VORL

Collaborative and translational research is a cornerstone of advancing the science of veterinary medicine at UC Davis. Three scientists at the university are taking regenerative medicine to new heights.

Dr. Boaz Arzi, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC, FF-AVDC (OMFS), was recently rated as a top-ranked expert in the field of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) research by Expertscape.

Make no bones about it, the researchers at the UC Davis J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory (VORL) are a team. They’re the first to point out that the collaborative environment, along with help from supporters like the CCAH, are key to translating science to improved patient care. 

On August 5, UC Davis veterinary radiologist Dr. Mathieu Spriet presented "New Equine Imaging Options with Standing PET at UC Davis," an informative webinar to update veterinarians on the latest in positron emission tomography (PET) for horses.

The California Horse Racing Board recently reported a 50% decline in equine fatalities in California horse racing, dropping from 144 to 72 over the past two years. Trending downward since 2005, the number of equine fatalities declined by an impressive 40 percent over the last fiscal year alone. Decades-long efforts, many in partnership with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, contributed to this progress.

Standing equine positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is not just for racehorses anymore. In the first four months since the installation of the MILEPET scanner at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, 100 horses have been imaged; more than half were performance and pleasure horses.

Sky, a 2-year-old female Siberian husky mix, was rescued nearly a year ago. Her owners Renee Gee and Brian Estill of San Francisco noticed some stiffness in her back right leg when walking. While doing a good job of masking any pain, Sky did yelp when her primary veterinarian palpated and extended the leg. X-rays confirmed a luxated right hip, and her veterinarians suggested a hip replacement might be necessary. A second opinion resulted in the same diagnosis and surgery suggestion. Being a thorough and detail-oriented dog owner, Gee decided a third opinion at the UC Davis veterinary hospital was the right thing to do.

Clutch, an 8-year-old pit bull terrier, was rescued five years ago from a shelter just before being euthanized. His new owner, Al Thielemann, noticed his ability to stay active so he started training Clutch in a variety of jobs – dock diving, nose work detection, and other types of working activities. But Clutch preferred to be off leash and be more active.

The UC Davis standing equine positron emission tomography (PET) scanner is officially in use at Golden Gate Fields racetrack in Berkeley, CA, providing imaging at the molecular level to monitor racehorse health and guide training and medical care.

There are many similarities between the usage, and consequent injury, in knee joints and the jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, knee orthopedics are better researched and funded, resulting in tissue-engineered products and other ways to improve the lives of those affected. Dr. Boaz Arzi, professor and dentist/maxillofacial surgeon with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, joined biomedical engineers and orthopedic surgeons from UC Irvine, orthopedic surgeons from Harvard University, oral/maxillofacial surgeons from the University of Texas, and oral/maxillofacial radiologists to research the subject further.