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Retrospective study of hindquarter asymmetry in Standardbred Trotters and its correlation with performance
Author(s) -
DALIN G.,
MAGNUSSON L.E.,
THAFVELIN BEATA C.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02501.x
Subject(s) - horse , medicine , asymmetry , fluctuating asymmetry , zoology , incidence (geometry) , biology , mathematics , paleontology , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , evolutionary biology
Summary Five hundred four‐year‐old Standardbred Trotters in training were examined in a study on the correlation between conformation, soundness and racing performance. In 39 horses marked hindquarter asymmetries were observed when they were standing squarely on all four feet. The asymmetries were seen as obvious height differences between the left and right tubera sacrale. In 30 cases the left tuber sacrale was lower and in nine cases the right tuber sacrale was lower. The horses showing hindquarter asymmetry were of significantly larger body size than the 461 horses not showing the asymmetry. There was no sex difference in the incidence of hindquarter asymmetry. The asymmetric horses had significantly lower total earnings, a lower number of races per horse and less good racing records (min/km) than the remaining 461 horses. The trainers reported that the asymmetric horses often had difficulties in performing at speed. In most horses, the asymmetry had not been observed until the examination. Past clinical records of 11 of the 30 asymmetric horses were available. In only one of the 11 horses had the asymmetry been considered of clinical importance. It was concluded that the described hindquarter asymmetries are important signs indicating that there is an enhanced risk that the affected horses will not become successful Trotters.