The effect of neonatal dysphagia on subsequent racing performance in Standardbred horses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previously we described a clustering of dysphagic foal cases on a Pennsylvania (PA) Standardbred farm which was associated with exposure of pregnant mares to high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the well water. The effect of dysphagia on future athleticism was uncertain.

Objectives

To determine if, as adults, dysphagic foals were less likely to race and if athleticism (age of first race, Speed Index and Earnings Per Start Index) differed from that of healthy foals that raced as adults.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

All foals born during the study period (2014-2017) on the affected PA or an unaffected New York (NY) farm with the same proprietor were eligible for inclusion in the study. Foals with dysphagia

SUBMITTER: Delvescovo B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9511700 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature