Source: Improve Veterinary Practice
New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has identified 112 genes that may contribute to bone fracture risk in Thoroughbreds. Fractures are a leading cause of euthanasia in racehorses, with around 60 horses euthanized annually on UK racecourses. The study, led by Dr. Debbie Guest, aims to improve understanding of genetic risk factors to develop new interventions for injury prevention.
Using a polygenic risk score, researchers created a model with stem cells to compare gene expression in horses with high vs. low fracture risk. Many of the identified genes regulate bone matrix formation, though some have never been studied in bone before. This research builds on previous findings that collagen type III, crucial for bone formation, is expressed at lower levels in high-risk horses. Further studies are underway to validate risk-scoring models and enhance Veterinary care for Thoroughbreds, potentially reducing fracture occurrences in racing.