Fraturas em cavalos de corrida do jockey club: revisão de literatura

Abstract

ractures in racehorses represent one of the main challenges in equine sports medicine, especially within Jockey Clubs, where animals are subjected to intensive training and high-performance competitions. This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the main risk factors, the most frequent fracture types, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches applied to equine athletes. National and international scientific publications published between 2015 and 2024 were reviewed, addressing biomechanical, environmental, anatomical, and management aspects related to locomotor injuries in racehorses. The results demonstrated that fractures have a multifactorial origin, involving factors such as training intensity, track quality, muscular fatigue, inadequate shoeing, and biomechanical predisposition. The most recurrent injuries affect the third metacarpal bone (MC3), proximal phalanx (P1), and sesamoid bones. Among the diagnostic methods, digital radiography, ultrasonography, bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging stand out as essential tools for early detection of microlesions. Therapeutic approaches may range from conservative treatment to surgical intervention, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. It is concluded that preventive strategies associated with early diagnosis, adequate management, and continuous veterinary monitoring are essential to reduce the incidence of injuries and promote the welfare and athletic longevity of equine athletes.