial straightaway, a decreased turning radius in the second turn and an increased turn bank. Increased injury rates were also seen with successively higher grades of race, suggesting a possible correlation with speed. Race distance had a significant effect on racing greyhound injury rates as well. Races measuring 3/16 mile and 7/16 mile resulted in a higher incidence of injury as compared with races with lengths of 5/16 mile and 3/8 mile. Injuries were most likely to occur at the first turn of a race. Temperature, bodyweight, race number and type of trauma had no significant effect on injury rate. Speed, race distance and track design were significant factors that were found to influence the injury rate of the racing greyhound and should be areas to focus on for the prevention of injury.