Plantar fasciitis is the predominant ultrasonographic diagnosis in Thoroughbred racehorses presenting with curb

Summary Background The ultrasonographic diagnosis and prognosis for curb in Thoroughbred racehorses are poorly documented. Objectives To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic features, treatments and outcomes of curb in a Thoroughbred flat racing population. Study design Retrospective case series study. Methods Horses with ultrasonographic evaluation of curb were retrieved from medical records at the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 2006 to 2025. Data analysed included signalment, clinical presentations, ultrasonographic findings, treatments, rehabilitation period and performance indices. Results Thirty‐one hindlimbs of 26 horses were affected; plantar fasciitis was present in all affected hindlimbs, superficial digital flexor tendonitis in two hindlimbs (8%) and long plantar desmitis in one hindlimb (4%). The left ( n = 16), right ( n = 5) or both hindlimbs ( n = 5) were affected. Treatments included a variable period of rest and variable use of systemic and local anti‐inflammatory medication, cold therapies, radial pressure wave therapy, focused shockwave therapy, class IV therapeutic laser and therapeutic ultrasound. Horses resumed trotting, galloping and racing within a median of 19, 54.5 and 126 days, respectively. The prognosis for return to racing without re‐injury was good with 88.5% of horses that underwent a rehabilitation programme racing after injury. There was a low recurrence rate, with curb‐related lameness recurring in two horses after resuming trotting exercise necessitating more time walking. Main limitations Limited horse number, variable quality, completeness of stored ultrasonographic images and clinical notes and multiple factors that can affect racing outcomes. Conclusions Periligamentous and peritendinous plantar fasciitis is the predominant ultrasound finding in flat‐racing Thoroughbred horses with curb‐like swellings in the current population. Involvement of the underlying superficial digital flexor tendon and long plantar ligament is unusual. The prognosis for return to racing is favourable following adequate rest and rehabilitation.