Prevalence of radiographic changes in yearling and 2-year-old Quarter Horses intended for cutting.
Authors: Contino E K, Park R D, McIlwraith C W
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Radiographic changes in young Quarter Horses Quarter Horses destined for cutting disciplines present a distinct radiographic profile compared to documented populations of young Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, yet this breed-specific baseline had never been systematically established until now. Contino and colleagues examined radiographs of 458 yearling and 2-year-old Quarter Horses from presale repositories and a private farm, classifying joint changes across the carpus, tarsus, fetlocks and stifle by type and location. The findings were striking: 89.1% of horses displayed radiographic changes, with the tarsus most frequently affected (69.4%), followed by the stifle (44.5%), hind fetlocks (43.7%), fore fetlocks (36.3%) and carpus (7.9%); notably, 93.1% of stifle changes were localised to the medial femoral condyle. Age-related progression was evident for distal intermediate ridge of tibia lesions, hindlimb P2 osteophytes and proximal tibial osteophytes. For veterinarians conducting presale examinations at cutting horse sales, these data establish that radiographic changes are the norm rather than the exception in this population—a critical distinction that fundamentally shifts interpretation of presale radiographs, though the clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined through longitudinal follow-up studies.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When evaluating presale radiographs of cutting Quarter Horses, expect radiographic changes in the majority of young horses—this is normal for the population and should not automatically disqualify a prospect
- •Focus presale evaluations on the tarsi and stifles as these joints show the highest prevalence of radiographic findings; medial femoral condyle lesions are particularly common
- •The clinical significance of these radiographic changes remains undetermined; use radiographic findings alongside clinical evaluation and lameness assessment rather than relying on imaging alone for purchase decisions
Key Findings
- •89.1% of yearling and 2-year-old Quarter Horses intended for cutting had radiographic changes on presale surveys
- •Tarsal radiographic changes were most prevalent (69.4%), followed by stifle changes (44.5%), with medial femoral condyle lesions accounting for 93.1% of stifle findings
- •Hind fetlock changes occurred in 43.7% and fore fetlock changes in 36.3% of horses, while carpal changes were rare at 7.9%
- •Significant age-related differences were found for distal intermediate ridge of tibia changes, hindlimb P2 osteophytes, and proximal tibial osteophytes between yearlings and 2-year-olds