KY Equine Drug Research Council Backs Imaging Study – BloodHorse

A horse is examined with a positron emission tomography scanner at Rood & Riddel Equine Hospital
Members of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council unanimously advanced a research proposal aimed at using advanced diagnostic imaging to better identify Thoroughbreds at risk for catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries during an in-person and video-conferenced meeting June 23 at the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington.
The "From Scratch to Back on Track" study, presented by Dr. Bruno Carvalho Menarim, will analyze advanced diagnostic imaging data from 150 horses that were prerace scratches or had voided claims. The project, with a budget of $93,000 per year, will analyze records involving regulatory veterinary evaluations, diagnostic procedures, imaging results, and future performance outcomes as part of Kentucky's efforts to improve equine safety and welfare.
Menarim, associate professor of musculoskeletal sciences for the University of Kentucky and based at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center, noted that musculoskeletal injuries account for most racing fatalities and said that advanced imaging methods, including PET scans, help identify active preexisting injuries, including those involving soft tissue. 
The council also recommended up to $500,000 in funding from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association to support imaging expenses. The KTA will serve as custodian of the funds, with no administrative fees charged. The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association supports the project.
Some EDRC members voiced concerns regarding PET scan availability, isotope supply, costs, and the practical limitations of expanding imaging capacity. 
The EDRC's recommendation now goes to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation for the regulator's expected formal approval.
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