University of Missouri, Stephens College and the Saint Louis Zoo have teamed up to research a common health problem among horses.
The study examines new technologies in diagnostics, prevention and treatment of lameness in horses.
“The major goals of the collaboration are to deepen the understanding of equine lameness issues, improve the longevity of equine athletes,and improve the overall quality of life for horses,” said Dawna Voelkl, clinical assistant professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, in a statement.
Researchers will use horses at Stephens College in the study to determine methods by which animals susceptible to joint ailments may be identified earlier. Students and faculty from Stephens College and MU are working closely to prepare the horses for blood, urine and gait analysis.
“The hope is that diagnosis at an earlier stage will assist with treatment and decrease progression of the problem,” said Trista Strauch, assistant professor of resident instruction in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, in a statement. “We are looking for biological markers with the hope that we can help horses with arthritis.”