Recorded: June 2021

 ONLINE LECTURE SERIES OVERVIEW

The muscular system of horses comprises close to 50% of their body and is uniquely vulnerable to injury and disease. This interactive, in-depth webinar series will provide equine practitioners with a comprehensive overview on the wide range of different equine muscle disorders that exist. The lectures will focus on providing the participants with clinically-applicable information by discussing available diagnostic tools, starting with a thorough and effective system of evaluating horses for muscular problems. This will be followed by practical tips and tricks on the most up-to-date treatment and management strategies for the different muscle conditions. The material will be covered in five modules, each lasting over two hours and consisting of two lectures, followed by interactive case-discussions and a question and discussion time.

Module 1 – Examination Strategies & Diagnostic Techniques for Muscular Disease (two 40 min sessions followed with case examples)

Lecture 1 – Physical Examination of the Muscular System & Advanced Clinical Pathology Interpretation
Lecture 2 – Diagnostics for the Equine Muscular System.
Though extremely prevalent and common, muscular disorders are often overlooked or misdiagnosed during the acquisition of a clinical history, the evaluation of the equine patient, and upon review of clinical pathology results. This module will cover the examination of the equine muscular system and the specifics of relevant diagnostic tools such as clinical pathology, imaging, genetic testing and muscle biopsy.

Module 2 – Exercise-Related Muscle Disorders (two 40 min sessions followed with case examples)

Lecture 1 – Presentation & Evaluation of Exertional Myopathies
Lecture 2 – Updates on Known & New Exertional Myopathies
Exertional myopathy is a common clinical complaint that can vary substantially in its presentation. This module will cover the current knowledge in regard to the pathophysiology, the varied clinical symptoms, treatment and management options of the array of exertional myopathies in horses.

Module 3: Non-Exertional Muscle Conditions (two 40 min sessions followed with case examples)

Lecture 1 – Presentation & Evaluation of Non-Exertional Myopathies
Lecture 2 – Updates on Known & New Non-Exertional Myopathies
This module will cover current knowledge of multiple equine muscular disorders that are unrelated to exercise, including their presentations, diagnosis and management.

Module 4: Muscular Emergencies, and Anesthesia & Muscle Disorders (two 40 min sessions followed with case examples)

Lecture 1 – Recognizing & Managing Muscular Emergencies
Lecture 2 – Anesthesia & Muscular Disorders
This module will cover emergency situations relevant to equine muscle, including management of muscle injuries, acute rhabdomyolysis and other severe problems. In addition, preparation and monitoring of horses with known muscular disorders undergoing anesthesia will be covered, as well as prevention of muscular injuries during anesthesia and recovery.

Module 5 - 5. Managing Muscles for Optimal Health (two 40 min sessions followed with case examples)

a. Lecture 1 – Nutritional Management for Healthy Muscles & Control of Specific Muscular Disorders
b. Lecture 2 – Exercise Management for Healthy Muscles
This module will cover specific nutritional strategies for supporting equine muscles and controlling clinical signs of specific disorders, in addition to the development of warm-up and training schedules to prevent muscular injury in equine athletes.