AAEP launches $1 million veterinary campaign for equine laminitis research

Lexington, Ky. –

A $1 million campaign to fund veterinary laminitis research in horses was recently unveiled by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

In fact, a donation of $200,000 to support a case-control study of pasture or endocrinopathy laminitis was received by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. The case-control study is already underway, AAEP reports, under the direction of Dr. Noah Cohen at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine. And this study kicks off a new collaboration through the Laminitis Research Project aimed at working with equine researchers, AAEP members and horse owners to build a "foundation for future laminitis research."

AAEP calls laminitis one of the most frustrating and devastating diseases confronted by equine practitioners. "This project is in response to AAEP members prioritizing laminitis as the most important disease requiring research," explains C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS.

"Veterinarians and horse owners are encouraged to join the effort to eradicate laminitis through their active involvement with the Laminitis Research Project. Horses that are diagnosed with laminitis and have not yet received treatment may be submitted for these case-based studies," AAEP says. "Horse owners and veterinarians can also choose to help through fundraising at their equine facility, home business or veterinary practice."