Pioneering research for equine athletes
Dr. Chris Kawcak is making pioneering advances in equine musculoskeletal disease and injury research.
May 12, 2008
Research underway on joint stress, track surfaces
In 2006 and 2007, the American public was captivated by the story of Barbaro. Winner of the Kentucky Derby, Barbaro suffered a catastrophic injury during the Preakness Stakes. The country was inspired by the thoroughbred's spirit and by the valiant efforts in Pennsylvania to help him recover from the life-threatening injury.
Dr. Chris Kawcak is making pioneering advances in equine musculoskeletal disease and injury research. After months of treatment, including six surgeries, Barbaro's owners made the difficult decision to euthanize him, concerned that his pain was unmanageable and he no longer could bear weight in any of his legs.
Predict, prevent and treat
Equine clinicians at Colorado State University followed Barbaro's progress closely, knowing firsthand that the chances were slim he'd beat the odds and survive the fractures to three bones in his right hind leg. But they also knew that the work they were doing then and today may one day help predict, prevent, and treat injuries like that suffered by Barbaro and other equine athletes, and turn the odds in their favor.
Dr. Chris Kawcak is one researcher at CSU working on these advances. He holds the Iron Rose Ranch Chair in Equine Musculoskeletal Disease and Injury, created in 2004 to address the problems that cause equine musculoskeletal disease and injury, as well as improve prevention and treatment of these conditions.
Horses today, people tomorrow
His work, along with that of other clinicians and researchers at Colorado State University's Orthopaedic Research Center, is benefiting from private investment into research and clinical work that is helping horses today and perhaps people tomorrow.
"The funding from Iron Rose Ranch establishes a position that goes way beyond my tenure to provide an endless resource, allowing us to continually fill this position and continually advance in this area of research," said Dr. Kawcak, an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. "The chair keeps in line with the University spirit of aggressively working for the things you think are important. With the funding from the chair, I can really focus on research areas in which there is a need, and it has opened whole new realms of study for me, particularly in the field of computer modeling."
High-tech advances improve early diagnosis
Dr. Kawcak has several areas of interest in his research. The first is to improve early diagnosis of joint disease with improved imaging techniques and methodology using MRI, CT scan, and X-ray. He is working with researchers in biomedical engineering to develop and evaluate biomechanical models that show the joint, show how the animal uses a leg, and can provide a computer simulation of risk factors such as the shape of the joint and neuromuscular variation.
"This is our biggest push right now as it gives a more objective way to assess how we can reduce stress on joints as well as identify at-risk horses," said Dr. Kawcak. "We also are working on a wireless kinematic system to monitor gait. A small sensor is placed on the horse and we can monitor how they use their limbs when they run. We hope to be able to detect patterns that predispose a horse to joint disease or to fracture."
Avoid fractures, aid healing
Dr. Kawcak and the team at the Orthopaedic Research Center also are using imaging to understand physiological characteristics that may lead to the type of fracture suffered by Barbaro. This work, along with a study of methods that may improve fracture healing, is sponsored by the Jockey Club, a private foundation.
Other focuses of the research group at the center include:
- gene therapy to improve cartilage healing
- stem cell therapy for soft tissue healing
- testing of new medications and therapies
- track surface studies
- investigating integrative therapies to improve the field of equine rehabilitation
While work is conducted specifically in the best interest of the horse, similar problems in humans may one day benefit from research and clinical cases at CSU.
Visit the Orthopaedic Research Center online at http://www.equineortho.colostate.edu.
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Original story published in the Spring 2008 Insight newsletter, http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/insight/2008/in08spr-www.pdf.
Contact: Jayleen Heft
Email: Jayleen Heft@colostate.edu
Phone Number: (970) 491-2655
