Factors associated with survival and racing performance of 114 Thoroughbred foals with septic arthritis compared to maternal siblings (2009-2015).

BACKGROUND There is little consensus on factors associated with survival in foals with septic arthritis and limited data on long term racing performance of Thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis. A more thorough understanding of short and long term outcome is necessary to help inform owners, and subsequently guide treatment. OBJECTIVES To investigate factors associated with survival, and to analyse racing performance of foals with septic arthritis compared with their maternal siblings. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort and a case-control study. METHODS Veterinary clinical records of Thoroughbred foals ≤180 days old that underwent arthroscopic, cannulae or through-and-through needle lavage for the treatment of septic arthritis between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. Data included signalment, and clinicopathologic information. The dam's foaling records were reviewed and the lifetime racing records were obtained for affected foals and two of their siblings. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with survival to discharge or racing. Comparisons between treated foals and their maternal siblings were made. RESULTS Ninety (78%) of 115 foals diagnosed with septic arthritis were discharged alive. Foals <26 days old at the time of admission were 5 times less likely (P=0.003) and foals with concurrent multisystemic disease were 6 times less likely (P=0.02) to be discharged alive. Sixty (67%) foals discharged alive started in ≥1 race, and there was no difference in the proportion of foals that started in a race or racing performance between foals treated for septic arthritis and their maternal siblings. MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design, limited number of foals with multiple joint involvement and failure to accurately record duration of clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS Foals treated for septic arthritis at the Scone Equine Hospital, New South Wales, Australia had a good prognosis for survival, and for this cohort, foals that survived to discharge had a similar ability to race as their maternal siblings.

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