The latest developments in the field of equine imaging techniques and infectious diseases were the focus of a European Veterinary Symposium hosted jointly by Pfizer Animal Health and the Hippolia Foundation.

More than 150 delegates from 10 European countries travelled to Deauville, Normandy to attend the two day event which included practical equine demonstrations. The meeting came just four months after the announcement of a strategic partnership between Pfizer and Hippolia to advance equine health through research and educational programmes.

One of the key presentations was from Dr. Xavier d’Ablon, Clinique Equine de la Côte Fleurie, an equine practitioner from Deauville, who presented on the practical use of CT (tomodensitometry) scans.

“Clinical cases clearly show that tomodensitometry has a better sensitivity and a better specificity when compared with radiography to get images of bone lesions of the locomotor apparatus of the horse. Against MRI, we also need more studies to document the use of CECT for the diagnosis of tendon and ligament lesions.”

Of the event, he added: The opportunity for colleagues to attend such a symposium was of paramount importance.

“Holding such meetings is so important for practitioners. It was a really good turnout from across Europe and excellent that Pfizer agreed to host the meeting covering such interesting topics.”

The first day of the symposium was held at the Deauville International Conference Centre and included a number of presentations from representatives from the Frank Duncombe Laboratory. Topics included microbiological investigation of respiratory fluids, an update on EHV as well as equine viral arteritis.

Dr. Jean-Marie Denoix, Professor of Veterinary Anatomy and Equine Locomotor Pathology at the CIRALE-IPC, École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, made two presentations on imaging techniques as well as giving a one hour practical demonstration of joint ultrasonography on a live horse.

Prof Denoix said: “Progress performed in radiographic, and particular ultrasonographic examinations, today allows us to go further in the routine diagnosis of foot conditions. The main limitations of MRI in the diagnosis of equine foot injuries come today from the use of low-field systems and most of these limitations, if necessary, can be overcome by examining these patients with a high-field MR unit.”

Of the meeting, Prof Denoix said: “We enjoyed these two days at Deauville and CIRALE (Center of Imaging and Research in Equine Locomotor Affections), with colleagues coming from all over Europe. We found them very enthusiastic from the time they have spent in Normandy. It was a great opportunity for us to meet so many people in such a short period of time.”

The symposium also covered topics including infectious diseases, sport medicine and EHV, and a presentation from Dr. Sylvie Lecollinet from ANSES Maisons-Alfort, investigating the epidemiological situation of West Nile.
Delegates then had the opportunity to travel to CIRALE for a tour of the facility and the practical joint ultrasonography demonstration.

Dr. Eric Richard, Clinical Biology Research Unit at the Frank Duncombe Laboratory, said he was impressed with the audience, not only in respect of its size: “You often get much smaller gatherings even for important educational meetings – but the questions asked were so good. The feedback was extremely positive.”
Jolian Howell, Associate Director, Equine Business at Pfizer Animal Health, said the intention was to regularly hold similar educational meetings across Europe as part of the company’s commitment to provide equine practitioners with truly innovative and best in class solutions.

“We were particularly keen to return to this part of France, regarded as one of the world’s leading centres for competition horses, as the interest shown since the partnership with Hippolia was announced has been significant and this meeting provided evidence of some of the benefits which have resulted,” he said.

For more information on infectious equine disease visit Vetstream Equis.

For equine veterinary CPD take a look at Vetacademy.