The Thoroughbred sales radiology study led by Colorado State University’s Orthopaedic Research Center veterinarians, Drs. Wayne McIlwraith, Frances Peat and Chris Kawcak, and Dr. Jeff Berk from Lexington, KY., has gained funding from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton.
This study investigates two of the most often discussed issues at sales: radiographic findings in the proximal sesamoid bones of the fetlock, with associated suspensory branch changes, and radiographic findings in the medial femoral condyle of the stifle. The study commenced at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, involving 2,795 yearlings, and continued through the 2-year-old sales in 2017.
The Keeneland Association has committed $100,000 towards the successful completion of this work. Fasig-Tipton has made a $50,000 commitment towards the research. The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has approved a grant application submitted by the researchers for an additional $143,624.
The first phase of the study was conducted at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Consignors presenting yearlings at this sale were asked permission to include the yearlings in the radiographic and/or ultrasonographic portions of this study. The second phase of this project followed horses that had radiographs included in the study as Keeneland September yearlings, to five of the major 2-year-old sales in 2017.
The third phase of the project will follow the racing performance of these horses, culminating at the end of their 3-year-old year. Paired radiographs and ultrasound images will enable the progression, regression, or static nature of certain radiographic and ultrasonographic findings to be studied, under the conditions in which these sale horses are managed.
Click here for a previous TDN story on this project.