Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Racehorses with Sesamoiditis: Case Series

Background: Sesamoiditis causes intermittent lameness in horses and is characterized by the enlargement of vascular channels, local osteolysis, osteophyte and enthesophyte formation on radiography. This study aimed to report the relationship between the clinical and radiological findings of racehorses diagnosed with sesamoiditis, the treatment applied and long-term results. Methods: The study included a total of 30 Arabian and Thoroughbred racehorses aged 2-7 years diagnosed with sesamoditis based on clinical and radiological examinations. These horses were treated and followed for nine months. Result: Radiographic examination revealed different numbers of enlarged vascular channels in the proximal sesamoid bones in all the cases and osteophytosis (n=3), enthesophytosis (n=9), osteolysis (n=3) and fractures (n=6) in some cases. In addition, low heels were important in 27 cases. The body conformation and low-heeled hoof structure play a role in the development of sesamoiditis in horses and should be considered. As a result, body structure and low heel structure play a role in the development of sesamoiditis in horses and should be considered. This situation should be tried to be corrected by farriers during the foaling period. Sesamoiditis can have a positive prognosis with appropriate treatment and adequate rest, for this reason, treatment should be started in the early period.