New research paper: Outcome and racing performance following standing fracture repair in 245 horses

A new research paper, Outcome and racing performance following standing fracture repair in 245 horses, has been accepted for publication in Equine Veterinary Journal. This research study outlines the short-term (survival to discharge) and long-term (return to racing) outcomes of pastern and cannon bone fractures repaired under sedation in the standing horse, at Rossdales Equine Hospital.

Traditionally carried out under general anaesthesia, repair of these fractures in the standing animal is becoming commonplace but previously has not been evaluated for large numbers of horses.

Of the 245 cases operated on between 1 January 2007-30 June 2021, 98% of horses survived to discharge and 75.1% raced after surgery, starting their next race on average 241 days later. When comparing racing performance before vs. after surgery, there was no significant difference in earnings per start, or the proportion of horses winning or being placed 1st to 3rd in at least one race.

This indicates that standing repair of pastern and cannon bone fractures is a feasible treatment option that restores athletic ability, within a reasonable time frame.

Outcome and racing performance following standing fracture repair in 245 horses

Victoria A. Colgate, Natalie Robinson, Timothy P. Barnett, Andrew P. Bathe, Matthew O. D. Coleridge, Lewis C. R. Smith, Richard J. Payne

Equine Veterinary Journal, 2023: Early View.