Affects of Sesamoid fracture on a thoroughbred’s racing career and health
Sesamoid fracture in thoroughbreds could be a career ending injury in some cases whereas in other cases it might not affect the horses performance in the least.
Veterinary surgeons define Sesamoid fractures ‘a crack in the pair of small nodular bones at the back of the fetlock’ of a thoroughbred.
Researchers have observed that after a thoroughbred has been operated upon for Sesamoid fractures. His ability to race is not diminished in any way.
On the other hand, in June 1999 thoroughbred Charismatic developed a sesamoid injury at the brink of crossing the finish line overthrowing his rider and collapsing on the spot.
Another such case, only more severe, is of thoroughbred Ruffian who collapsed in the middle of the Belmont Stakes race in July 1975. Such was the severity of the sesamoid fracture that the thoroughbred had to be euthanized so that he could be relieved of
his pain.
Similarly in 1990, Go For Wand had to suffered sesamoid fracture during the Breeders Cup race and got injured while racing. The thoroughbred had to be put to death immediately to put an end to her agony.
Three great thoroughbreds suffered a cruel fate resulting in the end of their careers, or worse, their lives.
There is large variety of sesamoid injuries found in horses. Some could mean nothing while others could make the thoroughbred writhe in pain.
It is imperative that a detailed veterinary check of each and every thoroughbred be carried out before and after a race.
As a minor form of sesamoid fracture could accumulate into acute pain for the thoroughbred
Sesamoid fractures can be easily detected through radiograph of a thoroughbred. It is recommended that regular radiograph of a thoroughbred should be taken to keep a check on the minutest of injuries.
Sesamoid fractures can be categorized into six domains namely, Apical fractures, basilar fractures, abaxial fractures, axial fractures and comminuted fractures.
Of these six categories of fractures, axial fractures and comminuted fractures are more severe than the rest.
A thoroughbred feels strain, fatigue, swelling of veins in the sesamoid bone structure, bone degeneration of sesamoid bone structure resulting in major injuries which in certain cases can be life threatening.
Fortunately sesamoid fractures can be repaired and healed if detected at the right time. Therapies include shock-wave therapy, bone grafting, placing the limb in a cast to name a few.
It is an unfortunate event in a thoroughbred’s career to suffer a fracture of this sort. Trainers and owners should medical well being into account at all times for welfare of their thoroughbreds and their business thriving
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