Osteochondrosis of the Tarsocrural Joint and Osteochondral Fragments in the Fetlock Joints: Incidence and Influence on Racing Performance in a Selected Group of Standardbred Trotters

The relationship between tarsocrural osteochondrosis (OCD) and presence of osteochondral fragments in fetlock joints has been previously investigated in racehorses, especially Standardbreds. The increased knowledge of the problem and the introduction and spread of arthroscopy probably reduced the negative effects of these lesions on racing careers. A large group of Standardbred yearlings have been radiographically investigated in this study, and racing results of horses affected by tarsocrural OCD or osteochondral fragments in the metacarpo/tarso-phalangeal joints have been compared with results of non-affected horses. Most of the lesions did not negatively affect the racing performance, and a fair to good prognosis can be anticipated for selected radiographic lesions identified in yearling Standardbreds. Authors’ addresses: Clinica Equina Bagnarola, Via Armiggia, 25, 40050, Bagnarola, Bologna, Italy (Torre); and Dipartimento di Fisica, Universitá di Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy (Motta). © 2000 AAEP.