CLINICAL RESEARCH

Clinical research is the practical research into diseases in our horses that directly applies to their health and welfare. Dr. Bell has been a clinical researcher at the University and private practice level for many years. Our clinical research involves exploring innovations to help improve our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of various conditions in the horse.

1. EQUINE TRIGEMINAL ASSOCIATED HEADSHAKER SYNDROME

Equine Headshakers Syndrome or Equine Trigeminal Neuritis is a insidious disease condition of the horse where it is thought that the trigeminal nerve becomes inflamed or irritated resulting in a characteristic 'head shaking' movement when the horse is exposed to exercise, sunlight, increased blood pressure or stressful situations. In its worst manifestation, the headshaking movement can be constant or near constant for the horse. Some of the classical signs are 'bobbing' their head up and down when exercised or when exposed to sunlight, rubbing their nose on the ground or their cannon bones, hypersensitivity of the face or mouth especially when bridled. There are other signs as well but these are the main ones seen. To date, an exact cause for the condition has not been found, however, the disease is believed to be similar in origin to trigeminal neuralgia/neuritis in people. This is a neuropathy where the nerve that supplies sensation to much of the face/muzzle is irritated particularly when exposed to sunlight, increased blood pressure or exercise. Diagnosis is based on the clinical exam findings consistent with headshakers syndrome as well as nerve blocks of the infraorbital canal/nerve and maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve. Treatment has been limited to medical management when various medication to stabilize the nerve inflammation, however, no definitive long term successful treatment has been devised. Dr. Bell in collaboration with human neurosurgeons has been exploring a surgical technique to eliminate the source of headshaking at the trigeminal nerve. The procedure has been successful performed in a horse to date and we are looking for new patients that would like to explore the risks and benefits of this new procedure. If you would like to discuss this clinical research, please contact us for further information

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2. SACROILIAC JOINT DISEASE

Horses that develop sacroiliac joint disease can have changes in the ligaments and structures that compose the paired sacroiliac joints. These changes result in lameness and sometimes chronic lameness issues. Diagnosis is made with clinical exam and nerve blocks of the sacroiliac space or joints via ultrasound guidance followed by ultrasound evaluation of the joints or nuclear scintigraphy of the SI joint region. Treatment of sacroiliac joint disease is involved traditional injection of corticosteroid either directly into the joints via ultrasound guidance or via perfusion of the SI joint region with corticosteroids. Shockwave therapy has also been used to decrease SI joint pain. Many adjunctive therapies such as acupuncture, magnetic therapy, chiropractics and others have been tried to manage sacroiliac disease. Unfortunately, the exact nature of the injury is rarely determined. We are working on a diagnostic modality to definitely diagnose SI joint injuries and make directed and concerted treatment a viable option depending on the type of joint/ligament structure injury. If you have a horse with an SI joint/region injury that is refractory to treatments or chronically lame and would be interested in being involved in our study, please contact us.

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3. CORNELL ANESTHESIA RECOVERY SURVEY STUDY

We are happy to participate in a survey study currently being conducted by Cornell University at Equine Referral Hospitals across North America. The study is looking to identify risk and outcomes associated with equine anesthesia recovery.

​COLLABORATIONS

Dr. Bell and associates participate in a number of research collaborations on various projects. We are currently involved in clinical research projects with the following research groups:

• Western College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Saskatchewan
• Iowa State University - College of Veterinary Medicine
• Institute of Veterinary Science - University of Liverpool, UK

As this work becomes published we will post our findings. Stay tuned.

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