The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine recently received a gift of $1 million from philanthropists Marianne and John K. Castle to support its laminitis research.

The gift will also help launch a laminitis institute at Penn. Once fully funded, the institute will include new research laboratories and support for research projects at the veterinary school. Also, in collaboration with other institutions, the institute will offer a home care treatment model, support for student research opportunities, and improved clinical facilities.

In addition, the gift will support the institute directorship, which will be held by Dr. James Orsini, associate professor of surgery at Penn's New Bolton Center. In 2001, Dr. Orsini founded the First International Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, building on his many years of experience treating patients with the condition. The biennial conference is funded in large part by the Castles, in memory of their horse Spot, who died from laminitis.