Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is funding 14 new equine health studies for fiscal year 2002 that address developmental bone disease, foal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, genetics, immunology, infectious diseases, neurology, pain management, and pulmonary disorders. Grants for these studies total $678,225, and these studies join six other equine health projects currently funded by MAF. Individuals, organizations, veterinarians, and animal clubs provide the funding to make this research possible.

New Techniques for Managing Subchondral Cystic Lesions in the Stifle— Mark Hurtig, DVM, MVSc, University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. The two-year study will evaluate a method for repairing subchondral lesions (empty cavities under the cartilage surface in joints that promote bone loss and prevent healing) with a combination of biologic polymer gel, cartilage cells, bone cement, and cylindrical grafts of bone and cartilage.

Vaccination Against Rhodococcus equi Using In Vivo-Induced Bacterial Antigens— Steve Giguere, DVM, PhD, University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Research will provide the basic knowledge necessary for the development of an effective vaccine for Rhodococcus equi, the most devastating cause of pneumonia in foals.

Expired Breath Ethane as a Marker of Gastrointestinal Reperfusion Injury— Michael Davis, DVM, PhD, Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This two-year study will evaluate methods to predict injury to the intestinal blood supply after surgery, with the hope of improving the survival rate of horses undergoing colic surgery