Racing and sales performance after unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw insertion for varus angular limb deformities of the carpus in 53 thoroughbreds.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the racing and sales performance of Thoroughbred horses with varus angular limb deformities of the carpus treated by unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw (STS) placement. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Thoroughbred horses (n=53). METHODS: Medical records (January 1, 2005-December 31, 2006) of yearling Thoroughbreds treated for carpal angular limb deformity by transphyseal screw insertion in the distal aspect of the radius were reviewed. Retrieved data were sex, surgery, and screw removal dates, surgical site, appearance, limb(s) affected, type of angular limb deformity, and degree of angular deviation measured by a goniometer. Racing and sales data were collected for analysis from an online racing site for all treated horses and their maternal siblings. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified between treated horses and their maternal siblings in yearling sale price, 2-year-olds in training sale price, percent starters, percent winners, and starts, earnings, and earnings/start made during the 2- and 3-year old years. CONCLUSIONS: No deleterious effects on sales or racing performance were identified after use of STS in the distal aspect of the radius of Thoroughbreds for the treatment of varus angular limb deformities of the carpus.