Topics

Back Pain in the Sporthorse: A new look at the thoracolumbar spine and pelvic region

This talk is meant to encourage discussion about the role of back pain (both primary and secondary) in soundness.  We will discuss the many potential sources and interrelated causes of back pain. The emphasis will be on anatomy and kinematics, as well as diagnostics and treatment. 
A review of anatomy of the thoraco-lumbar region and the lumbo-sacral region.

• Kinematics of these regions
• The interplay between lameness and back pain
• Back pain from primary sources
• Tactics for back pain treatment

Properly Applying Equine Rehabilitation Techniques for Maximum Patient Benefit in Practice

Dive deep into equine rehabilitation and how to properly use it and nutrition in your practice to improve overall health and wellness of your patients. Dr. Durham will cover case studies, techniques, and research to further incorporate into your equine rehabilitation program.

• Turnout is not controlled exercise
• Rehab can be as much or more of a workload then performance training
• Some form of graduated exercise program is important no matter what technique 
• No physical activity can overcome a bad diet

More than a brick: bone as living tissue

This presentation will cover the development of bone and its dynamic capacity to remodel.

Key lessons: 

• Connective tissue
• The origins of osteochondrosis
• What is bone bruising/edema?
• What lessons can we borrow from human medicine on bone bruising/edema treatment?
• Nutrition and bone

Nutrition for Athletic Performance

This presentation will cover the common issues facing performance horses, including energy, electrolytes, heat buildup, as well as muscle building vs. loss, and recovery.

• What fuels the equine athlete?
• Thermoregulation and the equine athlete
• Factors affecting muscle loss, stabilization, and growth
• Athletic recovery
• Inflammation and oxidative stress in athletes