AAEP Foundation's Equine Laminitis Research Workshop Sets Goal to Conquer Laminitis by Year 2020

3 April 2010 | Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog at Hoofcare.com

On November 8-10, 2009, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation hosted the Second AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop in West Palm Beach, Florida. Nearly fifty researchers and laminitis experts from around the world met to prioritize future laminitis research needs. The group also explored specific questions about the direction and cost of future laminitis projects.

In the two-day workshop, presentations and discussions of varied topics ranged from inflammation, vascular, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance to biomechanics and chronic pain management. The group learned there is much information being generated on the topic of laminitis and they will seek answers to the many questions that loom surrounding this disease. A “World Café” session posed a special opportunity for attendees to delve into ten important questions that will guide a plan for future research efforts and the corresponding funding needs and establish timetable to accomplish the vision “to conquer laminitis by 2020.”

“During the Second Equine Laminitis Research Workshop we learned that we must continually develop and refine our vision for the future,” said Dr. Rustin Moore, chair of the 2009 workshop. “By continually engaging veterinarians, researchers, farriers, caretakers and the greater equine community in a collaborative effort to advance, expand and disseminate knowledge through research and collective experiences to effectively prevent and treat equine laminitis, it is hopeful that together we will move closer to our 20/20 vision of conquering this devastating disease by (the year) 2020.”

The Second AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop was designed to build upon the foundation established by the 2004 AAEP Foundation Laminitis Research Meeting, as well as other meetings that have been hosted by the Havemeyer Foundation and the International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, over the past decade. The purpose of these meetings is to move the industry closer to unraveling the elusive mysteries of laminitis and help to develop effective strategies that will eventually lead to eradicating the disease.

Participants in the November meeting were challenged to develop plans for collaboration between investigators and to identify specific priorities in laminitis research for the next ten years.

This research workshop would not have been possible without the support of the following agency and corporate sponsors: AAEP Foundation, American Quarter Horse Foundation, Barbaro Memorial Fund (NTRA Charities), Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and Morris Animal Foundation. The AAEP also recognizes supporters of this meeting including Marianne and John K. Castle, Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Gretchen and Roy Jackson, Elizabeth Moran, Denise and Michael Rotko, and Carol and Mark Zebrowski. This cooperative effort aims to identify priorities for the equine industry and benefit the owner, veterinarian, supporting industries and, most importantly, the horse.

Please visit the AAEP Foundation Web site at www.aaepfoundation.org to see the complete 2009 AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop report, summaries and related articles, including:

• Lessons Learned from the 2nd Equine Laminitis Research Workshop

• Summary Feedback from World Café, Questions and Key Recommendations on Next Steps

• The Pain State Arising from the Laminitic Horse: Insights into Future Analgesic Therapies – by Tony Yakash, PhD

• Overview of What we Know about the Pathophysiology of Laminitis – by Susan Eades, PhD, DACVIM-LA.

Foundered pony photo credit: World Horse Welfare

To learn more: Ohio State Vets Have a 20/20 Vision:Cure Laminitis by the Year 2020

© Fran Jurga and Hoofcare Publishing. Please, no use without permission. You only need to ask. Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog is a between-issues news service for subscribers to Hoofcare and Lameness Journal. This blog may be read online at the blog page, checked via RSS feed, or received via a digest-type email (requires signup in box at top right of blog page). To subscribe to Hoofcare and Lameness (the journal), please visit the main site, www.hoofcare.com, where many educational products and media related to equine lameness and hoof science can be found. Questions or problems with this blog? Send email to blog@hoofcare.com.

Ohio State Vets Have a 20/20 Vision: Cure Laminitis by the Year 2020

4 December 2009 | Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog at Hoofcare.com

Here's a news story from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, about the university's participation in the recent 5th International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot. This article is published without editing except for the addition of links to extended information. It can also be read online at the Ohio State University news section. I hope Dr. Moore's vision comes true.

Columbus, OH - Equine experts and laminitis researchers from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine participated in two laminitis research meetings/workshops, where participants shared current research rand treatments, and envisioned finding a cure by 2020.

The Fifth International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot (IECLDF), held in conjunction with the Second Annual AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop (ELRW), brought together specialists from around the world. Dr. Rustin Moore, chair of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and acting director, Ohio State Veterinary Hospital, also served as a co-organizer for the IECLDF and the chair of organizing committee and moderator for the ELR titled.

The proceedings from the IECLDF includes an article he authored titled "Laminitis Vision: 20/20 by 2020" and the ELRW proceedings has a similar paper he authored titled "Vision 20/20 - Conquer Laminitis by 2020 - A Clarified Vision for the Equine Community to Work Collaboratively and Cooperatively to Understand, Embrace, and Achieve!"

The economic and emotional toll exacted by our incomplete understanding of the disease results in frustration felt by veterinarians, owners, trainers, caregivers and the general public - many of whom came to know the disease through Barbaro.

Fighting a complex, systemic disease like laminitis can only be accomplished through shared efforts. Threats to finding a cure rest in two areas: difficulties with funding the necessary research, as well as competition between research groups for that limited funding. Losing valuable researchers who move to other areas of study due to lack of resources would be disastrous.

Private supporters such as Mr. and Mrs. John K. Castle provide both financial and emotional support to keep the research going. Their horse, "Spot," suffered from laminitis and their efforts to fight the disease in his name continued at the meeting, where they award the "Spot Courage Award" to Molly the Pony. Rescued following Hurricane Katrina, Molly was attacked and badly injured by a dog. Her rescuers and new owners knew of a few instances in which a pony could survive an amputation and learn to wear a prosthetic. Veterinarians at Louisiana State University, including Dr. Moore who was there at that time, agreed to perform the surgery. Molly now travels and inspires all those who meet her.

Dr. Moore and Fran Jurga, editor, Hoofcare and Lameness Journal as well as the blog, The Jurga Report nominated Molly's care giving team, and Dr. Moore presented the award to Kaye Harris on behalf of everyone on this team. Molly accompanied Kaye to West Palm Beach, and was a huge hit during the conference.

Other award winners at the conference include Dr. Moore, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his on-going work and support of laminitis research. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a veterinarian or farrier who has dedicated his/her career to treating horses with laminitis. The nominee's commitment goes beyond the day-to-day care and strives to include evidenced based medical and surgical treatments.

"We really believed that [Dr. Moore] deserved this award because of what he as accomplished in what is really just the first half of his career," said Dr. James Orsini, Associate Professor of Surgery, New Bolton Center and Director, Laminitis Institute, New Bolton Center, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "His work advancing medical and surgical treatments as well as evidence based research was accomplished in just under 20 years. Now, he has moved into administration, where he is still a leader. His work with this conference has caused it to be called the very best in the country - probably the world."

Dr. James Belknap, professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State, spoke at both meetings about his research involving the role of inflammatory cells and other mediators in the initiation and propagation of laminitis.

Equine clinical instructors Dr. Teresa Burns and Dr. Britta Leise also participated in the programs, each winning scholarships to attend and present a poster about their research at the IECLDF. Dr. Burns presented "Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Expression Profiles of Various Adipose Tissue Depots of Insulin Resistant and Insulin-Sensitive Light Breed Horses." and Dr. Leise presented, "Laminar Inflammatory Gene Expression in the Carbohydrate Overload Model of Equine Laminitis." The also both gave podium presentations during the ELRW and Dr. Leise presented two research posters.

Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog is a between-issues news service for subscribers to Hoofcare and Lameness Journal. This blog may be read online at the blog page, checked via RSS feed, or received via a digest-type email (requires signup in box at top right of blog page).

To subscribe to Hoofcare and Lameness (the journal), please visit the main site, www.hoofcare.com, where many educational products and media related to equine lameness and hoof science can be found.

Questions or problems with this blog? Send email to blog@hoofcare.com.

Invitation: Join Molly the Pony at The Ohio State Vet School on August 6th

Hurricane Katrina survivor Molly the Pony with her owner/rescuer Kaye Harris and surgeon/hero Dr. Rustin Moore in 2006 after Molly's amputation surgery in Louisiana. Molly will travel to Ohio in August for a reunion with Dr. Moore...and you're invited!

You and your family and friends are invited to a presentation and a meet-and-greet with "Molly the Pony" (one of the world’s only prosthesis-wearing ponies, and a well-known survivor of hurricane Katrina) at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Thursday, August 6th from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Veterinary Medicine Academic Building (VMAB), 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio

At the event you will meet Dr. Rustin Moore. He is the Bud and Marilyn Jenne Professor and Chair of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Moore was the surgeon who performed the amputation on Molly's right front leg while he was director of the Equine Health Studies Program at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Dr. Moore will give a brief presentation, “It’s All About Molly,” at 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Wexner Auditorium located in the VMAB; light refreshments will be available near the auditorium in the Hummel Grand Lounge.

Molly will be available on the lawn outside of the building for visitors to have the opportunity to meet her and her owner, Kaye Harris, before and after Dr. Moore’s presentation.

ABOUT MOLLY - Molly the Pony was rescued by Kaye and Glenn Harris after Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, several months later she was injured by a dog that was also a Katrina rescue. Although her other numerous wounds healed, her lower right front leg was too severely damaged. Her rescuer and now owner, Kaye Harris, advocated for Molly, inquiring about amputation and a prosthesis.

This procedure is rare, with many obstacles, and now Molly visits anyone who could benefit from her quiet wisdom and inspiration. She has inspired people of all ages and abilities. A children’s picture book was written about her and she has traveled widely to share her story. “Molly the Pony” books will be available for purchase in the Hummel Grand Lounge with proceeds benefiting Molly’s Foundation. (Cash or checks only please.)

Please forward this to anyone you think would enjoy this unique opportunity!

Please RSVP to Katie Kostyo (kostyo.1@osu.edu) or 614-688-8433, by August 3rd and indicate the number of people who will attend.

Directions to the College of Veterinary Medicine:

From SR315, exit at Lane Avenue and head east. Turn right (south) on Fyffe Road. At the next light, turn left on Woody Hayes Drive and then take a right on Coffey Road; follow Coffey to the Veterinary Medicine Academic Building. Free parking is available during the event in the lot just north of the building (east of the Veterinary Hospital). Guests DO NOT need a pass during the event hours.

Please visit the College of Veterinary Medicine’s web site for more information on the college at: www.vet.osu.edu/

More information:

Click here for Molly's MySpace Page

Click here to see Molly's segment on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

Click here to read about Molly in the New York Times.

Click here to read the original Hoof Blog article about Molly and her book.

© Fran Jurga and Hoofcare Publishing. No use without permission. You only need to ask. Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog is a between-issues news service for subscribers to Hoofcare and Lameness Journal. This blog may be read online at the blog page, checked via RSS feed, or received via a digest-type email (requires signup in box at top right of blog page). To subscribe to Hoofcare and Lameness (the journal), please visit the main site, www.hoofcare.com, where many educational products and media related to equine lameness and hoof science can be found. Questions or problems with this blog? Send email to blog@hoofcare.com.

LAMINITIS: Proceedings Book and Disk Full of Valuable Research, Therapy, and Medicine for Reference

A montage of thermography images graces the cover of the laminitis proceedings book. The images represent 48 hours of the onset of laminitis; the colors register the relative heat of the foot. If you double-click on this image, you should be able to see it at a much larger size. Image © Dr. Chris Pollitt and Hoofcare Publishing. No use without permission.

Hoofcare and Lameness is happy to announce that a few more extra copies of the proceedings book and cd-rom from the 4th International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held in West Palm Beach, Florida in 2007, have been added to our listings of books and new media for your library. These are probably the last copies that will ever be sold.

The Proceedings were published by Hoofcare and Lameness summarized in a 7 x 10", 122-page full-color illustrated book describing presentations and lectures with special essays written for the book by Drs James Orsini, Rustin Moore, and Chris Pollitt.

The book is sold alone, or as part of a two part book and cd-rom package.

The cd-rom contains 76 papers, plus many images and a few PowerPoint excerpts, as provided by the faculty and edited and formated by Hoofcare and Lameness. The accompanying book contains a summary of each speaker's presentation, and color photographs.

Included are the special treats of Dr. Pollitt's "48 Hours in Acute Laminitis", as shown on the cover, as well as his previously unpublished sequential CT scans of the blood supply to the foot.

Dr. Moore's essay addresses the significance of laminitis research and education in the aftermath of the Barbaro tragedy and publicity earlier in 2007.

A few other presenters and authors included Steve Adair, James Belknap, Robert Boswell, Thomas Divers, Berndt Driessen, Lisa Fortier, Bryan Fraley, Ray Geor, Aaron Gygax, Amanda House, John Hubbell, Philip Johnson, Fran Jurga, Bruce Lyle, Joseph Mankowski, Catherine McGowan, Scott Morrison, John Peroni, Patrick Reilly, Ron Renirie, Rob Sigafoos, Mark Silverman, Nathan Slovis, Ashley Stokes, Mitch Taylor, Andrew Van Eps, Don Walsh, Kathryn Watts, Mary Beth Whitcomb, Michael Wildenstein and Laura Zarucco.

The cd-rom represents the single largest collection of papers on laminitis and diseases of the foot ever published in one place.

A table of contents for the cd-rom is available on request. Please send an email to Fran Jurga if you would like the contents to be sent to you as an email attachment.

Ordering information: Order book only or book+cd-rom package. Summary book is 7x10, 122 pages, full color. CD-ROM is Mac or Windows compatible and contains all papers in PDF or PowerPoint formats. Papers vary in length and format. All orders must be pre-paid in US dollars, Visa or MasterCard accepted. Book only is $59; Book + cd-rom package is $125 per set. Add $8 postage per book or per set for USA orders; add US$15 per book or per set to other countries.

Click here for faxable order form. Fax to 978 283 8775 or mail with check drawn on USA bank to Hoofcare, 19 Harbor Loop, Gloucester MA 01930. Email orders to Conferencebooks@hoofcare.com. Prices subject to change without notice; supplies are limited.

Conference books and cd-roms were sent to all attendees of the 2007 conference. These extra copies are being offered to libraries and interested individuals who did not attend.

The Proceedings book and cd-rom were sponsored by Intervet and created by Dr. Chris Pollitt and Fran Jurga.

The 5th International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot is being planned for November 2009 and will again be held in West Palm Beach, Florida.

© Fran Jurga and Hoofcare Publishing. No use without permission. Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog is a between-issues news service for subscribers to Hoofcare and Lameness Journal. To subscribe to Hoofcare and Lameness, please visit our main site, www.hoofcare.com, where many educational products and media related to equine lameness and hoof science can be found. This post originally appeared on September 17, 2008 at http://www.hoofcare.blogspot.com.

Looking Back at 2007: This About Sums It Up, or: Israeli Vet Reminds Us Why We Are Still Just Spinning Our Wheels in Hoof Research

{Syndicated content copyright 2008 Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog and www.hoofcare.com}

"Incorporation of more advanced analysis systems in recent years has provided veterinarians with abundant new information related to the various effects of common shoeing and farriery techniques on foot and lower limb biomechanics. It is quite obvious however, that some aspects are still controversial or unclear. Among these controversies are the effects of change in heel height on the angles of the PIP ("pastern") and MCP ("fetlock") joints and on the strains of the flexor tendons and SL ("suspensory ligament").

"Comparisons of unshod and shod horses are rare, but the use of analysis systems, such as the pressure mat, may help to clarify debate about the purported benefits of shoeing horses versus leaving them barefoot. Fine (finite element) analysis of the distal limb seems to be limited by the complex anatomy. Indeed, it seems that a full understanding of the function of smaller structures, such as the distal sesamoidean or collateral ligaments, may only be achieved with the use of computer simulation.

"Finally, it should be noted that from an evidence-based perspective, most studies that have been performed evaluating the biomechanical effects of the common shoeing and farriery techniques have been performed using sound horses, and many others have been in vitro studies. Thus, although the information obtained from such studies is interesting, its direct clinical relevance is speculative and the strength of evidence is not as strong as is desirable. "

--from the summary of the paper "An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Biomechanical Effects of the Common Shoeing and Farriery Techniques" by Ehud Eliashar, BSc, DVM, MRCVS, published in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, in August 2007.

Translation: when it comes to hoof research, "evidence-based" is a relative term. The same sentiment was voiced at the Fourth International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot by Rustin Moore DVM PhD DACVS in his lecture "Evidence-Based Treatment for Laminitis".

For years, many respected voices have called for a standardizd protocol for foot research. We are expected to accept as gospel studies performed on treadmills. Bar shoes or wedges tacked on to only one front foot. Horseshoes nailed onto untrimmed, unbalanced feet. Shoes tested on ponies instead of horses. Raceplates on high-heeled non-racehorses. Shoes applied for testing without following manufacturer recommendations. And, in almost all studies, the lack of control data of the horse without shoes, or at least with normal flat shoes. Contrary data even exists as to whether horseshoes dampen or increase concussion.

Dr. Eliashar's paper points out changes in study results on the same condition when the horse is on a treadmill and controversies over interpretation of statistics on toe grab relevance in racetrack breakdowns.

Looking ahead, it makes sense to draw parallels between the struggles between Darwinism and creationism when comparing the arguments for the benefits of shoes vs natural (shoeless) trimming. When scientists like Eliashar and Moore are cautious about labeling existing scientific data as "evidence-based", the boat has some serious leaks.

For years, researchers like Chris Pollitt have asked, "How do you expect us to explain laminitis when we don't know how the normal foot metabolizes and grows and functions?" Researchers like Robert Bowker have mused, "I discovered this really interesting facet, but I don't know what it might mean..."

Kudos to those willing to admit that the function of the foot of the domesticated horse is still a mystery and that science doesn't have all the answers. Science may not have even been asking the right questions.

Happy new year, anyway!

Photo courtesy of Royal Veterinary College.

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