Vetpd workshop

New developments in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques of equine neck conditions

Horses suspected of being affected by equine wobbler or osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joints are regularly seen in equine practice but diagnosing a specific disease with certainty can be challenging. Over the past two decades the equine cervical spine has been extensively researched and advanced imaging modalities like CT, CT-myelography and MRI have revolutionized diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities available to equine practitioners.

This practical course was designed to provide equine veterinarians with the theoretical and especially the practical skills to competently examine, diagnose and treat horses affected by neck conditions. One of the main goals of this course is to provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills on how to reliably differentiate ataxic horses from animals with front- and hindlimb lameness.

A panel of internationally renowned clinicians who have dedicated a significant proportion of their careers researching, diagnosing and treating horses with neck conditions, will bring a wealth of experience to this course.

Date and venue

Friday 30 June (Takina, Wellington) & Saturday 1 July (The Stables, 135 Ringawhati Road, Otaki)

Format

Day 1 lecture topics

  • Functional neuroanatomy of the head and cervical spine
  • Is it lame or is it ataxic?
  • Current radiographic techniques (incl. myelogram) for evaluation of the cervical spine
  • Neck ultrasound – poll, facet joints and US-guided CSF taps
  • The brain: how can we localize the signs and diagnose the problem?
  • How CT and CT-myelography are revolutionizing the work-up of horses with neck conditions
  • Surgical treatment of neck conditions – what’s the likelihood of success?
  • Equine wobbler and facet joint OA – update on pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnostic options
  • Conservative therapy of equine cervical conditions – where is the evidence?
  • Update on headshaking – investigations and treatment options

Day 2 workshop practicals

  • Neurologic examination and CSF tap techniques
  • Guttural pouch endoscopy and nerve blocks for head shakers
  • Cervical ultrasound, facet joint injections and US-guided CSF taps
  • Cervical fusion surgery demonstration
  • Radiographic techniques of the neck/head (incl. temporohyoid and TMJ)
  • Neck conditions case-discussions (incl. advanced imaging)

Presenters

Jonathan Anderson BVM&S Dipl.ACVS MRCVS
American Specialist in Equine Surgery
Jonathan is a director and surgeon at the Rainbow Equine Hospital. He is a Royal Veterinary College Equine Surgical Specialist, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and an FEI Veterinary Delegate. Jonathan graduated from the Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2000, completed an internship year at the San Luis Rey Equine Hospital in California, before moving to the Rainbow Equine Hospital in the UK for 3 years. He went back Stateside to undergo a large animal clinical fellowship at Oregon State Veterinary Teaching Hospital followed by an Equine Surgical Residency at the University of California, Davis. He achieved diplomate status in 2009, remained as a clinical instructor at UC Davis for a year before moving back to the Rainbow Equine Hospital at the end of 2009 to join the surgical team. He has been involved in advancing the use of CT both as diagnostic and intra-operative imaging modality within the equine veterinary field. His main veterinary interests include all things orthopaedic which includes the evaluation, advanced imaging and surgical treatment of horses with cervical stenosis. He is keen to see a sharing of knowledge and equipping of equine vets to recognise and treat horses with this condition.

Laura Johnstone BVSc MVSc DACVIM (LAIM)
American Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine
Laura graduated from Massey in 2008 and has since worked in equine general practice in Christchurch and Invercargill, completed a masters in equine neurology and achieved diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine after a 3-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Laura enjoys all aspects of equine medicine and is particularly interested in neurology, cardiology and ultrasound. Laura joined the Central Lakes Equine team in 2022 and balances this with her work as a senior medicine clinician at the Massey University Equine Clinic and being Mum of three.

Joe Mayhew BVSc PhD DSc Dipl.ACVIM Dipl.ECVN MANZCVS
American Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine & American Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Joe is a clinician with interests in equine medicine, veterinary neurology, and comparative neuropathology in which he has published quite widely. Currently he is Professor Emeritus in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, and is Editor of the NZEVA journal Equine Veterinary Practitioner. The 3rd edition of his textbook Large Animal Neurology has been published in 2022 with co-author Rob MacKay. Joe seems to still enjoy participating in, and getting injured doing, the odd marathon and triathlon.

Pricing

Earlybird (until 11.59pm, 19 May 2023)

  • Member: $1690
  • Non-member: $1890

Regular

  • Member: $1880
  • Non-member: $2090

Sponsor discounts

  • VetPD industry partner: $1670
  • VetPD sponsor: $1775

Sponsor discounts must be verified through VetPD and are not available to purchase via online registration.