Research | EHSP

Pfeiffer-Burt Lameness and Performance Pavilion 

The Pfeiffer-Burt Lameness and Performance Pavilion (75’ x 125’) is a modern facility for evaluation of locomotion in horses. Several research projects evaluating the efficacy of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical agents and feed additives for treatment of lameness in horses are being evaluated in this facility. The pavilion also includes a force plate.

Equine Performance Evaluation Laboratory

The Equine Performance Evaluation Laboratory (EPEL) is equipped with a high-speed treadmill for exercising horses at speeds that mimic racing conditions. A Coda Motion System digital motion analysis system that incorporates markers on the horse into digital images to evaluate gait and lameness is also available. Evaluation of the dynamics of the upper airway can be achieved by a dynamic endoscopic system. The dynamic endoscope can evaluate the upper airway in research and clinic horses exercising on the high-speed treadmill or working in their natural environment, such as the racetrack or riding arena.

Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research (LECOR)

The Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research is a multifaceted, state of the art laboratory for the study of orthopedic injury and disease. Areas in the laboratory are dedicated to various kinds of testing including microstructure, gene expression, cell/tissue culture, mechanical properties and motion analysis. The wide range of research in the LECOR supports a variety of opportunities for graduate students and research trainees at all levels. Fellow researchers, students and visiting scientists are always welcome.

LECOR

Equine Orthopedics and Biomechanics

We have developed a solid research program in the area of equine orthopedics and biomechanics. This has led to the development of numerous orthopedic implants designed specifically for equine use, which is critical for the advancement of equine orthopedics and fracture repair. These equine specific orthopedic implants have distinct advantages over those intended for human application. The EHSP is unique in that it is part of the only school of veterinary medicine in the country that is designing and testing equine specific orthopedic implants. An integral part of this research program was the development of a finite element computer model that allows for the biomechanical testing of an orthopedic implant applied to an equine bone or bones. This allows for changes in implant design to be made and tested using the finite element model prior to in vitro biomechanical testing. This computer aided design approach allows for more efficient use of the limited cadaver specimens. This research has direct and often immediate clinical applications. We are presently advising and performing biomechanical tests on prototype large animal orthopedic implants for Synthes Vet, Inc., Innovative Animal Products, and IMEX Veterinary, Inc.

Equine Reproduction/Theriogenology Laboratory and Comparative In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory

The Equine Reproduction/Theriogenology Laboratory has complete facilities for the evaluation, chill-transport, and cryopreservation of spermatozoa, including light and phasecontrast microscopes and a computer-assisted spermatozoal analysis system (Spermvision®). There are three ultrasound machines with 5-7.5 MHz linear array transducers and a 5-7.5 MHz sector array transvaginal transducer for oocyte collection by follicular aspiration or twin reduction by aspiration. A fourth ultrasound system equipped with a 3.5 sector and 5-7.5 microconvex array is available for transabdominal imaging. An Olympus endoscope is also available for hysteroscopic examination and for hysteroscopic low-dose insemination. Various laparoscopic reproductive procedures are available.

The comparative in vitro fertilization laboratory of the Theriogenology section is a state-of-the-art designed for conducting advanced studies on gamete and embryo biotechnology of domestic and wild animal species. In horses, intracytoplasmic sperm injection is currently the only successful procedure used to produce horse embryos in vitro. Several graduate students and residents have been trained in advanced assisted reproduction techniques that are currently used in research studies and reproductive management of horses.