Researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have published the results of a study that investigated the frequency of the Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) mutation in Thoroughbreds. The study demonstrated that the WFFS mutation is not a genetic risk factor for catastrophic breakdown and is only present at a very low frequency in this breed.
The Center for Equine Health is home to a dementia research program by the UC Davis School of Medicine and Connected Horse. Read more about the project and watch a video from PBS on the equine therapy program.
Giving magnesium and boron can benefit headshaking horses, the findings of research suggest. Trigeminal‐mediated headshaking, which used to be called idiopathic headshaking, is caused by a low threshold of firing of the trigeminal nerve in the face. In most cases, the condition is worse during spring and summer, and geldings are over-represented. Various treatments have been tried, including face masks with ultraviolet light protection, nose nets, nutritional supplements, antihistamines, corticosteroids, neuromodulation, and even surgery on the nerve. Results have been variable.
The ongoing Equine Respiratory Biosurveillance Program between UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Merck Animal Health revealed new information on infectious respiratory disease threats, including EHV-1 and EHV-4, influenza, S. equi, equine rhinitis A/B viruses, and more. Here’s what you should know.
There are no reported cases in the scientific literature to substantiate a link between the Warmblood Fragile Foal mutation and bleeding disorders or poor bone formation in the Thoroughbred.
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation board of directors announced March 25 that it has authorized $1,338,858 to fund eight new projects at seven universities (including UC Davis), nine continuing projects, and three career development awards to fund veterinary research to benefit all horses.
Holly, a 23-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding, was found in his paddock lame on the right front forelimb with a wound over his elbow. The UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Equine Field Service was quickly dispatched to the ranch, and radiographs taken there revealed a fracture of the right olecranon – the curved top of the ulna in the elbow joint.
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is relatively widespread in horses; approximately 60 percent of healthy horses harbor the virus. While the more common form of EHV-1 can cause respiratory illness as well as abortion, it is rarely fatal. However, a neurological strain of this virus, also known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), can kill 30 to 50 percent of affected horses. That's why it is critical for the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory to be able to use PCR testing to differentiate between strains.
Researchers have good news for owners selling or managing horses with ostoechondral fragments (OCF) in the hock: A recent study has confirmed that arthroscopic osteochondral fragment removal in horses’ tarsocrural joints via arthroscopy is efficient, quick, and has few postoperative complications.
Thoroughbred racehorses who suffer catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries are more likely to show lameness in the three months leading up to their injury than horses that race without incident, research has shown.
