A group of 40 internationally recognized veterinary specialists met recently to discuss neck-related issues in horses and to capture video content for educational purposes, with a focus on surgical procedures, sample collection and processing for pathology, diagnostic imaging, neurologic evaluation, physical examination and rehabilitation approaches.
The video content will be made available to horse owners, trainers and other professionals to provide examples of recommended assessment and treatment methods in an effort to help establish industry standards.
This group was formed to identify the challenges currently limiting the accurate diagnosis and successful management of neck pain and dysfunction in horses. Dr Kevin Haussler, Dr Steve Reed, and Melinda Story have been instrumental in organizing the group.
The June meeting was hosted by Dr. Reed at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, with lecture and laboratory sessions held at Spy Coast Farm Rehabilitation and Fitness Center. Attendees included veterinarians from across the United States, England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany and Australia.