RaceHorse Necropsy Workshop
September 18 @ 1:00 pm – September 20 @ 5:00 pm
Join us for an exciting and educational workshop where you’ll dive into the fascinating world of racehorse necropsy. This hands-on event is designed for veterinary professionals who are eager to learn about the intricate details of racehorse anatomy, pathology, and the factors that affect their health and performance. REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT REQUIRED.
This workshop is invaluable for pathologists performing racehorse necropsies and a vital step towards improvements in the welfare and safety of these animals.
The lectures do not have an attendance cap, but the wetlab will be limited to 20 participants, priority will be given to pathologists and pathology residents.
What to Expect:
- Expert Guidance: Learn from top equine pathologists and veterinarians who will share their extensive knowledge and experience in racehorse necropsy.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in guided dissections of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular specimens (limit 20 participants).
- Detailed Analysis: Discover the critical steps in diagnosing racehorse health issues, from gross examination to histopathological analysis.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions on case studies, recent research, and advancements in equine pathology.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and expand your network within the equine health community.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your diagnostic skills, gain a deeper understanding of racehorse health, or simply satisfy your curiosity, this workshop promises to be an enriching experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the science behind equine health and performance.
The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL)
Schedule
Dates: September 18 – 20, 2025
Thursday morning:
Optional trip to Keeneland (George Mundy/Stuart Brown)
Thursday afternoon:
12:45 – 1:00 PM Introduction and welcome to Lexington – Laura Kennedy
1:00 – 1:30 PM Introduction to HISA and the role of HISA in racing – Karen Hassan/Jennifer Durenberger
1:30 – 2:00 PM Medications in racing and the role of HIWU- Mary Scollay
2:00 – 2:45 PM General considerations on racehorse postmortems – Laura Kennedy/Francisco Uzal
2:45 – 3:00 Break (refreshments provided)
3:00 – 3:45 PM The role of the regulatory veterinarian and the equine medical director – Mary Scollay, Michael Hardy
3:45 – 4:30 PM Sudden Death in racehorses – Francisco Uzal
4:30 – 5:00 PM Clinical cardiology and risk mitigation (VIRTUAL)- Sian Durward-Akhurst
Friday
8:00 – 8:45 am Joint disease in racehorses – Bruno Menarim
8:45 – 10:15 AM Anatomic nomenclature and biomechanics- Sue Stover/Julie Engiles
10:15 – 10:30 AM BREAK (refreshments provided)
10:30 – 11:45 AM Adaptation of musculoskeletal structures to training and competing
Etiopathogenesis of repetitive overuse injuries- Sue Stover/Julie Engiles
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM LUNCH (provided)
1:00 – 2:00 PM Typical skeletal injuries in racehorses, bone by bone- Sue Stover/Julie Engiles
2:00 – 3:00 Lye tank specimens- Sue Stover
3:00 – 3:15 PM BREAK (refreshments provided)
3:15 – 4:00 pm Approach to writing reports- Laura Kennedy, Francisco Uzal
4:00 – 5:00 pm Case reviews – Laura Kennedy, Will Farmer/Stuart Brown
5:00 pm Housekeeping and preparation for Saturday
Saturday wetlab – limited to 20 participants
Faculty: Julie Engiles, Laura Kennedy, Carlos Schild, Sue Stover, Francisco Uzal.
8:00 am – 10:30 am
Preserved specimens for demonstration of normal anatomy
Limb dissection demonstration
Individual limb dissection by participants
10:30 – 11:00 am break (provided)
11:00 – 1:30 pm
Preserved specimens for demonstration of common lesions and fractures
Fracture description and diagramming exercise for participants.
Cardiac dissection demonstration
Individual heart dissection by participants.
Location: University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory- UKVDL 1490 Bull Lea Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
You must be signed in to the Davis-Thompson Foundation website to register. We recommend each ticket holder purchase their own ticket under their login (avoid purchasing on behalf of others).
Wetlab session on Saturday, September 20 is limited to 20 participants. To participate in the wetlab, you must participate in the full event (Sept 18, 19 and 20). Pre-register for the wetlab bellow. You will be contacted via host.1@davisthompsonfoundation.edu and must confirm your reservation within a week.
***Registration closes a week before the event***
