summer 2008
B ringing better health to your horses
FINE TUNER
of Fusion
EHRF Fellow
Dr. Luca Panizzi
WESTERN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE • EQUINE HEALTH RESEARCH FUND
E H R F C ove r s
the West
I N S I D E
4
Akin to the Fund
Nearly three decades after Dr. Jeremy Bailey was an EHRF Fellow,
the large animal surgeon, professor and associate dean (academic)
is retiring.
6 Diggin’ Deep
Five WCVM-based research teams dig deep to investigate five
horse health research studies with the support of the Equine Health
Research Fund.
8 Carpal Spavin Surgery, Fine Tuned
EHRF Research Fellow Dr. Luca Panizzi teamed up with equine
surgeon Dr. Spencer Barber to test a less invasive technique for
treating carpal spavin.
10 Study Sheds New Light on Night Blindness
A WCVM study’s results show a definite association between
congenital stationary night blindness and coat patterns in the
Appaloosa breed.
11 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth
Veterinary dentist Dr. James Anthony talks about the growing
recognition of dentistry’s importance in equine health — and a
glimpse of its future.
14 Key Facts about Equine Herpes Virus
Learn more about equine herpes virus and how you can prevent its
spread among horse populations.
FRONT COVER: EHRF Research Fellow Dr. Luca Panizzi with one of
his research horses in WCVM’s paddock area. Panizzi has been
investigating a less invasive arthrodesis technique for treating
carpal spavin in horses.
H O R S E
H E A L T H
L I N E S
Horse Health Lines is produced by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s
Equine Health Research Fund. Visit www.ehrf.usask.ca for more information. Please
send comments to:
Dr. Hugh Townsend, Editor, Horse Health Lines
WCVM, University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Tel: 306-966-7453 • Fax: 306-966-7274
wcvm.research@usask.ca
For article reprint information, please contact sm.ridley@sasktel.net.
When Western Canada’s cold weather puts most riding and driving
events on ice, horse people do the next best thing: take in the region’s
annual equine trade shows, conferences and meetings.
In the past months, representatives from WCVM have promoted the
Equine Health Research Fund and the College’s matching gift incentive
program at several of these equine events. To raise more awareness about
WCVM’s “Give $1, Invest $2 in Horse Health” campaign, the Fund also
organized several draws for embroidered rain sheets and coolers. Combined
with matching funding, proceeds from these draws have raised more than
$1,400 for equine health research activities at WCVM.
• The Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair,
Chilliwack, B.C. (top photo, left to right): Two EHRF Fellows — Drs.
Luca Panizzi and Tal Raz — joined WCVM development officer Patti
Tweed and second-year veterinary student Hayley Lang at this mega-trade
show from October 19-21, 2007. WCVM representatives also met with horse
owners in the demonstration ring where they gave tips on basic equine
veterinary care. Throughout the weekend, EHRF advisory board members
Drs. John Twidale and David Paton joined the WCVM team along with
Drs. Theresa Burns, Kirsten Schwichtenberg, Farshad Maloufi, Hermen
Geertsema and Eric Martin. The raffle winner was Kelly Bilquist, a horse
owner from Gabriola Island, B.C.
• Alberta Horse Breeders and Owners Conference, Red
Deer, Alta.: Veterinary students Carolyn Kondra, Nicole MacMillan, Jamie
Rothenburger and Jenna Bayne travelled with EHRF Fellow Dr. Chris Bell to
attend this popular conference from Jan. 11-13. Dr. Katharina Lohmann of
WCVM also gave a presentation on geriatric horse care during the weekend.
In the second photo (left to right), MacMillan and Kondra present an
embroidered rain sheet to raffle winner Laurie Thiessen of St. Albert, Alta.
• WCVM Equine Club’s annual Equine Seminar, Saskatoon,
Sask.: On February 2, nearly 300 people — Pony Club and 4-H members
and their chaperones and parents — came to WCVM to learn more
about equine health care from more than two dozen WCVM Equine Club
members. The students organized 15 different presentations with topics
ranging from dentistry and first aid to performance-related injuries.
Veterinary student Tamara Quaschnick (bottom photo, left) presents an
embroidered cooler to the day’s winner, Brandy Dobroskay from Dalmeny,
Sask.
• Saskatchewan Horse Federation annual general meeting,
Regina, Sask.: Field service resident Dr. Kristin Poirier and veterinary
student Carolyn Kondra represented the EHRF at the weekend conference
that took place from March 7-9. Marie Fitzgerald of Saskatoon, Sask., was
the raffle winner.
• Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Brandon, Man.: Members
of the Manitoba Equine Ranching Association and the North American
Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC) promoted the Fund by
distributing copies of Horse Health Lines and other EHRF material at the
organization’s booth during the week-long fair that began on March 29
and wrapped up on April 5. H
M a k e Yo u r
Match!
Western Canadian horse owners helped
the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine meet the $100,000 maximum for the matching gift incentive
program’s first year. Now let’s make it
two years in a row!
Through a five-year fund raising incentive, the
Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation has
pledged to match any “new” funding dollars to the
College’s equine health research programs. In total,
the Foundation will contribute as much as $500,000 in
matching funds over five years — beginning in 2006
and ending in 2011.
The goal is that this unique incentive will encourage more horse owners, horse sport groups, breed
associations and equine businesses to support vital
equine health research at WCVM.
And remember, any amount that you or your
organization can give will make a significant impact
on horse health — especially when it can be
doubled!
Here’s how you can double your investment in
equine health research:
• BECOME a donor. As a first-time contributor to the
Equine Health Research Fund, your gift will increase
the Fund’s annual donations used to conduct
cutting-edge research, to train equine specialists and
to generate valuable horse health information.
• BOOST your annual donation. Every dollar that you
give to the Equine Health Research Fund over and
above the amount of your usual contribution will be
matched.
• INVEST in major equine health research projects at
WCVM. Besides its support of the EHRF, the Heather
Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation is investing
in large-scale, collaborative research initiatives at
WCVM over the next five years. The Foundation will
donate one dollar for every dollar that you contribute
to supporting these high-priority projects that focus
on critical issues in horse health.
For more details, contact WCVM’s
Development Office at 306-966-7450
(wcvm.supportus@usask.ca).
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
3
Dr. Jeremy Bailey
Akin to the Fund
There are some people at the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine who
share a special kinship with the Equine
Health Research Fund — people
whose careers are intertwined with the
organization’s growth, whose names
are associated with key events in the
Fund’s three-decade history.
Dr. Jeremy Bailey is one of those
individuals. Long before he put his own
brand on the role of WCVM’s associate
dean (academic) and years before
he established his reputation as a
veterinary surgeon, researcher and
teacher, Bailey was the third graduate
student to take on the title of
EHRF Research Fellow.
4
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
The year was 1979. When Bailey walked into the Large Animal Clinic on the
first morning of his residency, the Fund’s first Fellow — Dr. Hugh Townsend —
had just joined the veterinary college’s faculty after completing his residency.
The second EHRF Fellow, Dr. Neil McKenzie, was halfway through his two-year
program.
Before arriving at WCVM, Bailey’s career had already taken him a long
way from home. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, the young clinician had
earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pretoria
(Onderstepoort) in 1973. After practising in South Africa and England for several
years, he moved to Alberta where he worked in mixed animal practices based in
Stettler and Edmonton.
Bailey first heard about the new EHRF fellowship when he attended a meeting
of the Western Canadian Association of Equine Practitioners at WCVM. Closely
involved with horses since his youth in Zimbabwe, Bailey was keen on the chance
to specialize in equine clinical studies.
He came to WCVM just as a golden era for equine health research and training
was ramping up at the veterinary college. For an equine resident who was eager
to gain clinical and surgical experience, WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
offered the ideal caseload with performance horses and racehorses coming from
Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and even Vancouver for treatment.
“Those were the days when intra-articular surgery was in its development
stages,” explains Bailey. “Many of the cases involved bone chips, but we were
treating those with open arthrotomies as opposed to arthroscopies. The surgeons
started using arthroscopy a few years later while Dr. Mark Hurtig (EHRF Fellow
from 1982-84) was here.”
While Bailey gained valuable experience in WCVM’s surgery suites, he was
also working on a research project as part of his Master of Veterinary Science
program. The EHRF Fellow collaborated with his graduate supervisor, Dr. Frank
Bristol, a reproduction specialist who was gaining international recognition for
his foundational work in the behaviour of pasture breeding
stallions. Bailey’s research study focused on uterine involution
in mares after induced parturition, and the researchers’
findings were eventually published in the American Journal
of Veterinary Research in 1983.
Bailey joined WCVM’s faculty as a large animal surgeon
as soon as he finished his residency in 1981, but the change
in roles didn’t diminish his involvement with the Fund.
Back then, anyone who was interested in equine work was
part of the EHRF management committee, and faculty
members and residents all took turns participating in the
Fund’s “travelling road show” — a series of equine health
presentations that were given across Western Canada for
horse owners and enthusiasts.
“I think for the College, it was an important effort
since many western Canadians did not fully understand
or appreciate the kinds of facilities and resources that
we had here at WCVM,” says Bailey, looking back at the
EHRF public presentations. “It was an exciting time —
the whole equine program was really growing.”
As the Fund’s research and training programs
grew, so did Bailey’s equine research interests with
An equine treadmill demonstration during the 2007 Vetavision.
much of his work reflecting the same issues that he
and other WCVM surgeons dealt with on a daily basis:
“We used to see some fairly severe lacerations in horses, so
“I think it was an accomplishment to get
everybody here had some level of interest in wounds and basic
wound healing techniques.”
that level of technology to the College:
But if the veterinary surgeon had to choose his favourite
area of interest, it was soft tissue surgery: wound healing,
at the time, our treadmill was the only
abdominal surgery and upper airway problems in horses, to be
specific. That clinical and research interest led to an even larger
one of its kind in Western Canada.”
venture when Bailey took on a leading role in bringing a highspeed treadmill to the veterinary college and establishing the
Equine Performance Centre.
It wasn’t an easy task: Bailey and his colleagues initially had to raise
These kinds of research achievements provided Bailey with ideal material
$270,000 to pay for the treadmill and an in-ground force plate as well as for
for another EHRF-related role that he filled. He was the longtime editor of
the refurbishment and expansion of an old animal isolation building at the
Horse Health Lines — a volunteer job that he looks back at with affection.
veterinary college. Eventually, enough funding came from several different
“It was good fun,” says Bailey, who edited and outlined Horse Health
sources including a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Lines’ layout twice a year whenever he could spare the time from his clinical,
Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and support from WCVM, U of S, and
teaching and research duties.
the Western Canadian Veterinary Students’ Association.
Altogether, the veterinary surgeon was editor of 12 of the publication’s
During the centre’s official opening in April 1997, students worked with
issues from April 1992 to April 1998. But after becoming WCVM’s associate
a Percheron-cross grey mare named Pat to demonstrate the treadmill to a
dean (academic) in July 1997, Bailey finally decided to turn over his editor’s
crowd of people that included U of S President George Ivany — one of the
role to Dr. Hugh Townsend.
centre’s individual supporters.
The demands of Bailey’s role in the Dean’s Office have limited his
“It was where things were going at the time: people were starting to use
involvement in the EHRF’s recent activities and programs, but even as he
high-speed treadmills to assess upper airway problems. I think it was an
prepares to retire from the College in December 2008, Bailey’s interest in the
accomplishment to get that level of technology to the College: at the time, it
Fund’s growth and its future still remains strong. For when you really think
was the only one of its kind in Western Canada,” says Bailey, one of several
about it, Bailey’s successful association with WCVM over the past 30 years may
clinicians who have used the centre’s technologies for research related to
never have happened if it wasn’t for the Fund.
respiratory diseases, locomotion and lameness issues.
“Would I have come to the College without the EHRF fellowship?
In the late 1990s, the treadmill also played a specific role in a
Probably not, because there wouldn’t have been any other choice (for
groundbreaking, EHRF-supported study that defined the function of the
advanced training) in horses,” admits Bailey.
equine guttural pouch. A WCVM-based research team that included Drs. Keith
In other words, it’s just one more example of how the Equine Health
Baptiste, Jonathan Naylor and Bailey made the discovery, and their work
Research Fund has brought good things — and good people — to the
was eventually published in Nature — one of the most prestigious science
Western College of Veterinary Medicine. H
magazines in the world.
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
5
Diggin’
DEEP
You don’t win at barrel racing without digging deep around those critical corners
— and the same can be said for achieving success in the arena of equine health
research. This year, five teams at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are
rising to the challenge and taking an in-depth look at health issues that affect
horses around the world. WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund is supporting the
scientists’ studies with nearly $70,000 — essential research funding that comes
directly from members of Western Canada’s horse industry.
What’s the shelf life of pergolide mesylate?
Drs. Trish Dowling and Katherine Ball, WCVM; and
Dr. Gordon McKay, U of S College of Pharmacy and
Nutrition
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) — or equine Cushing’s
disease — is a significant health problem in senior horses, affecting one in
10 horses more than 20 years of age. Affected horses commonly suffer careerlimiting and potentially fatal complications such as laminitis and chronic
infections.
In many cases, PPID can be successfully managed with the dopamine
agonist pergolide that’s normally administered orally as the mesylate salt.
There’s no approved veterinary formulation of pergolide in North America,
and since the approved human formulations have been withdrawn from the
market, veterinarians must rely on pergolide mesylate formulated from active
pharmaceutical ingredients. However, the stability of pergolide mesylate in
these formulations is currently unknown. This places treated horses at risk of
treatment failure and devastating complications from sub-therapeutic doses.
In this study, the research team will measure the concentration of
pergolide mesylate in oral solutions on eight different occasions during a
20-week period. The researchers will analyze three separate batches from
three different pharmacies to determine the rate of pergolide degradation,
6
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
then compare results between pharmacies to determine if the different
formulations behave similarly. By determining the stability of pergolide
mesylate in compounded oral solutions, the research team will be able to
recommend appropriate shelf lives and improve the use of pergolide in
treating horses with PPID.
What’s the most effective protocol for diagnosing
R. equi pneumonia in foals?
Drs. Fernando Marqués, Steve Manning, Kristin Poirier,
Katharina Lohmann, Andy Allen, John Pharr, Marianela
López and Hugh Townsend
Rhodococcus equi is the most devastating cause of pneumonia in
young foals and is of great economic significance in many parts of the
world. The disease is characterized by chronic, progressive and often
fatal pneumonia in foals between three weeks and five months of age.
Pneumonic lesions develop slowly and clinical signs usually remain
undetected until the disease is well advanced, a feature that increases the
cost and limits the efficacy of treatment.
In this study, the research team will use an R. equi disease model that
closely mimics natural disease. By following the foals from the time of
infection, researchers will be able to determine the time at which disease
becomes detectable — providing new information on the early detection,
timing and development of lung lesions.
This project’s goal is to develop a sensitive and specific protocol for the
diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals as an aid to clinical veterinarians
involved in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this disease. As well,
the research team will provide clinical researchers with a reliable diagnostic
outcome that can be used in experimental studies.
What plate technique is the strongest for pastern
arthrodesis?
Drs. James Carmalt, David Wilson and Chris Bell
Horses that develop debilitating arthritis of the pastern joint are
frequently middle-aged, highly-trained athletes and their inability to
perform results in significant economic and emotional loss to their owners.
The disease known as high ring bone is a common condition, especially
in western performance horses, and was often career ending until surgical
techniques to fuse the joint (arthrodesis) were developed.
Equine surgeons use one of two recommended techniques for fusing
the pastern joint: one involves placing parallel screws across the joint while
the second, more-preferred method consists of using a bone plate called the
limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) combined with
parallel screws. So far, no research team has compared the cyclic fatigue
properties of this technique with the parallel screw method or with the new
generation of bone plate — the locking contact plate (LCP).
LAMINITIS STUDY RECEIVES GRANT: This spring, the
Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Veterinary Health
and Research Award allocated $128,000 to a twoyear WCVM investigation of laminitis — a severe
health issue that affects horses around the world.
Led by Dr. Baljit Singh of WCVM’s Veterinary
Biomedical Sciences, the research team will evaluate
the expression and function of Toll-like receptor (TLR)
4 and 2 in lamellar tissues from normal and inflamed
equine hooves. TLR4 and TLR2 are innate immune
molecules that activate cell signalling in response to
bacterial products such as endotoxins. This activation
of cells leads to the expression of inflammatory
cytokines, the migration of activated neutrophils and
tissue damage.
Based on previous research, Singh and his
collaborators believe TLR4 and TLR2 play a central
role in the development of laminitis. By inhibiting
cell activation induced by TLR4 and TLR2, the team
expects to be able to inhibit the development of
laminitis in two models of this disease.
Singh, whose research focuses on the
mechanisms of inflammation, will collaborate on
this study with three people: Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, a
molecular biologist; Dr. Hugh Townsend, a specialist
in vaccine efficacy and infectious diseases; and
Dr. David Wilson who has more than 20 years of
experience in equine orthopedics.
Visit www.ehrf.usask.ca for further updates on
WCVM’s horse health research projects.
In this project, the research team will use the limbs of equine cadavers
to biomechanically compare the cyclic fatigue properties of the LC-DCP
augmented by 5.5 millimetre transarticular screws and the new LCP plate
combined with transarticular screws. Based on the study’s results, the team
will determine which of the plate-augmented techniques provides equine
patients with the strongest implant after surgery.
What are the characteristics of immune
regulators in fertile and subfertile mares?
Drs. Claire Card and Sarah Eaton
Persistent post-mating uterine inflammation is the main cause of
subfertility in mares. Subfertile mares usually have increased bacterial
contamination of the genital tract with fecal and genital bacteria because of
poor vulvar conformation and wind sucking. Genital tract contamination
increases the probability of bacteria ascending, colonizing the uterus and
contributing to endometritis. So far, no one completely understands how
bacteria and sperm interact with the immune system in subfertile and fertile
mares.
In this study, Dr. Claire Card and theriogenology resident Dr. Sarah
Eaton will evaluate the immune mechanisms responsible for uterine
inflammation in terms of certain key immune regulators: Toll-like
receptors, neutrophils and cytokines. The scientists will also evaluate fertile
and subfertile mares and analyze the effect of endometrial biopsy features,
stage of cycle, season and breeding on these immune regulators.
Findings from this study will help clinicians understand the
pathogenesis of excess uterine inflammation in mares that are subfertile
and determine the tissue and cytologic features of mares with endometritis
due to breeding. Eventually, the information will help to determine whether
treatments that decrease cytokine production are an effective strategy to
decrease uterine inflammation in subfertile mares.
What does a horse’s nasomaxillary opening
look like?
Drs. James Carmalt and Chris Bell
A horse’s paranasal sinus system consists of six pairs of sinuses with a
common drainage path (the nasomaxillary opening) to the nasal cavity.
This path hasn’t been clearly defined in the horse, and no one has a definite
understanding of whether there’s a single opening, two closely related
openings from each of the rostral and caudal maxillary sinuses, or two
distinct drainage pathways.
For veterinary surgeons, gaining a better understanding of the nasomaxillary opening’s anatomy would be helpful since the pathway is vital to
the normal clearance of the sinus system in health and disease. Conditions
of the paranasal sinuses such as sinusitis, paranasal sinus cysts, neoplasia
and ethmoid hematoma have a direct impact on the function and anatomy
of the nasomaxillary opening.
During this study, Dr. James Carmalt and large animal surgery resident
Dr. Chris Bell will describe the clinical and three-dimensional anatomy of
the nasomaxillary opening in the horse using axial computed tomography
(CT) and gross anatomy on equine cadavers. As a result, the researchers
will be able to accurately describe the horse’s nasomaxillary opening and its
relations to paranasal sinus pathology. H
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
7
Several years ago, Dr. Spencer Barber at the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) achieved a
first in equine surgery when he developed a successful
arthrodesis (surgical fusion) technique for treating a
debilitating arthritic condition in horses called carpal
spavin.
This degenerative disease affects the carpometacarpal joint — the lower joint space of the knee
in a horse’s front leg. Carpal spavin is most commonly
diagnosed in middle-aged to older horses — especially
in the Arabian and Quarter horse breeds.
Unfortunately, the pain associated with carpal
spavin can’t be controlled with normal intra-articular
medication used for other arthritic conditions in horses.
As a result, affected horses usually become so severely
lame that most patients are humanely euthanized
within two to three years after diagnosis.
Barber’s surgical procedure offered horse owners
a much more attractive option. By inserting a drill bit
into a horse’s carpometacarpal joint in several places,
Barber used a “fanning” motion to destroy cartilage and
bone, helping the joint fuse together during the horse’s
recovery. Once the joint fused, his patients were able to
walk normally without any pain.
While the procedure seemed to work well, it was
very invasive and required four or five different entry
points. The technique was also subjective, and it was
challenging for other surgeons to successfully repeat the
procedure in their patients.
As an alternative, Barber devised a new, less
invasive technique using two entry points and three drill
tracts into the joint. The concept is based on a similar
arthrodesis procedure developed for the equine tarsus
(or hock) — another “low motion” joint.
Carpal Spavin Surgery,
Here’s the drill
And that’s where Dr. Luca Panizzi enters the story.
Not long after the large animal surgical resident arrived
at WCVM in 2006, Barber asked him if he wanted to test the minimallyinvasive technique in a research study as part of his Master of Veterinary
Science (MVetSc) program.
“I’m interested in orthopedics so I thought, ‘Why not?’” says Panizzi,
now in the third and final year of his residency and graduate degree. “If this
technique proves to be as good as the one that Dr. Barber first developed, it
will mean that we can use a less invasive approach and get the same result:
a sound horse that’s still usable.”
Panizzi, Barber and summer research student Hayley Lang began the
research trial during the spring of 2007. After initially testing and perfecting
the modified arthrodesis technique on the limbs of equine cadavers, Panizzi
performed the surgery in six healthy horses that were selected for the
research project. One carpometacarpal joint of each horse underwent the
treatment.
Through a single point of entry, Panizzi directed the drill bit in three
different directions to destroy some of the cartilage and subchondral bone in
the joint. “We’re trying to cause a counterbalance between not causing too
much damage to the cartilage and bone — but enough to cause the joint
to fuse,” explains the resident.
8
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
FINE TUNED
By David Shield
Unlike Barber’s initial technique, this method is standardized with
particular measurements and angles for the drill bit passes. During the
procedures, Panizzi also used the veterinary college’s C-arm fluoroscope
unit to guide and measure his movements.
Fast-tracked fusion
All of the horses received anti-inflammatory drugs for the first few
days after their surgeries, and as expected, the animals were still noticeably
lame two to three months later. “After that point, they became progressively
better,” says Panizzi. He adds that it usually takes about six to eight months
for the joint to completely fuse.
The research team took radiographs of the horses’ treated carpometacarpal joints one day after surgery, and then took further X-rays at four,
six, eight and 12 months post-surgery. Panizzi and Barber also used the
veterinary college’s force plate to determine each horse’s grade of lameness:
those evaluations took place before surgery and at six, eight and 12 months
post-surgery.
By the eight-month mark, Panizzi says four of the six horses appeared
to be sound without any lingering issues from the surgical procedure.
Additional analyses must be completed in the next few months before
CMC
the research team can make any concise conclusions about the new
technique. However, after watching the horses’ progress in the past year,
Panizzi believes the new procedure should help horses heal faster than
the previous technique.
“Being minimally invasive means creating less pain and less
damage, and hopefully the joint will fuse in a shorter amount of time
with minimal pain.”
Since the lower carpal joint doesn’t move very much, Panizzi says
surgical fusion shouldn’t affect the locomotion of the horse: treated
horses should be able to walk, trot and even gallop.
“When you flex the knee in a horse, that joint doesn’t open up. It’s
just a very minimal motion, but apparently it’s enough to create pain
when the cartilage is damaged,” he says.
Apart from the study, Panizzi says the research team used the new
arthrodesis procedure on two clinical patients that were diagnosed with
carpal spavin at WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital last summer.
“We performed surgery on one case around the same time as the
research project’s surgeries. Since then, the owner was in touch with us
and she said the horse is doing fine,” points out Panizzi. Will the new arthrodesis procedure prove to be the best alternative for
treating patients diagnosed with carpal spavin? Panizzi says that can only
be determined after it’s used in more clinical cases and develops a track
record. But ultimately, results from this research project will help to fine
tune the fusion process: “The idea is that if this arthrodesis technique
works in normal horses, there’s a good chance that’s it’s going to work in
horses that have the disease.” H
David Shield has written for many Saskatchewan-based
publications including Planet S Magazine, U of S On Campus News,
Pulsepoint Magazine and Eagle Feather News. He also works as a
casual reporter for CBC Radio News in Saskatoon, Sask.
CARPAL CLOSE UP: The photo
(far left) shows a horse’s
leg after surgical fusion of
its carpometacarpal joint.
The noticeable bump (see
arrow) is caused by new
bone that forms during fusion.
The carpometacarpal joint
(CMC) is evident in this close
up of an equine skeleton’s
left front limb. Using the new,
minimally-invasive arthrodesis
procedure, Dr. Luca Panizzi
inserted a drill bit into the joint
space through two different
entry points and drilled three
tracts to destroy some of the
cartilage and bone — but
only enough to encourage
fusion.
PANIZZI IN PROFILE: Hailing from Italy, Dr. Luca Panizzi
graduated from the University of Parma’s veterinary
program in 2003. His next move was to the United
States where he completed internship and fellowship
programs at Chino Valley Equine in Chino, Calif.
In 2006, Panizzi came north to Saskatoon, Sask.,
to begin a three-year Master of Veterinary Science
program and a large animal surgery residency in the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department
of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.
The talented graduate student was also selected
as one of the Equine Health Research Fund’s 2006-07
Research Fellows — a honour that has been renewed
for the past two years.
While he’s never actually owned a horse, Panizzi
says he’s always been drawn to working with them:
“When I was a kid, my father took me to a racetrack
one Sunday and I fell in love right there.”
Panizzi says he’s learned a lot during his time at
WCVM and has appreciated working with Dr. Spencer
Barber, one of the veterinary college’s longtime equine
surgeons and Panizzi’s graduate supervisor.
“I was more than happy to start this project because
orthopedics is one of my main interests, so I was really
interested when he proposed this to me.”
While Panizzi has enjoyed his time in Saskatchewan,
he admits that he finds winters last a little too long for
his taste. Last year, Panizzi had first-hand experience
with the power of Prairie storms when the student’s
flight from Italy was diverted to Regina because of
Saskatoon’s memorable blizzard on January 10, 2007.
After renting a van, Panizzi and other travellers tried to
drive home but the bad weather finally forced them to
spend the night in Davidson, Sask.
Storm-stayed — another western Canadian
experience that Panizzi won’t soon forget.
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
9
When veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Lynne Sandmeyer
began her investigation of congenital stationary night
blindness (CSNB) in Appaloosa horses nearly three years ago,
there was plenty of speculation, theories and anecdotes that
associated the disease to particular coat patterns in the Appaloosa
breed — but not much else in terms of solid veterinary research.
Now, findings from the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine (WCVM) study show a definite association between the
eye disease and the Lp (leopard complex) gene that’s responsible
for “turning on” the breed’s spotting coat patterns. The study
results were published in the November 2007 issue of Veterinary
Ophthalmology.*
“All 10 of the homozygous Lp (few-spot or snowcappatterned) horses in our study have been diagnosed with CSNB,
but none of the other horses has the disease,” reports Sandmeyer,
an associate professor in WCVM’s Department of Small Animal
Clinical Sciences. “It’s a relatively small sample, but the evidence
seems conclusive. Whether the problem is with the Lp gene itself
or with a nearby gene that’s linked to it — we don’t know that
yet.”
Sandmeyer and her research collaborators selected 30
purebred Appaloosa horses that displayed three different coat
patterns found within the breed to participate in the two-year
study. Ten horses had the “few spot” or “snowcap” pattern
(homozygous for the Lp gene, or carrying two copies of the gene),
10 animals were “leopard” or “blanket spotted” (heterozygous
Lp, or carrying one copy), and 10 were solid-coloured (not carrying the
Lp mutation).
Sandmeyer thoroughly examined the eyes of all of the horses and
conducted electroretinographic (ERG) testing to confirm the presence or
absence of CSNB. Tissue and blood samples were also taken from each of the
horses.
Confirming the association between coat patterns and genetics is just one
aim of the study; determining where the problem lies and how to fix it are
also important goals of the investigation that’s backed by the College’s Equine
Health Research Fund.
“The eyes of the affected horses appear completely normal, but the ERG
testing shows that there’s a disruption somewhere in the signal transmission.
Information is not getting through from the horses’ eyes to their brains,”
explains Sandmeyer. Although it’s still not clear where the broken link in the
signal transmission occurs, she suspects the problem might be with a receptor,
and that transmembrane proteins may be involved.
As for other aspects of the study, it will take about a year to complete the
immunohistochemical analysis of the horses’ tissue samples — testing that
will help to pin down any physiological differences between the eyes of normal
horses and the eyes of horses diagnosed with CSNB.
Sandmeyer’s CSNB study is part of a much larger, North America-wide
initiative called the Appaloosa Project that’s exploring the genetic makeup of
the equine breed. Dr. Rebecca Bellone, a genetic researcher from the University
of Tampa and one of the Appaloosa Project’s key collaborators, is responsible
for analyzing the horses’ blood samples.
“We’ll start our investigation into the puzzle at this end, they’ll start at
the other, and we hope to meet somewhere in the middle with a few of the
answers,” says Sandmeyer.
Once researchers have pinpointed what causes the transmission problems
and the gene responsible for the disease has been identified and located, then
scientists can focus on developing potential gene therapy for CSNB.
By Roberta Pattison
Research Sheds New Light
on Night Blindness
10
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
Several types of night blindness have been identified in people, and it’s
likely that one or more of these types share similarities with CSNB in horses,
says Sandmeyer. “We can learn from the work that’s been going on in human
medicine, and they can learn from studies such as ours. Information goes both
ways.”
Meanwhile, Sandmeyer is interested in examining and identifying other
horses afflicted with CSNB. It only takes about 40 minutes to conduct the
physical examination and the testing required for diagnosing the disease
— and she has already found a few more CSNB-affected horses. She suspects
that part of the reason why the disease has gone unnoticed for so long is
because it’s seldom diagnosed: many horse owners simply have no idea that
their animals can’t see in the dark.
“Horses are adaptable creatures, and when they live from birth with a
condition like this, they learn to cope. As well, people aren’t around their
horses much at night so often aren’t aware that there’s a problem,” explains
Sandmeyer, who welcomes inquiries from veterinarians or horse owners about
the disease.
“This is an important problem that affects probably a quarter of the
Appaloosa population. It’s also a manageable disorder. Affected horses get by
very well as it is, but once you know your horse has CSNB, you can make life a
little easier for him.” H
*Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Archer S, Grahn BH. “Clinical and
electroretinographic characteristics of congenital stationary night blindness
in the Appaloosa and the association with the leopard complex.” Veterinary
Ophthalmology. 10(6): 368-375.
Visit www.ehrf.usask.ca to view the Fall 2005 issue of Horse Health
Lines that includes more background information about WCVM’s
investigation of CSNB. Contact Dr. Lynne Sandmeyer for more details
(306-966-1336; lynne.sandmeyer@usask.ca).
Roberta Pattison is a freelance writer who is a regular contributor to
the national publication, Dogs in Canada. Recently retired from grain
farming, she still lives on her farm near Delisle, Saskatchewan.
Q. Why is equine dentistry such a hot
topic in horse health today?
I think that’s fueled by the growing interest of horse
owners and veterinarians. People now recognize that
dental pathology is there, it’s not going away, and it
needs to be addressed.
In turn, veterinarians are gaining the owner’s
acceptance for the need to sedate a horse and do a
thorough oral evaluation with a full mouth speculum.
Now, it’s just not enough to pull the tongue to the side
and take a quick look anymore: people now appreciate
why it’s just as important to examine the horse’s mouth
as it is to examine any other part of its body.
Q. What’s the most significant change
that you’ve seen in equine dentistry
during the past decade?
Straight from the
Horse’s Mouth
A Specialist’s View on Equine
Dentistr y in Wester n Canada
Dr. James Anthony is a 1983 graduate of the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate of the American
Veterinary Dental College — the certifying organization for
North American veterinary dentists. Since joining WCVM’s
faculty in 2006, Anthony has provided referral and clinical
services in veterinary dentistry to a wide range of small
animal and large animal patients at the College’s Veterinary
Teaching Hospital. He also offers advanced training to
undergraduate students and practising veterinarians, and
he will soon implement Canada’s first accredited residency
program in veterinary dentistry. As a veterinarian with
more than 20 years of experience in veterinary dentistry,
Anthony offers a unique perspective on issues related to
this specialized field, the growing recognition of dentistry’s
importance in equine health — and a glimpse of its future.
The biggest change is that veterinarians are now
taking a real good look in the horse’s mouth: they’re
conducting oral examinations and recognizing what’s
normal and reporting what’s abnormal.
Simple things like having more specialized
equipment available for equine dentistry have made that
possible: besides the traditional full mouth speculum,
we now have dental mirrors, dental probes, dental picks,
some of the newer extraction forceps and elevators, plus
equipment for root canals in equine teeth. These tools
have really come along in the last few years, and it’s
made life a lot easier for veterinarians.
Q. What about technology: what’s the
most important development?
I would say it’s the advances that have been made
in dental radiography for small animals and horses.
Dental radiographs are imperative for visualizing
lesions and planning treatments. Without them, you’re
using insufficient data to develop a treatment plan,
so that’s why they’re really the foundation of your
examination.
With the advent of computerized radiographs, it’s
actually become affordable for veterinarians to conduct
and produce dental radiographs. That’s why I think
we’ll see more and more veterinarians using dental
radiography for their equine patients.
In the past, there were dangers related to sedatives
that are necessary for taking dental radiographs. But
with the introduction of better, faster and safer drugs,
the incidence of adverse reactions is much, much lower.
An experienced veterinarian will be on alert for any
problems and have all of the precautions ready for those
types of situations.
Q. What do you think horse owners want
when it comes to equine dentistry?
I think people are demanding that dental practices
be evidence-based. They want to use practices that are
proven scientifically sound instead of just relying on
hearsay or anecdotal evidence.
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
11
Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Health Research Fund that
supports equine health research projects addressing critical
health issues in the horse industry.
Q. How is veterinary dentistry education
changing at WCVM?
Beginning next year, our veterinary students will
have even more training in veterinary dentistry than they
currently receive. During the students’ second year at
WCVM, we’ll focus on teaching them the principles and
fundamentals of veterinary dentistry so they’re capable of
working with any species — everything from dogs, cats,
horses and cattle to exotic species and wildlife.
It’s the most extensive dentistry program in the world
as far as the number of teaching hours and the time spent
in hands-on laboratories. Plus, the students will also
have the option of taking further dental rotations in their
senior year to focus even further on the discipline before
graduation.
EQUINE DENTAL RESEARCH DOLLARS: Investigating the
incidence of oral pathologic conditions in horses is a
topic that’s high up on Dr. James Anthony’s (above)
research priority list. Last fall, that research goal received
a boost when Anthony and his co-investigator, Dr. James
Carmalt, received a $5,000 research grant from the
Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation
that supports research initiatives in veterinary dentistry.
Anthony accepted the research award during the annual
Veterinary Dental Forum that was held last October in
Minneapolis, Minn. Besides accepting funding, Anthony
also presented two papers at the Forum: one on the
problem of “furcation” (the area where roots join the
crown in a tooth with multiple roots) and the other on a
new crown design to enhance retention.
Q. What are key areas where more research is crucial?
The challenge is that right now, we really don’t have a true grasp on
the incidence of oral pathologic conditions of the horse, and that’s why an
incidence study of oral pathology in horses is at the top of my list.
Developing new types of equipment and testing better ways of doing
certain procedures would be another key research area. For example, we need
to develop some proper instruments for extracting horses’ teeth.
Another area where we need further research is dealing with tooth loss in
horses. A big problem with horses — or any type of herbivore species — is
that when they lose a tooth, other teeth move into the open space causing
“collapsing of the arcade.” We need to try and find a way to stabilize the
remaining teeth while still having a functional mouth.
Q. What are the pitfalls of conducting dentistry research?
Clinical studies can be very challenging to do, plus the investigations are
not cheap. The main concern is that you have to compare “apples to apples”:
you need to ensure that there are no other causes of the specific oral problems
in the equine cases that are participating in the study and no other influences
on the research.
One source of veterinary dentistry research funding is the Peter Emily
International Veterinary Dental Foundation that awards annual research
grants to researchers. Another potential source is the Western College of
12
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
Q. As equine dentistry gains acceptance, how will
health care teams evolve?
I think the growing awareness of equine dentistry has already
helped most veterinarians appreciate the need to add to their existing
knowledge of the discipline through continuing education. For
some, it’s also underlined the value of referring certain patients on
to someone who specializes in veterinary dentistry and can address
specific problems.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all dental procedures in
horses are done correctly and safely, and I think that future includes
qualified lay equine dentists. However, they also have to realize their
limitations. They can have a lot of knowledge about basic procedures
in oral hygiene, but they don’t have the specialized training in
the discipline and in veterinary medicine to resolve an unexpected
problem or to reduce the pain and trauma for a patient.
What I foresee is a system similar to human medicine where dentists
work closely with dental hygienists in their clinics. Lay dentists will do oral
hygiene procedures, teeth floating and other procedures, but their work will
be under the supervision of a veterinarian who ensures the patients’ safety at
all times. If we work together for the common good of our patients, I think
everyone is going to benefit.
Q. What’s your vision of equine dentistry in 10 years?
By 2018, equine dentistry will be at the same level as small animal
dentistry: it’s been growing by leaps and bounds and the amount of
knowledge is increasing exponentially.
One of the main reasons is that as we treat these animals, the horse
owners and their veterinarians see the true benefits of the treatments and
they’re recognizing that oral pathologies are a real problem. It’s not some
kind of marketing scheme, but rather, it’s a reality that will benefit the whole
horse and ultimately benefit the owner and rider since the treatments can
increase a horse’s performance level.
I’ve had many, many clients tell me, “I never even realized how much
my animal was suffering until I saw the response after the procedure was
done.” That’s become a very common statement from owners of small
animals as well as large animals, and to me, that’s why veterinary dentistry
is such a great profession. The results are almost instantaneous, and it’s very
gratifying to see the difference you can make. H
S t u d e n t s
Sink Teeth into
Equine Dentistr y
In late January, a group of equine-minded veterinary students at the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) spent an entire Saturday
polishing up their knowledge of equine dentistry.
Organized by the WCVM student chapter of the American Association of
Equine Practitioners (or the WCVM Equine Club), the one-day event included
a morning lecture by Dr. James Carmalt, an associate professor of large
animal surgery who has clinical and research interests in equine dentistry.
More than 70 students from all class years attended Carmalt’s four-hour
lecture that gave a comprehensive overview of horses’ oral anatomy and
common pathologic issues, dental therapy techniques and oral management.
After lunch, about 30 third-year veterinary students participated in an
equine dentistry wet lab that began with a hands-on training session in the
college’s anatomy lab. With the help of large animal clinicians and residents,
the students practised their oral examination skills and manual floating
techniques on equine cadavers.
Afterwards, the group moved to one of the college’s barns where
clinicians demonstrated sedation, power floating and oral examination
methods on live horses. During lab’s final two hours, the students had the
chance to work with the sedated horses and hone their skills with the help of
faculty and residents.
While the equine dentistry lab has been an annual event for the past few
years, this was the first time that the Equine Health Research Fund invested
$2,500 in the student-organized activity. The Fund helped to pay for the day’s
expenses and resources as well as refreshments for the morning’s coffee break.
The students’ equine dental lab fits in well with the EHRF’s mandate
to support veterinary training in equine-related health care. The financial
support also recognizes the valuable contributions that members of the
WCVM Equine Club make to the Fund’s activities and events throughout the
year. H
Top left: Dr. Steve Manning steadies a sedated patient while resident Dr.
Kristin Poirier demonstrates the use of a PowerFloat®. Above: Veterinary
student Tamara Quaschnick peers into a horse’s mouth. Centre: Resident Dr.
Nathalie Tokateloff holds up a horse’s lip so students can get a better view.
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
13
Key Facts about Equine Herpes Virus
During an EHV outbreak, knowledge and awareness are powerful tools in
controlling the spread of the virus among horse populations.
Q. What is equine herpes virus and EHV-1?
Equine herpes virus is a common virus that occurs in horse populations
worldwide. One of the virus’ most common strains is equine herpes
virus type 1 (EHV-1) that’s known to cause respiratory diseases as well as
outbreaks of abortions and neurologic disease.
Q. Which horses are most susceptible?
The respiratory disease caused by EHV is most common in weanlings
and yearlings. Older horses are more likely to transmit the virus without
showing clinical signs.
Q. What are the clinical signs?
Fever commonly precedes other clinical signs, but it may be the only sign
of infection. Other potential clinical signs include respiratory disease:
fever, coughing and nasal discharge. Abortion is another potential sign:
abortions caused by EHV typically occur late in pregnancy, often without
warning signs.
Neonatal foals may be infected in utero and are usually abnormal from
birth. Weakness, jaundice, respiratory distress and neurologic signs are
among the clinical signs. Affected foals typically die within several days.
Older infected foals generally have nasal discharge or other signs of
respiratory disease.
Q. What is EHM?
Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is another name for the
neurologic disease caused by EHV-1 infection. It results from widespread
damage to blood vessel endothelium (lining) — including damage to the
blood-brain barrier. EHM can cause single cases of disease, but it has also
been identified as a cause of outbreaks affecting 20 to 50 per cent of affected
populations. EHM outbreaks may or may not be associated with previous or
concurrent respiratory disease. Q. What are the clinical signs of EHM?
Neurologic disease may be preceded by fever and respiratory signs. EHM
typically affects the hind limbs and urinary tract. Common signs include
inco-ordination, urinary incontinence and bladder distension. Severely
affected horses may become recumbent and unable to rise. “Dog-sitting”
may be observed. Horses generally remain bright and often continue to eat
and drink.
Q. How is EHV infection diagnosed?
Veterinarians often suspect the disease based on clinical signs, but it’s
recommended that further testing (serology, virus isolation and molecular
testing) be done to establish the diagnosis.
Q. What’s the treatment for EHM?
• Treatment is mostly supportive and includes anti-inflammatory
medication such as corticosteroids. Some horses may require IV fluid
therapy.
• Place affected horses in a safe, well-bedded stall, especially if they’re
severely unco-ordinated and have trouble rising. Recumbent horses may
benefit from the use of a sling.
• Horses that have difficulty urinating may need to be catheterized several
times daily and may benefit from medication to support bladder function.
• Specific treatments directed against the virus are under investigation.
Preliminary research suggests a potential benefit of antiviral medications
such as acyclovir and valacyclovir.
Q. What’s the prognosis?
While the prognosis is generally favourable for mildly affected horses, the
outcome is poor for those that become recumbent for prolonged periods.
It may take several weeks to months before neurologic deficits resolve in
recovering horses, and some may have persistent deficits for the rest of their
lives.
Q. How long are affected horses still infectious?
Q. How is the virus transmitted?
Affected horses usually shed the virus for up to a week — possibly longer
— after the onset of fever or neurologic disease. Infected animals typically
develop latent infections, and they can shed virus with or without showing
signs of the disease for the rest of their lives. Latently-infected horses
typically shed the virus during periods of stress, and re-activation of the
virus is responsible for the spread and survival of the virus in horses. This
also provides a logical explanation for occasional outbreaks observed in
isolated herds.
• Aerosol: The virus is primarily transmitted by aerosol (inhalation of
infectious droplets from coughing and snorting) and through direct and
Q. Can owners vaccinate horses against EHV?
Q. What’s the virus’ incubation period?
While the time between infection and onset of clinical signs can be as short
as 24 hours, the incubation period typically lasts between four and six
days — and can extend longer. EHV abortions can occur from two weeks to
several months following infection.
14
indirect contact. Shedding by the respiratory route typically lasts for seven
to 10 days but can persist longer.
• EHV-related abortions: Aborted fetuses, fetal membranes and fetal fluids
are infectious. Mares that have aborted also shed virus in their respiratory
secretions.
• Indirect transmission: The virus can be indirectly transmitted between
infected and uninfected horses when nasal secretions or fluids from
abortions are moved via people or inanimate objects.
• Poor hygiene: A lack of handwashing and sharing of equipment can
potentially transmit the virus to uninfected horses. People who are in
contact with infected horses should change their clothes and thoroughly
clean and disinfect their hands before handling other horses.
Horse Health Lines • Summer 2008
Several vaccines against EHV are available. Vaccination should be based
on the perceived risk of infection, but it’s generally recommended for
broodmares. Horse owners should talk to their
veterinarians about vaccination programs. Horse
owners and veterinarians can also consult the
American Association of Equine Practitioners
(AAEP) vaccination guidelines. None of the
currently available vaccines states any claim for
protection against the neurologic form of EHV
infection.
Q. Can vaccines prevent further
cases during an EHV outbreak?
The benefit of vaccination in the face of an
outbreak is questionable. Booster vaccination may
reduce virus spread and it hasn’t been associated
with detrimental effects.
Q. What can I do to control EHV’s
spread?
• If you suspect your horse is infected with EHV,
ask your veterinarian to examine your horse and conduct
appropriate testing.
• Isolate any infected horses immediately and avoid all direct
and indirect contact with other horses. Exposed horses should
also be isolated as a precautionary measure.
• Stop all horse traffic on and off premises where infected horses
have been identified.
• Isolate infected and exposed horses from the general
population for 28 days following the onset of the last identified
case. Veterinarians can conduct testing to determine whether
horses are still shedding the virus.
• Pay strict attention to hygiene and wash your hands properly.
Q. What should be done after an EHV
outbreak?
To prevent further cases, it’s important to thoroughly clean
and disinfect your facilities and all equipment. EHV is
susceptible to many disinfectants, but as a precaution, read the
information provided with disinfectant products or contact the
manufacturers. Before disinfecting your facilities, make sure to
remove manure, nasal secretions and other organic materials
from the site.
Q. How can you prevent EHV outbreaks?
Boarding facilities, show grounds, auction barns and other
public facilities should discuss biosecurity with their attending
veterinarian and develop a biosecurity protocol specific to
their situation. Biosecurity measures include isolation of new
horses upon arrival, testing of new horses upon arrival, and
requirements for health certificates and/or vaccination.
Original source: American Association of
Equine Practitioners (www.aaep.org), with
additional information provided by Dr.
Katharina Lohmann, Department of Large
Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of
Veterinary Medicine (www.wcvm.com).
Spring 2008: EHV-1 Outbreak
Early this spring, an outbreak of equine herpes virus type 1
(EHV-1) in the Saskatoon area put horse owners across the
province on alert and caused WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching
Hospital to suspend its regular equine clinical services for 29 days.
By mid-April, WCVM veterinarians believed that more than 100
horses at two farms in the Saskatoon area had been exposed to
the virus in the previous four weeks. About 20 per cent of those
horses developed clinical signs of the neurologic form of EHV-1,
and one horse was euthanized due to severe neurologic signs.
During the outbreak, WCVM teamed up with the Farm Animal
Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (FACS) to organize an EHV
information seminar for Saskatoon-area horse owners on April
10. The same partners, along with the Saskatchewan Veterinary
Medical Association, organized a second seminar for southern
Saskatchewan’s horse community on April 22 in Regina, Sask.
During both sessions, a combined total of more than 400 horse
owners learned the facts about EHV-1 from infectious disease
specialist Dr. Hugh Townsend.
As Townsend pointed out in his presentations, the percentage
of horses affected by the neurologic form in the Saskatchewanbased outbreak is very similar to what has been seen in other
outbreaks of EHV-1 throughout North America. “EHV-1 is not
a new disease: we’ve seen it for many years. Based on the
numbers that we have for this outbreak, it does not seem
that our situation is different or more severe than what has
been seen in other situations,” said Townsend, a professor in
WCVM’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and a
senior research scientist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease
Organization (VIDO).
Townsend added that there’s no scientific evidence indicating
that recovered horses increase the risk of EHV infection to other
horses. “Extrapolating from studies conducted in the United
States, it seems likely that about 10 per cent of the horses in
Saskatchewan carry the neurotropic strain of EHV-1, and have
probably done so for many years. Currently, there is no evidence
to suggest that these horses should be treated or managed
differently from any of their herdmates.”
Photo: Adele Buettner, Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
Western College of Veterinar y Medicine
15
GALLOPING GAZETTE
NEW HOSPITAL DIRECTOR: Dr. Jacques
Messier took over the reins of director at WCVM’s
Veterinary Teaching Hospital on April 21. Messier,
who earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at
the Université de Montréal’s Faculté de médecine
vétérinaire and an MBA from the University of
Western Ontario, brings a range of management
training and experiences to his new role.
Early in his career, Messier practised veterinary
medicine in Saskatchewan for six years before
joining Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada where
he held several management positions including
the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs and the Bureau of
Human Prescription Drugs. In the private sector,
Messier has been part of the senior management
team for several large pharmaceutical and
biotechnical companies — including president,
COO and CEO of an international pharmaceutical
manufacturer and distributor.
Dr. Klaas Post, head of WCVM’s Department
of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, has been
WCVM’s acting hospital director since the former
director, Dr. Stan Rubin, rejoined the veterinary
college’s faculty during the summer of 2007. CLINIC UNDERGOES REVAMP: In April
2008, crews began renovation work in the WCVM
Large Animal Clinic. The construction project
includes renovations to the clinic’s surgery suites
and equine ward as well as to other services in the
clinical area.
The construction work, which is scheduled for
completion in early 2009, will not affect the clinic’s
regular services. Watch for a construction update in
the Autumn 2008 issue of Horse Health Lines. EQUINE PATIENT ADVOCATE: Dr. Kirby
Penttila of Chase, B.C., a member of WCVM’s Class
of 2008 and a newly-minted Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine, was the 2008 recipient of the Dino and Dr.
Ashburner Award in Equine Care at WCVM’s 2008
Graduation Banquet on May 28.
Penttila received the $7,000 award in
recognition of her care for equine patients during
the veterinary student’s fourth-year equine
rotations. The annual scholarship was created
in 2007 by the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé
Foundation. EQUINE CONTENT IN LAVR: Large Animal
Veterinary Rounds is a WCVM-led publication that
provides valuable veterinary resources to Canada’s
large animal practitioners. Some of its latest
editions focused on equine-related health issues:
• “Minimally invasive surgery in the horse,” by Dr.
David Wilson, head of WCVM’s Department of Large
Animal Clinical Sciences. 8(2). February 2008.
• “Equine field anesthesia and sedation,” by
Dr. Nigel Caulkett, Department of Clinical and
Diagnostic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Calgary. 7(9). November 2007.
• “Diseases affecting the geriatric horse,” by Dr.
Katharina Lohmann, Department of Large Animal
Clinical Sciences, WCVM. 7(7). September 2007.
For more information or to download your own copies of these issues (in PDF format), visit
www.canadianveterinarians.net/larounds.
Above: Rocky Ridge Clydesdales of
Odessa, Mo., win the eight-horse hitch
class at the 2008 Royal Manitoba Winter
Fair in Brandon, Man.
V i s i t H o r s e H e a l t h L i n e s o n l i n e a t w w w. e h r f. u s a s k . c a
WCVM PRESENTS: Several WCVM
representatives gave scientific presentations at
recent international equine health meetings:
• Equine reproduction specialist Dr.
Claire Card gave a presentation on “GnRF
immunization in mares: ovarian function,
return to cycling and fertility” at the American
Association of Equine Practitioners’ annual
convention. The 53rd convention took place in
Orlando, Fla., from Dec. 1-5, 2007.
• Large animal surgery resident Dr.
Ryan Wolker presented his abstract, “A
biomechanical comparison of two parallel AT
screws and two parallel 5.5 mm bone screws
for equine proximal interphalangeal joint
arthrodesis,” at the Veterinary Orthopedic
Conference. The meeting took place in Big Sky,
Mont., from March 8-15, 2008.
• In late April, equine surgeon Dr. David
Wilson and clinical associate Dr. Joe
Bracamonte presented a short course on
laparoscopy during the “Cirso Internacional de
Laparoscopia Equina” (International Conference
on Laparascopy in the Horse) in Caceres, Spain.
The course included two days of instruction and
a one-day wet lab for participants.
FUND GOES TO MANE EVENT: Are you
heading out to the 2008 Mane Event Equine
Education and Trade Fair this fall? So are we!
Make sure to stop in at Booth #905 on Hoofbeat
Way where representatives from WCVM and the
Equine Health Research Fund will be happy to
tell you more about the College’s equine health
initiatives and to answer your questions about
the Fund and WCVM.
The Mane Event takes place from October
17-19, 2008, at the Chilliwack Heritage Park in
Chilliwack, B.C. For more details, visit www.
maneventexpo.com.
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