Equine Science Update

A $1 million campaign for laminitis research was launched at the Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

The first of a series of studies to help unravel the mysteries of this disease is already underway under the direction of recognized epidemiologist, Noah Cohen, VMD, PhD at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Rather than being based on laboratory research, the first study, "A Case-Control Study of Pasture- and Endocrinopathy-Associated Laminitis in Horses" is designed to make use of the wealth of information available in naturally occurring cases of laminitis.

By encouraging collaboration between horse owners, veterinarians and researchers, this first phase of the Laminitis Research Project aims to identify risk factors for laminitis. This valuable information will be used to direct future research into the cause, progress, treatment and prevention of the condition.

With new information about nature of this disease, the AAEP Foundation intends to equip equine practitioners with the ability to prevent and treat horses diagnosed with laminitis.

Funding for the research has been boosted by a donation of $200,000 from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., makers of Prascend®

“This project is in response to AAEP members prioritizing laminitis as the most important disease requiring research,” said Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS.  “We are fortunate and very grateful our long-time industry partner Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and their new exciting product Prascend is willing to support research to help us help horses with this devastating disease.”

Laminitis remains one of the most frustrating and devastating diseases confronted by equine practitioners. The disease, which has the potential to cripple horses beyond repair, damages the critical laminae in the equine foot and has a variety of causes and symptoms.

The crippling effects of laminitis can threaten the life of a once healthy horse. Often, equine veterinarians are limited in their ability to mitigate the devastating effects of this complex disease.

Veterinarians and horse owners are encouraged to join the effort to eradicate laminitis through their active involvement with the Laminitis Research Project. Horses that are diagnosed with laminitis and have not yet received treatment may be submitted for these case-based studies.  Horse owners and veterinarians can also choose to help through fundraising at their equine facility, home, business or veterinary practice.

For more information about contributing to the Laminitis Research Project, visit www.aaepfoundation.org.