SummaryReasons for performing study: Although fractures of the metacarpal and metatarsal condyles are the most common long-bone fractures of Thoroughbred horses in training, limited data on variations in morphology and incidence have been published. Additionally, grouped analyses of previous studies from the UK and USA would permit comparison between study groups and the creation of a substantial pool of international data. Methods: Retrospective analysis of case records of horses with fractures of the distal condyles of third metacarpal/metatarsal bones seen over the last 10 years at Newmarket Equine Hospital. The current series was compared with a prior series from the UK; pooled analyses of these, and series from the USA were also compared. Results: One hundred and seventy-four fractures were identified in 167 racehorses. The current series contained a significantly lower proportion of medial condylar fractures than in a similar population 17 years earlier. Fractures that originated more abaxially tended to be shorter, and a significant proportion of lateral condylar fractures arose outside of the condylar groove. There was also some apparent seasonality of fractures of the lateral condyles in 2-year-old horses, but not so in older horses or those with medial condylar fractures. Conclusions and potential relevance: A substantial portion (approximately 50%) of fractures in the present series cannot be explained by unifying theories of aetiopathogenesis, which suggest that fractures usually arise within the condylar groove, as a focus of cumulative fatigue and failure of adaptation of bone. A separate aetiopathogenesis may be responsible for a proportion of condylar fractures encountered in racehorses, and further work is required to elucidate this. Changes in the number of medial condylar fractures encountered may reflect the introduction of artificial racing and training surfaces, and also may reflect changes in the age demographic of horses racing in the UK since the introduction of year-round 'all-weather' racing.Keywords: horse; Thoroughbred; racehorse; third metacarpal/metatarsal bone; condyle; fracture AbbreviationsMcIII: Third metacarpal bone MtIII: Third metatarsal bone IntroductionThe metaphyseal and epiphyseal anatomy of the third metacarpal (McIII) and metatarsal (MtIII) bones is similar. The distal epiphyses consist of 2 condyles separated by a sagittal ridge, which is angled slightly lateral from palmar/plantar to dorsal. The medial condyle is larger in both mediolateral and dorsopalmar/plantar planes. Its distal articular surface is perpendicular to the long axis of the bone, while that of the lateral condyle has a slight proximal axial incline. The articular surfaces of both condyles bear a slight lateromedial transverse (frontal plane) ridge at their most distal point. This marks a change in the radius of curvature of the epiphysis such that the palmar/plantar articular surfaces of the condyles are flatter than the dorsal surfaces. The latter represent the contact area for the proximal phalanx ...

In contrast to previously described amputation techniques, subtotal (cranial wedge) ostectomy removes only impinging portions of SPs. General anaesthesia and lateral recumbency facilitate access and enable a short surgery time. The procedure maintains the contour of the back and has fewer complications, but produces functional outcomes similar to more invasive procedures.

Lameness associated with the hock (tarsus) and proximal cannon (metatarsus) is not uncommon in both performance and leisure horses, and radiographic evaluation is frequently indicated. In the hock, developmental orthopaedic disease predominates in juveniles, while mature animals more commonly present with degenerative or traumatic lesions. Radiographic pathology of the proximal metatarsus consists largely of traumatic injuries to the vestigial metatarsal bones and entheseous changes associated with the origin of a diseased suspensory ligament. Irrespective of the presenting complaint, a standardised, complete and accurate radiographic assessment should be undertaken where indicated. This article describes how this is best achieved and gives examples of some of the more common abnormalities encountered.

Background: This study aimed to identify demographic, practice and jobspecific factors that are associated with veterinary nurses resigning from UK companion animal veterinary practices. Methods: Employment data from nurses working across a group of practices at the end of 2020 were included. Nurses were categorised into those who remained at, or resigned from, their practice in 2021. Proposed risk factors for future resignations were analysed using multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. Results: In total, 278 of 1642 (16.9%) nurses across 418 practices resigned in 2021. The most frequently recorded reasons for nurses resigning included 'career progression' (n = 102; 36.7%), 'personal reasons' (n = 36; 12.9%) and 'better pay or benefits' (n = 33; 11.9%). Factors associated with lower odds of future nurse resignations included longer tenure (p < 0.001), higher practice property and facilities rating (p = 0.049) and being a head or student nurse (p = 0.008). Limitations: Data were collected retrospectively and were not recorded for research purposes. Conclusions: This study highlights key factors that are predictive of veterinary nurse resignations. With known difficulties in staff retention within veterinary practices, analysis of these data is an important addition to the evidence base surrounding the complex issue of nurse retention and could help steer future retention strategies.

Ben Jacklin is equine director and consultant veterinary surgeon at CVS UK. He is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and an RCVS and ECVS Specialist in equine surgery