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Study on Early Warning Triggers for Lameness |
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Researchers at the University of Missouri and Stephens College have joined forces with the Saint Louis Zoo's Department of Animal Health and Nutrition and a supplement company in a research project for the betterment of horse health.
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The study examines new technologies in diagnostics, prevention and treatment of lameness in horses, with possible applications for other hoofed mammals.
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"The major goals of the collaboration are to deepen the understanding of equine lameness issues, improve the longevity of equine athletes, and improve the overall quality of life for horses," said Dawna Voelkl, clinical assistant professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Researchers will use horses at Stephens College in the study to determine methods by which animals susceptible to joint ailments may be identified earlier. Students and faculty from Stephens College and MU are working closely to prepare the horses for blood, urine and gait analysis. The first portion of the study will focus on establishing baseline values of certain components found in blood and urine, as well as determining the overall soundness of individual horses through wireless techniques.
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"The hope is that diagnosis at an earlier stage will assist with treatment and decrease progression of the problem," said Trista Strauch, assistant professor of resident instruction in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. "We are looking for biological markers with the hope that we can help horses with arthritis."
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The second portion of the study will involve the administration of a patent-pending nutraceutical product - Steadfast Equine - marketed by Arenus, a retail brand of Novus International, Inc. The research is sponsored by Arenus.
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Steadfast Equine is described as a complete structural support product designed to maintain normal health, performance and longevity of all components of a horse's framework - including joints, bones, hooves and other connective tissues. These components may be impacted over time due to athletic performance, environmental conditions and aging.
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"Arenus is committed to research that will help deliver better results to our customers," said Jeremy Moore, marketing manager for Novus Nutrition Brands.
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"We are excited about our relationships with the University of Missouri, Stephens College and the Saint Louis Zoo. Hopefully, this is yet another step toward earlier diagnosis of equine joint and bone issues as well as a better understanding of alternative therapies that can help our horses lead longer, more enjoyable lives."
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The research satisfies a requirement for a Mizzou (University of Missouri) student in the Saint Louis Zoo's Department of Animal Health and Nutrition, supported by Novus International.
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"This collaboration of our programs reflects the equine community's strong commitment not only to research and education, but also to the promotion of equine wellness programs," said Ellen Beard, chair of Stephens College Equestrian Studies.
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Read comments or post your own comments to this article at the bottom of this page. |
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Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved. The above article is the property of the Author and may not be duplicated or redistributed in any way without permission. |
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Reader comments for this article |
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Name: faultroy Time: 2008-10-01 17:10:57
Comment: Many of us in the horse community would definitely disagree with Mr. Kane's comments on a properly trimmed horse--either barefoot or shod. We can all agree what appears to be a poorly trimmed or untrimmed horse. We may not agree on the tiny details, but we all know what a good trimming looks like--short to moderate toe,
wide hoof, significant heel, and a clean wide frog add up to a properly trimmed and shaped hoof. And, almost every professional--regardless as to whether they are barefoot practitioners or shoeing advocates agree that pastern angle, P 3
angle and hoof angle should all closely coincide for maximum foot support.
And from a scientific standpoint, Ms. Hunter's comments are definitely valid. We certainly would like any and every scientifically based study on the equine foot to specifically indicate as to whether there were or are variations endemic to barefoot or shod horses.
Furthermore, even podiatrists mention the fact that with respect to humans, the use and implementation of shoes has both adversly and negatively impacted human feet making them for the most part more narrow than they would be without shoes. And lastly every human foot doctor in the world would agree that barring unforseen circumstances, the human foot is much healthier in its natural state--unshoed. So why not a horse?
I say this as someone who believes that horses should be unshod but shoeing certainly has its place in equine servicibility.
Name: Bob Kane Time: 2008-09-05 23:09:57
Comment: To the poster below (Kathy)-
You barefoot fanatics don't even agree among yourselves as to what is a "properly-trimmed" horse. Your arrogance is so amazing that you think credible academc veterinarians haven't considered something in their sceintific studies that fits you bias. Your high horse is unrideable.
Name: Kathy Hunter Time: 2008-09-05 17:09:23
Comment: I hope this study will differentiate properly-trimmed barefoot horses and horses wearing shoes. The indicators for lameness could be very different.
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