Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Modalities, Biomechanical Markers and Multimodal Therapeutic Strategies of Equine Orthopedic Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Equine orthopedic diseases are a major cause of economic loss in the equine industry and a significant concern for horse owners and veterinarians, and can also cause significant pain, lameness, and decreased athletic performance in affected animals.

The pathogenesis of equine orthopedic diseases can vary depending on the specific condition, but often involves a combination of mechanical stress, inflammation, and genetic predisposition. Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment, and a range of diagnostic modalities are available, including radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.

Biomechanical markers can also be useful for predicting and monitoring disease progression, and may include measures such as force plate analysis, gait analysis, and joint kinematics. In order to make the gait analysis more doable and affordable in field practice, some companies are now focusing on the creation of apps that can be used on smartphones to facilitate the collection of objective data.

Multimodal therapeutic strategies are often necessary for managing equine orthopedic diseases and may include a combination of medical and surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and stem cell therapy.

We invite original research and review papers that aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, biomechanical markers, and multimodal therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

Dr. Andrea Bertuglia
Dr. Sybille Molle
Guest Editors

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• lameness
• gait analysis
• orthopedic disease
• equine rehabilitation
• posture and function
• equine therapy
• multimodal approach
• diagnostic imaging