EHSP Helps with EquineEHSP Helps with EquineEHSP Helps with EquineEHSP Helps with EquineEHSP Helps with EquineRRRRRescue and Shelter Effortsescue and Shelter Effortsescue and Shelter Effortsescue and Shelter Effortsescue and Shelter Efforts

The Equine Health Studies Program ofthe LSU School of Veterinary Medicineestablished the Horse Hurricane Helplineon Thursday September 1 and faculty, staffand students began fielding countless callsaround the clock from people reportinghorses in need of rescue. A “CentralCommand” was set up in conjunction withthe Helpline, whereby areas were mappedout showing the location of horses inneed, and a rescue strategy was quicklydeveloped. The LSU Hurricane EquineRescue Operations began assemblingrescue teams comprised of veterinariansand staff from the LSU Equine Clinic,private equine veterinarians and numerousvolunteers, often times consisting of aconvoy of several trucks and trailers.

"We deployed between one and seventeams daily beginning on Friday,September 2, once we were granted accessinto the affected areas," said Dr. Rustin M.Moore, director of the EHSP. "Some dayswe rescued 60 or 70 horses from a givenarea and other times we rescued only oneor two. This was an extremely dynamicprocess." Some of the horses requiredrescue out of high water and othersneeded to be moved to an area where theycould reliably and safely be provided withsufficient food and water.

Following Hurricane Katrina, nearly400 horses were evacuated from sevenparishes and transported to the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, where a satelliteveterinary clinic staffed by LSU EquineClinic personnel and numerous volunteerswas set up to provide veterinary medicalcare, shelter, food, water, and lots ofcompassionate tender loving care. Thehorses underwent careful identification anddocumentation upon arrival for purposesof reuniting them with their owners. Somehorses required medical treatment in thefield prior to transport, and all horses werethoroughly examined and evaluated byveterinary staff at the Lamar-Dixon facilityand provided necessary treatment. Carewas provided by veterinarians, veterinarystudents, and volunteers under thesupervision and guidance of an LSUEquine Clinic staff veterinarian. Avolunteer served as the coordinator of theequine facility at Lamar-Dixon and helpedkeep track of the horses and made suresufficient food, water, supplies, andvolunteers were available.

(Continued on page 3)

The primary goal was to care for thesehorses until they could be reunited withtheir owners. Several of the horses requiredsome level of veterinary care while atLamar-Dixon and approximately 10 of thehorses required referral to the LSU EquineClinic for more advanced veterinarymedical care. The remaining 20 (out of theoriginal 400 horses) housed at Lamar-Dixon were moved to nearby foster farmswhen the shelter closed on October 26.As of November 21, nine of these horseswith identified owners are still being fosterdand nine others with no known owners(five with microchips, two with tattoos, andtwo with no identifying marks) are beingcared for at these facilities until theirowners can be identified. "We still arehopeful that we will be able to identify theowners of the remaining horses," said Dr.Moore.

"The response of the numerous peopleinvolved in this rescue operation wasnothing short of amazing considering theenormity and complexity of the problemsresulting from Hurricane Katrina, andcompounded by Hurricane Rita," continuedDr. Moore. "The most rewarding part of thisoperation has been to save the lives ofthese horses and to reunite horses andowners. It has been said that veterinariansare good for horses; and horses are goodfor people. It is our greatest reward to seethat circle complete, to play a role in

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Volunteers work the LSU HorseHurricane Helpline.

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TTTTTable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contents

Mark YMark YMark YMark YMark Your Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendars

Hurricane Recovery Efforts .............. 1Director’s Message ........................ 4Stallion Service Auction ................... 5Laparoscopy ................................... 6Breeding for Early Foals................... 8Horse Out of Breath........................10Thoroughbred Racing Injuries .........11Summer Research Programs............12Phi Zeta Research Day ....................13RDVM Summit ................................14Advancement Council..................... 14Kentucky Derby Party ......................15Faculty & Staff Honors ....................16Students Receive Awards ................ 16New Faces at EHSP ........................ 17New Equipment at EHSP ................ 18Director of Advancement ................19Artificial Insemination Workshop .....19Scientific Manuscripts .....................20Scientific Abstracts ..........................20Grants & Contracts.........................21Equine Gene Sequences .................21Charitable Gifts ..............................22EHSP Donation Form ......................23Pets & Vets ......................................24

Stall ion Service AuctionStall ion Service AuctionStall ion Service AuctionStall ion Service AuctionStall ion Service AuctionOctober 14-December 16, 2005See article on page 5.

LLLLLouisiana Vouisiana Vouisiana Vouisiana Vouisiana Veterinary Medical Association Equineeterinary Medical Association Equineeterinary Medical Association Equineeterinary Medical Association Equineeterinary Medical Association EquineSeminarSeminarSeminarSeminarSeminarJanuary 22-24, 2006Bossier City, La.Call Dr. James "Sonny" Corleyat 337-235-9945.

Equine Artif icial Insemination WEquine Artif icial Insemination WEquine Artif icial Insemination WEquine Artif icial Insemination WEquine Artif icial Insemination Workshop for Ownersorkshop for Ownersorkshop for Ownersorkshop for Ownersorkshop for Ownersand Breedersand Breedersand Breedersand Breedersand BreedersJanuary 28-29, 2006See article on page 19.

Open HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseFebruary 4, 2006Don't miss this opportunity to tour the School of VeterinaryMedicine and see exhibits and demonstrations, including theequine treadmill and an equine parade of breeds. For moreinformation call 225-578-9900.

Animals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitMarch 19-April 16, 2006March 19-April 16, 2006March 19-April 16, 2006March 19-April 16, 2006March 19-April 16, 2006Visit the School of Veterinary Medicine Libraryand view this annual art exhibit featuringartists from around the world. For moreinformation call 225-578-9900.

Hill 's Great Rover Road RunHill 's Great Rover Road RunHill 's Great Rover Road RunHill 's Great Rover Road RunHill 's Great Rover Road RunSaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday, March 24, 2006, March 24, 2006, March 24, 2006, March 24, 2006, March 24, 2006The School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a5K run and a 1 mile Fun Run/Walk withRover. Leashed pets are welcome for thisannual race benefitting the Student Chapterof the American Veterinary MedicalAssociation. For more information, call 225-578-9900.

EHSP Faculty and Staff visit with horsemen at a hospitalitybreakfast prior to the Two-Year Old-in-Training Sale at the FairGrounds Race Course in New Orleans on March 22.

"""""Horses leave hoof prints on your heart."Horses leave hoof prints on your heart."Horses leave hoof prints on your heart."Horses leave hoof prints on your heart."Horses leave hoof prints on your heart."Anonymous

"It is the very difficult horses that have"It is the very difficult horses that have"It is the very difficult horses that have"It is the very difficult horses that have"It is the very difficult horses that havethe most to give you."the most to give you."the most to give you."the most to give you."the most to give you."Lendon Gray

Equine Health Studies ProgramDr. Rustin M. Moore Director, Equine Health Studies Program

Dr. Michael G. Groves Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Peter F. Haynes Executive Associate Dean

Ky Mortensen Director of Advancement, EHSP

Ginger Guttner Editor

Published by the Equine Health Studies Program. Correspondence should be addressedto: Equine Health Studies Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana StateUniversity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

Telephone: 225-578-9500 E-mail: equine@vetmed.lsu.eduInternet: www.LSUEquine.com

3

protecting the bond between humansand animals, and to experience in thejoy that so many of these owners havehad in being reunited with their horsesthat they care so deeply for."

Many of the owners lost absolutelyeverything. Their barns were destroyedby wind, tidal surge and flooding. Theonly thing many of them have to holdonto is their horse; thus, these horsesrepresent an extremely powerfulemotional attachment to their lives. "Wehave witnessed numerous tearfulreunions of horses with owners whothought their horses had perishedsubsequent to the storm," said Dr.Moore.

In addition, the LSU HurricaneEquine Rescue Operations teamsrescued over 300 dogs, several cats andsome birds, rabbits, goats, potbelliedpigs, iguanas, and even several people.The group continued to haul feed andwater for horses, livestock, dogs andcats into these areas for weeks after thestorms. Numerous truckloads of foodand supplies (including generators) weredelivered to the people that remainedbehind in areas in St. Bernard andPlaquemines parishes to help care forthe horses and other animals.

Just as the role of rescuers changedto that of situation monitors and supplyproviders, the state was hit yet againwith another extremely dangerous storm.Hurricane Rita slammed into theLouisiana coast on September 23,causing additional flooding in some ofthe mid-eastern portions of the State,and brought hurricane winds, rain, and15-foot tidal surges into theSouthwestern region of Louisiana.Again, LSU was there. Reactivating thehelpline 24 hours before the storm hit,the Equine Clinic again received callsfor help. Immediately upon learning ofthe hardest hit areas, LSU wasinstrumental in coordinating efforts withlocal veterinary practitioners and parishofficials. A new staging area, theSugArena in New Iberia, La., wasidentified as the most adequate andstrategically located facility for housingdisplaced horses and other animals.

LSU personnel, along with areavolunteers, and local practitioners againembraced the task of organizing rescueefforts as they were needed. While thestorm experience was similar to that ofKatrina, the aftermath was different in

that the marshlands of southwesternLouisiana are not bound by levees. Thetidal surge swept seaward almost asquickly as it came ashore, but its impactwas very similar. Homes and businesseswere ripped from their foundations andshrimp boats and sea life were founddisplaced in the middle of sugar canefields. Most livestock were left in openpasture, a lesson learned fromHurricane Katrina. And while manywere able to find high ground, severalwere caught in fences and sadlydrowned from the force of the flood.

Rescue teams were dispatched toIberia, Vermillion, and CameronParishes. Others went further west toareas near Lake Charles and Sulphur.LSU teams brought 20 horses out ofSulphur and delivered needed veterinarysupplies to SugArena to assist with theeffort of the local practitioners whomonitored the day to day health of theevacuated horses. Over 80 horses wereevacuated or rescued and taken toSugArena for veterinary care, food,water, and shelter. Numerous otherhorses and cattle were rescued orevacuated by owners and ranchers.

LSU faculty and staff memberssurveyed the area via helicopter with theassistance of the U.S. Coast Guard.Numerous horses were identified andmarked with GPS coordinates inpreparation for future hay and feeddistribution. LSU continues to workeffectively and cooperatively with manyorganized groups, volunteers anddonors to provide feed to affectedproducers throughout south Louisiana.

Nearly 50 faculty,staff, and students of theLSU EHSP, along withprivate equinepractitioners andvolunteers, completelyrefocused their prioritiesover eight weeks andworked tirelessly to assistthe horses, horsemenand horsewomen, andother animals andowners in an attempt torestore some normalcy tothe people whose livesand property have beenso severely affected bythe these storms.

"This entireexperience taught thoseinvolved many valuablelessons regarding how to

assimilate and organize a team torespond to a disaster of this magnitude,"said Dr. Moore. "Few if any of us wereprepared for the enormity and complexityof this disaster and its aftermath, buteveryone rose to the challenge andhelped to make this operation successfuland rewarding." There will be ongoingneeds and challenges faced by manypeople, farms and businesses as thestate’s equine industry, which prior to thestorm was ranked fifth nationally andworth an estimated $2.5 billion, begins torecover from the effects of these twostorms. "We continue to help coordinatedelivery of hay, feed, and supplies toaffected areas," said Dr. Moore.

While countless resources wereexpended during these rescue efforts, theLSU equine program directed allincoming donations intended to assist theLouisiana horse victims of HurricaneKatrina (e.g., rescue, recovery, veterinarycare, sheltering, and rehabilitation) to theEquine Committee Foundation of theLouisiana Veterinary Medical Association.For those individuals wanting to helpsupport the LSU EHSP, please makechecks payable to the LSU Foundation,write Equine Health Studies Program onthe memo line, and mail to KyMortensen, Director of Advancement,Equine Health Studies Program, Schoolof Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana StateUniversity, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Formore information on the HurricaneEquine Rescue Operation or the EHSP,please visit www.LSUEquine.com.

Hurricane Rescues . . .Hurricane Rescues . . .Hurricane Rescues . . .Hurricane Rescues . . .Hurricane Rescues . . .(Continued from page 1)

Horse in flood water being rescued by a member of theLSU Hurricane Equine Rescue Operation. Photocourtesy of Dr. Neil Henderson, a private veterinarypractitioner from Ruston, La., working with the LSUHurricane Equine Rescue Operation.

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Dr. Rustin M. Moore

(Continued on page 5)

Greetings from the LSU EquineHealth Studies Program! I should beginby apologizing for the tardiness of thisissue – we were in the process ofassembling its contents in August whenHurricanes Katrina and Rita disruptedour plans along with many others inSouth Louisiana and Mississippi.Although we sustained no damage hereat the LSU Equine Clinic (in fact we didnot even lose electrical power), we wereaffected mainly because of the needs ofhorses and horse owners, breeders andtrainers, and others involved in thediverse and vibrant Louisiana equineindustry resulting from these twounprecedented and powerful storms. Likeothers, we completely refocused ourenergy and priorities from our regularactivities to assist with equine rescueand recovery for over eight weeks.

I am extremely proud of the faculty,interns, residents, technicians, staff andstudents of the EHSP and the numerousvolunteers from Louisiana and all overthe United States for their unselfishness,dedication, and tireless work on behalfof all aspects of the Hurricane EquineRescue Operation. These storms wereforceful and destructive, and thecomplexity and enormity of the rescue ofpeople and animals in its aftermath wereequally unprecedented. However, theteam of individuals rose to thechallenges and overcame all obstaclesto successfully rescue, treat and reunitenearly 500 horses from the twohurricanes. This would not and couldnot have happened without every singleperson that contributed their time andresources. We also have to extend ourthanks to the numerous companies,organizations, groups and individualswho donated their time and muchneeded resources (e.g., hay, feed,bedding, buckets, halters, lead ropes,grooming utensils, stall cleaningequipment, medical supplies, truck andtrailers, and money), without which ourefforts would not have been nearly assuccessful.

Prior to the hurricanes comingashore, we had established our EHSPAdvancement and ESHP VeterinaryAdvisory Councils to help guide andassist us as we strive to meet ourobjectives. The damage the state’s

equine industry may have sustained fromthese storms will not prevent us frommoving forward with our initiatives toimprove all aspects (clinical service,industry outreach, teaching/ instruction,scientific investigation) of our program.The effects of the storms will require usto re-think our strategies and ourtimelines, but we will succeed inbecoming the elite equine biomedicalprogram each and every constituent ofthe state’s equine industry deserves andof which they can be confident andproud to be a part.

The faculty and staff of the EHSPrecently updated our strategic plan tomeet the programmatic needs for todayand in the future to facilitate achievingour collective mission and vision. Weare dedicated and committed to thisplan. We always seek constructive ideasand comments from everyone to improveevery facet of our program and its effecton the horses and horsemen andhorsewomen of the industry.

Because of the tremendous impactthe storms and their aftermath have hadon individuals, companies,organizations and the state, ourfundraising efforts will need to befocused more regionally and nationallyin order to see some of our plannedexpansions and much needed newfacilities and equipment become areality, including construction of a newEquine Isolation Unit for hospitalizingcritically ill and injured horses withinfectious/contagious disease, a newEquine Reproduction Unit, enabling usto continue to provide routine andadvanced reproductive services; anexpanded reception area, medicalrecords and client waiting area; andacquisition and installation of astanding MRI (magnetic resonanceimaging) unit to improve our diagnosticcapabilities for subtle soft tissue andbone injuries.

We have made some improvementsto the facilities recently, includingpainting, installing new and expandedlighting, acquiring new furniture in thereception area, and a newly renovatedclient waiting area with new furnishingsthat provides a relaxing and soothingenvironment. Currently, we areproceeding with architectural plans torenovate the stalls in the Equine Clinicto make them more “equestrian-like,”and we are confident we will meet our

customers’ approval and provide aneven greater level of comfort and safetyto our hospitalized horses.

We have also recently acquired newtechnology that improves our diagnosticcapabilities. We are now using digitalradiography, which provides muchgreater detailed imaging of bones andjoints than traditional radiography. Wealso acquired a portable, high qualityultrasound machine that enables us toperform echocardiography (ultrasoundof the heart) more completely andcomprehensively for horses with expectedcardiac disease or as part of acomprehensive evaluation of athletichorses with poor performance.

We have initiated discussions withthree well-known equine practicemanagement consultants and havesought proposals from them to assist usin improving our customer care,business operations and marketing andtechnology acquisition. We have alreadyutilized the services of one consultant toprovide staff training, and we havedeveloped and are in the process ofimplementing several operationalchanges that we hope will improve theefficiency and effectiveness of ourbusiness operations and customer care.

The recent establishment of theLouisiana Equine Council is a keypriority for our program. We areintricately involved in the leadership ofthis newly formed organization andstrongly support its cause. The work ofthis group is an industry effort and issomething of which every horse ownershould be aware and in which theyshould actively participate. Through acollaborative effort across many breedsand disciplines, this group will work

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirector ’s Message’s Message’s Message’s Message’s Message

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FFFFFifth Annual Stallion Service Auctionifth Annual Stallion Service Auctionifth Annual Stallion Service Auctionifth Annual Stallion Service Auctionifth Annual Stallion Service Auctionto Benefit New Equine Isolation Unitto Benefit New Equine Isolation Unitto Benefit New Equine Isolation Unitto Benefit New Equine Isolation Unitto Benefit New Equine Isolation Unit

The LSU School of VeterinaryMedicine announces its fifth annualStallion Service Auction October 14 –December 16, 2005. The event is amultiple-breed internet-based benefitauction for the LSU School of VeterinaryMedicine’s Equine Health StudiesProgram to expand and renovate theEquine Clinic, including the EquineIsolation Unit.

The Equine Clinic providesadvanced veterinary care and state-of-the-art services for equine patients.“Due to the expanding Louisiana horseindustry, the Equine Clinic case loadincreases each year. To continue toprovide efficient, quality care, it isnecessary to expand the School’sfacilities,” said Dr. Rustin M. Moore,director of the EHSP.

Through an Internet Web site,www.LSUEquine.com, stallion ownersdonate a breeding session with theirstud, either by live cover or by artificialinsemination, to be bid on by mareowners locally, nationally andinternationally for the upcoming 2006breeding season. Auction biddingbegins on the service at 50% of thestandard stud fee so interested biddershave an opportunity for reduced-rate

breeding to top quality stallions.Donors of breeding services also benefitfrom extensive marketing andadvertising of their stallions and farmsvia the internet and equestrianpublications.

Bidding begins October 14, and thesite is open for potential bidders anddonors to view. The first round ofbidding closed on October 28, and thefinal round will close on December 16.Donations are welcomed and invited.Donations, including donated breedingservices, are tax deductible for the fairmarket value regardless of thewinning bid price.

The event, now in its fifth year, hasraised funds for expanding the EHSP.This year’s proceeds will go toward theconstruction of a new Equine IsolationUnit, which will be used to hospitalizecritically ill horses with infectious andpotentially contagious disease. This newstate-of-the-art facility will replace thecurrent two-stall isolation unit, and willenable the School to more effectivelyand safely treat horses with theseconditions. A portion of the funds willalso go toward offsetting the costsassociated with the rescue, treatment,shelter, feeding and rehabilitation of

High Cascade, a stallion that had abreeding service donated to the annualauction, is owned by Dr. Becky Bynum,who received her DVM from the LSUSchool of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.

nearly 500 horses rescued fromHurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Director's Message . . .Director's Message . . .Director's Message . . .Director's Message . . .Director's Message . . .(Continued from page 4)

toward uniting our industry in manyareas including industry economics,marketing, and legislative efforts.Interested persons should visit theLouisiana Equine Council website atwww.laequinecouncil.com.

Recently, the American HorseCouncil published a report ranking theeconomic impact of the equine industryon states that participate actively in it;Louisiana ranked fifth. The industry isextremely diverse in terms ofdemographics and equestrian disciplineand not only contributes approximately$2.5 billion to the state’s economy, butalso provides cultural, social andrecreational contributions to the citizensof Louisiana. Although SouthLouisiana’s equine industry has been

hard hit by the storms (includingdamage to the Fair Grounds RaceCourse in New Orleans and DeltaDowns Racetrack & Casino in Vinton,and subsequent displacement of theirfall meets to Louisiana Downs in BossierCity and Evangeline Downs Racetrack &Casino in Opelousas, respectively), wecannot be sure at this time what long-term effect these storms have on ourindustry. However, I am confident thatcollectively we will pull through thissetback and that the equine industry inLouisiana will once again flourish.

As always, I seek the advice andinput from anyone interested in helpingus to advance the mission, vision andgoals of the LSU Equine Health StudiesProgram. I believe strongly that theEHSP is a program for the constituentsof the state’s equine industry and amconfident and committed that our

program is vital to recovery, rebuildingand sustaining the state’s equineindustry. I invite you to contact me bytelephone (225-578-9500) or e-mail(equine@vetmed.lsu.edu), or stop by inperson to discuss ideas or opportunitiesto enhance our program and thus makea contribution to the recovery of ourequine industry and its people. We wishyou a safe and happy holiday seasonand a joyous new year.

Our VisionOur VisionOur VisionOur VisionOur Vision

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The EHSP will be consideredThe EHSP will be consideredThe EHSP will be consideredThe EHSP will be consideredThe EHSP will be consideredby our contemporaries andby our contemporaries andby our contemporaries andby our contemporaries andby our contemporaries andcolleagues worldwide as ancolleagues worldwide as ancolleagues worldwide as ancolleagues worldwide as ancolleagues worldwide as anelite comprehensive equineelite comprehensive equineelite comprehensive equineelite comprehensive equineelite comprehensive equinebiomedical program basedbiomedical program basedbiomedical program basedbiomedical program basedbiomedical program basedon quality and productivityon quality and productivityon quality and productivityon quality and productivityon quality and productivity.....

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Jeremy D. Hubert, BVSc, MRCVS, MS,Diplomate American College of

Veterinary SurgeryAssistant Professor, Equine Surgery

Historically, there have been somesurgical techniques that have beenextremely challenging and frustrating forthe equine surgeon. The main reasonfor this challenge is that some of theseprocedures are performed deep within abody cavity with little or no ability todirectly observe the organs/tissues thatare involved. Therefore, in order toadequately observe or expose theaffected tissue, more invasiveprocedures or approaches have beenrequired. Although the patient cantolerate this, the invasiveness canincrease the chances of complications,prolong hospitalization, and increasethe associated costs. However, with theadvent of camera systems that can beinserted into a body cavity and minimizetrauma to the patient, the surgeon hasadapted and applied these along withinstruments and techniques to visualizeorgans/tissues that previously could notbe observed. This has facilitateddevelopment and implementation ofselected surgical techniques thathistorically were cumbersome andassociated with a potentially high rate ofcomplications. These techniques arecollectively known as endoscopic

LLLLLaparoscopy – A Laparoscopy – A Laparoscopy – A Laparoscopy – A Laparoscopy – A Less Invasive Method to Fess Invasive Method to Fess Invasive Method to Fess Invasive Method to Fess Invasive Method to FacilitateacilitateacilitateacilitateacilitateSelected Equine Surgical PSelected Equine Surgical PSelected Equine Surgical PSelected Equine Surgical PSelected Equine Surgical Proceduresroceduresroceduresroceduresrocedures

techniques or more commonly referredto as laparoscopy or arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy involves insertion of asmall camera (arthroscope) into a jointsuch as a knee. In people, the knee is“scoped,” and the patient walks homewith the damage repaired; a nice shortprocedure with minimal discomfort andlay up time – far better than the moretraditional methods of opening up theknee joint to do the same procedure.This technique has been applied tohorses successfully for many years.Arthroscopic surgery provides excellentvisualization of the inside of many jointsin the horse, some of which were notreally amenable to successful surgeryprior to the advent and use of theequipment and techniques. The incisionsare much smaller and thus thecomplications (such as damage to thejoint capsule and complications with theincisions such as joint infection) aremuch reduced, and the duration ofhospitalization and convalescence timeare shorter; thus the cost(s) are typicallylower.

Laparoscopy is an endoscopicsurgical technique similar to arthroscopybut performed within the abdominal orthoracic (chest) cavity. It applies thesame principles of triangulation as inarthroscopic surgery using a rigidfiberoptic telescope and specializedinstrumentation for surgical

manipulation. Studies have documentedthat the advantages of laparoscopicsurgery in humans include improvedvisualization of the abdominal cavity,shorter hospitalization time, decreasedincisional complications, and a shorterpost-operative return to normal physicalactivity. Some specific surgicaltechniques developed and adapted foruse in humans include gall bladderremoval, hernia repair, appendectomy,ovariohysterectomy, surgical biopsies,gastrointestinal surgery, and lung loberesections.

These endoscopic surgicaltechniques have been well adapted foruse in horses. They improvevisualization of the abdominal andthoracic cavities. The smaller incisionresults in less soft tissue trauma atsurgery, which decreases convalescenttime, pain, and incisionalcomplications, thus allowing horses aquicker return to athletic activity. Thetechnique requires a 55-cm long rigidtelescope, which is inserted carefully intothe abdomen. Then the abdomen isdistended with an insufflator (aregulated pump) with carbon dioxide toimprove visualization by gentlyexpanding the cavity to allow morespace so that the organs can beeffectively examined. Long, specializedinstruments which permit organmanipulation and stapling or suturingfrom the outside of the abdominal cavityhave been designed specifically for usein the horse. These manipulationsrequire some practice as the field ismagnified and the surgeon is essentiallyhandling the instruments from half ameter away. The procedures areperformed with either the horse awakeand sedated or under generalanesthesia depending upon theprocedure to be performed and thehorse’s demeanor. If general anesthesiais indicated, a special table that permitsfirm positioning of the horse at a 30o

angle with the head down,(Trendelenberg position) so that theabdominal contents are allowed to shiftforward to increase visualization oforgans in the rear portion of theabdomen (such as the urinary bladder,ovaries, and cryptorchid testicles).

A horse undergoing standing laparoscopic surgery. Both ovaries andcryptorchid (retained) testicles are commonly removed using thistechnique

7

There are a few disadvantages includingexpensive instrumentation and practiceand experience in learning andmastering the techniques. However, thebenefits include less invasive nature ofthe procedure with a reduction of patientdiscomfort, hospitalization, complicationrate, convalescent time, and associatedcosts.

The LSU Equine Clinic has hadlaparoscopic equipment for severalyears and surgeons have been using itsuccessfully for selected diagnostic andsurgical procedures. Some of the mostcommon laparoscopic techniquesperformed in horses include removingretained abdominal testicles (cryptorchidtesticles), removal of ovaries forbehavior modification or for recipientmares used for embryo transfer, removalof granulosa cell tumors (ovariantumors), ablation (closure) of thenephrosplenic space for preventingrecurrence of a specific type of largeintestinal displacement that causes colic,organ biopsy, and diagnostically forhorses with non-specific abdominal orthoracic cavity disease. Most of theseprocedures are routinely performed inthe standing sedated horse and requirea much shorter hospitalization time.The main advantage of performing theseprocedures in the standing horse is thatthe recovery time is greatly reduced andanecdotally it is believed that theseanimals experience less discomfort, dobetter and recuperate more quickly.Additionally, the risks (althoughminimal) and costs of generalanesthesia are avoided. Most of theseprocedures historically have involvedgeneral anesthesia and a larger incisioneither in along the ventral abdomensimilar to that used for colic surgery orin the flank or inguinal (groin) areas;the surgeon was challenged to exposethe ovary and to visualize and ensurethat the blood supply had beeneffectively ligated to preventpostoperative hemorrhage (bleeding).Greater exposure could be gained byperforming a large incision in the flankof the horse; again this is significantlyinvasive compared with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy has also been used torepair ruptured bladders in foals,remove uroliths (bladder stones) ingeldings, inguinal hernia repair(inguinal herniorrhaphy) and left ventralcolon colopexy in brood mares that

have recurrent colon displacements.Furthermore, closure of thenephrosplenic space in the standinghorse has been achieved successfully forthose horses that have recurrententrapment of the colon in the spacebetween the kidney and the spleen.Many of these procedures are alsoperformed in the standing sedated horseminimizing some of the concerns andcosts of general anesthesia.

As surgeons become more familiarwith laparoscopic techniques and it hasbecome more accepted, newerequipment to assist the surgeon arecontinuing to be developed.Instruments to aid hemostasis(controlling hemorrhage or bleeding)have been develop and shown to beextremely successful. The LSU EquineClinic purchased a LigaSure®instrument a couple of years ago, whichfacilitates the effective, rapid and safesealing of blood vessels. Previously, thesurgeon was technically challenged totie a knot deep within the abdominalcavity or apply stapling instruments toligate the vessels. Use of the LigaSure®device has facilitated laparoscopicremoval of large ovarian tumors, whichusually have large blood vesselssupplying the tumor and it could bequite challenging to access the ovarianpedicle (which contains the bloodvessels) and adequately visualize thisarea as the blood vessels were ligated.

Laparoscopy has been usedsuccessfully in North America for manyyears to manipulate and monitorreproductive events in camels, llamas

and alpacas. Research anddevelopment may allow techniques to beadapted in mares for specificreproductive techniques such as intra-fallopian tube transfer of oocytes or invitro derived embryos. It may be ofbenefit in confirming the presence of auterine torsion before surgery, ordetermine the definitive source of post-partum hemorrhage, or the cause ofcolic in peri-partum mares. It may alsobe useful for determining if a lack ofovarian duct patency (opening) or ifovarian adhesions is the cause forinfertility in mares.

The LSU Equine Clinic has theequipment necessary to performlaparoscopic surgery in horses, whichpermits us to perform techniques thathave been proven successful and toconduct research to develop andinvestigate other techniques that mayimprove the health and reproductiveefficiency in horses.

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LSU Equine Clinic atLSU Equine Clinic atLSU Equine Clinic atLSU Equine Clinic atLSU Equine Clinic at225-578-9500 for225-578-9500 for225-578-9500 for225-578-9500 for225-578-9500 formore informationmore informationmore informationmore informationmore information

regarding laparoscopicregarding laparoscopicregarding laparoscopicregarding laparoscopicregarding laparoscopicsurgery or for othersurgery or for othersurgery or for othersurgery or for othersurgery or for other

questions or inquiries.questions or inquiries.questions or inquiries.questions or inquiries.questions or inquiries.

A cryptorchid (retained) testicle being removed laparoscopicallywhile viewed on a monitor by the surgeon.

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Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, DiplomateAmerican College of TheriogenologyClinical Instructor, Theriogenology

One of the greatest problemslimiting the production of foals is man.Despite what we know about theanatomy and reproductive physiology ofhorses, many breed organizations havearbitrarily assigned January 1 as thebirth date of foals. Therefore, breedersstrive to get their mares to foal close tothe first of the year in order to give thefoal the maximum number of days togrow before becoming a year of age thefollowing January 1. This yields thelargest weanlings for the halter ring, thelargest yearlings for the sales, and themost mature two-year-olds at theracetrack.

Mares are photosensitive breeders.Their season is initiated by increasingamounts of daylight, and thus we callthem long day breeders. In addition tolight, mares are also somewhat sensitiveto ambient temperature. Adequatenutrition, especially energy, is necessaryto overcome the stress of winter and thelow temperatures of early spring. Maresneed to be in good condition or apositive energy balance before they willbegin to cycle properly.

Mares may have one of three cyclepatterns during the year. Seasonallypolyestrous mares have a definitephysiological or ovulatory breedingseason and periods of anestrus wherethey have no ovarian activity (folliculardevelopment and ovulation). This type

Breeding FBreeding FBreeding FBreeding FBreeding For Early For Early For Early For Early For Early Foalsoalsoalsoalsoalsof mare enters and exits the breedingseason with irregular cycles. Theseirregular periods are termed "transitionperiods." During these transition periods,mares can show variable cyclicirregularities. The average first ovulationwas April 7 on a large broodmare farmin north central Florida. Latitudes northof this region will experience ovulationslater in the year, whereas latitudes southof this region will experience ovulationsearlier in the year. This is the mostcommon pattern of cyclicity withapproximately 80% or mares displayingthis pattern.

Polyestrous mares cycle regularlythroughout the year and seem to be lessresponsive to ambient light. The closerthat one gets to the equator, the greaterthe number of mares that arepolyestrous because day length is lessvariable throughout the year. Thesemares will have an occasional period ofanestrus that doesn’t seem to have anyrelationship to the time of year.Irregularly polyestrous mares cycleregularly during the breeding seasonsimilar to the seasonal mare, and theyhave irregular cycles during thetransition season. But unlike theseasonal mare, these mares never reallyenter a true anestrus period. They cycleyear-round like the true polyestrousmare, but the cycles during the wintermonths of these mares are very irregular,thus the name irregularly polyestrous.Although the cycle pattern may beconfusing, mares tend to fit one patternthroughout most of their lives and only

occasionallydeviate from theirusual pattern. Thusa reproductivehistory of theprevious season(s)can be quite helpfulin managing themare duringsubsequentbreeding seasons. The next majorproblem in equinereproductionarising from peopleis confusion aboutwhat constitutesestrous behavior.

Owners frequently confuse behavioralproblems or urinary tract problems forheat. Unlike cows, homosexual riding isnot seen in normal mares. Since maresdo not ride each other, we are forced toresort to observing the mare’s responseto a “teaser” male. Teasing is extremelybeneficial for efficient breeding andallows more accurate identification ofmares that are truly exhibiting estrousbehavior and thus receptive to breeding.

The estrous cycle of the mareaverages about 20-21 days. She usuallyremains in heat (estrus) approximatelyfour to seven days, but this varies withthe mare and the season. The period ofestrus is often longer during thetransition periods, and early or lateduring the physiologic breeding season.Signs of heat are typically not displayedduring diestrus, which lasts 14-16 days.Thus, the cycle length (estrus + diestrus)averages approximately 20-21 days inmost mares. Occasionally mares ovulateduring diestrus which lengthens thenumber of days that she is out of heat(“prolonged diestrus”). In the normalcycling mare, variations in the length ofthe cycle are usually due to variations inthe length of estrus. Regardless of thelength of estrus, most mares ovulate 24to 48 hours before the end of heat andmost mares are often bred on thesecond and fourth days of a five-dayheat.

Determining the stage of the mare’sreproductive cycle based on clinicalsigns and response to a teaser male areuseful in breeding management of themare. Estrus::::: The mare in heat raisesher tail, squats, urinates frequently in themale’s presence, winks (everts theclitoris), and does not kick or strike atthe male. Most mares wink a few timesafter urination but the estrous mareshows exaggerated winking even beforeurinating. Some mares may be resentfulinitially when teased (especially maidenand dominant mares, or those recentlyintroduced to the herd), but then they“break down” and become receptive tothe stallion with continued teasing.Therefore, the handler and observermust be patient with these mares.Diestrus::::: Mares not in heat squeal, pintheir ears, and strike and/or kick whenthe male approaches. Passive: The

Mare in estrus. Note the ears are forward, the tail raised,and she is urinating

9

passive mare shows little or no positiveor negative signs. A mare will usuallynot be passive the entire estrous cycle,but will either display negative signsduring diestrus and be passive duringestrus, or, display positive signs duringestrus and be passive during diestrus.Thus, close observation and obtainingan accurate history regarding pastcycles is important in managing thesemares.

Understanding an individual mare’sbehavioral pattern is valuable inassessing her response to the male,which helps determine the stage of hercycle. A good record keeping systemrecords the reproductive tract findingsand the teasing results, and can beuseful to predict the onset of the nextheat.

Now that we understand thedifferent patterns of the mare’sreproductive cycle and how to detectestrus, we need to compare events in thenatural breeding season with events inthe arbitrarily defined stud season. Thepercentage of mares showing estrus inany month doesn’t reach 70% until themiddle of March. Some of the mare’searly displays of heat are associated withfollicular development that does notresult in ovulation and formation of acorpus luteum (CL); this typically occursduring the transitional period. Thepercentage of mares that have ovulatedas assumed by the presence of a CL onthe ovary may not reach 70% until mid-to-late April, and the peak of ovulationactivity occurs from the middle of July toAugust. On farms where nutrition issuboptimal, these activities are usuallydelayed – the majority of mares will notbe cycling until mid-May. Thus, normalreproductive physiology is workingagainst us in getting conception inFebruary, March and April.

Comparing the most fertile periodsof the mare and the stallion, with thetraditional breeding season for a breedhaving a January 1 birth date, it isevident that the peak of equine fertilityoccurs at the end of the stud season. Infact, fertility of the male and female ismuch reduced in the first half of theseason. The normal gestational(pregnancy) length of the mare isapproximately 11 months with a rangeof 320-360 days. So if we add a monthto the foaling date we can determine inwhich month most mares conceived the

previous year. Even thoughmost breeders attempt to getJanuary, February and Marchfoals, most foals are born inApril and May; therefore,conception occurred in Mayand June, respectively. Whatcan we do to overcome ormanipulate nature to make themare’s reproductive physiologycapable of producing earlierfoals?

When scientists discussthe role of light in initiatingreproductive cycles they dividethe day into the photophase(light) and the scotophase(dark). They have also beenable to define an inducibleperiod when light exposurecan initiate the hormonalevents that cause a mare to begin tocycle. Extending light into the inducibleperiod over time causes initiation ofcycles. In the mare, the inducible periodoccurs 8-10 hours after the onset ofdarkness (or the scotoperiod). Theamount of light needed is 10 footcandles (1 lux) at the level of the mare’seye. This is usually equivalent to a 100watt bulb for a 12 x 12 box stall or two40 watt fluorescent bulbs per box stall.The light level can be tested by using a35mm camera with the film speed set to400 and the shutter speed at ¼ second.Place a styrofoam cup diffuser over thelens and set the aperture for the correctexposure. The f stop should be about 10or greater to ensure sufficient light.

Artificial light schemes have beenused to induce cycling in mares foryears. The length of the transition periodis unchanged, but the anestrus period iseither eliminated or greatly shortened.Three basic light methods have beenused. They all begin about 60 to 75days prior to the desired date to beginbreeding. Abrupt Method: This methodinvolves extending the duration of lightto 16 hours with lights beginning about60 to 75 days prior to the first day of thebreeding season. Although this schemeis not as physiological as othermethods, it is effective, but may result inhigher electricity bills than some of theother methods. Gradual Method: Thismethod begins 60 to 75 days prior tothe onset of breeding, but in this casethe day length is increased by one-halfhour per day on a weekly basis. Add two

to two and half hours of light aftersunset to achieve this goal. By February1, mares are receiving 16 hours of lightper day. Intermittent Method: Thismethod may be the most physiologicaland is also the most conservative ofelectricity, but it requires the purchase ofa timer switch for the lights and is themost complicated to regulate. In thiscase, day length is lengthened to 10hours, followed by eight hours ofdarkness, then two hours of light, andanother 4 hours of darkness. The twohours of light in the middle of the nightoccurs during the inducible period.Alternatively, one hour of light 9½-10½hours after the natural onset of darknessis also effective.

Once mares are on a lightingprogram they should be kept under thelights until the natural daylight reaches16 hours. Otherwise they may react as ifit were autumn and have irregular cyclesas if they were in the fall transitionperiod. Another consequence of alighting program is that these maresshed their hair coats early and thereforemay need to be protected from the coldin colder climates. Mares under lightswill still have transitional cyclicirregularities, but these are moved up toearlier in the year, prior to the onset ofthe breeding season. The physiologicovulatory season is moved up intoFebruary, and thus we get betterbreedings, earlier conceptions, andmares foaling closer to January 1.

Mare in estrus. Note eversion of the clitoriscommonly referred to as “winking.”

10

Lais R. R. Costa, MV, MS, PhD,Diplomate American College of

Veterinary Internal MedicineVisiting Assistant Professor, Equine

Emergency & Critical Care

Poncho, a mature Quarter Horsebay gelding presented to the LSU Schoolof Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Clinicapproximately one year ago for severerespiratory distress. Dale Blanchard, theowner, reported that for the two monthsprior to presentation, Poncho hadincreased his breathing effort and hadbeen losing weight. Poncho had beentreated empirically with little success. Atthe time of presentation, Poncho’sbreathing was extremely labored (hisnostrils were flared and he had apronounced heave line), the heart rateand breathing rate and effort wereincreased, and Poncho was depressed,febrile (running a fever) and wheezingwith each breath. Drs. Elizabeth Vintand Ann Chapman had to identify thecauses of Poncho’s distress. His bloodwork showed that the oxygen in hisarterial blood was very low and thecarbon dioxide was slightly increaseddespite his great breathing effort,indicating he was having difficultyventilating. He did not want to eat ordrink because all of his attention andeffort was devoted to getting air into hislungs. In order to determine the natureof his problem (pulmonary, cardiac orother organ system, or a combination),Drs. Vint and Chapman recommendedultrasonographic and radiographicexamination of Poncho’s chest andheart. However, because of the results ofthe clinical examination and bloodwork, Poncho was administeredintranasal oxygen in order to increasethe oxygen content in his blood beforethe radiographic and ultrasonographicexams were performed.

The radiographs revealed changesindicative of airway obstructive disease,like asthma, and no evidence ofpneumonia or any other pulmonarydisease. The ultrasonographic examsupported the radiographic findings andno cardiac abnormalities were present.So, the good news was that Poncho didnot have a heart dysfunction, nor a lunginfection or a tumor. However, he stillhad difficulty breathing. The remaininglaboratory work suggested that there wasno evidence of systemic infection and all

the other organ functions appeared inorder, except for the lungs.

A sample from the trachealsecretion was evaluated, and revealed alarge number of inflammatory cellsknown as neutrophils, excessive mucusaccumulation, and absence of lunginfection, confirming the tentativediagnosis of airway disease. Much likeasthma, this is an allergic response ofthe airways that impairs the delivery andremoval of air into and from the lungs.The wheezing and labored breathingwere due to the obstruction to air flowinto the lungs because of the airwayinflammation and bronchospasm(constriction of the airway walls).Poncho was given inhaledbronchodilators (albuterol andipatropium) aimed to relax the airways,improve pulmonary clearance(albuterol) and therefore provide betterair movement in and out the lungs. Hewas also given a systemic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid(dexamethasone) to relieve theinflammation and decrease airwayobstruction.

Dr. Vint asked Mr. Blanchard manyquestions in order to determine whichenvironmental conditions Poncho wasexposed to at home and to identify whatmight have triggered his airway allergy.Mr. Blanchard recalled that beginningin July, Poncho started showing signs ofdifficult breathing while in pasture.Poncho was diagnosed with summer-pasture-associated heaves. Because thisis an allergic condition of the airways,just like in human asthma, decreasingexposure to environmental particles thattrigger the airway allergic response iscritical for improvement of airwayfunction. Poncho was placed in anenvironment with very little dust (a boxstall in a well ventilated area beddedwith good quality wood shavings andminimal dust) and he was fed acomplete pelleted diet (which means thefiber content is greater than 25%), andno hay was given to him.

Scientific investigations performedby LSU Equine Health Studies Programscientists, including Drs. Ralph E.Beadle, Thomas E. Seahorn, Lais R.Costa, C. S. Venugopal, and co-workershas indicated that summer-pasture-associated heaves is a seasonal airwaydisease that appears to be initiated byexposure to certain particulate matter

such as mold spores and grass pollens.In addition, removal of the horse fromthe insulting environment is crucial forclinical recovery. Research by Dr. Costahas shown that mold spores and grasspollens can induce inflammatory cells toproduce mediators of inflammation andactivate neutrophils, which seem toperpetuate the disease.

Research in several otherinstitutions, including Kansas StateUniversity, Tufts University and MichiganState University, has indicated thesuccessful treatment of clinicalexacerbation of equine recurrent airwaydisease with inhaled administration ofbronchodilators, two of which weregiven to Poncho.

By the second day ofhospitalization, Poncho’s breathing wasmuch improved and he becameinterested in feed and water again.Poncho continued to improve clinically,and within two days he no longerneeded the supplemental oxygen. Withina few days, the dose of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid wasgradually decreased until finally it wasdiscontinued. Poncho was dischargedwith recommendations to minimizeexposure to respirable dust particles(such as mold spores and pollens) andto prevent the recurrence of the clinicalexacerbation during the late spring tomid fall by maintaining Poncho in a boxstall away from the pasture.

This year, Mr. Blanchard reportedthat Poncho started to show signs ofheaves (coughing and slight increase inrespiratory effort) in the beginning ofJuly. Poncho was removed from pastureand kept in a low-dust environment.The farm veterinarian was called andPoncho responded very quickly totreatment with bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medication, only having tobe medicated for a couple of days. Theearly recognition and treatment of theproblem and the early and aggressivemanagement changes have preventedPoncho from progressing to anotherepisode of severe respiratory distress.

Poncho and many other horseshave benefited from the knowledgegained through clinical experience andbasic and applied scientific investigationin horses and from the knowledgeapplied from research in humanasthma.

PPPPPoncho, A Horse Out of Breathoncho, A Horse Out of Breathoncho, A Horse Out of Breathoncho, A Horse Out of Breathoncho, A Horse Out of Breath

11

Guest LGuest LGuest LGuest LGuest Lecturer Pecturer Pecturer Pecturer Pecturer Provides Insight into Musculoskeletalrovides Insight into Musculoskeletalrovides Insight into Musculoskeletalrovides Insight into Musculoskeletalrovides Insight into MusculoskeletalInjuries in Thoroughbred RInjuries in Thoroughbred RInjuries in Thoroughbred RInjuries in Thoroughbred RInjuries in Thoroughbred Racehorsesacehorsesacehorsesacehorsesacehorses

Recently, the LSU School ofVeterinary Medicine hosted Dr. SusanStover, professor and director of the JDWheat Veterinary Orthopedic ResearchLaboratory at the University ofCalifornia-Davis, as part of the LSUChancellor’s Distinguished LectureshipSeries. Dr. Mandi Lopez served as theprimary host for her visit. Dr. Stover’spresentation, “Clues to Genesis ofMusculoskeletal Injuries fromThoroughbred Racehorses,” was an in-depth exploration of the frequency of lowgrade bone damage in Thoroughbredracehorses and how the damagecorrelates with the development ofcatastrophic breakdown injuries.

Work presented in Dr. Stover’s studybegan after a program was developed in1998 wherein she and her colleagueswere able to conduct postmortemexaminations on a number of horsesthat had died as a direct or indirectresult of a breakdown during racing.She wanted to learn more about thebreakdown and what factors led up tothe fracture or severe soft tissue injuriesthat led to the horse’s demise.

To this end, Dr. Stover and her teamendeavored first to identify the cause ofdeath, secondly to identify the reasonsfor the cause(s), and ultimately, to

design strategies for prevention in thefuture.

The overall intent of the presentationwas to provide background informationon bone biology, to demonstratepatterns of bone structure disruption andto ultimately emphasize how the majorityof fractures occurring in Thoroughbredracehorses are frequently associated withpre-existing damage.

In horses examined, a “weak spot”in the bone often exists that acts as astress riser. Under otherwise normalexercise, the bone structure would havethe opportunity to heal. However, whenpushed too hard with too little recoverytime, this minor bone damage does nothave a chance to remodel and heal.When the time for recovery or repair ofthe injured bone is inadequate, thehorse is at risk for a fracture.

Dr. Stover’swork demon-strated that thereare predictablepatterns ofexercise inThoroughbredracing thatbasicallypredispose ahorse tobreakdown.Often thesepatterns involvetoo much high-speed exerciseover a shortperiod of time.The majority ofThoroughbredracehorses aretrained in atraditional

manner of going through either a work(high intensity exercise) or an actualrace once a week. The day after therace they are hand walked. Insubsequent days, the horse is thengalloped, then they move up to anactual “work” or race, and the cyclerepeats itself.

Clearly, to maintain the level offitness required to compete at thedesired level, the training process mustcontinue. However, Dr. Stover’s worksuggests that there is a delicate balancebetween maintaining and increasing thatlevel of fitness, and taking a horse toofar. It is important to allow sufficienttime for the bone to adapt to thedamage sustained during exercise sothat it can successfully remodel; thisminimizes the risk to catastrophic injuryand is necessary to maximize thechances for the horse’s long-termathletic career.

Dr. Stover’s work suggests a changein traditional training methods. Eachhorse is different, and while some areable to withstand the rigors of trainingunder current methods, others are not.Dr. Stover’s work suggests that achange in the typical training cyclecould greatly increase the number ofraces a horse is able to compete in overthe course of its athletic career.

“In California, a horse runsapproximately every 21 to 26 days,”said Dr. Stover, “and right now if youlook at the economic impact of theattrition of these horses, we haveapproximately 28% attrition every threemonths. We need to ease the pressureon trainers and increase the timebetween races to allow the horses timeto recover in an attempt to decreaseinjuries and subsequent temporary orpermanent loss."

Did YDid YDid YDid YDid You Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .The EHSP serves as a leaderThe EHSP serves as a leaderThe EHSP serves as a leaderThe EHSP serves as a leaderThe EHSP serves as a leaderin the scientific investigationin the scientific investigationin the scientific investigationin the scientific investigationin the scientific investigationof medically andof medically andof medically andof medically andof medically andeconomically importanteconomically importanteconomically importanteconomically importanteconomically importantequine diseases/injuries.equine diseases/injuries.equine diseases/injuries.equine diseases/injuries.equine diseases/injuries.

DrDrDrDrDr. Stover. Stover. Stover. Stover. Stover ’s work suggests’s work suggests’s work suggests’s work suggests’s work suggeststhat a change in the typicalthat a change in the typicalthat a change in the typicalthat a change in the typicalthat a change in the typicaltraining cycle could greatlytraining cycle could greatlytraining cycle could greatlytraining cycle could greatlytraining cycle could greatlyincrease the number ofincrease the number ofincrease the number ofincrease the number ofincrease the number ofraces a horse is able toraces a horse is able toraces a horse is able toraces a horse is able toraces a horse is able tocompete in over the coursecompete in over the coursecompete in over the coursecompete in over the coursecompete in over the courseof its athletic careerof its athletic careerof its athletic careerof its athletic careerof its athletic career.....

Dr. Susan Stover (center) was invited to speak at LSU as part ofthe Chancellor's Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Stover isjoined by Dr. Harold Silverman, vice chancellor of LSUResearch & Graduate Studies, and Dr. Mandi Lopez, assistantprofessor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

12

While school was out for manyundergraduate and veterinary students,veterinary research experiences were justbeginning for those participating insummer research programs in theEquine Health Studies Program. With aprogram as diverse as the EHSP, thereare many avenues for students whoseinterest in learning didn’t stop aftercompleting their last final exam of thespring semester. The EHSP sponsorsmentoring programs in veterinaryresearch in conjunction with the HowardHughes Medical Institute UndergraduateScience Program, the Merck-MerialVeterinary Student Scholars Program, theNational Institutes of Health BiomedicalResearch Experience for VeterinaryStudents, the Geraldine R. DodgeFrontiers in Veterinary Medicine, and theLouisiana Biomedical Research NetworkUndergraduate Research Program.

All of the students worked withmentors in basic and/or clinical equineresearch labs throughout the EHSP.Under the guidance of his or hermentor, each participant designed andcompleted an original project, andprepared his or her findings for posterpresentations at the end of the summerprogram and in the fall for Phi ZetaResearch Day on September 28.Students also participated in journalclub discussions, seminars andlaboratory meetings.

We hope their experiences thissummer will encourage some of theseoutstanding students to consider careersin equine veterinary biomedicalresearch. At the very least, thesestudents conducted their own research,were exposed to research possibilities,and increased their knowledgeregarding the subject matter andscientific methods.

EHSP students in the Merck-Merial/NIH summer veterinary researchprogram (Jessica Carey , Jenny Liford,and Christine Mocklin) presented theirwork July 28-31 at the University ofGeorgia in Athens, Georgia at the2005 meeting of the Merck/MerialNational Veterinary Scholar Symposium.

Summer is ScienceSummer is ScienceSummer is ScienceSummer is ScienceSummer is ScienceSeason for EquineSeason for EquineSeason for EquineSeason for EquineSeason for EquineRRRRResearch Studentsesearch Studentsesearch Studentsesearch Studentsesearch Students

JeffreyCardinale, anundergraduatesummerresearcherand an EHSPstudentworker,presented hiswork on theLSU campusduring theLSU SummerUndergraduateResearch Forum (SURF) on July 28.

To obtain a summer fellowship,students submitted proposals to thevarious funding agencies under thedirection of their faculty mentors.Selection is very competitive; therefore,we are very proud of our summerresearch fellows and their hard work.

EHSP Summer Research Fellows,projects and mentors for 2005:

Jeffrey Cardinale, LSU UndergraduateJunior. The expression of theinflammatory-related gene IL-8(chemotaxis) in equine laminitis.Louisiana Biomedical Research NetworkSummer Undergraduate ResearchProgram. Drs. Ashley Stokes and SharonChirgwin.

Jessica Carey, LSU School of VeterinaryMedicine Class of 2008. Effects oflidocaine and flunixin on permeabilityand secretory capacity of equine rightdorsal colonic mucosa. Merck-Merial/NIH-BREVS - SVM Summer ResearchProgram. Drs. Becky McConnico andAshley Stokes.

Brenna Hanly, LSU-SVM Class of 2009.The expression of the apoptosis-relatedgene caspace-3 in equine laminitis.Equine Health Studies Program. Drs.Ashley Stokes and Sharon Chirgwin.

Jennifer Liford, LSU-SVM Class of 2008.Expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2in a model of ascending placentitis in

the mare. Merck-Merial/NIH-BREVS -SVM Summer Research Program. Drs.Sara Lyle, Dale Paccamonti, AshleyStokes, and Sharon Chirgwin.

Christine Mocklin, LSU-SVM Class of2007. Effect of Post-ovulatory PGF2á orCloprostenol on Plasma ProgesteroneConcentration in Mares. Merck-Merial/NIH-BREVS - SVM Summer ResearchProgram. Drs. Dale Paccamonti, BruceEilts, and Sara Lyle.

Diane Savois, LSU-SVM Class of 2008.The regulation of the ischemia-relatedgene glucose transporter-1 in equinelaminitis. Equine Health StudiesProgram. Drs. Ashley Stokes and SharonChirgwin.

Erik Wouters, Universiteit Utrecht Classof 2006. Induction of ovulation in maresusing a nitric oxide donor. EquineHealth Studies Program. Drs. DalePaccamonti, Bruce Eilts, and Sara Lyle.

EquineHealth Tips

For more information onseveral diseases or injuries

of horses, please visitour website

(www.LSUEquine.com) andclick on the Equine HealthTips tab and expand your

knowledge.

Jessica Carey (2008), Diane Savois (2008), Brenna Hanly (2009)Jeffrey Cardinale (LSU undergraduate), Jennifer Liford (2008),participated in the School's summer research program.

13

Phi Zeta PPhi Zeta PPhi Zeta PPhi Zeta PPhi Zeta Presents Rresents Rresents Rresents Rresents Research Awardsesearch Awardsesearch Awardsesearch Awardsesearch AwardsOn September 28, the LSU

School of Veterinary Medicine held itsannual Phi Zeta Research EmphasisDay, which was established topromote research in veterinarymedicine; to recognize researchconducted by veterinary students,residents, graduate students andfaculty; and to encourage veterinarystudents to pursue careers inveterinary medicine. Phi Zeta is thenational veterinary honor society,which recognizes and furthersscholarship and research in matterspertaining to the welfare and diseasesof animals.

Phi Zeta Day provides anopportunity for national experts tospeak to students on current researchin various fields and to present a pictureof global veterinary research. Thisyear’s speakers were Dr. Corrie Brown,professor of veterinary pathology andcoordinator of international veterinarymedicine at the University of GeorgiaCollege of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr.Ann Kier, professor of veterinarypathology and director of the Center forComparative Medicine at the Texas A&MUniversity College of VeterinaryMedicine.

Veterinary and graduate students(including interns and residents) andfaculty and staff presented their currentresearch relevant to disease and welfareof animals. This year, there were 30entries in two categories: doctoralstudent competition, and theundergraduate, Master’s degree, andHouse Officer competition. First-,second- and third-place receivedmonetary awards.

Winners in the Student competition,including Master’s, undergraduate andveterinary students, and interns andresidents were as follows: First placewent to Dr. Joseph Bernstein adermatology resident at the School, for“Mohs Micrographic Surgery: AnApplication in Veterinary CutaneousOncology and Surgery.” Bernstein’smajor professor is Dr. Carol Foil with theDepartment of Veterinary ClinicalSciences (VCS). Second place went toMark Bates (Class of 2007) for“Comparison of Methods Used forRestraint in Juvenile Chimpanzees, Pan

troglodytes, and Their Effects onBehavioral and Physiologic Indicators ofSedation.” Bates’ faculty mentor is Dr.David Baker with the School’s Divisionof Laboratory Animal Medicine. Therewas a tie for third place betweenCourtney Sember (Class of 2008) for“Tumor Necrosis Factor – alpha Nox1,gp91phox and Nox4 In RatCardiomyocyte Cultures;” and BrennaHanly (Class of 2009) for “Expression ofthe Apoptosis-Related Gene Caspase-3in Equine Laminitis.” Sember’s facultymentor is Dr. Joseph Francis with theDepartment of Comparative BiomedicalSciences (CBS), and Hanly’s facultymentor is Dr. Ashley Stokes with theDepartment of VCS.

Winners in the Ph.D. Category wereas follows: First place went to JulieHartfield for “Angiotensin II-InducedHypertensive Response Is ModulatedThrough Tumor Necrosis Factor-á: Roleof Nox1, Nox4 and gp91phox.”Second place went to AnuradhaGuggilam for “Cytokines ModulateOxidate Stress in Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Heart Injury in Rats: Role ofgp91phox and Its Homologues, Nox1and Nox4;” and third place went toAnna Israyelyan for “OncolyticHerpesviruses for the Treatment of BreastTumors.” The faculty mentor forHartfield and Guggilam is Dr. JosephFrancis, and Israyelyan’s faculty mentoris Dr. Konstantin G. Kousoulas with theDepartment of Pathobiological Sciences(PBS).

Phi Zeta would like to take thisopportunity to thank the poster judges:Dr. Doris Carver, associate vicechancellor, LSU Research and GraduateStudies; Dr. Stephanie Cormier, assistantprofessor, LSU Biological Sciences; Dr.Fred Rainey, associate dean, LSUBiological Sciences; Dr. KennethBondioli, associate professor, LSUAnimal Sciences; Dr. Diane Williams,National Hansen’s Disease Programs,USPHS; Dr. Cathy Williams; associateprofessor, LSU Dairy Science; Dr. JeromeLaPeyre, assistant professor, LSUVeterinary Science; and Dr. HansBerthoud, professor of basic science,Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

“The SVM annual fall researchemphasis day sponsored and organizedby Phi Zeta has become an importantaspect of our research culture. This isthe sixth year of this expanded program.It gives us an opportunity to showcasethe research activities of our scientistsand to recognize our students for theirefforts with significant awards,” said Dr.Thomas R. Klei, associate dean forresearch and advanced studies at theLSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Winners of the Phi Zeta student competition are (from left to right) Julie Hartfield,Anuradha Guggilam, Anna Israyelyan, Brenna Hanly, Courtney Sember, JosephBernstein, and Mark Bates.

Did YDid YDid YDid YDid You Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .The EHSP plays a vital role inThe EHSP plays a vital role inThe EHSP plays a vital role inThe EHSP plays a vital role inThe EHSP plays a vital role inthe ~ $2.5 billion Louisianathe ~ $2.5 billion Louisianathe ~ $2.5 billion Louisianathe ~ $2.5 billion Louisianathe ~ $2.5 billion Louisianaequine industry through ourequine industry through ourequine industry through ourequine industry through ourequine industry through ourhigh standards of research,high standards of research,high standards of research,high standards of research,high standards of research,public service, education andpublic service, education andpublic service, education andpublic service, education andpublic service, education andoutreach.outreach.outreach.outreach.outreach.

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EHSP Hosts RDEHSP Hosts RDEHSP Hosts RDEHSP Hosts RDEHSP Hosts RDVM SummitVM SummitVM SummitVM SummitVM SummitIn an effort to continually improve

our service to clients and referringveterinarians, the Equine Health StudiesProgram faculty and staff recently hosteda Summit with private equine veterinarypractitioners from around the state todiscuss ways to improve collaborativeefforts and strengthen our effectiveness.

This Summit covered a broad rangeof discussions focused on improvingcustomer care and veterinary services atLSU, such as remaining current inobtaining and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment, particularly related toimaging modalities and other diagnosticand therapeutic procedures, improvingcommunication with veterinarians andowners and enhancing our outreachservices and capabilities.

Many of the veterinarians inattendance represented members of anewly formed Veterinary AdvisoryCouncil. This council is comprised ofveterinarians who refer cases to the LSUEquine Clinic; the members represent abroad cross section of equine practicetypes and their focus concentrates on awide variety of equestrian activities

throughout Louisiana and thesurrounding region.

The overall purpose of the VeterinaryAdvisory Council is to assist the EHSP inreaching its mission of becoming anelite and premier equine biomedicalprogram by providing advice andcounsel to the EHSP faculty and staff inorder to meet the needs of the equineindustry and its constituents. TheCouncil will also offer insightconcerning logistical operations,necessary equipment, facilityenhancements, and enhancedcommunication between EHSP cliniciansand referral veterinarians and theirclients.

Current Council members includeDrs. Gary Norwood – Racetrack/ NewOrleans and Bossier City; Jay Addison –Racetrack/ New Orleans and Polo/Folsom; Randolph Hayes – Racetrack/New Orleans and Bossier City; JulieCubbage – Racetrack and Ambulatory/Lafayette; Sonny Corley – Racetrack andAmbulatory/ Lafayette; Larry Findley –Racetrack and Ambulatory/ Vinton (LakeCharles); Phil Deville – Breeding Farm

and Ambulatory/ Abbeville; ChatKleinpeter – Ambulatory and BreedingFarm/ Baton Rouge; Jim LaCour –Ambulatory/ Slaughter; Allison Barca –Ambulatory/ New Orleans; Keith Cooper– Ambulatory and Breeding Farm/Covington-Folsom; Gary Greene –Breeding Farm and Ambulatory/Covington and Folsom; Lowell Roger –Ambulatory, Breeding and Racing/Folsom; Brad Boutte – Ambulatory/Alexandria; Patrick Cleveland –Ambulatory/ Picayune, Mississippi; SteveGoodeaux – Breeding Farm andAmbulatory/ Lafayette; Eddie Moore –Ambulatory and Breeding Farm/Princeton (Haughton); and ChrisThompson – Ambulatory/ Alexandria.

The Council members will rotate,but the geographic and equestriandiscipline balance will be maintained.Regardless of membership on theCouncil, we seek constructive criticismand input/ideas from all of theveterinarians who use our referralservices in order to improve customercare and our veterinary services.

EHSP Advancement Council is FEHSP Advancement Council is FEHSP Advancement Council is FEHSP Advancement Council is FEHSP Advancement Council is FormedormedormedormedormedRecently the Equine Health Studies Program established

its own Advancement Council to provide insight, assistanceand guidance toward furthering the work of our program.The Advancement Council is comprised of equine industryconstituents and leaders representing a broad cross sectionof individuals involved in equestrian activities throughoutLouisiana.

The overall purpose of the Advancement Council is toassist the EHSP in reaching its mission of becoming an eliteand premier equine biomedical program. The objectives ofthe Council are to provide advice and counsel to theprogram's director and staff in order to meet the needs of theequine industry and its constituents. They will also endeavorto provide assistance in engaging equine constituents andcultivating private support, assist with fundraising activitiesand events in support of the EHSP, and assist in informingthe public about the mission, vision and contributions of theEHSP to the equine industry in Louisiana and thesurrounding region.

Council members attended their first meeting withrepresentatives from LSU in mid-August to gain a betterunderstanding of the EHSP’s history, programs and goals.The members are Dr. Jay Addison of Folsom; Ms. JulieCalzone of Lafayette; Mr. Glenn Delahoussaye of Carencro;

Ms. Debra DePrato of New Orleans; Mr. David Fennelly ofReserve; Mr. Harold Foreman of Folsom; Mr. WarrenHarang of Donaldsonville; Ms. Sydney Hines of PassChristian, Miss.; Ms. Anne Hornbeak of Folsom; Mr.Claude Leach of Lake Charles; Ms. Sharon Londono ofCovington; Mr. Courtney Ramsey of Lafayette; Mrs. MichelleRodriguez of Folsom; Ms. Francie Sterling of Folsom; Mr.Phil Witter of Baton Rouge; Mr. Randy Wright of BatonRouge; and Mr. Zeke Zeringue of Westwego.

The faculty and staff of the LSU EHSP are deeplyappreciative of the insight, commitment and efforts of theseindividuals and look forward to working with them tocontinually strengthen our program and advance the State’svibrant and diverse equine industry and assist its manyconstituents.

The Council members will rotate, but the geographicand equestrian discipline balance will be maintained.Regardless of membership on the Council, we seekconstructive criticism and input/ideas from anyone involvedin the equine industry who uses the Equine Clinic forveterinary care for their horses and who are interested inpromoting the health, well-being and performance ofhorses.

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Over 170 people watched Giacomowin the 131st “Run for the Roses” at theLSU School of Veterinary Medicine’sannual Kentucky Derby Party presentedby Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLP.The School’s Equine Health StudiesProgram hosted the event on May 7 atthe Country Club of Louisiana.

While celebrating the 131st “Run forthe Roses,” guests enjoyed an afternoonof Kentucky Derby activities and cuisine.The afternoon party also included aDerby Trivia Contest and an exhibitionof equestrian art by local artist AnitaLeJeune. Competitions were held for thebest hats and tie. Judging thecompetitions was René Singleton,representing the South Baton RougeJournal. In the hat contest, awardswere given for Most Beautiful,Honorable Mention, Best Flowers, BestGroup, Best Derby Theme, MostWhimsical, and Biggest Hat. The MostBeautiful award was given to ConstanceCowart, and the award for Best DerbyTie went to Bill Strain.

Guests placed “bets” on the race,and a prize drawing was held fromthose who chose the Win, Place andShow Horses. Stacey Simmons receiveda silver Derby mint julep cup forchoosing the winning horse. Amy Strainreceived a bottle of Woodford Reserve

Derby PDerby PDerby PDerby PDerby Party Farty Farty Farty Farty Fundraiser Benefits Equine Isolation Unitundraiser Benefits Equine Isolation Unitundraiser Benefits Equine Isolation Unitundraiser Benefits Equine Isolation Unitundraiser Benefits Equine Isolation UnitBourbon forchoosing thehorse that placedsecond, and KellyStrain Guastellareceived a set ofDerby bookendsfor choosing thehorse that camein third. RenéSingletonreceived a set ofDerby-themedMardi Grasbeads forchoosing thehorse that camein last place.

Theafternoon’sfestivities alsoincludedtraditional Derbycuisine of cheese grits, Kentucky Derbypie, and mint juleps. Each guestreceived a commemorative 2005Kentucky Derby mint julep glass.

A silent auction was also held, andthe EHSP would like to thank thefollowing individuals and businesses fordonating items for the silent auction: Mike Batten

Gayle BraudTwyla BrowerBecky Bynum and John ServisCalandro’s SupermarketCharvet’s Garden CenterBonnie ClarkRichard and CindyFord CochranCool 95.7P. J. DemarieJohnny DonnelsDr. Dina DuplantisVictoria DuplantisEvangeline Downs Racetrack & CasinoLauren M. FrancisDr. & Mrs. Dennis FrenchSonya GriffinH&H SupplementsSherry HarmonJane HensleeJeanne HinesDonna Joffrion

Representing Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLP, the sponsorof the 2005 Kentucky Derby Party, are, from left to right, Mr.John Morganti, Mrs. Tracy Morganti, Dean of the School ofVeterinary Medicine Michael G. Groves, Mrs. Ronnie Bodin,Mr. Greg Bodin, Mr. Cary Daugherty, and Mrs. NancyDaugherty. Also attending from Taylor, Porter, Brooks &Phillips but not pictured are David and Lea Shelby.

The 2005 Kentucky Derby Party included a hatcompetition. The winners are (front row, from left to right)Mrs. Ronnie Bodin, Honorable Mention; Ms. JulieHardin, Best Group; Mrs. Rosemary Klei, Most WhimsicalHat; Mrs. Patia LaCour, Best Flowers; (back row, from leftto right), Mrs. Margaret McKerley, Best Group; Ms. LibbyMcKerley, Best Group; Ms. Susan Haynes, Best Group;Mr. Carroll Songy, Biggest Hat; and Mrs. ConstanceCowart, Most Beautiful Hat.

Dr. Jill JohnsonLynda KatzRob KeeneAnita LeJeuneCarol LittleLSU Athletic Department and Skip BertmanBlake LuquetteRoger Mays , Louisiana NurseryCharlotte MathesCassie MilazzoDonnie R. MillerDr. Rustin MooreKy MortensenNancy NolanSteve PalmerWarren ParkerChris PrescottJim and Sharon Salmon, South Down's GymCharlene ShexnayderTom SiegristAmy W. Strain

The event was planned by theKentucky Derby Party planningcommittee: Dr. Rebecca Adcock, JulieCalzone, Pat Edwards, Judi Gerhardt,Ginger Guttner, Dr. Jill Johnson,Catherine Koch, Dr. Rustin M. Moore, KyMortensen, Nancy Nolan, Dr. AshleyStokes, Georgia Stokes, and Leslie Talley.Proceeds from the party will benefit theconstruction fund for the new EquineIsolation Unit, which will facilitateadvanced treatment of horses withinfectious and potentially contagiousdisease.

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Internships and ResidenciesInternships and ResidenciesInternships and ResidenciesInternships and ResidenciesInternships and ResidenciesDrDrDrDrDr. Andrew L. Andrew L. Andrew L. Andrew L. Andrew Lewisewisewisewisewis (LSU 2005) is completing aninternship in large animal medicine and surgery at theUniversity of Georgia in Athens, Ga.

DrDrDrDrDr. K. K. K. K. Katie Marcusatie Marcusatie Marcusatie Marcusatie Marcus (LSU 2005) is completing aninternship in equine medicine and surgery at AlamoPintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, Calif.

DrDrDrDrDr. Meaghan Gilhooly. Meaghan Gilhooly. Meaghan Gilhooly. Meaghan Gilhooly. Meaghan Gilhooly (LSU 2005) is completing aninternship in equine medicine and surgery at Texas A&MUniversity in College Station, Texas.

DrDrDrDrDr. Amy V. Amy V. Amy V. Amy V. Amy Volivaolivaolivaolivaoliva (LSU 2005) is completing an internshipin equine medicine and surgery at San Luis Rey EquineHospital in Bonsall, Calif.

Awards and HonorsAwards and HonorsAwards and HonorsAwards and HonorsAwards and HonorsErica WErica WErica WErica WErica Wallaceallaceallaceallaceallace (LSU 2006) was the awarded theLouisiana Veterinary Medical Association/AmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners FoundationScholarship. The award is given annually to a second yearstudent in good standing with the Student Chapter of theAmerican Association of Equine Practitioners and who hasdemonstrated outstanding scholastic abilities and acommitment to the AAEP and the pursuit of equinepractice.

Jennifer LifordJennifer LifordJennifer LifordJennifer LifordJennifer Liford (LSU 2008) was awarded the LSU EquineHealth Studies Program Scholarship. The monetary awardand certificate are given to a year I-III student in goodstanding with the Student Chapter of the AmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners and who hasdemonstrated an interest in equine medicine throughparticipation in activities and events involving the equineindustry and the Equine Health Studies Program.

Katie MarcusKatie MarcusKatie MarcusKatie MarcusKatie Marcus (LSU 2005) was awarded the LouisianaVeterinary Medical Association Equine Clinical ProficiencyAward. The award is given to the Year IV student judgedby the equine medicine and surgery faculty to be the mostproficient in equine medicine and surgery.

Lane BreauxLane BreauxLane BreauxLane BreauxLane Breaux (LSU 2005) was awarded the ArizonaEquine Medical & Surgical Centre Award. This scholarshipaward is given to the Year IV student who has exhibitedproven clinical competency in equine medicine andsurgery and who is an active member of the StudentChapter of the American Association of EquinePractitioners.

Andrew LewisAndrew LewisAndrew LewisAndrew LewisAndrew Lewis (LSU 2005) was awarded the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Surgeons Large Animal ProficiencyAward. The monetary award and certificate are given to aYear IV student who has demonstrated academic andclinical proficiency in large animal surgery.

DrDrDrDrDr. Abdul Aljarrah. Abdul Aljarrah. Abdul Aljarrah. Abdul Aljarrah. Abdul Aljarrah, who completed his theriogenologyresidency and Master of Science degree at LSU, passed thecertifying examination and is a Diplomate of the AmericanCollege of Theriogenology. He is enrolled in a Ph.D. program inthe Department of Dairy Science at LSU.

DrDrDrDrDr. David Bolt. David Bolt. David Bolt. David Bolt. David Bolt, who completed an internship in equinemedicine and surgery followed by an equine surgery residency atLSU, passed the Large Animal certifying examination by theAmerican College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Bolt completed aone-year position at the University of California, Davis and nowis a visiting assistant professor of equine surgery at The OhioState University in Columbus, Ohio.

DrDrDrDrDr. Etta Bradecamp. Etta Bradecamp. Etta Bradecamp. Etta Bradecamp. Etta Bradecamp, who completed her equine practiceresidency, passed the certifying examination and is a Diplomateof the American College of Theriogenology. She is currently inprivate equine practice in Virginia.

DrDrDrDrDr. Ann Chapman. Ann Chapman. Ann Chapman. Ann Chapman. Ann Chapman (LSU 2001), a previous resident inequine medicine at LSU, passed the Large Animal certifyingexamination of the American College of Veterinary InternalMedicine. She currently serves as an equine internal medicinefellow at the LSU Equine Clinic.

DrDrDrDrDr. L. L. L. L. Lais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costa successfully defended her doctoraldissertation titled, “Cytokines and aeroallergens in thepathogenesis of summer pasture-associated obstructivepulmonary disease: Effects on endothelin production, neutrophilactivation and chemotaxis,” and received her PhD in VeterinaryMedical Sciences in May of this year.

DrDrDrDrDr. Ann Davidson. Ann Davidson. Ann Davidson. Ann Davidson. Ann Davidson (LSU 2001), a previous intern inequine medicine and surgery at LSU, passed the Large Animalcertifying examination of the American College of VeterinaryInternal Medicine. She completed her equine medicine residencyand Master of Science degree at Colorado State University andis working at the Acadiana Equine Clinic in Lafayette, La.

DrDrDrDrDr. Maria Soledad F. Maria Soledad F. Maria Soledad F. Maria Soledad F. Maria Soledad Ferrererrererrererrererrer, who completed hertheriogenology residency and Master of Science degree at LSU,passed the certifying examination and is a Diplomate of theAmerican College of Theriogenology. She is enrolled in a PhDprogram at the University of LaPlata, Argentina.

DrDrDrDrDr. Dennis F. Dennis F. Dennis F. Dennis F. Dennis Frenchrenchrenchrenchrench, professor of veterinary science, wasawarded the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine DistinguishedService Award based on a criteria of service in departmentaladministration, participation in continuing education, extensioncommittees, professional and community activities, andcounseling. Dr. French is highly deserving of this award for hismany years of dedicated and tireless work on behalf of theSchool, its students, and the farm animal and equine clientelehe has served.

DrDrDrDrDr. Gary Sod. Gary Sod. Gary Sod. Gary Sod. Gary Sod (LSU 2001) completed an internship inequine medicine and surgery at LSU in 2002 and thencompleted a residency in Farm Animal Medicine and Surgery.He currently serves as an instructor of Farm Animal HealthManagement. He was awarded the Mark S. Bloomberg ResidentResearch Award (2005) at the 32nd Annual Conference,Veterinary Orthopedic Society in Snowmass, Colo., in Februaryfor his work related to equine orthopedics.

DrDrDrDrDr. Ashley Stokes. Ashley Stokes. Ashley Stokes. Ashley Stokes. Ashley Stokes (LSU 2001) graduated from LeadershipGreater Baton Rouge 2005, a Baton Rouge Area Chamber ofCommerce program to develop tomorrow’s community leadersthrough innovative problem-solving sessions and teamworktraining. This nine-month program focuses on issues ofeducation, city and state government, health care and socialconcerns, economic development, arts and media, criminaljustice system, and the environment. Dr. Stokes currently is anassistant professor of research in the LSU Equine Health StudiesProgram.

FFFFFaculty & Staff Raculty & Staff Raculty & Staff Raculty & Staff Raculty & Staff Receive Honorseceive Honorseceive Honorseceive Honorseceive Honors Students RStudents RStudents RStudents RStudents ReceiveeceiveeceiveeceiveeceiveHonors and AwardsHonors and AwardsHonors and AwardsHonors and AwardsHonors and Awards

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New FNew FNew FNew FNew Faces at the EHSPaces at the EHSPaces at the EHSPaces at the EHSPaces at the EHSPDrDrDrDrDr. Colin F. Colin F. Colin F. Colin F. Colin F. Mitchell. Mitchell. Mitchell. Mitchell. Mitchell, originallyfrom Perth, Scotland, received hisveterinary medical degree from theUniversity of Edinburgh. He thencompleted an internship at theUniversity of Prince Edward Islandprior to entering a combined three-year equine surgery residency andMaster of Science graduate programat the University of Minnesota, whichhe completed in June 2004. He then remained on the hospitalstaff at the University of Minnesota, where he worked as theequine emergency clinician/surgeon until July 2005 when hejoined the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He is boardcertified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Hisclinical interests include soft tissue surgery and ultrasound. Hisresearch interests include assessment of gastrointestinalmotility. He enjoys running, the outdoors, and watchingmovies.

DrDrDrDrDr. L. L. L. L. Lais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costaais R. R. Costa, originallyfrom Sao Paulo, Brazil, first came toLSU as an intern in equine medicineand surgery, which she completed in1990. She then completed a Masterof Science degree in virology in at theUniversity of Kentucky in 1994, andspent two years at the University ofCalifornia, Davis as a combined

clinical and research fellow. She entered a three-year equinemedicine residency here at LSU, which she completed in June1999. She then embarked upon a doctoral (PhD) program atLSU involving investigating the pathophysiology of summerheaves in horses, which she completed in March of this year.She has maintained an interest and has continued to work inthe clinic during her graduate studies. She was recently hiredas an equine emergency clinician to assist with the evaluation,triage and treatment of horses that are admitted to the LSUEquine Clinic for emergency and critical care needs. She isboard certified by the American College of Internal Medicine.

DrDrDrDrDr. Cassandra (Cassie) Johnson. Cassandra (Cassie) Johnson. Cassandra (Cassie) Johnson. Cassandra (Cassie) Johnson. Cassandra (Cassie) Johnson,originally from Gardnerville, Nev., isone of our new equine medicine andsurgery interns. She comes to us fromColumbus, Ohio, where shegraduated from The Ohio StateUniversity College of VeterinaryMedicine in June 2005. She beganhere at LSU in July of this year. Sheplans to pursue an equine internalmedicine residency.

DrDrDrDrDr. James (Jimmy) R. James (Jimmy) R. James (Jimmy) R. James (Jimmy) R. James (Jimmy) Redmondedmondedmondedmondedmond,originally from Louisville, Ky., is one ofour new equine medicine and surgeryinterns. He graduated from AuburnUniversity College of VeterinaryMedicine in May 2005. He began hereat LSU in July of this year. He has plansto pursue an equine surgery residency.

DrDrDrDrDr. Amy Snyder. Amy Snyder. Amy Snyder. Amy Snyder. Amy Snyder, originally fromNewport, New York, graduated fromCornell University College ofVeterinary Medicine in May 2004 andcompleted a one year internship atChino Valley Equine Hospital inChino, Calif. She began her two-yearequine practice residency, a programthat combines advanced training inreproduction, internal medicine andsurgery, in July of this year.

DrDrDrDrDr. Jose L. Jose L. Jose L. Jose L. Jose Lenenenenen, originally fromChiriqui, Panama, is our newtheriogenology (reproduction) resident.He entered this three-year combinedresidency and Master of Sciencegraduate program in July of this year.His clinical interests include marereproduction and infertility.

FFFFFaculty Departuresaculty Departuresaculty Departuresaculty Departuresaculty DeparturesDrDrDrDrDr. Aloisio Bueno. Aloisio Bueno. Aloisio Bueno. Aloisio Bueno. Aloisio Bueno, originally from Brazil, completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery and a Master ofScience degree here at LSU, a one-year large animal fellowship at Oregon State University, and then a three-year equinesurgery residency at the University of California, Davis. He returned to LSU in July 2002 as the emergency equineclinician/surgeon and has worked in this capacity since that time. He is board certified by the American College ofVeterinary Surgeons. He recently accepted a position at the University of Florida, where he will begin in early December.We thank him for the hard work and dedication to the Equine Clinic’s emergency and critical care service.

DrDrDrDrDr. Sharon Chirgwin. Sharon Chirgwin. Sharon Chirgwin. Sharon Chirgwin. Sharon Chirgwin, originally from Australia, joined the faculty of the Equine Health Studies Program in 2004 as anassistant professor of research. She brought to the program much needed experience and expertise in molecular biologyand facilitated the integration of these new technologies into our diverse and productive research programs. Dr. Chirgwinand her husband, Dr. Andy DeRosa, recently moved to North Carolina. We want to thank Dr. Chirgwin for all of hercontributions to our program during her tenure here at LSU.

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Over 25 faculty, staff and students of the Equine HealthStudies Program participated in the Inaugural Red StickDragon Boat Regatta (a fundraising event of the BatonRouge Area Chamber of Commerce) at University Lakes onSaturday October 8. Each boat required 20 paddlers, adrummer and a person to steer the boat. There were 26teams from the city’s business community competing inracing vessels decorated as Chinese Dragons. The EHSPteam, “The Dragon Jockeys,” representing the School ofVeterinary Medicine won both of its heats but did not makethe finals. The event provided a great opportunity to havefun, relax and enjoy a beautiful autumn day with family,friends and colleagues.

Louis Pomes of St. Bernard parish, who worked tirelessly tofind and help lead abandoned horses to safety in thewake of Hurricane Katrina, was named the 2005 winner ofthe White Horse Award during the third annual Race TrackChaplaincy of America’s White Horse Heroes Luncheonheld in the Marquee tent near the Belmont Park paddockin New York on Thursday, October 27. Mr. Pomes (secondfrom right) was accompanied to New York by Dr. RustinMoore (far left), Leslie Talley (second from left), andCherie Carreras (far right). The award was presented byformer jockey and Hall of Famer Pat Day (center).

The LSU Equine Clinic recentlyacquired two new pieces of equipmentthat expands and enhances itsdiagnostic capabilities for performancehorses. The clinic acquired an Eklindigital radiography unit for acquisitionof radiographic (x-ray) images of thebones and joints of horses’ legs. Thisstate-of-the-art technology providesradiographic images with exceptionalquality and detail of bones and joints.The computer technology enablesfocusing on certain areas or magnifyingthese areas on the images to obtain a“closer look” without blurring of theimage. This imaging modality alsoremoves the need for storage of thetraditional radiographic films and allowseasy electronic storage of the images.The images can also be copied to acompact disc or sent via e-mail forelectronic distribution to clients, which ismuch easier and less costly thancopying all of the films. Thus, this digitalradiography unit compliments otherexisting diagnostic imaging modalitiesincluding ultrasonography, nuclearscintigraphy (bone scan) and computertomography (CAT scan).

The EquineClinic alsoacquired aSoundTechnologiesLogicbook XPlaptopultrasoundmachine. Thisversatile andportable unit willincreasecapabilities inultrasonographicevaluation of theequine heart.With phasedarray probetechnology,deeper structurescan be evaluated and color flowDoppler images obtained allowingeasier evaluation of diseases of thevalves. The entire unit fits safely into ahard covered suit case on wheels forsafe transportation to the equinetreadmill where full cardiac evaluationcan be performed before and afterexercise on the high-speed treadmill.

New Equipment and Services at the LSU Equine ClinicNew Equipment and Services at the LSU Equine ClinicNew Equipment and Services at the LSU Equine ClinicNew Equipment and Services at the LSU Equine ClinicNew Equipment and Services at the LSU Equine Clinic

Dr. Jeremy Hubert demonstrates radiographic images acquiredwith the new Eklin digital system..

Because some diseases of the heartmuscle can only be detected afterstrenuous exercise, this portable unitenhances diagnostic capabilities forperformance horses.

For more information on these andother services, please call 225-578-9500 or visit our the LSU EHSP websiteat www.LSUEquine.com.

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In This TIn This TIn This TIn This TIn This TogetherogetherogetherogetherogetherFrom the moment I arrived in this

state eight months ago, I have spent asmuch time as I could simply trying to geta handle on what truly makes up theequine industry of Louisiana. I havetraveled to nearly every major city and tomany small towns in countless parishestrying to get to know you, see yourfarms, learn a little about what you do,and to try and identify ways that the LSUEquine Clinic could improve ourservice. I wanted to find out what waslacking and what could be done toincrease or complement the effectivenessof the industry from a veterinarystandpoint.

No sooner had we developed twoadvisory councils of veterinarians andhorse owners and were beginning tocollaborate on ideas and projects, whenour state was struck with a hurricaneseason that no one could havepredicted. Our focus shifted, and newwork took priority over everything else.It was work that needed to be done, andwork that continues even now. Likemany of our state’s residents, I findmyself looking out at the situation andasking a familiar question…now what?

I’m a firm believer in getting on withthe program. Setbacks, as minor or as

ESHP Advancement Director's CornerESHP Advancement Director's CornerESHP Advancement Director's CornerESHP Advancement Director's CornerESHP Advancement Director's Cornersevere as they may come, are inevitable,regardless of your situation. But as anindustry, we need to regroup. Howmuch damage have we incurred?Where do we still need to lend a hand?An economic study published by theAmerican Horse council earlier this yearsuggested that the state of Louisianaboasts a $2.45 Billion equine industry.Where does it stand now? Theveterinary profession is one of service.As horse owners from this great state, weneed to know what needs you have.Where can LSU step in and make adifference? These are questions that wedon’t necessarily have the answer toright now, and we need to hear fromyou.

In recent months, I have beenprivileged to participate as a member ofthe board of directors of a fledglingorganization of horse ownersendeavoring to bring unity to the horseindustry of Louisiana. This group is theLouisiana Equine Council. I have spentthe better part of my adult life involvedin such efforts. I have worked closelywith the American Horse Council, theAmerican Quarter Horse Association,the Thoroughbred industry, and theveterinary community for years. Thediversity of the horse industry is great.But it is that very diversity that makes the

horse such a unique and amazinganimal and brings every one of ustogether time and time again.

Throughout the remainder of thisyear and well into the next, this group(LSU included) will be workingcooperatively with representatives frommany disciplines to gauge the health ofour industry, work toward strengtheningareas of weakness, and collectivelymoving the needs of our equinecommunity forward. In areas oflegislation, marketing, health, andeconomics, our industry can moveforward on countless fronts, and yourinput is vital to the success of this effort.

The LSU Equine Clinic exists for thepeople and the horses of Louisiana andthe surrounding region. It is a clinic ofservice, not only in the health of thehorse, but in the health of an industry aswell. A viable industry is essential toany operation, and the success of thatindustry is our main priority right now.

I’d love to hear from you if youneed anything.

Best regards and have a greatholiday season,Ky MortensenDirector of Advancementkmortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu

LSU Hosts Equine ArtificialLSU Hosts Equine ArtificialLSU Hosts Equine ArtificialLSU Hosts Equine ArtificialLSU Hosts Equine ArtificialInsemination WInsemination WInsemination WInsemination WInsemination WorkshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshopThe LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting an EquineArtificial Insemination Workshop for Owners and Breeders. Thedates are January 28-29, and the cost is $325 before January14, and $350 after January 14. This workshop is designed toprovide participants with the knowledge and skills needed tosuccessfully perform artificial insemination with both fresh andcooled semen. In addition, the proper handling and preparationof semen for transport will be discussed to enable participants toprovide this service. Training in rectal palpation is not included inthis course. Instructors are faculty of the Theriogenology Section,School of Veterinary Medicine.

For more information, please contact Dr. Rebecca A. Adcock,Director of Alumni & Public Programs, at (225) 578-9826 oradcock@vetmed.lsu.edu.

Did YDid YDid YDid YDid You Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .ou Know . . .The EHSP providesThe EHSP providesThe EHSP providesThe EHSP providesThe EHSP providescomprehensive, state-of-the-comprehensive, state-of-the-comprehensive, state-of-the-comprehensive, state-of-the-comprehensive, state-of-the-art, advanced medical, surgicalart, advanced medical, surgicalart, advanced medical, surgicalart, advanced medical, surgicalart, advanced medical, surgicaland reproductive veterinaryand reproductive veterinaryand reproductive veterinaryand reproductive veterinaryand reproductive veterinarycare for ill and injured horsescare for ill and injured horsescare for ill and injured horsescare for ill and injured horsescare for ill and injured horsesby a team of board-certifiedby a team of board-certifiedby a team of board-certifiedby a team of board-certifiedby a team of board-certifiedspecialists. While referrals arespecialists. While referrals arespecialists. While referrals arespecialists. While referrals arespecialists. While referrals area large portion of oura large portion of oura large portion of oura large portion of oura large portion of ourcaseload, we do not require acaseload, we do not require acaseload, we do not require acaseload, we do not require acaseload, we do not require areferral in order to treat yourreferral in order to treat yourreferral in order to treat yourreferral in order to treat yourreferral in order to treat yourhorse at the LSU Equine Clinic.horse at the LSU Equine Clinic.horse at the LSU Equine Clinic.horse at the LSU Equine Clinic.horse at the LSU Equine Clinic.

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Scientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific Manuscripts

Scientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific Abstracts

Lyle SK, Ferrer MS. Low-dose insemination -Why, when and how. Theriogenology 64(2005) 572-579.

Chidambaram RM, Eades SC, Moore RM,Hosgood GL, Venugopal CS:Characterization of in the in vitro responsesof equine cecal longitudinal smooth muscleto endothelin-1. Am J Vet Res 66 (7) 1202-1208, 2005.

Walesby HA, Venugopal CS, Hosgood GL,Eades SC, Moore RM: In vitro evaluation ofthe contractile response to endothelin-1 ofthe circular and longitudinal myometriallayers of the uterine horn of nongravidmares. Am J Vet Res 66 (6) 1094-1100,2005.

Mirza MH, Seahorn TL, Oliver JL, HosgoodG, Moore RM: Detection and comparison ofnitric oxide in clinically healthy horses andthose with naturally acquired strangulatinglarge colon volvulus. Can J Vet Res 69 (2)106-115, 2005.

Moore RM, Sedrish SA, Holmes EP, KochCE, Venugopal CS: Role of endothelium andnitric oxide in modulating in vitro responsesof colonic arterial and venous rings tovasodilatory neuropeptides in horses. Can JVet Res 69 (2) 116-122, 2005.

McConnico RS, Stokes AM, Eades SC,Moore RM: Investigation of the effect ofblack walnut extract on in vitro ion transportand structure of equine colonic mucosa. AmJ Vet Res 66 (3) 443-449, 2005.

Stokes AM, Savois D, Eades SC, Keowen M,Moore RM: Evaluation ofdigitalhemodynamics associated with BWE-induced equine laminitis using coloredisotopic-labeled microspheres. Proceedings8th International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 169-170, 2005.

Valadao CAA, Souza AH, Koch C, StokesAM, Eades SC, Venugopal CS, Moore RM:

Inhibition ofnorepinephrineand serotonin-inducedcontractileresponse ofequine digitalvessel rings byifenprodil.Proceedings8th

InternationalEquine ColicResearchSymposium,130-131,2005.

Stokes AM,Savois D,Eades SC,

Keowen M, Garza F, Moore RM:Quantification of laminar microcirculatoryperfusion in normal horses using isotopic-labeled microspheres. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 128-129, 2005.

Wallace E, Stokes AM, Paulsen DB,Hosgood G, Eades SC, Moore RM:Immunohistochemical staining to determineand compare the presence and location ofmatrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 inlaminar tissue of clinically healthy andlaminitic horses. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 118-119, 2005.

Gilhooly MH, Eades SC, Stokes AM,Moore RM: Effects of topical nitroglycerinepatches and nitroglycerine ointment ondigital venous plasma nitric oxideconcentrations and digital blood flow inhealthy conscious horses. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 116-117, 2005.

Leise BS, Fugler LA, Eades SC, Stokes AM,Moore RM: Effects of intramuscularadministration of acepromazine on digitalblood flow, systemic blood pressure andpacked cell volume in clinically healthyconscious horses. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 108-109, 2005.

Johnson JR, Liford J, Henk W, BorkhseniousO, Paccamonti D, Moore RM, NickersonCA: Development of three-dimensionaltissue assemblies of equine fetal laminarcells under microgravity conditions.Proceedings 8th International Equine ColicResearch Symposium, 106-107, 2005.

Fugler LA, Eades SC, Truax RE, Stokes AM,Garza F, Moore RM: Nitric oxide andendothelin-1 synthesis by cultured equinedigital endothelial cells in response toendotoxin and cytokines. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 92-93, 2005.

McConnico RS, Moore RM, Hubert JD:Right dorsal colonic pathophysiology inhorses administered phenylbutazone.Proceedings 8th International Equine ColicResearch Symposium, 84-85, 2005.

Souza AH, Valadao CAA, Henrique J,Borges S, Reis RG, Uribe ADP, BuenoECPG, Stokes RM, Moore RM: Effects ofaluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxideantacid on clinical signs and blood andperitoneal fluid hematological andbiochemical alterations in horses with

Past and present EHSP scientists attended and presented scientificabstracts at the 8th International Equine Colic Research SymposiumAugust 3rd – 5th in Quebec City, Canada. From left to right, Drs. JillJohnson, Adriana de Souza, Rustin Moore, Ashley Stokes, CarlosValadao, Paco Mora, Britta Leise, Anne Wooldridge and Lee AnnFugler.

Gilhooly M, Eades SC, Stokes AM, MooreRM: Effects of topical nitroglycerine patchesand nitroglycerine ointment on digitalvenous plasma nitric oxide concentrationsand digital blood flow in healthy conscioushorses. Vet Surg. 34, 604-609, 2005.

Sod GA, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS: Anin vitro biomechanical comparison of aprototype equine metacarpal dynamiccompression plate fixation with doubledynamic compression plate fixation ofostectomized equine third metacarpalbones. Vet Surg 34, 594-603, 2005.

Sod GA, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS: Anin vitro comparison of a limited-contactdynamic compression plate fixation with adynamic compression plate fixation ofostectomized equine third metacarpalbones. Vet Surg 34, 579-586, 2005.

Sod GA, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS: Anin vitro evaluation of plate luting usingostectomized equine third metacarpal boneswith a limited contact-dynamic compressionplate. Vet Surg 34, 587-593, 2005.

21

Da Cunha AF, Moore RM, Chirgwin SR,Stokes AM, Paulsen DB, Pettifer GR:Identification of the equine transientreceptor channel, vanilloid subfamilymember 1 (TRPV1) receptor: Genesequencing, quantification andimmunohistochemistry. Initiation of a novelpain management strategy for orthopedicdisease in horses. $6,000. LSU EquineHealth Studies Program, July 2005.

Venugopal CS, Beadles RE, Moore RM: Roleof vanilloid receptors in summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease inhorses. $10,400. LSU Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2005.

Grants & ContractsGrants & ContractsGrants & ContractsGrants & ContractsGrants & Contracts

experimental laminitis induced bycarbohydrate overload. Proceedings 8th

International Equine Colic ResearchSymposium, 14-16, 2005.

Saile K, Paulsen DB, Kearney MT,McConnico RS: Mechanisms of specific andnonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor druginduced injury in equine right dorsal colonicmucosa. Proceedings 8th InternationalEquine Colic Research Symposium, 112-113, 2005.

Vidal MA, Gimble JM, Johnson JR, LopezMJ, Moore RM: Cell growth and doublingcharacteristics of equine fetal and foalmesenchymal stromal cells of bone marroworigin. Proceedings American College ofVeterinary Surgeons Symposium, October27-29, San Diego, CA, 26, 2005.

Stokes AM: The pathophysiology of acutelaminitis. Proceedings Anais co II SimpósioInternacional do Cavalo Atleta - IV Semanado Cavalo, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 83-89, 2005.

Moore RM: Diagnosis and treatment ofjoint and bone infection in horses.Proceedings Anais co II SimpósioInternacional do Cavalo Atleta - IV Semanado Cavalo, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 29-38, 2005.

Moore RM: Diagnosis and treatment oflaminitis in horses: Present and future.Proceedings Anais co II SimpósioInternacional do Cavalo Atleta - IV Semanado Cavalo, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 46-50, 2005.

Drs. Rustin Moore and Ashley Stokes were invited guests andspeakers at the II Simpósio Internacional do Cavalo Atleta; IVSemana do Cavalo, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, inApril 2005. Dr. Moore gave lectures on “Diagnosis andtreatment of joint and bone infection in horses” and“Diagnosis and treatment of laminitis in horses: Present andfuture.” Dr. Stokes lectured on “The pathophysiology of acutelaminitis”. In Front: Ashley Stokes (Assistant Professor ofResearch, LSU), Dr. Rustin Moore (Professor and Director,LSU-EHSP), Geraldo Eleno (Associate Professor, Surgery),Maristela Palhares (Associate Professor, Equine InternalMedicine), Humberto Pereira (Associate Professor, Surgery).Back Row: Roberto Baracat (Vet School Director), RafaelFaleiros (Associate Professor, Surgery), Geraldo Juliani(Associate Professor, Reproduction), José Aurélio Bergmann(UFMG Research Dean), Hans-Joachim Menzel (AssociateProfessor, Biomechanics).

Equine GeneEquine GeneEquine GeneEquine GeneEquine GeneSequences Cloned andSequences Cloned andSequences Cloned andSequences Cloned andSequences Cloned andSubmitted by EHSPSubmitted by EHSPSubmitted by EHSPSubmitted by EHSPSubmitted by EHSPScientists to GenBankScientists to GenBankScientists to GenBankScientists to GenBankScientists to GenBank

Da Cunha AF, Chirgwin SR, Stokes AM,Pettifer GR, Moore RM: Equus caballus,similar to transient receptor potential cationchannel, subfamily V, member 1 (Trpv1),mRNA, partial cds. ACCESSIONSDQ267482, DQ267483.

Hanly BK, Stokes AM, Chirgwin SR, MooreRM: Equus caballus caspase-3 mRNA,partial cds. ACCESSIONS DQ174690,DQ174689, DQ174688.

Natalini CC, Linardi RL, Kousoulas KG,Huang L-JT: Equus caballus multi-drugresistance p-glycoprotein 1 (MDR1) mRNA,partial cds. ACCESSION AY968084.

Savois DM, Stokes AM, Chirgwin SR, MooreRM: Equus caballus glucose transporter-likeprotein I (GLUT1) mRNA, partial cds.ACCESSION DQ139875.

Stokes AM, Chirgwin SR, Moore RM: Equuscaballus preproendothelin 1 mRNA, partialcds. ACCESSION AY730629.

Chirgwin SR, Stokes AM, DeRosa AA,Moore RM: Transcriptional changesassociated with equine laminitis: Potentialidentification of disease mediators.22,364.00. LSU Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2005.

Lopez MJ, Burba DJ: A novel method tofacilitate ankylosis for treatment of equinebone. $12,000. LSU Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2005.

Natalini CC, Kousoulas KG, Linardi RL:Multi-drug resistance (MDR 1) geneidentification and its regulatory effect ofdrugs in horses. $11,939. LSU EquineHealth Studies Program, July 2005.

Natalini CC, Barker SA, Linardi RL, StokesAM, Bueno ACD: Pharmacokinetics andpharmacodynamics of oral methadoneadministration in horse. $4,500. LSUVeterinary Clinical Sciences OrganizedResearch Fund, July 2005.

Johnson JR, Vidal MA, Gimble JM, LopezMJ, Moore RM. Characterization of equinemarrow mesenchymal stromal cells grownin monolayer and low shear microgravityculture. $17,432. Grayson- Jockey ClubResearch Foundation, Inc. February 2005.

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Many aspects of the Equine HealthStudies Program rely on thegenerosity of our friends in theequine community. The followingpersons and entities have donatedto the Equine Health StudiesProgram:

Dr. Cheryl AdamsHerschel Adcock Sr.John AllenderAnimal Health ServicesArthemise BaldwinDr. Mark BarryMicheal BevenBiedenharn FoundationBlood Horse PublicationsBlue Moon Equestrian Center Inc.Gayle BroussardNat P. BroussardPaul BurtonJane CannonJessica CareyDr. Keri CataldoRenee ChatelainClaiborne Hill Veterinary HospitalBonnie Clark & AssociatesCindy CochranDr. M. J. CollinsCooper Veterinary HospitalDr. Julie CubbageFrances DeFeliceRichard DennisDr. Debra DepratoDr. Kevin DickeyMaureen DonnellyDownman Family FoundationDr. Mary DucheinDr. Dina DuplantisKathryn EdmundsDr. Bruce ElitsFoil Equestrian, LLCFort Dodge Animal Health, Inc.Dr. Laura FreemanDr. Dennis FrenchDr. Lee Ann FuglerDr. Ronald GiardinaGreene Veterinary ClinicNorma S. Gain GrossoDr. Michelle GuillotHenrietta HallAllison Hanson

Charitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable GiftsHarris DeVille and AssociatesDr. Peter HaynesHill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.Sydney HinesThe Horse MagazineDr. Jeremy HubertDr. Jill JohnsonDr. Joseph KlimczakHarry KnightLaCour Veterinary ServicesLaw Office of Azelie ShelbieDr. Walter LeggAnita LeJeuneNathan LevyDr. Robert LewisDr. Britta LeiseLouisiana Farm BureauLouisiana Veterinary Medical

AssociationDr. Sara LyleMagnolia Veterinary ServicesMarianela MaristanyDr. Rebecca McConnicoDr. Dennis McCurninKim McGregorMargret McKerelyDr. Leslie McLaughlinDr. Colin MitchellStephanie MooreTammy MoreauDr. Rustin MooreRobert MyersErin and Nancy

NystromOak Tree Animal

HospitalO’Fallon Veterinary

Service s, Inc.Old Evangeline

Downs, LLCOld Hammond

VeterinaryHospital

Dr. DalePaccamonti

Pamela PaymentPlantation Living

Horse CenterPonchatoula Feed

and SeedResearch Park

Corporation

Patricia RichardelDr. Glen RitterChristopher RobertsonEloise RobinsDr. Debra SellonDr. David SeniorStacey SimmonsMicheal SmithDr. Kimberly SneddenIrene SongySouth Baton Rouge JournalJose Garcia StantosCarolyn StewartStewart Cutting Horses, LLCFrancoise StirlingDr. Ashley StokesStoneygate EquestrianAmy StrainChris SwarezenksiTaylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLPUnited States Equestrian FederationDr. Martin VidalNancy VogtJ. Cameron WebsterJ. R. WheatleyJessie WinegeartDr. Karen Wolfsheimer

Thank you forThank you forThank you forThank you forThank you foryour support!your support!your support!your support!your support!

Ronnie Anderson of the Louisiana Farm Bureau presents adonation to Dr. Michael G. Groves, dean of the LSU Schoolof Veterinary Medicine, for the EHSP.

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YOU Can Take Equine Health Studies

Did you know?

•Your tax-deductible charitable contribution to the Equine Health Studies Program will be used tosupport leading-edge equine scientific investigations, equipment needs, improved facilities and

student scholarships in equine studies at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

• We accept gifts of cash, stock or property, which may be made by cash, check or credit card.

• You may direct your gift to a specific project, or allow us to choose the area of greatest need.• Equine Isolation Unit• Equine Health Studies Program/Most Pressing Need• Equine Research Studies

If you would like information about gifts of stock or property, bequests in wills or formation of a charitable trust,contact the Director of Advancement, Equine Health Studies Program, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine,Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-9590, e-mail: kmortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu or visit our website:www.LSUEquine.com.

Equine Isolation Unit Equine Health Studies Program/Most Pressing Need Equine Research Studies

“Full Stride Ahead”

For credit card contributions:Credit Card Type: VISA MC AmEx DiscoverCard Number ___________________________________________________Expiration Date _________________________________________________Cardholder’s Signature ___________________________________________

YES! I would like to contribute to the Equine Health Studies Program at the Louisiana State UniversitySchool of Veterinary Medicine. Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution of:

$25 $50 $100 $250 $1,000 Other $__________

Name __________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ___________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________

I am interested in:

o Gifts of Stock

o Endowed Gifts

o Will Bequests

o Charitable Trusts

Please send more information.

Make checks payable to:LSU Foundation

Mail to:Ky MortensenDirector of AdvancementEquine Health Studies ProgramSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LA 70803Direct my gift to:

My company, ______________________, has a matching gift program.A matching gift form is enclosed.

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

School of Veterinary MedicineBaton Rouge, LA 70803

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 733

Baton Rouge, LA

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine hosted Pets & Vets, its annual children’seducational program, in June. Each year, Pets & Vets features various topicsregarding veterinary medicine and basic information about pet and animal care. Allpresentations are free and open to the public. The program is open to all childrenages 6 and up, and parents are also invited to attend the presentations with theirchildren.

Educational sessions included workshops on orthopedics, wildlife, show ani-mals, veterinary careers, small animals, and cows. There was also one day dedi-cated to horses. Dr. Rebecca McConnico made a presentation on equine emergen-cies, and Drs. Ashley Stokes and Dan Burba (pictured above [left]) presented"Anatomy of the Horse."

For more information about this program or to be added to the Pets & Vetsmailing list, please contact Ginger Guttner, Public Relations Coordinator, at 225-578-9900 or gguttner@vetmed.lsu.edu.

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