lameness exam
Dr. Kara Brown conducts a lameness exam. Photo: John Donges/Penn Vet

In this episode of TheHorse.com’s Equine Innovators, Kara Brown, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMR, assistant professor of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, describes innovative approaches to diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. She explains how joint degeneration impacts equine athletes and where traditional treatments such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids fall short—especially in horses with metabolic risk factors.

Brown explores the growing role of regenerative medicine, including orthobiologic therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous protein solution (Pro-Stride APS), and stem cells. She highlights recent research into these therapies’ safety and efficacy, including findings that show common pain medications don’t compromise orthobiologic product quality when used appropriately.

Throughout the conversation Brown emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, advanced imaging technologies (MRI, CT, PET), and personalized, rehabilitation-based care to extend joint health and performance in both young athletes and aging equine partners.

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Show Notes:


    Research News Releases:

    About the Researcher: 

    Kara Brown, VMDKara A. Brown, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMR, is assistant professor in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square. She is a graduate of Penn Vet. After graduation she completed an equine internship at Woodside Equine Clinic, in Ashland, Virginia, followed by a large animal internship, a clinical fellowship in large animal cardiology and ultrasound, and a residency training program in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at New Bolton Center. She is a boarded diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and has a strong clinical and research interest in poor performance in the equine athlete, axial skeletal pain, and regenerative medicine.