Pete Clegg MA Vet MB PhD CertEO DipECVS MRCVS University of Liverpool

Sue Dyson MA VetMB PhD DEO FRCVS Animal Health Trust, Newmarket

Sven Kold DrVetMed PhD MRCVS Willesley Equine Hospital

Graham Munroe BVSc PhD CertEO DESM DipECVS FRCVS Berwickshire, Scotland

Sarah Boys Smith MA VetMB CertES(Orth) DipECVS MRCVS Rossdale and Partners, Newmarket

Hindlimb lameness has become much more common in all types of horse and pony in the last 15 years, and particularly in general riding and sport horses. Changes in the types and breeds of horse we are presented with, plus profound changes in their management and exercise regimens, has lead to an increased incidence of osteochondrosis plus other causes of hindlimb lameness, including stifle problems. New conditions such as proximal suspensory ligament desmitis have been discovered and continue to increase in incidence, whilst other well-known conditions, such as bone spavin, seem to have changed their presentation. The improvement in our diagnostic capabilities, particularly in the integrated use of imaging techniques, has only been partially matched by improvements in treatment modalities.

Many of these cases are presently referred for diagnosis and treatment but with a careful methodical and logical approach many could be dealt with effectively in general practice. This course is designed to help veterinarians to learn this approach and to give them confidence to take their own cases further in diagnosis and treatment. This will be supplemented with the very latest ideas on the aetiology, identification, treatment and prognosis of the common problems of the hindlimb in the horse and pony. Extra time will be available after lectures for discussion and delegates will be encouraged to interact fully with tutors in the case based and open discussions. In addition, there will be an imaging quiz, tutor lead live and video examinations of clinical cases, and a diagnostic analgesia/ultrasonography wet lab.

The combined talents and practical experiences of a group of university-based and practice equine clinicians, of vast experience in this field, along with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, will stimulate delegates to assimilate knowledge on, and to discuss, these very important clinical problems in the horse and pony

Specific areas to be covered include:

• Specific problems associated with hindlimb lameness diagnosis
• Lower limb problems
• Soft tissue injuries of the hind limb
• Intertarsal osteoarthritis
• Proximal suspensory desmitis
• Osteochondrosis of the hindlimb
• Stifle lameness
• Hock lameness