Ophthalmology News
Equine Ophthalmology to benefit from the generosity of a grant making trust
The Langford Trust is extremely grateful to the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust for their wonderful and generous support towards training an MSc clinical scholar in ophthalmology. This programme is a three year residency during which the candidate will contribute to equine ophthalmology knowledge through novel and innovative research. They will work under the supervision of the RCVS and European Specialist in veterinary ophthalmology Claudia Hartley BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO FRCVS.
Despite the clear need for specialist ophthalmologists with equine experience, skill, and interest, there are only four board-certified (specialist) ophthalmologists in the UK routinely examining equine cases (two of which are based here at Langford, the University of Bristol vet school).
This residency will have a massive impact on the welfare of all equids. The research area, identified as in clear need of investigation, is the effect of equine endocrinopathies on the pre-corneal tear film and cornea. Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s disease) is a common disease of the aged horse. PPID has been linked to recurrent laminitis, hypertrichosis, muscle wastage, pendulous abdomen, polydipsia and polyuria and recurrent infections, as well as other endocrinopathies such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). By supporting clinical research projects like this, we can advance science and ensure that the decisions vets make are evidence based. General practitioners look to vet schools for such information. The Vet School at Langford is often at the forefront of innovative science and medicine; by supporting this unique equine ophthalmology residency with its meaningful and relevant research programme the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust has truly made a difference; they have helped the Langford Trust in our quest to relieve suffering and distress of all horses.
We are very excited by this project and extremely grateful to the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust.
