Leading veterinarians share expertise on treating equine respiratory disorders

City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is co-organising with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) a 3-day symposium to enhance the expertise of equine veterinary surgeons in diagnosis and management of equine upper airway disease.

The Asian Equine Upper Airway Symposium, to be held from 11-13 January at CityU campus and HKJC Equine Hospital, will bring together veterinarians from the US, UK, Australia and all over Asia to exchange knowledge about the latest clinical skills critical to health and welfare of horses.

In his opening remarks, Professor Arthur Ellis, CityU Provost, said CityU is well aware of the interconnectedness between human health and animal health and believes veterinary education is important to Hong Kong and the region.

“As a result, CityU is proud to be able to contribute to the global partnerships between the East and the West to raise the standard of veterinary medicine, which is our global responsibility. We are hoping to establish networks and provide educational opportunities for veterinarians and those interested in veterinary medicine to advance their knowledge,” he said.

Respiratory disorders are a very common health problem affecting horses. Upper respiratory problems can significantly affect the ability of horses to perform well and race. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential for Asia’s highly valuable horse population and equestrian sports. It is also important to have talent, skills and expertise in this aspect of equine veterinary medicine.

 The symposium will focus on practical management of horses having poor performance attributable to upper airway disease. A team of veterinary surgeons, including Dr Chris Riggs (Head of Veterinary Clinical Services of HKJC and former Olympic Veterinary Services Manager), Dr Gregory Sommerville (from HKJC), Professor Padraic Dixon (from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at University of Edinburgh) and Professor Jonathan Cheetham and Professor Norm Ducharme (from Cornell University), will share the state-of-the-art knowledge on upper airway anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. In addition, veterinarians at the HKJC will team up with international experts to administer a state-of-the-art practical course to veterinarians in the region. The course will be conducted through lectures and hands-on laboratories where demonstrations will allow participants to learn and refine their diagnostic and surgical skills.