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New insights into SI joint pain
horses
The research suggests scintigraphy alone is not a reliable method of diagnosing SI joint pain.
Findings may help vets recognise clinical signs

Pioneering research by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) offers insights into the prevalence and characteristics of sacroiliac (SI) joint region pain and how it relates to lameness in horses.

This is the first large-scale study of its kind and it is hoped the findings will help vets and horse owners to recognise the clinical signs.

According to the research, the clinical signs of SI joint region pain are worse when horses are ridden. This highlights the importance of examining horses under saddle where possible to observe the severity and breadth of the clinical signs.

Another key finding was that diagnostic analgesia using a safe, non-specific nerve block could significantly reduce clinical signs.

Signs indicative of SI joint region pain were: bucking and kicking, particularly in canter; a bunny-hopping type canter; stiff, stilted canter; spontaneously breaking from canter to trot; and being reluctant to canter.

Blocking the SI joint in diagnostic investigations could offer crucial information in horses showing these signs, according to AHT.

The research also suggests scintigraphy alone is not a reliable method of diagnosing SI joint pain - just 42 per cent of the horses with a positive response to SI joint pain had abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake.

However, researchers said the use of scintigraphy and ultrasonography in conjunction with an SI block can provide additional information in some cases.

The majority of the horses involved in the study had SI joint region pain and lameness of the hind limbs. In some horses, removing the source of pain in the lame limb resulted in a clear improvement.

However, ridden exercise highlighted the persistence of another source of pain, which in some cases was worse after eradicating the lameness.

AHT said this highlights the importance of observing ridden exercise in trot and canter when assessing lameness.

Lead author Sue Dyson added: "Assessing the effect of treatment of the SI joints is not an effective method of diagnosis; the use of nerve blocks is much more reliable."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.