Equine charity takes on confounding disease

The AAEP Foundation announced the launch of a $1 million campaign for laminitis research and the start of the first of multiple studies to help unravel the mysteries of this disease.

Also announced Nov. 19, 2011, at the AAEP's 57th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, was the donation of $200,000 to the AAEP Foundation for support of the first study, "Case-control study of pasture or endocrinopathy laminitis." It is being funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.

The Laminitis Research Project was launched in response to AAEP members prioritizing laminitis as the most important disease requiring research. The disease, which has the potential to cripple horses beyond repair, damages the critical laminae structures in the equine foot and has a variety of causes and signs.

The case-control study is already under way under the direction of Dr. Noah D. Cohen at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

With new information about the nature of this disease, the AAEP Foundation intends to equip equine practitioners with the ability to prevent its development and to treat horses in which laminitis is diagnosed, according to a press release.

Veterinarians and horse owners are encouraged to be involved with the Laminitis Research Project. Horses with a diagnosis of laminitis that have not yet received treatment may be eligible for these case-based studies.

For more information, visit www.aaep.org and search for laminitis project.