Effect of displaced versus non‐displaced pelvic fractures on long‐term racing performance in 31 T horoughbred racehorses

Objective To evaluate the long‐term racing prognosis for T horoughbred racehorses with displaced versus non‐displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy. Design Retrospective case analysis. Methods Medical records of 31 T horoughbred racehorses presenting to the U niversity of M elbourne E quine C entre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non‐displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow‐up, and correlated with fracture type to determine long‐term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range. Results Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving two sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). T horoughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with non‐displaced fractures (n = 19) (median 0.5, range 0–13 vs 7, 0–24; P = 0.037), but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the two groups (median A$0, range A$0–$123,250 vs A$14,440, A$0–$325,500, respectively; P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were euthanased on humane grounds because of persistent severe pain. When these horses were excluded from the analysis, there were no differences in performance variables between horses with a displaced or non‐displaced pelvic fracture. Conclusion T horoughbred racehorses with a displaced or non‐displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post‐injury period have a good prognosis for racing.