Caudal lumbar vertebral fractures in California Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racehorses

Abstract

Reasons for performing study: To gain insight into the pathophysiology of equine lumbar vertebral fractures in racehorses. Objectives: To characterise equine lumbar vertebral fractures in California racehorses. Study design: Retrospective case series and prospective case-control study. Methods: Racehorse post mortem reports and jockey injury reports were retrospectively reviewed. Vertebral specimens from 6 racehorses affected with lumbar vertebral fractures and 4 control racehorses subjected to euthanasia for nonspinal fracture were assessed using visual, radiographic, computed tomography and histological examinations. Results: Lumbar vertebral fractures occurred in 38 Quarter Horse and 29 T..