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  • Title: Equine digital tendons show breed-specific differences in their mechanical properties that may relate to athletic ability and predisposition to injury.
    Author: Verkade ME, Back W, Birch HL.
    Journal: Equine Vet J; 2020 Mar; 52(2):320-325. PubMed ID: 31442314.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Throughout the ages, human subjects have selected horse breeds for their locomotor capacities. Concurrently, tissue properties may have diversified because of specific requirements of different disciplines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of tendons with different functions between equine breeds traditionally selected for racing or sport. STUDY DESIGN: This study used ex vivo tendons and compared the mechanical properties of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) between racehorses (Thoroughbred [TB]) and sports horses (Friesian Horse [FH], Warmblood [WB]). METHODS: The SDFT and CDET of FH (n = 12), WBs (n = 12) and TBs (n = 8) aged 3-12 years were harvested. The cross sectional area (cm2 ), maximal load (N), ultimate strain (%), ultimate stress (MPa) and elastic modulus (MPa) were determined and tested for significant differences between the breeds (P<0.05). RESULTS: The SDFT from WB horses had a significantly lower elastic modulus than TB horses and failed at a higher strain and load than both FHs and TBs. The mechanical properties of the CDET did not differ between breeds. In agreement with previous studies, the CDET failed at a higher stress and had a higher elastic modulus than the SDFT and, for the WB group of horses only, failed at a significantly lower strain. Interestingly, the mode of failure differed between breeds, particularly with respect to the FHs. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The exercise history of horses used in this study was unknown and the age-range was relatively large; both these factors may have influenced the absolute properties reported in this study. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows for the first time that mechanical properties of the SDFT differ between breeds. These properties are likely to be related to selection for high-speed vs. an extravagant elastic gait and may be an important indicator of performance ability. The Summary is available in Spanish - see Supporting Information.
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