Research
IMPACT CASE 2022: Equine laminitis and endocrine disease - changing veterinary practice](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ref/our-impact/equine-laminitis/)
Equine endocrine disease and laminitis
Since my first appointment in the UK in 1999, where I was shocked at the prevalence of the crippling condition, laminitis, in horses, I have been interested in equine laminitis and its potential to be caused by endocrine diseases. My major breakthrough came in 2007 when I led the research team responsible for discovering a model for endocrine laminitis and discovered its the direct link with high insulin concentrations in the blood. I then went back to look at the epidemiology of laminitis and we discovered that endocrine disease was responsible for over 90% of laminitis that presents as lameness in the UK and Internationally. This has changed the focus of laminitis research from inflammatory causes, laminitis occurring secondary to severe systemic illnesses, which had previously been the focus of research, to endocrine disease as a cause of laminitis.
I have continued work on researching more about the endocrine diseases that cause laminitis especially Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and their management. Most importantly this research has led to much clearer guidelines on the diagnosis of underlying causes of laminitis, treatment strategies, and most importantly prevention of laminitis before it even occurs.
Research grants
Exploring horse keepers’ and equine professionals’ understanding of equine behaviour and associated use of training methods
THE HORSE TRUST (UK)
October 2022 - March 2026
Improving the management of obesity in horses through qualitative research
THE HORSE TRUST (UK)
March 2016 - October 2021
Prevalence and risk factors for equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM LTD (UK)
January 2015 - January 2019
Investigation of the use of a nutraceutical in insulin resistant horses
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (EUROPE)(GERMANY)
May 2011 - February 2012
The Horse Trust Clinical Scholarship in Equine Medicine
THE HORSE TRUST (UK)
March 2009 - March 2012
Investigation of horse owners' perceptions of and attitudes towards equine health
BRITISH VETERINARY ASSOCIATION ANIMAL WELFARE FOUNDATION (UK)
November 2012 - March 2016
Behavioural effects of pergolide (Prascend) in normal horses
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM LTD (UK)
February 2014 - April 2014
Serum and aqueous humour antibody titres to leptosira spp
PET PLAN CHARITABLE TRUST (UK)
September 2014 - March 2016
The threat of African horse sickness virus in the UK: furthering our understanding of vector biology and how best to protect horses in the event of an outbreak.
HORSERACE BETTING LEVY BOARD (UK)
January 2012 - January 2016