Kutsushita Nugeta - Thoroughbred
- morethanpethk
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
HIGHLIGHTS
Foaled February 24, 2016 – Died June 18, 2026（10yo）
The Incident : May 9, 2026 (at 5yo) - Japan
The Injury : Kutsushita Nugeta suffered a devastating accident resulting in a dislocated right knee and a fractured bone
The Leading Surgeon: Dr. Masaru Sese
The Outcome: A failure, Despite 41 days of rescue efforts and various attempts to save the horse, Kutsushita Nugeta was euthanised. The clinical data, X-rays, and surgical experience gained during the 41-day treatment period has established future standards for equine orthopedic surgery in Japan.
ABOUT THE HORSE
Kutsushita Nugeta aka "sock slipped off" was a Japanese thoroughbred racehorse sired by South Vigorous out of the mare Oborozuki. He raced primarily in Japan's NAR circuit achieving 3 wins in his career.
The horse finished his racing career with a reliable record of 14 starts, 5 wins, and 2 second-place finishes. He accumulated a total of 5.96 million yen in lifetime prize money. Though the horse was not a top-tier, elite Group 1 champion, he achieved solid regional success and earned an immense, affectionate reputation on Japanese social media.
THE INCIDENT - 9 May 2026
The retired racehorse Kutsushita Nugeta suffered a devastating accident resulting in a dislocated right knee and a fractured bone. Because the injury was considered inoperable, almost every veterinarian recommended euthanasia to spare him from further suffering, but his dedicated owner desperately fought to save his life.
THE SAVING EFFORT - led by Dr. Masaru Sese
The horse owner and veterinary team opted for a high-risk, pioneering carpal joint fixation surgery.
The Procedure: A 7-hour surgery on 14 May, the surgeons installed 2 heavy-duty plates and 25 orthopedic screws to permanently fuse the shattered knee joint, attempting to create a stable column of bone that could support his weight.
Phase 1: Experimental Arthrodesis (Days 0-5)
Carpal Impregnation: In a 7-hour surgery on 14 May, Kutsushita Nugeta underwent carpal impregnation. The surgical team permanently fused the fractured knee joint using 2 orthopedic plates and 25 screws, attempting to create a stable column of bone that could support his weight.This type of surgery had never been performed on horses in Japan before.
Leg Immobilization: A thick fiberglass medical cast was used to immobilize the leg to prevent any slight displacement of the fused bones.
Phase 2: Weight Management and Cast Support (Days 6-25)
Limb Load Management: To ensure blood circulation, the horse could not lie down for extended periods. The veterinary team guided the horse to stand, supporting most of its 500 kg weight on the remaining healthy limbs.
Cast Adjustments: Under sedation, the initial surgical cast was carefully changed multiple times. A veterinarian checked the surgical incision for deep tissue infection, then changed the dressing, and installed a new, tighter support structure.
Phase 3: Laminitis of the Supporting Limb (Days 26-34)
Collateral Crisis: In early June, laminitis developed due to the continued immense pressure on his healthy left forelimb. Poor blood circulation caused inflammation and necrosis of the internal tissue (lobe) connecting the hoof bone to the hoof wall.
Palliative Care: The care team attempted to alleviate his severe pain and maintain his mental state and appetite by adjusting the bedding, administering strong anti-inflammatory medication, and allowing him free access to fresh hay.
Phase 4: Clinical Failure and Euthanasia (Days 35-41)
X-ray Confirmation: Nine days after the second cast change, Kutsushita Nugeta was unable to walk or stand. An emergency X-ray revealed complete detachment of the lobe, causing the hoof bone to rotate downwards, almost penetrating the sole of the hoof.
Palliative Care: Given the structural damage and the severe pain, the medical team discontinued further medical intervention. On his last afternoon, the horse was allowed to graze freely on his favorite grass.
Sadly, at 9:29 a.m. on June 18, 2026 (exactly 41 days after the incident), Kutsushita Nugeta was euthanized.
MEDICAL LEGACY
Though Kutsushita Nugeta passed away, his journey was a landmark achievement. The meticulous, daily medical logs published by his veterinarians provided the global equine community with invaluable data on joint fixation limits and post-operative hoof management, paving the way to save future horses facing similar trauma.
Source: Reddit
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