Species Focused Research at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Grant support from federal sources, foundations, associations, and the private sector has enabled the College to make significant advances in Equine Health.

Perhaps the best examples of the College's success in advancing equine health can be found in its record of discovery, including the development of the Coggins test (for equine infectious anemia), early successes with embryo transfer, its leadership role in the Equine Genome Project, and the development of cartilage cell transplantation for acute equine joint injuries.

Clinical Specialties

Clinical specialty services at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) include emergency and internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, theriogenology and behavior.

The College has particular expertise in equine sports medicine. Performance testing and treatment options for orthopedic problems are conducted and provided. At the Equine Performance Testing Clinic, performance testing using a high-speed treadmill also identifies the source of respiratory problems by detecting airway obstructions with video endoscopy, airflow and pulmonary artery pressure measurements, blood gas assessment, and electrocardiograms.

Imaging and Diagnostic Services

A full range of imaging and diagnostic services is available from the Cornell University Hospital for Animals and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC). Bone scintigraphy is also available to examine the skeleton in cases of obscure lameness or for follow up examination on prior injury. Fluoroscopy is used during surgical procedures to assist surgeons repairing fractures.

Breeding and Importation

Complete breeding services are available at the Cornell Equine Park. These services include breeding soundness examinations of mares and stallions, collection and shipment of semen, insemination of mares with transported cooled or frozen semen, supervision of foaling mares, and embryo transfer. The Cornell Equine Park also offers mare care and a high-risk foaling program. The AHDC tests imported horses for contagious equine metritis and provides a USDA-approved quarantine facility.