Prevalência, aspectos radiográficos e influência do escore de condição corporal, treinamento e alimentação na osteoartrite társica juvenil em potros da raça Mangalarga Marchador

Abstract

In routine care for animals of the Mangalarga Marchador breed, orthopedic injuries are relatively common, highlighting the number of young animals, up to 36 months old, that already present changes compatible with osteoarthritis and other developmental orthopedic diseases. This condition is one of the main causes of decreased performance and withdrawal of horses from the sport. The objective of this study is to identify, describe, and classify degenerative joint disease through radiographic examination, associating it with breeding factors such as nutrition and training. A total of 207 foals aged between 18 and 36 months were evaluated in different studfarms, training centers, and breeding farms. The images were taken with portable radiographic equipment, with image acquisition using a direct digital system, and were evaluated by two examiners at two different times. Injury degrees were classified on a scale of 1 to 4. All animals were assessed regarding the presence or absence of lameness and also concerning the body condition score (BCS) they presented at the time of the examination. Data regarding the type of food and training duration were also collected. Of the 207 animals, 158 had lesions compatible with osteoarthritis, with 99 of these having lesions in both hocks; 59 in just one of the limbs, and the remaining 49 without injuries. This corresponds to 76.3%of the animals with injuries, although only 23 animals had lamenessin the pelvic limbs. The influence of BCS, training duration, and silage-based feeding on the occurrence and severity of injuries in the evaluated animals was observed.