Prevalence, location and symmetry of noncatastrophic ligamentous suspensory apparatus lesions in California Thoroughbred racehorses, and association of these lesions with catastrophic injuries

Abstract

Reasons for performing study: Knowledge of the site distribution of ligamentous injuries facilitates clinical diagnosis of suspensory apparatus conditions. Objectives: To determine if lesions within the suspensory ligament (SL) and distal ligaments of the proximal sesamoid bones (DSLs) were associated with suspensory apparatus failure or metacarpal lateral condylar fracture in California Thoroughbred racehorses. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Suspensory apparatus specimens from 327 deceased Thoroughbred racehorses were sectioned within the SL body and branches, and oblique and straight DSLs. Purple lesions ≥2mm in width were categorised as moderate and paler or smaller lesions..