equine health studiesequine lameness and performance evaluation unit, which was recently completed....

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EHSP Scientists Receive EnhancementEHSP Scientists Receive EnhancementEHSP Scientists Receive EnhancementEHSP Scientists Receive EnhancementEHSP Scientists Receive EnhancementGrant from Board of RegentsGrant from Board of RegentsGrant from Board of RegentsGrant from Board of RegentsGrant from Board of Regents

Equine Isolation Unit FEquine Isolation Unit FEquine Isolation Unit FEquine Isolation Unit FEquine Isolation Unit Fund Rund Rund Rund Rund Raisingaisingaisingaisingaising

The Louisiana State University(LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine(SVM) Equine Health Studies Program(EHSP) recently received a $170,000Enhancement Grant from theLouisiana Board of Regents that will bematched by $70,000 from the EHSP.The grant was written by amultidisciplinary team of scientists fromthe School of Veterinary Medicine(Rustin M. Moore, Ashley M. Stokes,Mandi J. Lopez), Biological andAgricultural Engineering (ToddMonroe), Kinesiology (Li Li) andMechanical Engineering (Michael C.Murphy) with input and assistancefrom numerous other SVM faculty andgraduate students. Grant funds will beused for equipment purchases toaugment the EHSP’s researchcapabilities, particularly those of theLaboratory for Equine andComparative Orthopedic Research(LECOR) and the BiomechanicalTesting Laboratory. The Enhancement

Grant complements a Governor’sBiotechnology Initiative grant awardedto EHSP scientists last year. Combinedwith existing resources, instrumentationpurchased with grant funds will providethe necessary equipment for these andother scientists to conduct leading-edge, extensive, multidimensionalveterinary and comparative orthopedicand biomedical research. Theresources provided by this grant greatlyaccentuate the research capabilities ofthe EHSP and will have an immediate,positive impact on faculty recruitmentand retention, and undergraduate,veterinary and graduate studentrecruitment, education and placement.Additionally, integration of the newequipment with existing resourcescontributes to the comprehensive,multidisciplinary equine andcomparative orthopedic researchprogram that is unique to the EHSP,

(Continued on page 16)


The Equine Health Studies Program(EHSP) has made several recentimprovements to its facilities. The newEquine Lameness and PerformanceEvaluation Unit opened in April of thisyear, and construction of the EquineIntensive Care Unit will be completedin September of this year. The nextphase of the EHSP’s facilityenhancements is the construction of anew Equine Isolation Unit. The LSUEquine Clinic provides comprehensive,advanced veterinary care forapproximately 3,000 ill and injuredhorses each year.

Currently, the Equine Clinic haslimited isolation facilities to house orquarantine ill and injured horses thathave infectious and potentiallycontagious disease such as strangles,diarrhea (main differentials beingsalmonellosis, Clostridium difficile,etc.) and acute neurologic diseases(main differentials are rabies,Herpesvirus myeloencephalitis, Eastern

and Western encephalitis, and WestNile virus). Our current isolationfacilities are insufficient toaccommodate all horses that requirehospital admission or those thatdevelop problems (diarrhea) oncehospitalized. Because of insufficientisolation facilities, we are sometimesforced to refuse admission of horseswith diarrhea or other infectious,potentially contagious diseases, and/orto treat and maintain hospitalizedhorses in another "semi-isolation" area."Construction of a new, expandedEquine Isolation Unit is vital for theLSU Equine Clinic to be able to servethe needs of the horse-owning publicand private veterinarians who relyupon us for referral and treatment ofcritically ill horses with infectious andpotentially contagious disease," saidDr. Rustin Moore, EHSP director.

2

Dr. Martin Vidal explains the horse treadmill to childrenparticipating in the LSU SVM’s Pets & Vets summer program.

Student workers fromthe EHSP painted thishorse and assistedDr. Ashley Stokes aspart of the LSU SVM’sPets & Vets programto show the childrenthe anatomy of thehorse.

TTTTTable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contents

Mark YMark YMark YMark YMark Your Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendarsour Calendars4th Annual Stallion Service Auction Bidding Begins4th Annual Stallion Service Auction Bidding Begins4th Annual Stallion Service Auction Bidding Begins4th Annual Stallion Service Auction Bidding Begins4th Annual Stallion Service Auction Bidding BeginsOctober 15, 2004October 15, 2004October 15, 2004October 15, 2004October 15, 2004For more information call 225-578-9500 or visitwww.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.

Equine and Small Animal ICUs Dedication, OpenEquine and Small Animal ICUs Dedication, OpenEquine and Small Animal ICUs Dedication, OpenEquine and Small Animal ICUs Dedication, OpenEquine and Small Animal ICUs Dedication, OpenHouse and THouse and THouse and THouse and THouse and ToursoursoursoursoursOctober 22, 2004October 22, 2004October 22, 2004October 22, 2004October 22, 2004Join us for the dedication of the new Equine ICU. Call 225-578-9870 to RSVP.

VVVVVeterinaire Extraordinaire Galaeterinaire Extraordinaire Galaeterinaire Extraordinaire Galaeterinaire Extraordinaire Galaeterinaire Extraordinaire GalaNovember 6, 2004November 6, 2004November 6, 2004November 6, 2004November 6, 2004Join us for the Fourth Annual LSU SVM Gala at the AudubonAquarium of the Americas in New Orleans on Saturday,November 6. For more information call 225-578-9900.

United States PUnited States PUnited States PUnited States PUnited States Pony Club Meetingony Club Meetingony Club Meetingony Club Meetingony Club MeetingJanuary 14, 2005January 14, 2005January 14, 2005January 14, 2005January 14, 2005The LSU-EHSP will host the U.S. Pony Club for a tour duringtheir annual meeting, January 12-16, 2005, at the NewOrleans Sheraton Hotel. For more information visitwww.ponyclub.org.

LSU SVM Annual Open HouseLSU SVM Annual Open HouseLSU SVM Annual Open HouseLSU SVM Annual Open HouseLSU SVM Annual Open HouseFebruary 19, 2005February 19, 2005February 19, 2005February 19, 2005February 19, 2005Come visit the School of Veterinary Medicineand see a variety of animals and exhibits.For more information call 225-578-9900.

Animals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitAnimals in Art ExhibitMarch 19-April 17, 2005March 19-April 17, 2005March 19-April 17, 2005March 19-April 17, 2005March 19-April 17, 2005Come to the LSU SVM Library and view thisannual art exhibit featuring artists fromaround the world. For more information call225-578-9900.

6th Annual K6th Annual K6th Annual K6th Annual K6th Annual Kentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby PartyartyartyartyartySaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday, May 7, 2005, May 7, 2005, May 7, 2005, May 7, 2005, May 7, 2005This annual event will take place at theCountry Club of Louisiana.

Enhancement Grant .............................. 1Equine Isolation Unit ............................. 1Director’s Message ............................. 3Equine Lameness Unit .......................... 4Performance Evaluation ........................ 5Intensive Care Unit ................................6Summer Scholars Program ................... 8Stallion Service Auction ........................ 8People in the News ............................... 9Laminitis Research Panel ....................... 9Equine Agribusiness Council .............. 10Scholarships ........................................ 11Staff Awards .........................................11Kentucky Derby Party ........................... 12Orthopedic Research .......................... 13Book Chapters .................................... 13Scientific Manuscripts ..........................13Scientific Abstracts ...............................14Lay Articles ...........................................15Grants and Contracts ......................... 15Meetings/Presentations ...................... 16Charitable Gifts .................................. 22EHSP Donation Form .......................... 23Artist Supports EHSP ........................... 24

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

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: [email protected]: www.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu

3

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

Dr. Rustin M. Moore

Greetings from the LSU EquineHealth Studies Program! Severalpositive events have happened sinceour last issue of the EHSP Newsletter.EHSP scientists were awarded a$170,000 Enhancement Grant fromthe Louisiana Board of Regents toacquire state-of-the-art equipment forintegrating biomechanics into equineand comparative orthopedic andbiomedical research. This will augmentour program substantially, making itsecond to none.

Our Fourth Annual KentuckyDerby Party was a big success withgood attendance, great food andspirits, and a fun time for all. Proceedsfrom the event benefited the EquineIsolation Unit construction fund. Pleaseplan on attending the party next yearon the first Saturday of May.The new Equine Lameness andPerformance Evaluation unit opened inApril and has greatly enhanced theLSU Equine Clinic and our ability toevaluate lameness and poorperformance. This covered pavilionoffers us an ideal environment withappropriate footing to thoroughly andsafely evaluate lame horses.

Construction of the new, 4,000square foot, centralized, climate-controlled Equine Intensive Care Unitis nearing completion and the unit isscheduled to open this month(September). We invite everyone to joinus for the dedication and open housefrom 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, October22, for this state-of-the-art facility thatwill enable us to more efficiently andeffectively deliver advanced veterinarycare to the ever-increasing number ofcritically ill and injured horses admittedto the clinic. Naming opportunities areavailable for ICU stalls as well as theentire unit. Interested persons orcompanies are encouraged to contactus.

Our Fourth Annual StallionService Auction, a multiple-breed,internet-based auction of stallionseasons for the 2005 breeding seasonwill begin October 15. Proceeds fromthis auction will benefit construction of

the new Equine Isolation Unit. We arein need of acquiring funds for thisvitally important facility, which willenable us to admit, quarantine andeffectively treat all ill horses withinfectious, contagious disease thatneed our service. We ask people thathave an interest in helping withfundraising activities or thoseindividuals or companies interestedand capable of making a tax-deductible, charitable gift to contactus. Naming opportunities areavailable.

The EHSP’s 2004 ResearchReport, the inaugural issue, waspublished recently. An electronic copy(PDF) of it can be downloaded (AdobeAcrobat) from our website(www.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu). Limitedprinted copies are available; personsinterested in obtaining a printed copycan contact us via e-mail:[email protected].

We continue to makeimprovements or enhancements to theEquine Clinic barns and hospital sothat we maintain a state-of-the-artfacility that enables us to delivercomprehensive, advanced veterinarymedical, surgical and reproductivecare for ill and injured horses. Personsor groups interested in seeing theEquine Clinic and its manyimprovements or those individuals ororganizations wishing to use ourfacility to convene business meetingsare invited to contact us.

We have plans for enhancing theEquine Performance Evaluation

Laboratory, which includes a high-speed treadmill, kinematic gait analysissystem and force plate and equipmentfor performing dynamic endoscopy,with equipment for performingelectrocardiography during exerciseand immediate post-exerciseechocardiography (ultrasound of theheart). This enables us to offercomprehensive performanceevaluation of horses with poorperformance/exercise intolerance aswell as "fitness evaluation" of athletichorses.

As always, we are indebted to allof our friends and supporters for theirgenerosity and assistance. We relyheavily upon this support in order torenovate, expand and improve ourfacilities, which enhances our overallprogram, and helps us to remain oneof the elite equine biomedicalprograms in the United States.

4

Equine LEquine LEquine LEquine LEquine Lameness and Pameness and Pameness and Pameness and Pameness and Performance Evaluation Unit aerformance Evaluation Unit aerformance Evaluation Unit aerformance Evaluation Unit aerformance Evaluation Unit aMajor Advance in Equine Health IndustryMajor Advance in Equine Health IndustryMajor Advance in Equine Health IndustryMajor Advance in Equine Health IndustryMajor Advance in Equine Health Industry


New Equine Lameness and Performance Evaluation Unit.

Faculty at the LSU School ofVeterinary Medicine Equine HealthStudies Program (EHSP) recognized thevital importance of athletic injuriesinvolving the musculoskeletal system tothe overall health and vitality of theLouisiana equine industry andsubmitted a grant for the Governor’sBiotechnology Initiative grant programin the autumn of 2002. Receipt ofcapital outlay and recurring annualfunds from the Governor’sBiotechnology Initiative Program forenhancing basic and applied equinemusculoskeletal research has alreadybegun to have a dramatic impact onthe EHSP, which should translate intomajor advances and improvements forthe equine industry. Theseadvancements should propel the EHSPinto becoming one of the elite equinebiomedical programs in the country.

Mrs. Jean Pfeiffer Burt of HiltonHead Island, South Carolina, hasmade a planned gift that will benefitthe Equine Health Studies Program.Her estate will provide for a $600,000gift to the LSU Foundation to establishthe Jean P. Burt Fund. This fund willbe used to support and benefit theprograms and activities of the EHSP,including scholarships for veterinarystudents and faculty support. Whenthe Jean P. Burt Fund is established,the equine lameness building will be

named the Pfeiffer-Burt EquineLameness andPerformanceEvaluation Unit."Mrs. Burt’s legacygift will providetremendous supportto our equineprogram. LSU hasmade great stridesto propel the EHSPto the status of anelite equinebiomedical center.By making thisestate gift, Mrs. Burtexpresses acommitment to the future of LSU’sequine program," said Dean MichaelG. Groves.

Since the Burt estate gift has notyet been established, it was acquisitionof capital outlay funds through theGovernor’s Biotechnology InitiativeGrant that enabled the EHSP to moveforward with construction of the newEquine Lameness and PerformanceEvaluation Unit, which was recentlycompleted. The grand openingoccurred on April 2. "This facility isvitally needed to facilitate efficient andeffective evaluation of the many horsesthat are admitted to the Equine Clinicfor evaluation of lameness and poor

performance,"said Dr. RustinMoore,professor ofequine surgeryand EHSPdirector. Uponestablishmentof Mrs. Burt’sestate gift, afarrier’s room,examinationand diagnosticroom, and twoholding stallswill beconstructed atthe north end

of the 75’ x 125’ pavilion, and thefacility will be named the Pfeifer-BurtEquine Lameness and PerformanceEvaluation Unit. "We are makingsteady progress toward expanding andrenovating our clinical and researchfacilities, which is vital to the future ofthe research, education and servicecomponents of our program," said Dr.Moore. "The future of the LSU EHSP isvery bright thanks to a combination ofgenerous friends and supporters, likeMrs. Burt, and our team of dedicatedfaculty and staff," said Dr. Moore.

The pavilion provides an idealenvironment and surface to evaluatelameness in horses, including two non-slippery concrete jogging paths and a55’ x 125’ area of crushed packedlimestone base, providing a safe andeffective area for evaluating horseswhile lunging or being ridden. "We aresure that horse owners, trainers,breeders and enthusiasts are just asexcited as we are that horses will nolonger have to be evaluated amongthe trucks and trailers in the parkinglot," said Dr. Daniel Burba, professorof equine surgery. "This unitcomplements our existing arsenal ofdiagnostic capabilities for evaluatinghorses with lameness and poorperformance, including radiography,

Anesthetized horse positioned for a CT exam of the distal limbs.

5

PPPPPerformance Evaluation of the Athletic Horseerformance Evaluation of the Athletic Horseerformance Evaluation of the Athletic Horseerformance Evaluation of the Athletic Horseerformance Evaluation of the Athletic HorseJeremy D. Hubert, BVSc, MRCVS, MS,

Diplomate ACVSAssistant Professor, Equine Surgery

Many trainers or owners of equineathletes are aware of their horses’inherent ability and are just as awarewhen they feel the horse is notperforming up to their expectations orstandard. However, it is often adiagnostic challenge for theveterinarian in the field to evaluate thehorse proficiently and sufficientlyenough to determine the reason orreasons why the horse is performingpoorly. Methods and techniques forperformance evaluation have beendeveloped that permit comprehensiveevaluation of these athletic horses.The advent and use of high-speedtreadmills at major referral centersenable the clinicians at suchinstitutions to observe the horseworking at high speed; certaindisorders that cause poor performanceare only manifested at high speed orare a combination of problems thatoccur concurrently at high speeds orin fatiguing horses. It is possible forthe trainer to review trainingtechniques and efforts to quantify theresponse to training by having thehorse’s performance evaluated; this iscommon practice in the human athleteand is possible in the equine athlete.

In order to have your horse

evaluated for poor performance theveterinarian will require a detailedhistory that includes a completemedical history, a description of thepresenting complaint, diet, trainingregimes and the horse’s completeperformance record. This informationmay be pertinent to ultimately provide areason for poor performance.Therefore, it is important to provide asaccurate and complete information aspossible to facilitate determination ofthe likely cause of the poorperformance. Performance records areimportant to indicate the onset of poorperformance to differentiate from thehorse that has never performed welland is unable to compete at the leveldesired by the owner/trainer.

The initial examination will involvea thorough physical examination of allbody systems to observe for any clinicalsigns of disease. It is easy to focus onlyon systems involved in exercise andignore other major systems that couldbe exerting a profound impact onperformance. This will often includeblood sampling for a complete bloodcount as well as a serum chemistryanalysis. These tests may also help theclinician rule out other major systemssuch as kidney, muscle and liver thatcould contribute to poor performance.

As mentioned before, certainproblems are only observed at highspeed, however, the veterinarian will

want toperformseveralrestingexams orevaluationsat a slowgait (jog/trot) on alead shankbeforeexaminingthe horseon thehigh-speedtreadmill.This willrule outany overt

lameness that could be potentiated orworsened by exercising on the treadmillthat has a surface very different fromthat which the horse is familiar. Mildlameness is also often a cause of poorperformance and is difficult to evaluateat high speed on the treadmill. Horsesthat illustrate a mild subtle lameness tothe clinician may warrant a fulllameness evaluation before continuingwith high-speed performanceevaluation, and certainly the lamehorse is not indicated for a treadmillexam even if other abnormalities aresuspected due to the risk of furtherinjury. At this point, radiographs,ultrasound, nuclear scintigraphy (bonescan), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), computed tomography (CATscan), and/or digital radiography maybe warranted.

After ruling out a lamenesscomponent, the horse will undergo aresting cardiac (heart) examination inorder to observe any cardiac deficits.This will involve cardiac auscultation,an electrocardiogram (ECG) and anechocardiogram (ultrasound).Cardiac auscultation will reveal anymurmurs (abnormal sounds thatsuggest abnormal flow in the heartassociated with problems with the heartvalves) or dysrhythmias (abnormal rateor rhythm of the heart beat). The heartrate and rhythm can be furtherevaluated by performing an ECG, and


EquineHealth Tips

For more information onseveral diseases or injuriesof horses, please visit our

website(www.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu)and click on Equine HealthTips tab and expand your

knowledge.Dynamic endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract during exerciseon the high speed treadmill.

6

New Equine Intensive Care Unit Opens at LSU EquineNew Equine Intensive Care Unit Opens at LSU EquineNew Equine Intensive Care Unit Opens at LSU EquineNew Equine Intensive Care Unit Opens at LSU EquineNew Equine Intensive Care Unit Opens at LSU EquineClinic to PClinic to PClinic to PClinic to PClinic to Provide Emergency and Critical Care Servicerovide Emergency and Critical Care Servicerovide Emergency and Critical Care Servicerovide Emergency and Critical Care Servicerovide Emergency and Critical Care Service

Alsoiso C. D. Bueno, MV, MS,Diplomate ACVSClinical Instructor

Equine Emergency Surgery

The emergency and critical carefield has been rapidly evolving andbecoming a more common practicein veterinary medicine. According tothe Veterinary Emergency andCritical Care Society (VECCS), anEmergency & Critical Care Center isa facility specifically designated tobe operated, staffed and equipped24 hours a day to provide a broadrange of veterinary emergency andcritical care services.

The LSU Equine Clinic is openfor emergency admittance,evaluation and treatment ofcritically ill and injured horses 24hours a day, 365 days a year. On-duty veterinarians are available forconsultation or for referral ofhorses. The Equine ICU is staffed byveterinary technicians or nurses thatprovide around-the-clockmonitoring, administer treatments tohospitalized horses, and assist with thediagnostic work-up of horses admittedon an emergency basis. A team ofboard-certified veterinary specialistsprovide comprehensive, advancedveterinary medical, surgical andreproductive (obstetrical) care.Veterinary specialists in anesthesiology,clinical pathology, ophthalmology andradiology are on call to provideconsultations, ancillary services orassist with horses admitted on anemergency basis.

Approximately 20-25% of horsesadmitted to the LSU Veterinary TeachingHospital and Clinics require some levelof emergency and critical careservices. Critically ill horses aregenerally referred to this 24-hourfacility by veterinarians in Louisianaand surrounding states. The level ofcare required is dependent upon theunderlying disease and the extent ofthe accompanying abnormalities.Some of the emergency and critical

care services include: around-the-clockmonitoring; assisting withthermoregulation (body temperaturecontrol) by altering the environmentaltemperature in cases of environmentallyinduced hyperthermia, particularly in

foals with Rhodococcus equipneumonia or horses that areanhidrotic (unable to sweat);administering intravenous fluids forhorses that are dehydrated or in shockor those that have electrolyte, acid-base or metabolic disturbances;administering medications as well asenteral and parenteral nutrition;administering intranasal oxygen tofoals or adult horses with respiratorydisease; drainage or evacuation offluid that accumulates in the pleural(chest) cavitydue to pleuro-pneumonia;andemergencysurgicalinterventionand intensivepostoperativemedical carein horses withacutegastrointestinal

tract disease (colic). With thediagnostic and therapeutic advancesmade in the last several years inequine medicine and surgery, manycritically ill horses with life-threateningdiseases can be successfully treated,

and even returned to athleticperformance.Approximately 60-65% of horses

that are admitted to LSU VeterinaryTeaching Hospital requiringemergency and critical care serviceshave acute gastrointestinal tractdisease (colic) and approximatelyone-half of these colics necessitateexploratory surgery. The secondmost common presentation involvesneonatal foals with life-threateningillnesses and it comprisesapproximately 10% of ouremergency and critical carecaseload. This is followed bytraumatic injuries (lacerations,fractures, open joint injuries),respiratory distress, acuteneurologic disease, obstetrical orother emergencies of the

reproductive tract, andophthalmologic emergencies such asmelting corneal ulcers or ocular/periocular trauma.

Construction of the new EquineIntensive Care Unit (EICU) expandsour ICU from a two-stall to a 4,000square foot, 10-stall centralized,climate-controlled, state-of-the-artfacility that contains 6 (12’x12') stallsfor housing adult horses and 4

Horse with colic being adminsteredintravenous fluids.

Horse demonstrating signs of abdominal pain due to colic.


7

(12’x16') stalls specially designed forhousing mares with sick foals.Additionally, one of the stalls isdesigned to accommodate horses withorthopedic/neurologic injuries/illnesses; the walls and floor of thisstall are heavily padded and it is

equipped with anoverhead mechanicalhoist to assist horsesthat are unable tostand alone via slingsupport. The EICUalso has an on-siteclinical pathologylaboratory formonitoring bloodbiochemical, bloodgas and metabolicparameters. Thefacility is immediatelyadjacent to the equinesurgery suites,diagnostic procedures

rooms and the imaging (radiology,ultrasound and CAT scan) facilities.Additionally, television monitors in theEICU enables remote monitoring ofhorses in isolation and entericprecaution stalls by the on-duty ICUpersonnel.

"The new facility will enable us tomore effectively and efficiently delivercomprehensive advanced veterinary

Neonatal foal with nasogastric feeding tube andintravenous catheter.

Horse with a severe rear limb lamenessbeing supported in part by a sling.

care to the ever-increasing number ofcritically ill and injured horsesadmitted to the LSU Equine Clinic,"said Dr. Rustin Moore, EHSP director.These critically ill and injured horsesare referred to us from private equineveterinarians from the state andaround the region. For moreinformation on the LSU Equine Clinic,please visit our websitewww.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu or contactus via telephone 225-578-9500.Everyone is welcome to join us for thededication ceremony and open housefor our new EICU on Friday, October22 between 5 – 7 p.m. Please RSVPby calling 225-578-9870.

The Equine Health StudiesThe Equine Health StudiesThe Equine Health StudiesThe Equine Health StudiesThe Equine Health StudiesProgram 2004 ResearchProgram 2004 ResearchProgram 2004 ResearchProgram 2004 ResearchProgram 2004 Research

Report is available as a PDFReport is available as a PDFReport is available as a PDFReport is available as a PDFReport is available as a PDFdocument on the EHSPdocument on the EHSPdocument on the EHSPdocument on the EHSPdocument on the EHSP

website atwebsite atwebsite atwebsite atwebsite atwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu..equine.vetmed.lsu.edu..equine.vetmed.lsu.edu..equine.vetmed.lsu.edu..equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.

PPPPPersons interested in learningersons interested in learningersons interested in learningersons interested in learningersons interested in learninghow EHSP scientists arehow EHSP scientists arehow EHSP scientists arehow EHSP scientists arehow EHSP scientists are

promoting the health, well-promoting the health, well-promoting the health, well-promoting the health, well-promoting the health, well-being and performance ofbeing and performance ofbeing and performance ofbeing and performance ofbeing and performance of

horses can view andhorses can view andhorses can view andhorses can view andhorses can view anddownload the inaugural issuedownload the inaugural issuedownload the inaugural issuedownload the inaugural issuedownload the inaugural issue

of the report.of the report.of the report.of the report.of the report.

Intensive Care Unit ...Intensive Care Unit ...Intensive Care Unit ...Intensive Care Unit ...Intensive Care Unit ...(Continued from page 6)

Architectural drawing of the floor plan for the new Equine ICU.

8

Sixteen students in the LSU Schoolof Veterinary Medicine and oneveterinary student from Germany wereselected to participate in the SummerScholars Program, an introduction tobiomedical research through research-driven activities. Of the seventeenstudents, four of them conductedequine research.

The 2004 Summer ScholarsProgram is funded by the Merck-MerialVeterinary Scholar Program and agrant from the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH). The Summer ScholarsProgram serves to further students’learning and experiences beyond therequired classroom and clinicaltraining. The program encouragesinnovative studies in human andanimal diseases, and lends furtherunderstanding to veterinary careers inbiomedical research.

Each year Merck-Merial selectsveterinary schools to participate in itsAnimal Health Grants program, andLSU has received the funding for thefifth consecutive year. For the first timethis year, students will receive grants

from the NIH for summer study. Thereare only eight veterinary schools in thecountry with summer grant programsfunded by both Merck-Merial and theNIH.

The grants provide $4,000stipends to each student in addition to$775 for research supplies. Merck-Merial will also sponsor the students’participation at the Merck-MerialSymposium at Auburn University July29 through August 1, where researchwill be presented by students from the18 participating veterinary schools.

To participate in the SummerScholars program, the studentsdeveloped their own research proposalswith the guidance of a faculty member,and a faculty committee selected theparticipants based on the proposals.All veterinary students had theopportunity to submit proposals.

The recipients of the MerckMerckMerckMerckMerck-----Merial Summer Research AwardsMerial Summer Research AwardsMerial Summer Research AwardsMerial Summer Research AwardsMerial Summer Research Awardsworking in the area of equine researchand their project titles are as follows:

Kimberly HalbertKimberly HalbertKimberly HalbertKimberly HalbertKimberly Halbert, a second-year student from Baton Rouge, La.,

Summer Scholars PSummer Scholars PSummer Scholars PSummer Scholars PSummer Scholars Program Students Conduct Equine Rrogram Students Conduct Equine Rrogram Students Conduct Equine Rrogram Students Conduct Equine Rrogram Students Conduct Equine Researchesearchesearchesearchesearch"Equine myometrial smooth musclecells in three-dimensional tissueassemblies: A model for the study ofthe pathogenesis of endotoxemiainduced preterm fetal expulsion in themare," faculty mentor Dr. AmeWalesby.

Carla JanningCarla JanningCarla JanningCarla JanningCarla Janning, a veterinarymedical student from Hanover,Germany, "Antiviral Investigationsagainst Equine Herpesvirus-1," facultymentor Dr. Gus Kousoulas.

TTTTTara Miskaara Miskaara Miskaara Miskaara Miska, a second-yearstudent from Bridgeport, Conn.,"Evaluation of the effects of monopolarradiofrequency energy and diode laserenergy on equine distal intertarsal andtarsometarsal articular cartilage,"faculty mentor Dr. Mandi Lopez.

Katrin SaileKatrin SaileKatrin SaileKatrin SaileKatrin Saile, a second-yearstudent from Hamburg, Germany,"Mechanisms of specific and non-specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor drug-induced injury in equine right dorsalcolon mucosal," faculty mentor Dr.Rebecca McConnico.

FFFFFourth Annual Stallion Service Auction to Benefit Equineourth Annual Stallion Service Auction to Benefit Equineourth Annual Stallion Service Auction to Benefit Equineourth Annual Stallion Service Auction to Benefit Equineourth Annual Stallion Service Auction to Benefit EquineHealth Studies PHealth Studies PHealth Studies PHealth Studies PHealth Studies Programrogramrogramrogramrogram

The LSU School of VeterinaryMedicine announces its fourth annualStallion Service Auction October 15 –December 17, 2004. The event is amultiple-breed internet-based benefitauction for the LSU School ofVeterinary Medicine’s Equine HealthStudies Program (EHSP) to expand andrenovate the Equine Clinic, specificallythe Equine Isolation 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. Jill Johnson, auctionorganizer and webmaster.

Through an internet web site(wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu),stallion owners donate a breedingsession with their stud, either by livecover or by artificial insemination, tobe bid on by mare owners locally,nationally and internationally for theupcoming 2005 breeding season.Auction bidding begins on the serviceat 50% of the standard stud fee sointerested bidders have an opportunityfor reduced-rate breeding to topquality stallions. Donors of breedingservices also benefit from extensivemarketing and advertising of theirstallions and farms via the internet andequestrian publications.

Bidding begins October 15, 2004,but the site is open now for potentialbidders and donors to view.

Donations are welcomed and invited.Donations, including donatedbreeding services, are tax deductiblefor the fair market value regardless ofthe winning bid price.

The event, now in its fourth year,has raised funds for expanding theequine clinical facilities. This year’sproceeds will go toward theconstruction of a new Equine IsolationUnit. The School needs $926,000 inorder to build the Isolation Unit, whichwill be used to hospitalize critically illhorses with infectious and potentiallycontagious diseases, such assalmonellosis and strangles amongothers. This new state-of-the-art facilitywill replace the current two-stallisolation unit, and will enable theSchool to more effectively and safelytreat horses with these conditions.

9

More than 100 people includingover 40 researchers and graduatesstudents from around the world as wellas representatives from industry,funding foundations and equinepublications, gathered in Louisville,Ky., on July 24-25 to take part in thefirst Equine Laminitis Research Paneland Meeting. The event wassponsored by the American Associationof Equine Practitioners Foundation,American Quarter Horse AssociationResearch Foundation, Grayson-JockeyClub Research Foundation, Inc. andMorris Animal Foundation. Themission of the meeting was "to unravelthe mysteries of laminitis to more fullyunderstand the pathophysiology andrisk factors involved in this disease inorder to develop more effectiveprevention and treatment strategies,"said Dr. Rustin Moore, organizer andmoderator of the meeting. The goal ofthe meeting was "to share collectiveknowledge, current studies and futureplans among multidisciplinary equinelaminitis researchers and to helpdevelop a strategic plan to most

effectively and economically addressimportant scientific issues regardingthis elusive, frustrating and devastatingdisease," said Moore.

The morning session of themeeting consisted of a plenary lectureon the current status of laminitisresearch and a series of shortpresentations regarding new researchfindings from leading laminitisscientists. A question and answersession involving a Blue Ribbon Panelof experts held in the afternoon helpedto summarize the current state oflaminitis research, and a breakoutworkshop session that focused on 6priority topics resulted in a list ofconclusions and recommendations to

help direct future research. Elevenresearchers from LSU attended themeeting and included (pictured abovefrom left to right) Dr. Rustin Moore, Dr.Ashley Stokes, Dr. Aloisio Bueno, Dr.Lee Ann Fugler, Erica Wallace, Dr.Brita Leise, Jenny Liford, Dr. CarlosValadao and Dr. Susan Eades. Drs.Ralph Beadle and Wayne Waguespackalso attended but are not pictured. Dr.Susan Eades served on the BlueRibbon Panel, and she and Dr. Stokesgave oral presentations. Twenty-oneresearch papers were presented,including 8 papers by LSU researchers(see scientific abstracts on pages 14-15), during the poster session.

SVM ResearchersSVM ResearchersSVM ResearchersSVM ResearchersSVM ResearchersAttend EquineAttend EquineAttend EquineAttend EquineAttend EquineLaminitis ResearchLaminitis ResearchLaminitis ResearchLaminitis ResearchLaminitis ResearchPPPPPanel and Meetinganel and Meetinganel and Meetinganel and Meetinganel and Meeting

PPPPPeople in the Newseople in the Newseople in the Newseople in the Newseople in the NewsCongratulations to DrDrDrDrDr. Daniel J. Daniel J. Daniel J. Daniel J. Daniel J.....BurbaBurbaBurbaBurbaBurba for selection by the School ofVeterinary Medicine’s Class of 2005 astheir outstanding teacher and nomineefor the Norden Distinguished TeacherAward. Dr. Burba should also becongratulated for his recent promotionto full Professor.

Congratulations to DrDrDrDrDr. Sharon. Sharon. Sharon. Sharon. SharonChirgwinChirgwinChirgwinChirgwinChirgwin for her recent promotionfrom a postdoctoral research fellow toa Research Assistant Professor in theDepartment of PathobiologicalSciences. Dr. Chirgwin has brought tothe EHSP a broad knowledge andexpertise in molecular biologictechniques and will facilitate

integration of this technology intoequine biomedical research.

Congratulations to DrDrDrDrDr. Ashley M.. Ashley M.. Ashley M.. Ashley M.. Ashley M.StokesStokesStokesStokesStokes for her recent promotion froma postdoctoral research fellow to aResearch Assistant Professor in theDepartment of Veterinary ClinicalSciences. Dr. Stokes’ primary researchinterest is in the pathogenesis,prevention and treatment of laminitis inhorses.

Congratulations to Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr. Santos. Santos. Santos. Santos. Santos“Sammy“Sammy“Sammy“Sammy“Sammy” R” R” R” R” Ramirezamirezamirezamirezamirez for successfullycompleting the American College ofVeterinary Radiology (ACVR)certification examination. Dr. Ramirezcompleted an equine internal medicine

residency at LSU in 1995 and becameboard certified by the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Internal Medicinein 1996. He obtained his MS degreefrom LSU in 1997. He completed aresidency in veterinary radiology atNorth Carolina State University in2002. He returned to LSU as anAssistant Professor in August 2002.

Congratulations to DrDrDrDrDr. Glenn R.. Glenn R.. Glenn R.. Glenn R.. Glenn R.PPPPPettiferettiferettiferettiferettifer for promotion to AssociateProfessor with tenure. Dr. Pettifer is aboard-certified veterinaryanesthesiologist with clinical andresearch interests in anesthesia andanalgesia, particularly as it relates todevelopment and assessment of painmanagement strategies in horses andother species.

EHSP scientists attending the Equine Laminitis Research Meeting and Panelin Louisville, Ky., on July 24-25.

10

Julie CalzoneSouth Louisiana EquineAgribusiness Council

The South Louisiana EquineAgribusiness Council (SLEAC) held itsAugust meeting at the LSU School ofVeterinary Medicine. Dr. Rustin Moore,director of the Equine Health StudiesProgram and SLEAC member,organized the meeting on behalf of theCouncil and LSU.

The South Louisiana EquineAgribusiness Council was created togrow the horse industry in Acadiana,with collaboration from the private,public and academic sectors, byachieving ways that will benefit thestate’s economy and create leadershipand a model that will impact the entirestate.

The Council has representativesfrom various performance horse andracing organizations such as the LSUEquine Health Sciences, LSU AgCenter,Farm Bureau and Acadiana and Stateeconomic developers. EvangelineDowns Racetrack & Casino andLouisiana Economic Development wereinstrumental in the development of theCouncil. A complete list of memberscan be found on the SLEAC website.

Dr. Moore led the tour of the LSU-SVM Equine Health Studies ProgramComplex and some of the groupincluded: Oran Trahan, President ofthe Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent& Protective Association; David A.Yount, Executive Director of Racing forEvangeline Downs Racetrack &Casino; Gerard Perron, ExecutiveDirector St. Landry Economic IndustrialDevelopment District; Frankie Betrand,President/CEO Opelousas-St. LandryChamber of Commerce; and ReverendDale Hensarling with The EquineCenter Focus Group of theOpelousas-St. Landry Chamber ofCommerce.

The group viewed the EquineLameness and Performance EvaluationUnit, the current and future ICU,surgical suites, research labs,diagnostic and exam rooms. The staffpresented a high-speed treadmill exam

Equine Agribusiness Council TEquine Agribusiness Council TEquine Agribusiness Council TEquine Agribusiness Council TEquine Agribusiness Council Tours LSU Equine Health Centerours LSU Equine Health Centerours LSU Equine Health Centerours LSU Equine Health Centerours LSU Equine Health Centerto show how essential it is indiagnosing respiratory andmusculoskeletal problems inperformance horses that arise duringan exertional activity. A great deal ofinterest was shown when Dr. Mooregave an overview of the gait analysisand lameness diagnostic equipmentthat will soon be a part of that examfacility. Both racing and sport horseprofessionals were impressed by thepotential for the facility.

"It is just incredible that the horseindustry has a resource like this inLouisiana,” said David A. Yount,executive director for racing atEvangeline Downs Racetrack & Casinoand SLEAC president. "This facility isone of the reasons the industry canthrive in Louisiana. All of our membersare impressed with the staff, theresearch and top-notch facilities. Thisis a state-of-the-art hospital and weare privileged to have this for theequine industry in the South."

When SLEAC was created duringthe summer of 2003, the memberswere merely looking for a way to unitearea horsemen to assist in growing thehorse industry in South Louisiana. TheCouncil’s newly created website, http://www.sleac.com, is sponsored by

Louisiana Economic Development(LED)and offers a variety of resourcesfor those dedicated to staying informedabout the ever-growing industry.

"The LED recognizes the need toenhance and support the equineindustry in South Louisiana," saidKelsey D. Short, Jr., Director ofAgriculture, Forest & Food TechnologyCluster Development for LouisianaEconomic Development and foundingmember of SLEAC. "We hope theCouncil’s efforts will set the stage foreveryone in the horse industry to takepart in advancing the industry as awhole. LED has been working closelyin advancing this important cluster ofour state’s economy."

"A vital party of the advancementof the horse industry is the ability toprovide high-quality veterinarymedicine," said Yount. "It is importantfor horse owners and trainers to haveaccess to the best in preventative andrehabilitative medicine. The LSUEquine Health Studies Program iscreating a center of excellence for allof us."

In recent decades, the economicimpact drawn from the horse industry


Members of SLEAC tour the LSU Equine Clinic, where Dr. Dan Burbademonstrates the nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) facility.

11

DrDrDrDrDr. Maura Gibson. Maura Gibson. Maura Gibson. Maura Gibson. Maura Gibson (LSU 04)received the $2,000 Arizona Medical &Surgical Centre Award. The recipientwas selected by the equine facultybased upon proven clinicalcompetency in equine medicine andsurgery and for participation in theStudent Chapter of the AmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners (seepage 22).

DrDrDrDrDr. R. R. R. R. Rebecca Bynum ebecca Bynum ebecca Bynum ebecca Bynum ebecca Bynum (LSU 04)received the $500 Louisiana VeterinaryMedical Association Equine ClinicalProficiency Award. The recipient waschosen by the equine faculty for beingjudged as the most proficient studentin equine medicine and surgery.

DrDrDrDrDr. Jeff Dunlany. Jeff Dunlany. Jeff Dunlany. Jeff Dunlany. Jeff Dunlany (LSU 04) receivedthe American College of VeterinarySurgeons Proficiency Award in LargeAnimal. The recipient was selected bythe large animal faculty fordemonstration of academic and

Scholarships andScholarships andScholarships andScholarships andScholarships andStudent AwardsStudent AwardsStudent AwardsStudent AwardsStudent Awards

From left, Lane Breaux (Year IV), Dr. Rustin Moore, andMegan Gilhooly (Year IV) at the 2004 LSU SVM Awards &Honors Banquet.

clinical proficiencyin large animalsurgery.

LLLLLane Breauxane Breauxane Breauxane Breauxane Breaux (YearIV) and MeghanMeghanMeghanMeghanMeghanGilhoolyGilhoolyGilhoolyGilhoolyGilhooly (Year IV)each received a$500 LSU-SVMEquine HealthStudies Program(EHSP) Scholarship.The recipients wereselected by theequine facultybased uponparticipation in theStudent Chapter ofthe AmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners anddemonstration of an interest in equinehealth through participation inactivities and events involving theequine industry and the EHSP.

Andrew LAndrew LAndrew LAndrew LAndrew Lewisewisewisewisewis (Year IV) received the$1,500 Louisiana Veterinary MedicalAssociation Equine Committee/American Association of Equine

PractitionersFoundationScholarship. Therecipient was selectedby the equine facultyfor participation in theStudent Chapter of theAmerican Associationof EquinePractitioners,demonstration ofoutstanding scholasticabilities and acommitment to theAAEP and the pursuitof equine practice.

The EHSP would like tocongratulate Al DesselleAl DesselleAl DesselleAl DesselleAl Desselle andMike KeowenMike KeowenMike KeowenMike KeowenMike Keowen for receiving StaffAwards from the School ofVeterinary Medicine. Al Desselle,assistant hospital director in theVeterinary Teaching Hospital and

Clinics (VTH&C), received the IAMS-VTH&C Award, which is presented eachyear to an outstanding VTH&C staffmember. Desselle was commended forhis humility, hard word, anddedication. Michael Keowen, aresearch associate in the department of

Comparative Biomedical Sciences, wonthe Academic Support Award forexcellence in providing academicsupport to the school’s faculty. Keowenwas commended for his 15 years ofservice and his great interest in thequality and quantity of the equineresearch conducted at the School.

EHSP Congratulates Staff Award WinnersEHSP Congratulates Staff Award WinnersEHSP Congratulates Staff Award WinnersEHSP Congratulates Staff Award WinnersEHSP Congratulates Staff Award Winners

has been overlooked. One of theprimary goals of SLEAC is to ensurethat the economic impact of theindustry is fully developed. Currentestimates are that it is in the $1.4billion range.

SLEAC members hope to serve asa model for others in Louisiana bygenerating support from leaders invarious sectors including equinehealth, performance training, pleasureriding, academic, economicdevelopment, agriculturally-relatedorganizations and suppliers. Bycombining the efforts of numerousgroups, the industry will only continueto prosper.

For more information on SLEAC,or to become a member, visit:www.sleac.com or contact JulieCalzone, 337-235-2924, ext. 3.

Equine AgribusinessEquine AgribusinessEquine AgribusinessEquine AgribusinessEquine Agribusiness(Continued from page 10)

From left to right, Jeff Dunlany (LSU 04), RebeccaBynum (LSU 04), and Maura Gibson (LSU 04).

12

KKKKKentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Party Benefits EHSParty Benefits EHSParty Benefits EHSParty Benefits EHSParty Benefits EHSPGuests of the LSU School of

Veterinary Medicine experienced the130th "Run for the Roses" at theSchool’s fifth annual Kentucky DerbyParty at the Country Club of Louisianaon May 1.

While Smarty Jones won theKentucky Derby, Dr. Jessica Babineaux,a first-year medical resident at the LSUHealth Sciences Center’s PhysicalMedicine & Rehabilitation Program inNew Orleans, won the Ladies’ HatCompetition. Dr. Dan Hendricks, VicePresident of Development of the LSUFoundation, won the Gentlemen’s TieCompetition. Dr. Babineaux’s hat wasblack and covered with pink roses. Dr.Hendricks’ tie was navy blue and washand-decorated with Derby symbolsand horseshoes.

Approximately 100 guests attendedthe party, including LSU SystemPresident and Mrs. William L. Jenkins;Rep. Mike Strain and Dr. Susan Strainof Covington, La.; Sydney Hines andBecky Rutledge of Pass Christian,Miss.; Judi Gerhardt and Victor Labatof Covington, La.; and former NewOrleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy andhis wife Micki Barthelemy of NewOrleans, La.

Guests placed "bets" on the race,and a prize drawing was held from

those who chose the Win, Place andShow Horses. Hunter Ortis received astuffed, "talking" race horse forchoosing the winning horse. JudiGerhardt received an Equine HealthStudies Program polo shirt forchoosing the horse that placedsecond, and Dr. Jim LaCour receivedan encyclopedia of horses and a DVDof the movie "Seabiscuit" for choosingthe horse that came in third.

The afternoon’s festivities alsoincluded a silent auction andtraditional Derbycuisine of hamand biscuits,cheese grits,Kentucky Derbypie, and mintjuleps. Eachguest received acommemorative2004 KentuckyDerby mint julepglass.

The eventwas planned bythe KentuckyDerby Partyplanningcommittee: Dr.Rustin M. Moore,Dr. Rebecca

Adcock, Catherine Koch, Dr. AshleyStokes, Georgia Stokes, Leslie Talley,Nancy Nolan, Judi Gerhardt, SydneyHines, Stacey Simmons, Dr. DinaDuplantis, Ginger Guttner, and PatEdwards.

Proceeds from the party will benefitthe Equine Isolation Unit in the LSUVeterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics.This unit will facilitate treatment ofhorses with infectious and potentiallycontagious diseases.

From left, LSU System President William Jenkins, Mrs. PeggyJenkins, Micki Barthelemy, and Sidney Barthelemy.

EHSP Thanks KEHSP Thanks KEHSP Thanks KEHSP Thanks KEHSP Thanks Kentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Party Auction Donorsarty Auction Donorsarty Auction Donorsarty Auction Donorsarty Auction DonorsThe EHSP would like to thank thosepeople and organizations that donateditems for auction at the Kentucky DerbyParty.

Acadian Frame & ArtAll Things Old Antiques and

CollectiblesAmazon ImportsThe Antique ShopBayou ImportsBienville Antiques & Custom FramingBill Straus PhotographyNancy BurbaCafé DegasCharvet’s Garden CenterChristian Street FurnitureCloud Chasers, Inc.

Cottonwood BooksCountry Club of LouisianaJohnny Donnels, author and

photographerDr. Dina DuplantisEarthly ConcernsEvangeline Downs RacetrackMarie, Joseph, Jean and Helen GarrettSusan and Dee GeogheganH&H SupplementsSydney HinesDr. Jeremy Hubert, LSU SVMDr. Jill Johnson, LSU SVMMichael Keowen, LSU SVMAnita LeJeune, artistLouisiana Horseman’s GuideLouisiana NurseryLouisiana Wine Club

A Love for HorsesMaggio’s RistoranteMarcello’s Wine MarketMarino’s FloristMidway PlantationDr. Rustin Moore, LSU SVMNancy NolanPineapple GalleryRed Bob Cat Designs, LLCSchool of Veterinary MedicineSouthdown’s GymThe Stitch NicheStudent Chapter of the American

Veterinary Medical Association(SCAVMA) Bookstore

Angela Veitch, artist

13

Eades SC, Waguespack W.Gastrointestinal and Digestive System.Equine Manual. Higgins and Wright,eds. Elsevier Publishing: London, U.K., 2004.

Costa LRR, Eades SC, Goad ME,Paradis MR: Pulmonary surfactantdysfunction in neonatal foals:pathogenesis and clinical findings.Compendium of Continuing Educationfor the Practicing Veterinarian 26 (5)380-389, 2004.

Costa LRR, Eades SC, Goad ME,Paradis MR: Pulmonary surfactantdysfunction and lung maturation inneonatal foals: therapy, prevention andprognosis. Compendium ofContinuing Education for thePracticing Veterinarian 26 (6) 460-469, 2004.

Dowdall SM, Proudman CJ, Klei TR,Mair T, Matthews JB . Characterisation

PPPPPublished Bookublished Bookublished Bookublished Bookublished BookChaptersChaptersChaptersChaptersChapters

Scientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific Manuscripts


"I like investigating the basis fororthopedic disease for the earliestdetection and treatment. I also like todesign, build, and test orthopedicdevices," said Dr. Mandi Lopez,assistant professor of veterinary surgeryat the LSU School of VeterinaryMedicine. Dr. Lopez is the director ofthe Laboratory for Equine andComparative Orthopedic Research(LECOR), a newly formed focus areawithin the Equine Health StudiesProgram. Under the direction of Dr.Lopez, the laboratory has beendesigned and equipped for orthopedicinvestigations across species at alllevels, genetic to whole system."Specific orthopedic problems varybetween species, but the basis for suchthings as bone healing, osteoarthritisand ligament or tendon problems arethe same or similar," said Dr. Lopez.

Dr. Lopez’s past and presentresearch encompasses a wide range oforthopedic investigations. She hasinvestigated the use of monopolarradiofrequency energy to treat anumber of orthopedic problemsincluding its use to shrink joint capsulein lax joints and tendons and as atreatment for developmental disorders.Currently, Dr. Lopez is investigating theuse of monopolar radiofrequencyenergy to treat bone spavin, tarsalosteoarthritis, in horses. The currentcure for bone spavin is fusion of theaffected joints, which can take aprolonged period of time. There are anumber of ways to facilitate the fusionprocess reported, but results aregenerally unpredictable. "The use ofmonopolar radiofrequency energy toeffectively remove cartilage in thetarsus may prove to be a minimallyinvasive technique to promote jointfusion," said Dr. Lopez. This treatmentcan be applied to other species inaddition to horses.

Another area of past and presentinvestigations by Dr. Lopez includes theuse of joint fluid markers for earlydetection and prognosis of jointdisease. Dr. Lopez is hopeful that themarkers will not only provide methodsfor early diagnosis, but will provideinformation about the relative efficacy

Orthopedic Research that Benefits Multiple SpeciesOrthopedic Research that Benefits Multiple SpeciesOrthopedic Research that Benefits Multiple SpeciesOrthopedic Research that Benefits Multiple SpeciesOrthopedic Research that Benefits Multiple Speciesof treatments to alter the course of thedisease process. The markers mayalso provide a method to clearlyidentify the underlying cellular eventsof joint disease, allowing developmentof therapies to inhibit or prevent jointdamage. "The earlier we detect jointproblems and initiate therapy, the moresuccessful we can be in altering thecourse of these diseases," said Dr.Lopez.

Detection and treatment of cranialcruciate ligament (CrCL) disease in thedog has also been an area ofsignificant research by Dr. Lopez. Asdogs age, the CrCL in the knee canweaken, stretch, and eventuallyrupture. Dr. Lopez has conductedinvestigations for detection of CrCLdisease prior to rupture; ways toprevent damaged ligaments fromrupturing, and graft reconstruction ofruptured ligaments. She plans toapply information from these studies tosimilar problems in other speciesincluding the horse.

In addition to researchinvestigations surrounding joints andtissue structures in LECOR, anotherarea of specific focus is the molecularand genetic mechanisms of somecommon degenerative conditions inthe horse. Preliminary investigationsare currently being conducted onnavicular disease, osteoarthritis, andligament and tendon disorders. A state of the art mechanicaltesting system (MTS) has recently beenadded to the LECOR. Dr. Lopez hasperformed extensive biomechanicaltesting in previous investigationsincluding novel methods to stabilizemetacarpal and femoral fractures inthe horse. She plans to use the newsystem to continue studies in fracturestabilization as well as to investigatetendon repair techniques andacceleration of tissue healing. "TheMTS will tremendously enhanceongoing and planned orthopedicinvestigations," says Dr. Lopez.Dr. Lopez is currently funded by theNIH-NIAMS for investigation ofdevelopmental joint disease and by theAmerican College of VeterinarySurgeons both to explore the healing

capacity of partially disruptedligaments and for development of anovel surgical device. She iscollaborating with investigators inseveral departments within the Schoolof Veterinary Medicine, at LouisianaState University, and at the Universityof Wisconsin-Madison on a number ofongoing and proposed projects.

Dr. Mandi Lopez

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Bueno ACD, Moore RM, Eades SC,Johnson JR, Stokes AM: Use of adigital extracorporeal system to studylaminitis in horses. Proceedings EquineLaminitis Research Meeting and Panel,Louisville, KY, 112-113, July 24, 2004.

Faleiros RR, Stokes AM, Eades SC, KimDY, Paulsen DB, Moore RM: Mortecellular nas laminas epidermais deequinos com laminite. Braz J Ver ResAnim Sci 42 (suppl) 279, 2004.

Ferrer MS, Paccamonti DL, Eilts BE,Lyle SK, Aljarrah A and Devireddi R.Improvement of sperm recovery ratesafter centrifugation of stallion semen.Proc Society for Theriogenology AnnualConference and SFT/ACT Symposium,Lexington, KY, 7 August 4-7, 2004.

Fugler L, Eades SC, Truax R, Oliver JL,Moore RM: Nitric oxide andendothelin-1 synthesis by culturedequine digital endothelial cells inresponse to endotoxin and cytokines.Proceedings Equine Laminitis ResearchMeeting and Panel, Louisville, KY, 114-115, July 24, 2004.

Gilhooly M, Eades SC, Stokes AM,Moore RM: Effects of topicalnitroglycerine patches andnitroglycerine ointment on digitalvenous plasma nitric oxideconcentrations and cigital blood flowin healthy conscious horses.Proceedings Equine Laminitis ResearchMeeting and Panel, Louisville, KY, 116,July 24, 2004.

Johnson J, Liford J, Henk W,Borkhsenious O, Paccamonti D, MooreRM, LeBlanc C, Nickerson C:Development of three-dimensionaltissue assemblies of equine fetallaminar cells under microgravityconditions. Proceedings Equine (Continued on page 15)

Laminitis Research Meeting and Panel,Louisville, KY, 117-118, July 24, 2004.

Leise BS, Fugler L, Eades SC, StokesAM, Moore RM: Effects ofintramuscular acepromazine on digitalblood flow, systemic blood pressure,and packed cell volume in normalhorses – A preliminary report.Proceedings Equine Laminitis ResearchMeeting and Panel, Louisville, KY, 119-120, July 24, 2004.

Liford J, Foster T, Waguesapck RW,Johnson JR: Development of three-dimensional tissue assemblies ofequine adult laminar cells undermicrogravity conditions. ProceedingsEquine Laminitis Research Meeting andPanel, Louisville, KY, 135-136, July 24,2004.

Polikepahad S, Moore RM, Koch CE,Holmes EP, Venugopal CS: Effects ofepithelial denudation on endothelin-1induced bronchoconstriction inclinically healthy and summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonarydisease (SPAOPD) affected horses.FASEB J 18 (4) A234, 172.1, 2004.

Polikepahad S, Paulsen D, Moore RM,Costa L, Venugopal CS:Immunohistochemical studies onexpression of endothelin A and Breceptors in the lungs of clinicallyhealthy and SPAOPD-affected horses.FASEB J 18 (4) A234, 172.2, 2004.

Stokes AM, Savoie D, Eades SC,Keowen M, Garza F, Moore RM:Quantification of laminarmicrocirculatory perfusion in normalhorses using isotopic-labeledmicrospheres. Proceedings EquineLaminitis Research Meeting and Panel,Louisville, KY, 133-134, July 24, 2004.

Venugopal CS, Polikepahad S, HolmesEP, Vanden Heuvel J, Leas T, MooreRM: Evidence for involvement ofendothelin-B receptors in equinesummer pasture-associated obstructivepulmonary disease (SPAOPD). FASEB J18 (4): A234, 172.3, 2004.

Scientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific AbstractsScientific Abstracts

of IgG(T) serum antibody responses totwo larval antigen complexes in horsesnaturally- or experimentally-infectedwith cyathostomins. Int J Parasitol 34(1) 101-108, 2004.

Duplantis DD: What’s your diagnosis?Colicky foal. Vet Forum, 8, August2004.

Faleiros RR, Stokes AM, Eades SC, KimDY, Paulsen DB, Moore RM:Assessment of apoptosis in epidermallamellar cells in clinically normalhorses and those with laminitis. Am JVet Res 65 (5) 578-585, 2004.

Hubert JD, Seahorn TL, Klei TR,Hosgood G, Horohov DW, Moore RM:Clinical signs and hematologic,cytokine, and plasma nitric oxidealterations in response to Strongylusvulgaris infection in helminth-naïveponies. Can J Vet Res 68 (3) 193-200, 2004.

Moore RM, Eades SC, Stokes AM:Evidence for vascular and enzymaticevents in the pathophysiology of acutelaminitis: Which pathway is responsiblefor initiation of this process in horses?Equine Vet J 36 (3) 204-209, 2004.

Sod GA, Martin GS: An in vitrobiomechanical comparison of aprototype intramedullary pin-plate witha dynamic compression plate forequine metacarpophalangealarthrodesis. Vet Surg 33 (1) 83-91,2004.

Tetens J, Moore RM, Hosgood G,Eades SC, Keowen ML, Horohov DW:Effects of infusion of adenosinetriphosphate-magnesium chloride oncardiopulmonary andclinicopathologic variables, cytokineactivity, and endothelin concentrationin horses administered a low dose ofendotoxin. Am J Vet Res 65 (2) 225-237, 2004.

Waguespack RW, Kemppainen RJ,Cochran A, Lin HC, Belknap JK:

Increased expression of MAIL, acytokine-associated nuclear protein, inthe prodromal stages of black walnut-induced laminitis. Equine Vet J 36 (3)285-291, 2004.

Scientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific ManuscriptsScientific Manuscripts(Continued from page 13)

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equine and comparative biomedicaland orthopedic research. $170,000.Louisiana Board of Regents SupportFund, Traditional EnhancementProgram, May 2004.

Moore RM, Vidal MA, Johnson JR,Gimble JM, Lopez MJ, Truax RE: Tissueengineering: Growth of equinemesenchymal stromal cells andcharacterization of extracellular matrixin low-shear three-dimensional culturefor use in tendon healing. $9,630.00.American College of VeterinarySurgeons, Surgeon-in-Training Grant,April 2004.

Orandle MS: Microvascular brainendothelial cell infection with EIAVneuroinvasion and persistence.$6,800. Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2004.

Venugopal CS, Moore RM, KousoulasKS, Chirgwin SR: Role of endothelin-B(ETB) receptors in airway hyperreactivityin horses. $24,470. Equine HealthStudies Program, July 2004.

Stokes AM, Moore RM, Eades SC,Paulsen DP: Evaluation of the effect ofrepeated digital intra-arterialadministration of 15?m coloredmicrospheres on digital hemodynamicsand laminar microscopic integrity.$12,000. Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2004.

Venugopal CS, Moore RM, KousoulasKG: Role of ETB receptors in airwayhyperreactivity in horses with summerpasture-associated obstructivepulmonary disease. $11,525. EquineHealth Studies Program, July 2004.

Venugopal CS, Moore RM, KousoulasKS, Chirgwin SR: Role of endothelin-B(ETB) receptors in airway hyperreactivityin horses. $24,470. Equine HealthStudies Program, June 2004.

Walesby HA, Paccamonti EL, Lyle SL,Darien BJ, Moore RM, Hosgood G:The relationship between circulatingconcentrations of inflammatory


Lay ArticlesLay ArticlesLay ArticlesLay ArticlesLay Articles

Lyle SK: Care of the pregnant marebefore, during and after delivery.Louisiana Horse 22 (3) 71-73, 2004.

Moore RM, Burba DJ: AdvancedDiagnostics. AAEP Forum. The Horse,36, June 2004.

Moore RM, Burba DJ: New LSUEquine Lameness and PerformanceEvaluation Unit Advances EquineHealth in Louisiana. Animal Magazine1 (3) 6-8, 2004.

Grants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and Contracts

Bueno ACD, Moore RM, Eades SC:Comparison of heparinizedautogenous whole blood andperfluorocarbon solution (OxycyteTM)as the perfusate for maintaining thedisarticulated equine digit using an

extracorporeal system: Development ofa model to isolate the digit and studythe pathophysiology of laminitis inhorses. $11,546. Equine HealthStudies Program, July 2004.

Chapman AM, Mitchell M, Eades SC:Detection of Salmonella inThoroughbred racehorses at fourLouisiana racetracks by polymerasechain reaction. $6,000. Equine HealthStudies Program, July 2004.

Eades SC, Valadao CAA, Stokes AM,Moore RM: Vasomotor response ofpalmar digital vascular rings topolyamine and NMDA receptoragonists and antagonists in horses.$4,765. Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2004.

Fugler LA, Moore RM, Eades SC,Stokes AM: Matrix metalloproteinase-2and -9 activity in the systemic anddigital circulation in horses withexperimentally induced laminitis.$13,820. American Association ofEquine Practitioners. February 2004.

Johnson JR, Foster TP, Henk WG,Paccamonti DL, Lyle SK, Moore RM,Nickerson C: Equine fetal laminar cell3-dimensional tissue assemblies:Characterization of adhesioncomplexes and basement membranes.$12,000. Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2004.

Leise BS, Moore RM, Eades SC,Johnson JR: Culture andcharacterization of equine fetal colonicand cecal intestinal cells usingmonolayer and three-dimensionaltechniques. $6,000. Equine HealthStudies Program, July 2004.

McConnico RS, Chirgwin S, Hubert JD,Taylor HW, Eades SC, Klei TR:Pathophysiology of equinecyathostomin infection during larvalimmigration into the intestinal lumen.$10,000. LSU-SVM USDA 144Formula Funds, July 2004.

Moore RM, Stokes AM, Lopez MJ,Monroe T, Li L, Murphy MC:Integration of biomechanics into

Walesby HA, Venugopal CS, HosgoodG, Eades SC, Moore RM: The in vitrocontractile response of non-gravidequine circular and longitudinalsmooth myometrial smooth musclefrom the uterine horn to endothelin-1.J Vet Intern Med 18 (3) A285, 460,2004.

Wallace E, Stokes AM, Paulsen D,Hosgood G, Eades SC, Moore RM:Immunohistochemical staining todetermine and compare the presenceand location of matrixmetalloproteinases-2 and -9 in laminartissue of clinically healthy and laminitishorses. Proceedings Equine LaminitisResearch Meeting and Panel,Louisville, 137-138, KY, July 24, 2004.

Watson DM, Walesby HA, Barker SA,Short CR: In vitro distribution andelimination of 20% phenylbutazonesolution administered orally to fastedhorses. J Vet Intern Med 18 (3) A281,459, 2004.

Scientific Abstracts ...Scientific Abstracts ...Scientific Abstracts ...Scientific Abstracts ...Scientific Abstracts ...(Continued from page 14)

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SVM, LSU, the local area, the State andthe south central region.

Funds provided by the grant willbe used to purchase state-of-the-artequipment used for the integration ofbiomechanics into equine andcomparative biomedical andorthopedic research. The equipmentstrongly complements existing state-of-the-art facilities and equipment forinnovative equine biomedical research,including a high-speed treadmill andthe new Equine Lameness andPerformance Evaluation Unit. Thegrant proposal included the purchaseof a biaxial hydraulic mechanicaltesting system (MTS), a biaxial Instrontesting system, a kinematic gaitanalysis system, and a large capacityground reaction force plate.

The biaxial MTS and Instronmechanical testing systems areimperative for thorough biomechanicaltesting and will be central to thebiomechanics laboratory within theEHSP. Both are capable of axial andtorsional testing over an extremelylarge range of specimen sizes andstrengths. They are complementary infunction in that the MTS will be usedspecifically to test the ultimate strengthof biomedical specimens and devices,whereas the Instron will be used toevaluate the effect of repetitive forceson samples over time (fatigue testing).The use of both testing systemsprovides extensive biomechanicalinformation. Objective assessment andquantification of gait force and motionis imperative for orthopedic studies,and integration of both a force plateand kinematic gait analysis systemprovide such information in acomplementary fashion. A large-


Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...(Continued from page 1)

(* denotes presenting author)

Eades SC*, Stokes AM*, Moore RM:Role of endothelin in black walnut andcarbohydrate overload inducedlaminitis. Proceedings Equine LaminitisResearch Meeting and Panel,Louisville, KY, 34-40, July 24, 2004.

Bueno ACD*: Equine emergencygastrointestinal surgery and criticalcare & treatment of neonatal septicarthritis. São Paulo State University(UNESP-Jaboticabal), School ofVeterinary Medicine, VeterinaryHospital, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. July19, 2004.

Bueno ACD*: Equine emergencysurgery and critical care & treatment ofmusculoskeletal infection. MinasGerais Federal University (UFMG),School of Veterinary Medicine, BeloHorizonte, MG, Brazil. July 15, 2004.

Ferrer MS*. Improvement of spermrecovery rates after centrifugation ofstallion semen. Student competition,Society for Theriogenology AnnualConference and SFT/ACT Symposium,8/4 to 8/7, Lexington, KY. Moore RM*: Effects and treatment ofendotoxemia associated with intestinalstrangulating obstruction. 13th AnnualScientific Meeting, European Collegeof Veterinary Surgeons, Prague, CzechRepublic, July 3, 2004.

Bolt DM, Burba DJ, Hubert JD, MooreRM*: Extracorporeal shockwavetherapy: Science or black magic? 13th

Annual Scientific Meeting, EuropeanCollege of Veterinary Surgeons,

Prague, Czech Republic, July 3, 2004.

55555ththththth Merck Merck Merck Merck Merck-Merial V-Merial V-Merial V-Merial V-Merial VeterinaryeterinaryeterinaryeterinaryeterinaryScholars Symposium 2004Scholars Symposium 2004Scholars Symposium 2004Scholars Symposium 2004Scholars Symposium 2004College of VCollege of VCollege of VCollege of VCollege of Veterinary Medicineeterinary Medicineeterinary Medicineeterinary Medicineeterinary MedicineAuburn UniversityAuburn UniversityAuburn UniversityAuburn UniversityAuburn University, Auburn, AL, Auburn, AL, Auburn, AL, Auburn, AL, Auburn, ALJuly 29-August 1, 2004July 29-August 1, 2004July 29-August 1, 2004July 29-August 1, 2004July 29-August 1, 2004

Saile K*, Paulsen DB, Kearney MT,Junejz P, McConnico RS: Mechanismsof specific and nonspecificcyclooxygenase inhibitor drug inducedinjury in equine right dorsal colonmucosa.

Janning C*, Rybachuk GV, Vladimir N.Chouljenko VN, Marzilli LG,Kousoulas KG. Antiviral Properties ofPorphyrin-Based Compounds againstEquine Herpes Virus 1.

Halbert KK*, Walesby HA, Truax RE,Johnson JR, Henk WG, BorkhseniousON: Equine myometrial smoothmuscle cells in 3-dimensional tissueassemblies: A model for the study ofthe pathogenesis of endotoxemia-induced preterm fetal expulsion in themare.

Miska T*, Lopez MJ, Burba DJ, Foster T: Evaluation of the effects onmonopolar radiofrequency energy anddiode laser energy on equine distalintertarsal and tarsometatarsal articularcartilage.

Liford Attends Student NationalLiford Attends Student NationalLiford Attends Student NationalLiford Attends Student NationalLiford Attends Student NationalResearch ConferenceResearch ConferenceResearch ConferenceResearch ConferenceResearch Conference

Jennifer Liford attended the West CoastBiological Sciences UndergraduateResearch Conference in San Diego,CA on April 24, 2004 and presentedthe following poster: Liford J*, FosterT, Johnson J, Waguespack W:Characterization of MMP-2 and -9expression and localization in primaryequine adult laminar cells.

Student PStudent PStudent PStudent PStudent Participates in Howardarticipates in Howardarticipates in Howardarticipates in Howardarticipates in HowardHughes Summer UndergraduateHughes Summer UndergraduateHughes Summer UndergraduateHughes Summer UndergraduateHughes Summer UndergraduateResearch ForumResearch ForumResearch ForumResearch ForumResearch Forum

Reboul JP*, Walesby HA, Truax RE,Henk MC: Transfection of equinemyometrial smooth muscle cells in

Meetings Attended/Meetings Attended/Meetings Attended/Meetings Attended/Meetings Attended/PPPPPresentationsresentationsresentationsresentationsresentations

culture. Summer UndergraduateResearch Forum, Howard HughesMedical Institute, Louisiana StateUniversity, Baton Rouge, LA. July 29,2004.

Grants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and ContractsGrants and Contracts(Continued from page 15)

mediators and uterine contractileactivity in response to low-doseendotoxin in non-gravid mares.$11,856. Equine Health StudiesProgram, July 2004.

17

capacity force plate, which measuresground reaction forces, moments andpressure centers, will provide a moresensitive and quantitative method toassess both normal and abnormalgaits in horses. The kinematic gaitanalysis system enables quantificationof gait characteristics such as stridelength and efficiency of movement andlocomotion. Both systems can be usedfor in-depth gait research studies aswell as clinically to aid in the diagnosisof lameness and to evaluate treatmentefficacy.

Lameness is the most commoncause of poor athletic performanceand retirement in equine athletes. Infact, lameness is the leading cause ofpoor performance in all horsesworldwide. Many causes of lamenessare associated with athletic-orperformance-related injuries includingjoint inflammation, osteoarthritis, bonyfractures, and tendon, ligament andmuscles strains or ruptures. It has beenreported that musculoskeletal diseaseand injury account for the majority(88%) of Thoroughbred racehorsedeaths or disability from exercise-related injury. Many of these injuriesresult from the culmination ofinsidious, chronic, biomechanicallyinduced lesions, which can result insudden catastrophic conditions.Ongoing and planned studies at LSUthat will benefit from the newequipment involve laminitis, orthopedicpathologies involving joints, tendons,ligaments, bones and muscles, andevaluation of the efficacy of painmanagement regimens. A recent surveyby the American Association of EquinePractitioners revealed that lameness,specifically caused by laminitis, andother orthopedic conditions areconsidered to be the most importantequine health issues confrontingveterinarians, and should therefore bethe focus of research efforts andfunding.

The U.S. equine industry producesgoods and services valued at over $25billion annually, and has beenestimated to have approximately a

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Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...Enhancement Grant...(Continued from page 16)

more common and serious problems,especially in stressed, ill or injuredhorses. As part of the Equine Clinichospital’s biosecurity program, aSalmonella surveillance program wasinstituted in 1996 whereby manure iscollected from hospitalized horsesupon admission and daily thereafter forup to 5 days. The feces are cultured forSalmonella spp., a type of bacteriathat can cause severe diarrhea inhorses. This program allows closemonitoring of horses that are admittedand shedding Salmonella in theirfeces. This provides hospital biosecuritypersonnel with the necessaryinformation to make appropriatedecisions regarding management andoperation of the hospital and barn.

It has been reported that between 10and 20% of horses are inapparentlyinfected with Salmonella spp. andshed the organism in their feces;however, the percentage of healthyhorses in the general population thatare actively shedding the bacteria islikely between 1 and 2%. Numerousfactors such as illness, colic,withholding feed or altering diet,administration of antimicrobial agents,use of equipment or instruments andlong-distant transport, have beenshown to be associated with anincreased prevalence of Salmonellashedding. Because most horses thatare hospitalized, even on an outpatientbasis, often have at least one of theserisk factors (e.g., transport, etc.), thesehorses are more likely to shedSalmonella in their feces. It has beenshown around 13-15% of horses withcolic or a severe illness shed theorganism.

The aforementioned surveillanceprogram proved to be extremely helpfulin March 2001 whereby we proactivelyclosed our hospital for 3 weeks to "de-contaminate" because of anunacceptably high percentage ofhorses shedding Salmonella sp. intheir feces. Fortunately, there wasminimal morbidity and no mortality inhospitalized horses, rather there wasjust an unacceptably high percentageof horses shedding. Prior to the

The Equine Clinic is unique in that itserves as the comprehensive equinereferral veterinary hospital in the stateand region with the facilities,equipment and specialist veterinariansto treat critically ill and injured horses.Therefore, if our isolation facilities(which currentlu only consist of a 2-stall unit) are at maximum capacity, wehave no facility in close proximity torefer people who have critically illhorses with infectious/ contagiousdisease in need of advanced veterinarycare. Although several infectious diseasesafflicting horses can be contagious(transmitted from horse to horse orfrom horse to environment to horse),infection with Salmonella is one of the (Continued on page 18)

$112 billion impact on the U.S.economy. Likewise, horses andequestrian activities are an importantand substantial economic andrecreational commodity in Louisianaand the surrounding region. TheState’s equine industry has anestimated total direct economic impactof over $1.4 billion annually.Acquisition of the aforementionedequipment will positively impact theLouisiana and U.S. equine industriesby contributing to the overallunderstanding of athletic injuries andpromoting the development of moreeffective, cost-efficient methods oftreatment and prevention.

Augmentation of biomedicalresources will have a positive impacton the EHSP, SVM and LSU, and willfoster growth and expansion of theState’s equine, agribusiness,biomedical and biotechnologyindustries. This equipment combinedwith existing resources positions EHSPscientists to remain competitive inacquiring and sustaining substantial,recurrent extramural funding. Thisgrant, along with other recentsuccesses and accomplishments, ishelping to propel the EHSP toward thegoal of becoming an elite equinebiomedical program.

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ultrasonography, computedtomography (CAT scan), nuclearscintigraphy (bone scan), endoscopy,and evaluation while exercising on ahigh-speed treadmill," said Burba.

Lameness and poor performanceare two of the most common reasonshorses are admitted to the EquineClinic. Diseases or injuries of the (Continued on page 19)

musculoskeletal system are the majorcause of wastage and poorperformance in athletic horses.Lameness typically results from painassociated with the musculoskeletalsystem, including abnormalities withjoints, bones, tendons, ligaments andmuscle. The majority of cases oflameness are localized to areas withinthe distal limb; however, the sources,causes and locations of lameness arediverse. Lameness can be caused bynumerous and diverse conditions,including but not limited to wear-and-tear, overuse, and trauma. Thediagnostic approach to lameness inhorses should involve consideration ofthe signalment (age, breed and sex),pertinent medical history, past andpresent use of the horse, physicalexamination, lameness evaluation andancillary diagnostic procedures.

SIGNALMENT & HISTORYThe signalment (age, breed,

gender) of the horse is importantbecause certain causes of lamenessare more likely to occur in certainbreeds and ages of horses. The pastmedical history is important and mayprovide important diagnostic clues tothe veterinarian. It is vitally importantto provide accurate information toyour veterinarian. The past andpresent use of the horse is importantbecause certain uses of horses maymake certain diagnoses more or lesslikely. This information may help inruling in or out certain causes oflameness in your horse.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONAlthough dependent upon the

history and degree of lameness, acomplete physical examination andlameness evaluation are usuallynecessary to accurately localize thesource and determine the cause of thelameness. In order for a veterinarianto get a complete picture of thepatient, a thorough physicalexamination including visualobservation of the patient’s body andlimbs for conformation, symmetry,swellings, stance and other

Lameness Unit ...Lameness Unit ...Lameness Unit ...Lameness Unit ...Lameness Unit ...(Continued from page 4)

closure, the prevalence of sheddingamong critically ill/injured (and thushighly likely to be shedding) horsesadmitted to the hospital was less than10% (which is less than that reportedat other hospitals, 13-15%), but theshedding gradually increased and thenpeaked at about 25%, which promptedour proactive closure and cleaning.After all hospitalized horses weredischarged, all organic material wasremoved and extensive cleansing anddisinfection procedures were employed.Afterward, over 200 environmentalcultures were performed, none of whichwere positive for Salmonella. Uponreopening the clinic, we instituted strictmeasures for management andoperation of the hospital regardinghygiene and housing of horses. Theprevalence of shedding among thecritically ill horses in the surveillanceprogram has been approximately 6%since instituting these new procedures.Although this was a proactive closure,rather than one forced by highmorbidity and mortality, this causedseveral problems: (1) loss of hospitalrevenue; (2) negative public relations;and (3) lack of appropriateenvironment for teaching students.Before our closure and since that time,other university veterinary teachinghospitals and private equine practiceshave had to close their facilities tocontain deadly Salmonella outbreaks.

One reason for the constant pressureon any hospital is the large number ofhorses with salmonellosis (sheddingSalmonella spp. in their feces) andother potentially contagious diseasesthat are either admitted or developproblems within the hospital. Currently,our isolation facilities are insufficient toaccommodate the number of horsesnecessitating advanced medical andsurgical care, but that also need to bekept isolated from other hospitalizedhorses that have non-contagiousdisease. Although we have known for along time that we need expandedequine isolation facilities, it was theproblem causing us to close ourequine clinic (to avoid a potentially

catastrophic outbreak of salmonellosiswith high morbidity and mortality) thatemphasized this need even more. Mostequine veterinary hospitals have had toclose for an extended period becauseof nosocomial salmonella outbreaks,which are costly in terms of morbidityand mortality of horses as well as the"clean-up" of the facilities.

In order to be better positioned toprovide advanced veterinary care forall horses with infectious, contagiousdisease that need this service, theEHSP has designed a 10-stall, stand-alone, climate-controlled facility basedupon its current and future needs forhospitalizing these horses. The designof the facility greatly minimizes oreliminates the chance of spread ofcontagious disease among horseshoused in the unit. Additionally,because the facility is a stand-alonefacility remote from the main hospital,the chance of spreading disease tohorses housed in the main hospital isnon-existent.

The estimated cost of the facility isapproximately $926,000. Fundraisingfor this facility has begun, andproceeds from the 2005 StallionService Auction will go toward itsconstruction. However, we need toidentify and obtain funds in a timelymanner so that we can beginconstruction on this much-neededfacility. Individuals or companiesinterested in assisting with fundraisingfor this unit or to learn more abouthow your tax-deductible gift can helpus, please contact Dr. Rustin Moorevia telephone at 225-578-9500 or e-mail at [email protected] opportunities exist for majorgifts.

Isolation Unit ...Isolation Unit ...Isolation Unit ...Isolation Unit ...Isolation Unit ...(Continued from page 17)

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abnormalities is performed.Additionally, the patient’s behaviorand attitude along with temperature,respiratory rate, and heart rate andrhythm are evaluated in horses withlameness, especially those with acuteonset severe lameness. Initially thehorse is visually evaluated from a shortdistance from the front, rear and bothsides to assess for asymmetryassociated with swellings or muscleatrophy (indicative of a chronicproblem). This is further facilitated bycareful palpation of the limb(s) bothwith the horse bearing weight on theleg and with the leg held off theground. The veterinarian will run his/her hands up and down the limbspalpating for fluctuant swellings(effusion in joints, tendon sheaths and/or bursa, subcutaneous swellings,etc.), firm swellings (such as bonyexostoses, mineralized or fibrotic softtissue, etc.), heat and pain onmanipulation. Effusion in a joint ortendon sheath typically suggests aninflammatory response such assynovitis or tenosynovitis associatedwith trauma, infection, or other type ofcondition. Flexing and extending thejoint, and comparing this with findingson the opposite limb, is used to assessrange of motion. Subtle pain duringmanipulation of the joints or palpationof tendons, ligaments or bone maysuggest involvement of thosestructures. Hoof testers are applied todifferent areas along the entirecircumference of the foot to assesssensitivity to pressure. A positiveresponse to hoof testers could suggesta subsolar abscess, bruising, laminitis(founder), a fracture of the thirdphalanx (coffin bone) or navicularbone, navicular disease or otherabnormalities of soft tissue and bonystructures within the hoof. During theexamination, conformational faults,angular or flexural limb deformities orabnormalities of the horse’s stance arenoted.

LAMENESS EVALUATIONThe horse is evaluated at a walk

to assess the presence and magnitudeof any gait abnormality or lameness.The more severely lame a horse themore noticeable will be the lameness ata walk. The horse is then evaluated ata trot (jog), which is typically theoptimal gait for detection of lameness.The horse is observed from the frontand back while they are moving to andfrom the examiner as well as from bothsides. The amount of weight bearing,the length of stride, the flight andlanding of the feet, and the carriage ofthe head and neck are evaluated. Thefollowing standardized grading scalehas been developed and adopted bythe American Association of EquinePractitioners for evaluating the degreeof lameness in horses:

Grade 0: Lameness not perceptibleunder any circumstances.

Grade 1: Lameness is difficult toobserve and is not consistentlyapparent, regardless of circumstances(e.g., weight carrying, circling,inclines, hard surface, etc.).

Grade 2: Lameness is difficult toobserve at a walk or when trotting in astraight line but consistently apparentunder certain circumstances (e.g.,weight carrying, circling, inclines, hardsurface, etc.).

Grade 3: Lameness is consistentlyobservable at a trot under allcircumstances.

Grade 4: Lameness is obvious at awalk.

Grade 5: Lameness produces minimalweight-bearing in motion and/or atrest or a complete inability to move.

Once the lameness has beengraded based upon baseline walkingand jogging, then the horse’s limbsmay be stressed by lunging the horseor jogging it in circles to both the leftand right, flexing individual joints(usually for 60 seconds), re-applyinghoof testers, or other perturbations to (Continued on page 20)


try to exacerbate the lameness in orderto help localize the source of the pain(lameness).

PERINEURAL AND INTRA-ARTICULARANESTHESIA

In order to definitively determinethe location of the pain, it is usuallynecessary to perform regional nerveblocks or joint blocks, which involvetemporarily desensitizing (numbing) anarea by injecting a local anesthetic todetermine if the pain is originatingfrom that region and causing thelameness. Nerve blocks are performedsequentially starting from the lowerlimb and proceeding upward on thelimb. These involve injection of a localanesthetic agent adjacent to aperipheral nerves underlying the skinthat block the heel, foot and pastern,fetlock region, and metarcarpal/metatarsal region (area of cannonbone). Joint blocks are usuallyperformed after these peripheral nerveblocks are completed and thelameness persists or if there is evidencesuggestive of joint disease based onthe physical examination. Nerve blocksare performed after carefully cleaningthe area with an antiseptic. On theother hand, joint blocks are usuallyperformed after a small area of hair isclipped and effective cleansing with anantiseptic in order to preventintroduction of infection.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS USEFULFOR EVALUATING LAME HORSES

Lameness may be extremely subtleaffecting only the horse’s performanceor "felt" by the rider. The moreadvanced diagnostic techniques aretypically reserved for horses in whichthe more traditional methods oflameness evaluation, such as physicalexamination, lameness evaluation andnerve/joint blocks, are unable tolocate the site of the lameness.Ancillary diagnostic techniques thatmay be used include videotaping thegaits of the horse and then replayingthe video in slow motion; evaluation ofthe horse across a force plate toquantify the amount of weight bearing

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an echocardiographic examination willprovide the veterinarian withinformation regarding the structureand function of the heart, including

or force placed on each limb, use of akinematic gait analysis system; anddiagnostic imaging techniques. Byplacing small reflective markers on keyanatomic locations, 3-dimensionalkinematic and kinetic data can beobtained with a camera system toassess locomotion. Acquisition andinstallation of a kinematic gait analysissystem and force plate are planned atthe LSU Equine Clinic in the nearfuture.

Nuclear scintigraphyNuclear scintigraphyNuclear scintigraphyNuclear scintigraphyNuclear scintigraphy,thermography and other diagnosticmodalities are sometimes employed totry to determine the location of thelameness. Nuclear scintigraphy, alsoreferred to as bone scan, can helpidentify subtle injuries of bone and softtissue. The procedure involves theinjection of a labeled radioactivesubstance into the jugular vein andthen with the use of a gamma camerathe uptake of the radioactive materialinto bone and soft tissue is imaged.An increased uptake is often referred toas a "hot spot." This imaging modalityis most useful for horses with acuteonset lameness. Nuclear scintigraphyis much more sensitive thanradiography for assessing active areasof bony change, which are most oftenassociated with stress fractures,infection or other types of bone injury.

ThermographyThermographyThermographyThermographyThermography is a techniqueinvolving creation of a visual image


PPPPPerformance ...erformance ...erformance ...erformance ...erformance ...(Continued from page 5)


dimensional assessment of structuresand is most useful for assessingabnormalities of bone. Currently, themodality is not widely available forhorses and its use is affected by thefact that horses must be placed undergeneral anesthesia and that only thedistal limbs can be evaluated.However, we recently installed a CTunit with accessibility for horses at LSU.

Magnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imagingprovides a three-dimensionalassessment of structures, especially softtissues such as tendon, ligament,bursa, articular cartilage and jointcapsule. Traditionally, MRI hasrequired horses be placed undergeneral anesthesia, which has limitedits utility; however, newer equipment,technology and computer software hasenabled this imaging modality to beused in standing, conscious(tranquilized) horses to assess thedistal limb. We hope to acquire thisdiagnostic imaging modality at LSU inthe near future.

It should be evident from theaforementioned information thatevaluation of lameness in horsesinvolves a comprehensive approach.With today’s technologies the equineveterinarian is better able to diagnoselameness problems. An understandingof the complex nature of lameness inhorses and the need for a logical andcomprehensive diagnostic approach byan equine veterinarian will reducefrustration and yield satisfaction tohorse owners. The traditional and moreadvanced diagnostic procedures forevaluating horses for lameness areavailable at the LSU Equine Clinic. Foran appointment or inquires, call 225-578-9500 or for more information visitour website:wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.

from heat the body emits from the skinsurface as infrared radiation, whichmay be an indication of inflammationbelow the surface. The image istypically displayed in colors thatcorrespond to different temperatures.

Once the location of the lamenesshas been determined, the region maybe further evaluated using otherdiagnostic procedures, includingsynovial fluid analyses, radiography (x-rays), ultrasonography (sonograms),computed tomography (CAT scan orCT) or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). Collection of a synovial fluidsample from a joint or tendon sheathcan be useful in certain cases to assessthe white blood cell count and proteinconcentration and other characteristicsof the fluid, and in cases where jointinfection is suspected, can besubmitted for bacterial culture andantibiotic susceptibility testing.RadiographyRadiographyRadiographyRadiographyRadiography is most useful forassessing bony abnormalities includingdegenerative joint disease (arthritis),osteochondral chip fractures,osteochondrosis, condylar fractures,navicular bone abnormalities,osteomyelitis, and other abnormalitiesinvolving bone. UltrasonographyUltrasonographyUltrasonographyUltrasonographyUltrasonography istypically most useful for assessinginjuries or abnormalities of the softtissue such as tendonitis andsuspensory ligament desmitis; however,it can also be useful for assessingbone and joints in certaincircumstances. ComputedComputedComputedComputedComputedtomographytomographytomographytomographytomography, provides a three-

Bone scan images showing a “hot spot” (black circular area) in the distaldiaphysis of the left humerus of a racehorse, compared with the right humerus.This area represents a focal area of increased uptake of radiopharmaceutical,which was shown to be a stress fracture on radiographs.

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how much the heart contracts andwhether there is any abnormal flowassociated with valvular problems. Ifany overt abnormalities are detected,then this may explain the cause of thepoor performance and furtherexamination may not be warranted.

The upper airway is first examinedin its resting state. An endoscopicexamination is performed and thenasal passages, pharynx, larynx andtrachea are evaluated; the veterinarianmay also opt to examine the inside ofthe guttural pouches with theendoscope depending upon the initialimpression of the upper respiratorytract examination. The larynx andpharynx will be closely observed forshape and movement, and the airwaywill be occluded momentarily toobserve functional abnormalities of thethroat. The horse will also bestimulated to swallow by spraying waterinto the throat or gently touching thewall of the nasopharynx (throat) withthe endoscope while observing thelaryngeal function. Commonlydiagnosed lesions observed withstanding endoscopy include epiglotticentrapment, dorsal displacement of thesoft palate, left laryngeal hemiplegiaand pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia.Severe lesions may explain the cause ofpoor performance, however, it is not

uncommon to observe mild aberrationsduring passive observation thatrequires further evaluation with adynamic endoscopic examinationduring high-speed treadmill exerciseand endoscopic observation todetermine if this is truly the cause orpoor performance. An example of thismay be a low grade left laryngealhemiplegia (weakness of the flapper,also known as a roarer). The larynxmay be mildly asymmetric and appearsto functional normally when swallowingor with nasal occlusion; however, whenthe horse is racing and the musclesthat hold the larynx in the openposition become fatigued, thearytenoid cartilage may becomesucked into the airway, resulting inreduced air intake and poorperformance.

Horses often need to be madefamiliar with the treadmill environmentbefore the actual high-speed treadmillexamination is performed. Thesensation of the treadmill is unfamiliar,potentially frightening the horse, andrequires trained personnel to introducethe horse to the equipment. The horseis walked across the surface severaltimes and then the treadmill is startedvery slowly to allow the horse tobecome familiar to the sensation of thefloor moving. Most horses adapt welland quickly, but personnel need to beconstantly aware and able to reactimmediately to the horse’s actions.Often, the familiarization can leadimmediately to the examination;however, in some cases severalsessions are required to familiarize thehorse to become comfortable withrunning on the treadmill.

Once comfortable with thetreadmill the horse is instrumented withspecial sensors strapped around thechest, similar to a person doing a"stress test." This involves a telemetricECG to monitor and record the heartrate and rhythm while the horse isexercising; placing an intra-arterialcatheter to access arterial blood whileexercising to monitor blood gases whileexercising to establish gas (oxygen)exchange and lung function and tomeasure electrolyte concentrations;placing a specialized catheter to


Endoscopic image demonstrating leftlaryngeal hemiplegia (roarer) of aThoroughbred racehorse.

measure body core temperatures toobserve if the horse is able to dissipateheat normally; and placing anendoscope so that the larynx andpharynx can be observed while thehorse is being exercised. Measuringblood levels of muscle enzymes before,shortly after and several hours afterintense exercise on the treadmill canbe used to determine whether thehorse’s poor performance is related toexertional rhabdomyolysis (tying up).Finally, another catheter may beplaced into the heart to monitorpressure within the heart chambers todetermine more closely mild cardiacabnormalities to determine if they arefunctional.

Once instrumented, the horse willundergo a standardized exercise test,which involves a warm-up period, anintense period of exercise for up to 2.5km and then a cool down period.During this time, a series of samplesare taken, values obtained andvideoendoscopic images recorded.The immediate post-exercise period isan important aspect of theexamination. A post-exercise cardiacultrasonographic examination isperformed; further blood samplingoccurs during the cool down periodand finally a transtracheal wash isperformed post exercise. This last testinvolves sampling fluid from the lungsto analyze it microscopically. This mayhelp identify pulmonary hemorrhagicproblems (bleeders), inflammatoryairway problems or allergic typepulmonary disease.

An appropriate performanceevaluation involves a thoroughexamination of the exercising horse;the combination of tests will providethe clinician with a specific overview ofthe systems most important to theexercising equine athlete andcommonly a diagnosis, treatmentregimen and prognosis can be givento the trainer/owner ultimately resultingin improved performance. The test willtake a full day to perform, and in someinstances up to two days and will incursome expense, but for the higherquality athlete it can be considered an


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Charitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable GiftsCharitable Gifts

Dr. D. Scott Taylor (LSU 89) of theArizona Equine Medical and SurgicalCentre in Gilbert, Ariz., hasestablished a $2,000 scholarship forLSU veterinary students who haveproven clinical competency in equinemedicine and surgery and who areactive in the Student Chapter of theAmerican Association of EquinePractitioners.

Dr. Taylor, senior surgeon at theequine referral practice, along with hispartners Drs. Gayle Leith and Ed Voss,

The EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank thefollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirrecent contributions:recent contributions:recent contributions:recent contributions:recent contributions:

Dr. John R. AllenderDr. Michael BevenDr. K. C. FerrazzanoDr. Larry Findley, Delta Equine CenterDr. Allison S. FoilMr. Thomas Frazier, Keep Moving

Stable, LLCDr. Mark C. HainesDrs. Mark Hansen and Ann Kraus-

HansenMr. Richard A. Holub and Matching

Gift from Albemarle CorporationDr. Theodore E. JohnsonMrs. Laura LeachDr. Karan Gillane MacalusoDr. William O’FallonDr. Debra SellonDr. Karen S. ShermanDr. Kimberly A. SneddenDrs. Michael and Susan StrainDr. Robert D. Welch, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Wheatley

The EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank theThe EHSP would like to thank thefollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theirfollowing individuals for theircontributions as part of the 2004contributions as part of the 2004contributions as part of the 2004contributions as part of the 2004contributions as part of the 2004KKKKKentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Pentucky Derby Party:arty:arty:arty:arty:

Dr. Becky AdcockMr. & Mrs. Herschel AdcockDr. Skippy BernerDr. Suzanne BroughMr. & Mrs. Jim BrughDr. Aloisio BuenoMelanie & Russell ChapmanBonnie Clark & guestsGarrett J. ClaybourneMrs. Cindy CochranDr. Jane CollinsMs. Constance CowartMs. Rani DarlingDr. Dina D. DuplantisTara (Hingle) & Tommy ElkinsDr. Peter F. HaynesMr. & Mrs. Dan HendricksNan & Jim HuffDr. & Mrs. William L. JenkinsDr. Jill JohnsonDr. & Mrs. Thomas KleiDr. Jim LaCourDr. Mandi LopezDr. Dennis M. McCurnin

1989 Alum Establishes Equine Scholarship1989 Alum Establishes Equine Scholarship1989 Alum Establishes Equine Scholarship1989 Alum Establishes Equine Scholarship1989 Alum Establishes Equine Scholarshipdiscussed with their practicemanagement advisor the tax benefits ofcreating a scholarship at theirindividual veterinary schools. Thepartners created scholarships at theveterinary schools of Kansas StateUniversity and the University ofWisconsin, as well as at LSU. In April,the Arizona Equine Medical andSurgical Centre Award was presentedto fourth-year student, Maura Gibson,who was selected by the LSU equinefaculty.

Dr. Taylor completed an internshipin equine medicine and surgery at theUniversity of Missouri-Columbia, anda residency in equine surgery andlameness at the University ofCalifornia, Davis. He joined theArizona Equine Medical and SurgicalCentre in 1993 as senior surgeon, andbecame a partner in 1996. Hebecame a Diplomate of the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Surgeons in1995. His main interests are inorthopedic and abdominal surgery.

Dr. Rustin M. MooreTammy MoreauNancy NolanDr. & Mrs. Dale PaccamontiDr. Santos Ramirez, Jr.M. W. SheenStacey L. SimmonsAl & Terry SpitaleDr. Ashley StokesLynn & Georgia StokesDrs. Michael & Susan StrainDr. & Mrs. Michael G. GrovesMr. & Mrs. Rudy Thorgeson

Corporate SupportCorporate SupportCorporate SupportCorporate SupportCorporate SupportJames Pellerin, area representative forFort Dodge Animal Health, Inc. hasprovided vaccine for West Nile virus,Fluvac (EHV, tetanus, influenza, WEE,EEE), and intranasal strangles vaccinefor the teaching and research horses inthe LSU EHSP herd.


important and relevant method ofproviding a complete overview of theathlete’s health status.

Certain components of theperformance evaluation can beperformed in the normal horse toprovide the trainer with an idearegarding the success of training

techniques and perhaps give insightinto modifications for specific horses.This can be thought of as a form of"fitness evaluation" or testingprocedure.

Veterinarians and scientists atseveral institutions have conductedextensive research in order to establishnormal guidelines for specific breedsand types of horses. These baselinevalues are used to compare to the

individual horse to give the clinicianan idea of causes of substandardperformance. The LSU Equine Clinichas the facilities, equipment andpersonnel to conduct comprehensiveperformance evaluation in horses usedfor intense exercise, including racingand other competitive activities. Formore information, call 225-578-9500.

23

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 andstudent 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 Health Studies Program/Most Pressing Need• Equine Isolation Unit• 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 Office of Institutional Advancement, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803,(225) 578-9870, email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.vetmed.lsu.edu.

Equine Isolation Unit Equine Reproduction Unit Equine Research

“Full Stride into the Future”

Direct my gift to:

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

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:

Gifts of Stock

Endowed Gifts

Will Bequests

Charitable Trusts

Please send more information.

Make checks payable to:LSU Foundation

Mail to:Office of Institutional AdvancementSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LA 70803

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

School of Veterinary MedicineBaton Rouge, LA 70803

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 733

Baton Rouge, LA

Dedicated to theDedicated to theDedicated to theDedicated to theDedicated to theHealth, WHealth, WHealth, WHealth, WHealth, Well-Being andell-Being andell-Being andell-Being andell-Being andPPPPPerformance of Horseserformance of Horseserformance of Horseserformance of Horseserformance of Horsesthrough Vthrough Vthrough Vthrough Vthrough Veterinary Reterinary Reterinary Reterinary Reterinary Research,esearch,esearch,esearch,esearch,Education and ServiceEducation and ServiceEducation and ServiceEducation and ServiceEducation and Service

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Anita LeJeune, a localartist from Lakeland,Louisiana, has beensupporting the Schoolof Veterinary Medicineand the EHSP forseveral years bydonating some of herartistic creations forfund raising auctions.To view the artist’sequine and other worksor to inquire aboutcommissioned works,visit her website,www.anitalejeune.com,and help support theEHSP. The artistgenerously donates20% of all sales to the EHSP. Anita, anative of Louisiana, holds a bachelorsdegree in fine arts from Louisiana StateUniversity. She has been paintingprofessionally since 1986. Her love ofanimals seems compelling enough toappear on canvases quite regularly.Her works often focus on animals,landscapes and people of Louisianadoing what they do best, including

crawfishing, farming, and sugar caneplantation scenes. Anita is acommunity artist for the Greater BatonRouge Arts Council. She teaches herart form to students of all agesthroughout schools in several parishes.Anita says, “I paint to discover, toshare a moment, to follow a desire,and finally to fulfill a curiousity.”

Local Artist Supports EHSPLocal Artist Supports EHSPLocal Artist Supports EHSPLocal Artist Supports EHSPLocal Artist Supports EHSP

Anita LeJeune, local artist from Lakeland, La.

equine health studiesequine lameness and performance evaluation unit, which was recently completed....

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