Pre-Existing Orthopedic Injuries Responsible for Majority of Racetrack Fatalities

The attached article discusses the high incidence-- 90%, as revealed through 25 years of necropsies performed on racehorses-- of fatal breakdowns are due to pre-existing orthopedic injuries that are either undiagnosed or not fully healed prior to horses being put back into work or racing. It goes on to say that while the negative, contributory effects of certain drugs need to be studied further, these orthopedic fatalities could be avoided by instituting a policy of bone scanning to verify that horses are sound for work or racing. The same could be recommended for horses in any sport, in my opinion. The post photo is of the great mare, Ruffian, who suffered a fatal racing injury and could not be saved. Here is a link to the article: https://www.paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/how-overuse-injuries-happen-and-how-imaging-can-help/?fbclid=IwAR02V5Ph15AFRZLUb6TQPc_9EUSJ0IW1k5YKw1ja0YVuAOuY-TmvCkaxGLE