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University of Minnesota VDL outlines necropsy protocol, HISA reporting and findings on catastrophic fractures
Summary
A University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory representative briefed the Racing Commission on necropsy workups required under HISA, sample retention, and trends showing a decline in catastrophic fracture submissions to the lab.
A representative of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) described the lab’s necropsy protocols, its role under Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) reporting expectations, and findings on catastrophic fractures at the commission’s Feb. 20 meeting.
The presenter said the VDL — the state’s official diagnostic laboratory, with more than a century of service — receives equine submissions for necropsy, bacteriology, virology and genetic testing and maintains equipment capable of handling very large animals. The presenter described a standardized workup for racetrack deaths that focuses on distinguishing catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries from other causes of death, searching for preexisting lesions such as bone calluses or remodeling, and retaining frozen samples for general toxicology and equine analytical testing.
The VDL speaker said HISA rules require necropsy for covered horses that die on track or within 72 hours of a racetrack-related musculoskeletal injury; the lab’s protocol therefore pays special attention to musculoskeletal preparation, contralateral limb comparison and microscopic examination. The presenter emphasized that shipping both injured and contralateral limbs is important so pathologists can assess whether observed changes are abnormal.
On trends, the presenter said submissions for catastrophic fractures from racetracks have declined in recent years and suggested that improved imaging and preventive screening are likely contributing factors. The presenter also described how VDL reports are structured: a submitter statement of events, a cross description of macroscopic findings, microscopic findings and final morphological diagnoses with time-frame clarification.
Commissioners asked whether the VDL makes recommendations based on findings; the presenter said making recommendations about racing policies or causation beyond morphological diagnosis is beyond the lab’s scope and that the lab’s conclusions are limited to what submitters provide and what specimens show.
Ending: Commissioners thanked the presenter and moved to other agenda items. The VDL representative did not provide case-level records or a policy prescription during the informational briefing.
