Retrospective study of subchondral sclerosis and lucency in the third carpal bone of Standardbred trotters

The aim was to investigate radiographic findings of subchondral sclerosis a nd subchondral lucency in the dorsoproximal-dorsodistal (DPr-DDi) projectio n of the third carpal bone (C3) in relation to clinical appearance and to p rognosis for racing. In a retrospective study, case records of 89 Standardb red trotters diagnosed with traumatic carpitis confirmed with intra-articul ar anaesthesia were examined. Records included data on degree of lameness a t presentation and after flexion tests and a radiographic examination of th e carpus, including a DPr-DDi projection of the C3, Subchondral lucency was found significantly to influence the degree of lameness at presentation an d the time to start but did not significantly affect the chance of racing w ithin 30 months post examination. In the present material no significant re lationship between degree of sclerosis and lameness or prognosis for racing within 30 months was found, but the low number of C3 with severe sclerosis limited conclusions about that group.