Laminitis: Why Does It Occur? How Can We Better Manage It?

Laminitis, the number-two killer of horses after colic, continues to have an enormous impact on equine welfare, in wide and varied circumstances. Dr. Andrew van Eps, Associate Professor of Equine Musculoskeletal Research, will discuss different approaches for successful prevention and treatment of laminitis, as part of the First Tuesday Lecture series.

The presentation, “Laminitis: Why Does It Occur? How Can We Better Manage It?” will take place on Tuesday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. in New Bolton Center’s Alumni Hall, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA. The lecture is free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting Barbara Belt at beltb@vet.upenn.edu.

It wasn’t until recently that researchers and veterinary clinicians acknowledged that there are different forms of laminitis, and that these forms have different inciting factors and mechanisms, and therefore might require different approaches for successful prevention and treatment. What about the pony that becomes lame every time he sniffs fresh grass? How about the champion racehorse with a painful injury in one limb? Or the mare that has failed to pass her placenta after foaling? Van Eps will discuss recent advances in understanding laminitis, why it occurs in different situations, and what can be done to prevent and treat it.

Renowned for his research on equine laminitis, van Eps joined the faculty of Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center in December. A seasoned clinician and equine researcher of international caliber, his work focuses on improving the understanding, prevention, and treatment of equine laminitis and other musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, van Eps is working to solve supporting-limb laminitis, the type that led to the death of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro, who was treated at New Bolton Center for a catastrophic leg fracture during the Preakness Stakes that year. Van Eps has co-authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed publications along with 15 additional publications and has been a co-investigator on 15 research grants. He’s given more than 60 presentations, primarily on topics related to laminitis, in places from Hong Kong to Palm Beach.

Van Eps received his veterinary degree (BVSc) and PhD from The University of Queensland in Australia, where he served as Director of the Equine Hospital and Associate Professor of Equine Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at New Bolton Center in 2008 and is board-certified in large animal internal medicine.

The First Tuesday Lectures, free and open to the public, are presented September through December, and March through June. During the series, faculty and clinicians at New Bolton Center share current information on equine topics of interest to horse owners and caregivers. Many of the lectures highlight the advanced techniques performed by Penn Vet’s team of leading clinicians, and the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities available to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

The next First Tuesday lecture will take place on June 6, as Dr. Dean Richardson presents “The Recovery Pool: Defying Gravity after Orthopedic Surgery.”

Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling nearly 35,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles nearly 4,900 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats more than 38,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.

For more information, visit www.vet.upenn.edu.