Nearly 50 researchers and laminitis experts from around the world met to prioritize future laminitis research needs during the the 2nd AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop. The group also explored specific questions about the direction and cost of future laminitis projects.

In the two-day workshop, held Nov. 8-10, 2009, presentations and discussions of varied topics ranged from inflammation, vascular, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance to biomechanics and chronic pain management. The group learned there is much information being generated on the topic of laminitis and they will seek answers to the many questions that loom surrounding this disease. A "World Café" session posed a special opportunity for attendees to delve into 10 important questions that will guide a plan for future research efforts and the corresponding funding needs and establish timetable to accomplish the industry’s vision "to conquer laminitis by 2020."

"During the 2nd Equine Laminitis Research Workshop we learned that we must continually develop and refine our vision for the future," said Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, chair of the 2009 workshop. "By continually engaging veterinarians, researchers, farriers, caretakers, and the greater equine community in a collaborative effort to advance, expand, and disseminate knowledge through research and collective experiences to effectively prevent and treat equine laminitis, it is hopeful that together we will move closer to our 20/20 vision of conquering this devastating disease by 2020."

The 2nd AAEP Foundation Equine Laminitis Research Workshop was designed to build upon the foundation established by the 2004 AAEP Foundation Laminitis Research Meeting, as well as other meetings that have been hosted by the Havemeyer Foundation and the International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, over the past decade. The purpose of these meetings is to move the industry closer to unraveling the elusive mysteries of laminitis and help to develop effective strategies that will eventually lead to eradicating the disease