Question

I own an eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. He was just retired from the track because of unsoundness related to supracondylar lysis of the cannon bone. Would Triacton help rebuild the missing bone?

Answer

Supracondylar lysis of the cannon bone is characterized by bone resorption just above the condyles of the cannon bone, which are located on the end nearest the fetlock.

This condition is common in Thoroughbreds and, when found in yearlings, can be predictive of poor performance. In a study several years ago, veterinary researchers looked at radiographic findings of Thoroughbred yearlings presented for sale at two prestigious sales companies in Kentucky.^* More than 1,100 yearlings were included in the study, and most had a series of fetlock radiographs taken either prior to or during the sale. “Among radiographic changes observed in the fore fetlock joints, only moderate to extreme palmar supracondylar lysis of the distal palmar third metacarpus had a significant effect on the likelihood of starting a race.” Only 58% of yearlings with moderate or severe supracondylar lysis started a race.

Unfortunately, less information is available about the long-term soundness of mature horses with this condition.

Kentucky Equine Research has not investigated the effectiveness of Triacton in young or mature horses diagnosed with supracondylar lysis. Triacton is formulated to provide essential nutrients to the skeletal system to promote increases in bone density. During the research and development of Triacton, bone density increased after 30-90 days of supplementation.

As a side note, Triacton may be especially relevant to your horse because of the product’s gastric- and hindgut-buffering properties. Many off-track Thoroughbreds run into gastrointestinal trouble as they transition to different surroundings and a second career. Triacton may help ease that changeover.

Supporting joint health with a research-proven supplement would also be appropriate in this situation. Synovate HA is a high-quality, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that supports joint health by conferring anti-inflammatory properties and maintaining joint fluid viscosity.

^*Kane, A.J., C.W. McIlwraith, R.D. Park, N.W. Rantanen, J.P. Morehead, and L.R. Bramlage. 2000. The effect of radiographic changes in Thoroughbred yearlings on future racing performance. In: Proc.  American Association of Equine Practitioners 46:370-374.