VORL

A recent study by Sarah Shaffer, Dr. Susan Stover and colleagues at the J.D. Wheat Orthopedic Laboratory at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine sought to characterize bone abnormalities that precede proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures and determine if pre-existing abnormalities are associated with these fractures. The group retrospectively studied cases from California Thoroughbred racehorses that died from PSB fractures, and controls that died for other reasons.

A significant advance in veterinary research is coming to the racetrack in the form of a standing equine PET scanner. The machine will soon be available at Santa Anita Park, marking a major milestone in the battle against racetrack injuries.

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.

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.

Dr. Susan Stover has been funded frequently by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. Her goal in recent research is the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in equine athletes.