A cross-sectional study in England examined the accuracy of owners reporting laminitis in their horses and ponies. The objective was to determine the percentage of owner-reported cases of laminitis that were later confirmed by a veterinarian and to compare the owner’s observations of potential risk factors to the veterinarian’s observations.

Nearly 2,500 equine veterinarians gathered in Orlando, Fla., in early December 2016 to discuss all aspects of equine health at the American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. Even among the foot and limb, there is a wide variety of topics surveyed during the gathering. However, among those presentations and discussions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and soft tissue injuries received a great deal of attention among those interested in the foot and limb.

Joint Injections Compared Joint injections using corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (HA) or a combination of the two are commonly used to treat synovitis and arthritis in performance horses. In this study, researchers compared the efficacy of one type of corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetate, TA) with and without HA for the treatment of lameness, localized to one limb only that responded to a diagnostic joint block. Eighty horses of various breeds were enrolled in the study with follow-up at 3 weeks by re-examining the horses and 3 months by an owner questionnaire. No other medications were permitted during the first 3 weeks of follow-up.

Hoof testers have been a part of the farrier and veterinarian toolbox for many years.

On its back cover, Equine Podiatry promises “a collaborative approach to the care and shoeing of equine feet, making it ideal for both veterinarians and farriers.”