Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and racing chances for foals with single joint septic
By Whisenant, Katrijn D et al.·Published in Equine veterinary journal·2023·University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prognosis for survival to discharge and racing performance in Thoroughbred foals treated for single joint septic arthritis (2009-2016).
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A group of Thoroughbred foals, all 6 months old or younger, were treated for septic arthritis in one joint, a serious condition that can affect their health and future racing ability. Despite the severity of the condition, 93% of the foals survived to be discharged from the hospital. However, their racing performance was somewhat lower than that of their siblings, as indicated by total career winnings. Overall, these foals have a good chance of recovering and competing in races, even if their earnings may be less than their healthy siblings.
People also search for: foal septic arthritis treatment · Thoroughbred foal racing prognosis · joint infection in foals
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Haematogenous septic arthritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in foals. Previous research has demonstrated a variable prognosis for athletic performance in foals diagnosed with septic arthritis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the racing prognosis for Thoroughbred foals, 6 months of age or less with single septic joint of presumed haematogenous origin without recognised systemic sepsis or other serious comorbidity compared with a group of maternal sibling controls. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Data were collected from Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in-patient records from 2009 to 2016. Parameters evaluated included: diagnostic tests, therapeutic regimens, final diagnosis and outcome. Racing records were obtained from a public archive for cases and two maternal siblings. Univariable analyses of categorical variables were conducted. RESULTS: Ninety-five cases of Thoroughbred foals 6 months of age or less were included in this study. The last measured synovial cell count prior to hospital discharge or euthanasia (OR 0.5, p value 0.002, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) was an indicator of poor prognosis for survival to discharge. Overall, the prognosis for survival was high (93%). Total winnings per career were the only statistically significant racing performance variable between cases and paired controls (IRR 0.7, p value, 0.05, 95% CI: 0.5-0.99). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study, evaluation of one regional population, potential for unknown prior exclusionary treatment on farm, unknown chronicity, no data on acute phase proteins and proportion of neutrophils of synovial fluid and unknown medical records of controls. CONCLUSIONS: While total winnings were reduced compared with maternal siblings, Thoroughbred foals with single joint septic arthritis have a favourable prognosis for both survival and starting in a race.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36210723/