The forelimb fetlock joint and its bony components are a common site of injury in racing horses. We hypothesized that the variations in relative density of these bones might correspond to their mechanical properties. This study aimed first to identify the relative density of third metacarpal bone (Mc3), proximal phalanx (P1) and proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) of Thoroughbred race horses. Second, to determine whether there was any difference and/or similarity in the relative density between and within the bones. Bones from right and left forelimbs of 10 horses were collected and prepared by boiling and drying. Dry weight and volume for each bone were measured and the relative density was then calculated. Relative density of Mc3 was substantially greater than the other two bones with a mean of 1.7 ± 0.06. Relative density of P1 and PSBs showed a high similarity especially between P1 and the medial PSBs. Neither the comparisons between right and left sides nor between lateral and medial PSBs showed any significant differences. P1 had the most consistent relative density within right and left sides. Larger relative density in Mc3 and the similarity between P1 and PSBs presume a more important role of the bone mass on their properties than the volume.
Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Ali Omar Alarif Boker, Aiman Abdulghader Salim Shalgum, Helen M S Davies(12-2018)

Editorial arabic 15 English 83
Abdulwahab Kammon(9-2017)

Relationships between carpal morphology and carpal pathology might assist in identifying horses at risk of carpal pathology. This study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that carpal morphology is related to the incidence of carpal pathology in racing Thoroughbreds. Ten carpal parameters were used to measure carpal morphology on dorsopalmar (DP) carpal radiographs. Radiographs were collected from 19 experienced Thoroughbred race horses with no evidence of carpal damage(normal)and 72 horses with carpal damage (clinical). All radiographs were at a defined position called zero degrees (ZDP) or within an acceptable rotational range. Based on a P-value of < 0.05 and using the false discovery rate method to control Type I error, two parameters showed significant differences between normal and clinical horses. The angulation of the radial metaphysis and distal radius in relation to the angulation of the radial facet of the third carpal bone (C3) was significantly related to the occurrence of pathology in the bones of the middle carpal joint in Thoroughbred race horses. This study presented important features on DP radiographs that allowed identification of a carpal conformation associated with carpal damage in Thoroughbred race horses. Using such a highly specific, cost-effective and safe technique as a routine for examining yearling Thoroughbreds would assist in identifying horses with carpal conformation unsuited to racing.
Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Mohamed Hamrouni S. Abushhiwa, Christopher J. Philip, Helen M.S. Davies(1-2022)