Laminitis was the top vote getter in a recent survey regarding research needs among members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The goal of this study is to provide data that can assist the equine community in directing its financial support to a wide realm of equine research projects.

While the data placed laminitis in the top spot, the survey also indicated that the equine body system of highest research priority was the musculoskeletal area. Along with laminitis, colic, arthritis, tendon injuries and navicular diseases were ranked as the five most critical research priorities in the category of equine disease or conditions. Among new technologies that the equine veterinarians felt require more funding were horse-side laboratory tests, regenerative medicine and imaging.

OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS...

• International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame member Duke Bonde passed away in early December at his home in Modesto, Calif. He spent more than 50 years shoeing horses at California racetracks.
• Daniel Gabel, 22, the son of Thom and Jo Gabel of Tipp City, Ohio, passed away in mid-December. Dan worked with his father in the farrier business and Thom serves as secretary of the American Farrier’s Association.
• Farrier Product Distribution of Shelbyville, Ky., is celebrating its 20th year of service to the equine footcare industry. Dan Burke heads the firm.
• SBS Equine Products of Naples, Fla., will celebrate its 25th year of operation this year. Ray Tricca heads the firm.
• The American Paint Horse Association recently honored Pat Mullins of the Markel Insurance Co. in…