Advances in Equine Medicine

Equine Laminitis, commonly referred to as founder, is a serious disease resulting in the breakdown of structures within the equine hoof. There are many things thought to lead to this disease and the severity of laminitis varies depending on the individual animal. A number of different treatment options have been developed as research has enlightened specific mechanisms leading to the onset of laminitis.

EPM (Equine Protozoal Myelitis) is a major cause of equine neurological illness but remains a difficult illness to diagnose and treat. Current research is helping to shed light on better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat this disease.

West Nile Virus first appeared in the U.S. in the late nineties and has since spread across the country. Infected horses may exhibit a host of neurological symptoms and the virus has the potential to become deadly. The development of a vaccine has helped prevent West Nile Virus in many horses.

Equine Sarcoid Tumors are a relatively common occurrence in young horses and have a high recurrence rate even after surgical removal. Researchers are currently developing a vaccine to help prevent the occurrence of these tumors.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is an important pathogen in horses causing a variety of respiratory symptoms. Occasional neurological disease results and is extremely serious. No specific treatment of this disease exists and supportive care is required. Research has produced vaccines that are available in some countries.

Advances in Surgical Techniques, especially arthroscopy procedures, have significantly improved the quality of life for many horses that suffered from certain orthopedic problems.

Parasites are a major concern to all horse owners and every pet horse should have a parasite control program to maintain the health of their companions. Equine parasites can include bots, threadworms, lungworms, roundworms, strongyles, pinworms and others. Drugs developed through animal research have helped control and eliminate disease caused by parasitic infections.