Bone Adaptation In Growing Foals

Mechanical loading strengthens bone during growth, so exercise during childhood and adolescence has been shown to have lifelong benefits on skeletal health in humans. Similarly, exercised foals show greater bone size and strength, and resistance to bending and torsional distortion, compared to pasture-exercised control foals.1

Because the fetlock joint must withstand incredible forces, high-performance horses, including Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses, often sustain injuries at this site. The joint connects the long and short pastern bones, known also as the first and second phalanx.

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A recent study of sound Standardbred foals, all trotting-bred, characterized how the long pastern bone adapts to changing loads during growth through the use of regular computed tomography (CT) scans during the first year of life. In addition to measuring strength and composition changes in the bone, researchers calculated strain energy density, a biomechanical metric of potential bone remodeling.2

Growth-related changes in mineral density and bone area at various bone points (distal epiphysis, mid-diaphysis, and proximal epiphysis) were assessed. These three points were further divided into four functional quadrants (dorsal, medial, lateral, palmar). Mineral density and bone area uniformly increased in the diaphysis and a portion of the proximal epiphysis, the medial quadrant, but not in the fracture-prone lateral quadrant. Strain energy density was constant during growth, indicating bone adaptation to standing quietly, the primary activity of Standardbred foals, according to prior observation by researchers, which revealed that foals between the ages of two and five months spent 80 percent of their time at a standstill.

In sum, “the work provides a baseline longitudinal characterization of normal remodeling of the equine forelimb first phalanx during the first year of life and its effect of strain energy density,” the researchers explained. “This is an essential prerequisite to making evidence-based recommendations for training regimens that may encourage bone growth in areas prone to fracture during development. A properly prepared musculoskeletal system may lead to fewer fractures, thus reducing the unnecessary wastage of equine athletes.”

In addition to exercise, proper nutrition of the mare throughout gestation and of the foal during all growth phases fosters future soundness. “Nutritional management of young horses starts with an appropriate, good-quality forage. Fortified concentrates can then be fed to meet energy, mineral, and vitamin shortfalls,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor at Kentucky Equine Research.

“Aside from hay and concentrates, supplements designed to increase bone health can be used to support young athletes. Triacton, a supplemented formulated by Kentucky Equine Research, contains a novel source of calcium and an array of bone-building nutrients designed to increase bone density, with the ultimate goal of promoting long-term soundness,” she explained. “Research in weanlings, for example, showed that Triacton had a positive effect on density of the cannon bone.”

1Firth, E.C., C.W. Rogers, P.R. van Weeren, A. Barneveld, C.W. McIlwraith, C.E. Kawcak, A.E. Goodship, and R.K.W. Smith. 2011. Mild exercise early in life produces changes in bone size and strength but not density in proximal phalangeal, third metacarpal and third carpal bones of foals. Veterinary Journal 190:383-389.

 2Moshage, S.G., A.M. McCoy, J.D. Polk, and M.E. Kersh. 2019. Temporal and spatial changes in bone accrual, density, and strain energy density in growing foals. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials 103.

Article reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). Visit equinews.com for the latest in equine nutrition and management, and subscribe to The Weekly Feed to receive these articles directly (equinews.com/newsletters).   

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Tuesday Talks: Virginia Tech Offers Webinar Series For Horse Owners

During the winter months from January to April, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia, hosts “Tuesday Talks” on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. This year, due to COVID-19, we are unable to host guests on-site, but will offer the program as a series of complimentary webinars.

Click here to register.

January 12: 7 p.m. My Horse has a fever: Now What?

A fever is often the first sign of a problem in the horse. We will discuss what causes fevers, the approach to diagnosis and treatment, and when referral to the hospital may be recommended. At the end of the presentation, Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, Clinical Instructor of Equine Medicine,  will be happy to answer your questions during a Q&A session.

February 9: 7 p.m. Staying Sound: The Importance of Foot Balance in the Horse

Balance in the foot of the horse is achieved when weight is equally distributed over the foot of each leg, protecting each limb from undue weight-bearing stress. Abnormal weight distribution can result in the overload of a ligament, tendon, or bone, resulting in lameness.

This presentation will explain the importance of foot balance to the soundness and athletic ability of your horse and will provide insights into necessary hoof care to achieve and sustain balance with the goal of protecting your horse from injury. At the end of the presentation, Dr. Maureen Kelleher, Clinical Assistant Professor, Sports Medicine and Surgery, will be happy to answer your questions during a Q&A session.

March 9: 7 p.m. Equine Insurance

At the end of the presentation, Dr. Norris Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor, Equine Lameness and Surgery will be happy to answer your questions during a Q&A session.

April 13: 7 p.m. Toxic Plants in Your Pasture: What You Need to Know!

Summer is coming and, along with it, many ambitious plants that may or may not be welcome in your pasture. While intoxication is rare, recognizing these plants can make you feel more at ease about your horse's environment. Dr. Emily Schaefer, Clinical Assistant Professor, Equine Medicine, will describe the appearances of many of the mid-Atlantic's plants that are potentially toxic to horses, as well as clinical signs associated with intoxication. At the end of the presentation, Dr. Schaefer will be happy to answer your questions during a Q&A session.

Learn more and register here.

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Simple Ways To Prevent Tendon And Ligament Injuries In Horses

Horses seem to seek out ways to hurt themselves and injuries to tendons and ligaments in the limbs are common., says Dr. David Ramey, owner of Ramey Equine and an internationally recognized researcher, author and lecturer. Though tendon and ligament injuries tend to heal well, it can take multiple months, as well as a lot effort and money, to get the horse to his performance level pre-injury.

There are multiple ways to help prevent tendon and ligament injuries, though some are often overlooked. These include:

  • Adequate nutrition. Proper nutrition to maintain horse health is essential. Thus far, there have been no supplements that have proven to prevent tendon and ligament injuries.
  • Correct body condition. Tendons and ligaments are more likely to be damaged when a horse is overweight as it placed additional strain on supporting structures.
  • Proper shoeing and trimming. Trimming or shoeing a horse in the most-simple manner is generally associated with more soundness.
  • Leg wraps and bandages. Boots and bandages, even when applied properly, cannot stop a tendon or ligament injury.
  • Walk. Warming up a horse at the walk makes it harder for tendons and ligaments to become damaged at faster speeds.
  • Systemic training. Tendons and ligaments are more-often damaged in horses that are asked to perform athletic endeavors like running, jumping or sliding. Keys to help keep a horse's legs injury-free include: don't do too much too quickly; work him regularly; cross train when possible; and don't overtrain—strong tissues come from stressing them and then allowing them time to rest and repair.
  • Proper footing. Horses should not be worked for extended amounts of time in deep, soft ground.
  • Address issues. If a horse is sore, address the issue to prevent compensation complications in tendons and ligaments.

Read more here.

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