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AERI RESEARCH DEFINES THE PROBLEM; FINDS THE SOLUTION TO PREVENT LAMENESS.

Scientists have identified many of the factors that contribute to equine limb injury, but many key questions remain. While it is agreed that catastrophic injuries are frequently preceded by underlying pathology, the translation of these underlying changes to acute injury is not well understood.  Sub-clinical injury can be present in the bones (eg, micro-fractures), in the soft tissues (eg, weakened, ‘frayed’, inadequately healed, or scarred tendons and ligaments) or in the joints (eg, cartilage erosions/cracking, joint laxity).  Clinical injury occurs when underlying pathology prevents the limb from responding normally to the demands of locomotion. Poor conformation, imbalance, nerve deficits, and fatigue are examples of conditions that can contribute to risk of injury.

Scientists, researchers, and engineers collaborate
at one of AERI's innovation meetings.

AERI is focused on researching the causes of injury, and creating novel solutions to predict and prevent and treat lameness.

While AERI's initial research effort to prevent lameness is concentrated on defining the mechanisms by which lower limb ligament and tendon injuries occur, we recognize that the lower limb is a complex system with multiple interacting components all worthy of research as targets for injury prevention.  As we make progress on our initial goals, we will expand our focus to address additional key aspects of injury.  Through the direction of research funds to external partners, or through our own internal research efforts, the following areas warrant further study:

• Detection of underlying pathology in the field prior to clinical injury
• New science for early intervention to predict and prevent horse lameness
• Effects of fatigue on injury risk
  • The effects of fatigue on joint vulnerability, particularly in the contribution of superficial digital flexor muscle fatigue to chronic or catastrophic injury below the knee
  • Study of the mechanisms that protect fetlock damage during overextension under conditions of metabolic fatigue
  • The best way to measure lower limb fatigue vs systematic fatigue
  • Whether external compression can reduce mechanical fatigue in the soft tissues
• Whether an external device that helps support dynamic loads during ambulation, can protect against chronic or acute tissue injury without compromising training that requires repetitive loading for strength and endurance
• The effects of cooling devices on tendon risk during exercise
• The role of hoof placement in injury
• The potential to reduce injury risk through novel shoeing approaches
• Training approaches for maintaining optimal soundness
• Research into rehabilitation methods for optimal recovery from lameness

CLINICAL RIGOR SETS US APART.

Many products on the market claim to help prevent lameness. These products, including polo wraps, are touted as guards against lower limb tendon and ligament injury or as adjuncts to veterinarian's recommendations for ongoing care of your horse.

What do these products have in common? Little or no scientific evidence documenting their effectiveness.

In fact, a recent review of the scientific veterinary literature revealed only five peer-reviewed reports that documented the testing of limb wear devices. And the results:

• Crawford et al. (1990a,b) found that different bandaging techniques and materials had differing energy absorption capacities.¹
• Keegan et al. (1992) showed that support bandages did not alter the strains experienced by the suspensory ligaments while horses were standing or walking.²
• Balch et al. (1998) showed in a lab environment that certain types of support boots could absorb up to 26% of total force exerted through the limb.³ However, in a similar set-up, Smith et al. (2002) found no difference provided by neoprene support boots.⁴
• Kicker et al (2004) found some support boots provided a small reduction in total joint extension at the trot, the practical implications of which have yet to be determined.⁵
• Finally, Ramon et al (2007) found that athletic taping of the fetlock did not alter the forelimb motion during weight-bearing, but did limit flexion of the fetlock by approximately 5 degrees during the non-weight bearing swing phase. A decreased peak vertical force down through the limb also resulted.⁶

Designed to integrally protect the limb from predicted excesses of joint range of motion and external (e.g., blunt force) trauma, our team is focusing on developing devices that have superior structural dynamics and material properties. Our devices will complement the mechanical behavior of musculoskeletal tissues and additionally offer the advantages of improved thermo regulation, aeration, ease of application and maintenance, aerodynamics and style. Our research will be backed by sound scientific rationale and our devices supported by preclinical and clinical data. Furthermore, AERI's  solutions will meet the specifications of the equine industry's numerous regulatory bodies.

PEER REVIEW: YOUR OPINION COUNTS.

Scientists, researchers, and engineers collaborate
at one of AERI's innovation meetings.

We are reaching around the globe to bring together the best clinical, scientific and equine professionals. We are asking concerned veterinarians, researchers, trainers and riders around the world to help us find solutions to prevent and minimize lower limb lameness.

The response from the industry to-date has been phenomenal. Everyone from the top researcher for racehorse catastrophic injuries, to a local farrier, to an Olympic medal winner, to leading trainers, to numerous horse owners…each has pledged their support and assistance in developing the very best lower limb safety devices for athletic horses.

Would you like to be part of the future of equine soundness? Please contact us to learn more. Thank you!