Osteochondrosis (OCD) in the tarsocrural joint of Standardbred trotters - Correlation between radiographic findings and racing performance

Abstract

The tarsocrural joints of 1190 Standardbred trotters were examind radiographically between 1969 and 1986 in the Clinic for Horses, General Surgery and Radiology of the Free University of Berlin as part of a prospective radiological study of the tarsus. Of these, 147 (12.4%) showed signs of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). The horses did not have surgery for OCD by arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The racing performance of the horses positiv for OCD and negativ for OCD was compared. Parameters compared were the number of starts, the number of wins, the number of places, the earnings and the maximum speed ever reached. These parameters were compared in the two-year-olds, the three-year-olds, the four-year-olds and lifetime performance. No significant differences in racing performance parameters were found between horses with and without radiographic findings of OCD.