Clinical Research

Current Equine Clinical Research
(See also the Clinical Investigation Center.)

The University of Minnesota Equine Center's vision is to conduct overlapping research into equine genomics, musculoskeletal disease of the horse, and equine nutrition to produce innovative solutions that promote equine health. This confluence of pioneering research into the impact on the overall individual horse's health of equine genetics, equine nutrition, and exercise programs for horses is critically important, as it represents a unique opportunity to influence fundamentally the future of equine sports medicine. You can download a copy of the University of Minnesota Equine Center Research Report for reprints of publications from this research. (Adobe Reader required.)

ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR HORSES
Abdominal ultrasonographic changes in horses after colic surgery

Ultrasound is gaining in popularity in equine medicine as a non-painful and repeatable method of evaluating a horse's intestines. Ultrasonography can help determine if a colicky horse requires surgery. Ultrasonography has been used after colic surgery to determine if horses were responding appropriately. In this study, Drs. Mitchell, Sage, and Malone evaluated healthy horses under various conditions to determine 'normal' values. These values were then compared with those of horses recovering from colic surgery and under treatment for impaction colic. The researchers determined that certain abnormalities in horses recovering from colic are actually 'normal' for horses in their condition and do not require treatment. This colic research continues to map normal recoveries, and should allow for faster and more effective intervention for horses not making normal post-colic progress.

Ultrasonography

Pregnant mares and colic

Heavily pregnant mares with colic can be difficult to evaluate. The pregnant uterus places the horse's intestines into abnormal positions and makes rectal palpation difficult. Drs. Hendrickson, Sage, and Malone, along with a research team, are conducting research to map the position of the intestines in healthy pregnant mares to allow better ultrasonographic evaluation of pregnant mares with colic. The colic research team is also following many of the mares into the post-foaling months when the risk of colic is high. These mares will be monitored with ultrasonography in an effort to document any particular changes that might indicate if they are at risk for colic episodes.

Mare and newborn foal

DERMATOLOGY FOR HORSES

Sarcoid Treatment for Horses

A clinical trial conducted by Drs. Nogueira, Torres, and Malone evaluates the use of Aldara^TM (imiquimod) for the treatment of equine sarcoids. Sarcoids are the most common equine tumor. The tumors are not malignant but can be very difficult to control. It is believed that sarcoids develop after exposure to a bovine papilloma virus. Imiquimod is a topical medication that acts as an immune response modifier. Imiquimod is used for the treatment of human papilloma virus infections and used for squamous cell carcinoma. Results indicate that imiquimod is an effective treatment for sarcoids in the study horses. The study was supported in part by 3M. More information about the one of the horses in the study can be found on our Clinical Investigations Center Web site.

Sarcoid treatment for horses

Aural plaque treatment

The Equine Center and Veterinary Medical Center at the University of Minnesota is evaluating the efficacy of Aldara® (imiquimod) on equine aural plaques. This is a topical medication that has recently shown to have very good efficacy in the treatment of sarcoids. Aural plaques are caused by a virus and this topical medication has an excellent anti-viral effect. Dr. Sheila Torres and Dr. Erin Malone are actively looking for horses to participate in this study. More information about participating in the aural plaque study as an Acrobat file (.pdf) click here . The medication can be applied by the owners at home after an initial examination performed at the University of Minnesota Equine Center. The duration of the study will be 4 months. The medication will be provided at no charge to participants.

MUSCLE DISORDERS
Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM)

Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) is a glycogen storage disorder that causes a form of tying-up. Drs. Valberg and Mickelson and key graduate students are studying the genetic and biochemical basis for this disorder. Current research is focusing on the inheritance of PSSM in Quarter Horses and Belgian breeds. We are interested in identifying families of horses with this condition that using muscle biopsy as one research tool. Owners with bloodlines they would like to enroll in this project can contact Dr Valberg at valbe001@umn.edu or Dr. Mickelson at micke001@umn.edu.

PSSM research for tying-up in horses

Shivers

This research group is also studying the relationship between PSSM and Shivers, which is seen commonly in draft horses, light harness horses, hunters, hunter-jumpers, hacks, Hanoverian-cross breeds, and occasionally Thoroughbreds. The signs of Shivers consist of periodic spasms of the muscles in the pelvic region, pelvic limbs, and tail. Mildly affected horses show tenseness or trembling of the hindlimbs and sudden jerky extensor movements of the tail that cause it to elevate. The symptoms may occur only when the animal is backed up or lifting a hind foot.

PSSM and Shivers in horses

Thoroughbred horses with Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER)

	Drs. Valberg and Mickelson are investigating the cause of Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) and its potential genetic basis. They are identifying families of horses with this condition and obtaining blood samples to isolated DNA for genetic mapping studies. Contact us if you are an owner with bloodlines you would like to enroll in this project .
Research into tying-up in horses

Myotonia

Myotonia is a condition which causes horses to develop a cramp within a muscle group that produces a noticeable bump with a dimple below it in foals. When the cramp develops, horses are often unable to move the affected limb. At a young age, these foals have well-developed musculature, but over time their muscles waste away and the foals attain a pot bellied appearance. Together with Dr. John Day at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, the research faculty at the Equine Center are studying the origin for this disorder. Contact us if you have a foal that appears to have myotonia and would like more information about participating in the study. valbe001@umn.edu

Myotonia research

Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Local Tissue Metabolism

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is commonly used for many orthopedic injuries in horses. This study looked at the effects of four ESWT treatments, given 2 weeks apart. There were no measurable effects seen by thermography, scintigraphy and radiography between treated and control limbs.

While ESWT did not remodel bone or change blood flow in this study, we do think it can be useful in some horses, and most likely works by altering nerve function and decreasing pain. We recommend it in situations in which exercise is desired but additional pain relief is needed. This might include bucked shins, some back problems, and sore hocks, among others.

Shockwave therapy research