Retrospective study on the prevalence of tendon injury in racehorses using ultrasound in Selangor, Malaysia

This retrospective study examined the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of tendon injuries in racehorses evaluated using ultrasonography at Selangor Turf Club, Selangor, Malaysia, between 2022 to 2024. A total of 120 racehorses were assessed, of which 75 were confirmed to have tendon injuries, resulting in an overall prevalence of 62.5%. The Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) was identified as the most frequently affected structure and the left forelimb was the most commonly affected limb, representing 58.7% of all injuries. Demographic and race-related variables including age, sex, body weight, and race distance were analyzed. Although no significant associations were identified with the affected limb or type of tendon injury, sex and body weight were associated with the likelihood of returning to racing. These findings provide updated epidemiological insights into tendon injury patterns in Malaysian racehorses and highlight the predominance of SDFT involvement and forelimb susceptibility in this population.