Susan Stover

Last updated
Susan Stover
NationalityAmerican
Alma mater
Known for"An association between complete and incomplete stress fractures of the humerus in racehorses" (1994); "Horseshoe characteristics as possible risk factors for fatal musculoskeletal injury of Thoroughbred racehorses" (1996); "Relationship between race start characteristics and risk of catastrophic injury in Thoroughbreds" (1998)
Awards AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award
University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame
Scientific career
Fields Veterinary medicine
Equine anatomy
Biomechanics
Institutions University of California, Davis
Thesis Dorsal metacarpal disease in Thoroughbred horses: relationship to the development of the third metacarpal  (1988)

Susan Marie Stover is a professor of veterinary anatomy at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and director of the J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory. One of the focuses of her wide-ranging research is musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses, particularly catastrophic breakdowns. Her identification of risk factors has resulted in improved early detection and changes to horse training and surgical repair methods. On July 30, 2016, Stover received the Lifetime Excellence in Research Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association. In August 2016, she was selected for induction into the University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame.

Contents

Education and honors

Stover earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 1976. [1] She then completed an internship and residency in equine surgery at UC Davis. After working in private practice in Washington state, she returned to UC Davis where she became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. [2] In 1987, she earned her Ph.D. in comparative pathology, [3] doing orthopedic research into dorsal metacarpal disease in Thoroughbred racehorses, colloquially known as "bucked shins". [2]

In 2010, Washington State University presented Stover with the Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research after two students that she mentored received James Wilson Awards for the Best Equine Publication by a resident or graduate student, in addition to her own distinguished research. [1]

In 2013, UC Davis honored her with the 2013 Alumni Achievement Award "for her contributions to veterinary orthopedic research, particularly toward understanding musculoskeletal injuries of racing horses and improving racetrack safety." [4]

In 2014, she received a Founders Award from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in recognition of her wide-ranging orthopedic research, from studies of equine and small animal surgery, to basic bone biology, musculoskeletal diseases and human orthopedics. [3] The ACVS also noted that she had provided clinical training to 26 ACVS residents, was a research advisor for 37 ACVS residents and was an orthopedic research supervisor of 79 graduate academic and 36 DVM students. Of her trainees, 29 went on to hold faculty positions. Colleagues stated: "I believe Dr. Sue Stover's contributions to the advancement of equine musculoskeletal health and injury prevention can only be described as monumental," and "I would consider this level of advanced training to veterinarians and ACVS residents as unparalleled." [5] She was the first female surgeon and ninth overall to be so recognized. [6]

In 2016, Stover received the Lifetime Excellence in Research Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Stover has played a pivotal role in improving our understanding of performance-related injuries in racing horses," said Dr. Joe Kinnarney, president of the AVMA. [7] In August, the University of Kentucky announced that she had been selected for induction into their Equine Research Hall of Fame in Lexington. [8]

In 2022, Stover delivered the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners conference, titled “Skeletal Injuries in Equine Athletes: Pathogenesis and Training Concepts for Injury Prevention.” This lecture is highly attended and only speakers with a profound impact on equine medicine are selected to deliver it. [9]

As of 2024, Stover is a professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, teaching musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology to veterinary students. She is also the Director of the J. D. Wheat Orthopedic Research Laboratory, and has over 200 research publications. [4] [2]

Catastrophic racing injuries

Stover is known internationally for her research into equine bone development and its response to repetitive use. In 1994, she published a study on catastrophic breaks of the humerus in racehorses, showing they were most often preceded by stress fractures. She then systematically identified similar stress fractures underlying the development of most performance-related fractures in equine athletes. [4]

Another study showed that the risk of a thoroughbred suffering a catastrophic injury was increased by a factor of 16 if the horse was wearing high toe grabs (a cleat on the front of the horseshoe designed to improve traction) on the front feet. [10] In 2008, the graded stakes committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association adopted a rule that limited the allowable height of toe grabs on racetracks that hold graded stakes races. [11]

In response to the breakdowns of Barbaro and Eight Belles in Triple Crown races, Stover was asked to testify before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection on the topic "Breeding, Drugs and Breakdowns: The State of Thoroughbred Horseracing and the Welfare of the Thoroughbred" in June 2008. She stated that although the rise in breakdowns was "devastating", there were promising initial results from the switch in California to synthetic dirt surfaces. "Given time, I'm optimistic we can prevent many more injuries," she said. [12]

Subsequent data from the Equine Injury Database showed that the synthetic surfaces were significantly safer to racehorses. For the period of January 1, 2009 through January 31, 2013: [10]

Stover helped develop a "track in a box" to see how simulated hoof impacts are affected by different surfaces. Stover said, "In the laboratory, many new factors — for example, new surfaces and horseshoes — can be studied that optimize traction while reducing injury risk. Laboratory studies also control the environmental circumstances, thus avoiding the confounding of the results incurred by the multiple environmental variants in natural racetrack settings." [13] Roughly 50% of catastrophic breakdowns involve the fetlock joint, which connects the pastern and cannon bone. When a hoof strikes a racing surface, there is some slide, which helps reduce impact forces in excess of 10,000 Newtons but increases the risk of hyperextension of the joint. If the slide is too short, fractures of the first phalanx (P1) may result. This happens most frequently on turf and may be associated with studs on the horseshoe. [14] On the other hand, Stover said that "the more hyperextension the fetlock undergoes, the higher the stresses that are put on the structures that are failing. If we can show that certain surfaces minimize hyperextension, they should minimize catastrophic injuries." [10]

Despite the improved safety record, several tracks (including Santa Anita, Del Mar and Keeneland) that installed synthetic surfaces in the mid-2000s had switched back to natural dirt by 2015, a change that made Stover ask, "Are we making decisions based on scientific evidence, or things we don’t know much about?" She added, "From my perspective, synthetic tracks are still safer. If we modify a surface, it affects every horse that’s training or racing, and we have the opportunity to make a difference – a big difference – to those horses." [10]

In addition to racing surface and horseshoeing, Stover helped identify other risk factors for the development of fractures, including: [15]

Her research has helped lead to better early detection, monitoring of at risk-horses and changes to training methods. These include: [16] [17]

Studies directed by her have also led to improvements in surgical repair methods in both large and small animals. [4] She is also involved in research regarding the association between the development of osteoporosis in horses and the inhalation of cytotoxic silicate-laden soil. [2]

Publications

Stover is the author or co-author of over 200 research publications, [2] including:

Stover has also authored five book chapters: [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orthopedic surgery</span> Branch of surgery concerned with the musculoskeletal system

Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruffian (horse)</span> American-bred champion Thoroughbred racehorse

Ruffian was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won ten consecutive races, including the Acorn, Mother Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks, then known as the American Triple Tiara. She was in the lead at every point of call in every race she ever ran and set new stakes records in each of the eight stakes races she won. Her dominating wins caused her to be named the American Champion filly at both ages two and three. In July 1975, she entered a highly anticipated match race with Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure, in which she broke down. Surgery was attempted but Ruffian reacted poorly and exacerbated the injuries while coming out of anesthesia. As a result, she was euthanized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laminitis</span> Disease of the feet of hooved animals

Laminitis is a inflammation of laminae that affects the feet of ungulates and is found mostly in horses and cattle. Clinical signs include foot tenderness progressing to inability to walk, increased digital pulses, and increased temperature in the hooves. There is also swelling in foot in some cases.Severe cases with outwardly visible clinical signs are known by the colloquial term founder, and progression of the disease will lead to perforation of the coffin bone through the sole of the hoof or being unable to stand up, requiring euthanasia.

Navicular syndrome, often called navicular disease, is a syndrome of lameness problems in horses. It most commonly describes an inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, usually on the front feet. It can lead to significant and even disabling lameness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flunixin</span> NSAID analgesic veterinary drug

Flunixin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), analgesic, and antipyretic used in horses, cattle and pigs. It is often formulated as the meglumine salt. In the United States, it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and may only be lawfully distributed by order of a licensed veterinarian. There are many trade names for the product.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cribbing (horse)</span> Stable vice in horses

Cribbing is a form of stereotypy, otherwise known as wind sucking or crib-biting. Cribbing is considered to be an abnormal, compulsive behavior seen in some horses, and is often labelled a stable vice. The major factors that cause cribbing include stress, stable management, genetic and gastrointestinal irritability.

Organ replacement in animals is an emerging field in veterinary science, focusing on improving and prolonging the lives of animals through the replacement or augmentation of damaged or dysfunctional organs. Despite its relative rarity compared to limb prosthesis, strides have been made over the decades, with notable milestones such as the first pacemaker surgery on a dog in 1968 and successful kidney transplants in cats since the mid-1980s. This field faces challenges, particularly in canine programs, due to issues related to immunosuppression. Ethical considerations also exist, particularly concerning the treatment of donor animals, underscoring the need for ongoing discussions and regulations in this dynamic field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cerebellar abiotrophy</span> Genetic condition in animals

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), also called cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA), is a genetic neurological disease in animals, best known to affect certain breeds of horses, dogs and cats. It can also develop in humans. It develops when the neurons known as Purkinje cells, located in the cerebellum of the brain, begin to die off. These cells affect balance and coordination. They have a critical role to play in the brain. The Purkinje layer allows communication between the granular and molecular cortical layers in the cerebellum. Put simply, without Purkinje cells, an animal loses its sense of space and distance, making balance and coordination difficult. People with damage to the cerebellum can experience symptoms like unsteady gait, poor muscle control, and trouble speaking or swallowing.

Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), also known as "bleeding" or a "bleeding attack", is the presence of blood in the airways of the lung in association with exercise. EIPH is common in horses undertaking intense exercise, but it has also been reported in human athletes, racing camels and racing greyhounds. Horses that experience EIPH may also be referred to as "bleeders" or as having "broken a blood vessel". In the majority of cases, EIPH is not apparent unless an endoscopic examination of the airways is performed following exercise. This is distinguished from other forms of bleeding from the nostrils, called epistaxis.

Lameness is an abnormal gait or stance of an animal that is the result of dysfunction of the locomotor system. In the horse, it is most commonly caused by pain, but can be due to neurologic or mechanical dysfunction. Lameness is a common veterinary problem in racehorses, sport horses, and pleasure horses. It is one of the most costly health problems for the equine industry, both monetarily for the cost of diagnosis and treatment, and for the cost of time off resulting in loss-of-use.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thoroughbred</span> Horse breed developed for racing

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed for horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered "hot-blooded" horses that are known for agility, speed, and spirit.

Racehorse injuries and fatalities are a side effect of the training and competition of horse racing. Racehorse injuries are considered especially difficult to treat, as they frequently result in the death of the horse. A 2005 study by the United States Department of Agriculture found that injuries are the second leading cause of death in horses, second only to old age.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann T. Bowling</span> American geneticist (1943–2000)

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital</span>

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Alicia L. Bertone is an American academic, administrator, researcher, and veterinary surgeon. She is a professor and a provost in the Office of Academic Affairs at the Ohio State University. Bertone has worked as the Vice-Provost of Graduate Studies, Associate Vice Provost of Data and Analysis, the ENGIE-Axium Endowed Dean of the Graduate School, and the Trueman Family Endowed Chair at the Ohio State University. Bertone is a Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and, as the Trueman Endowed Chair, established and directed the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory at the University.

Naomi Cogger is an Australian–New Zealand epidemiologist, and is a full professor at Massey University, specialising in the epidemiology of animal diseases that impact animal and human health, and food security.

References

  1. 1 2 "Veterinary Executive Report" (PDF). vetmed.wsu.edu. Spring–Summer 2010. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Merial-NIH National Veterinary Scholars Symposium" (PDF). merial.vet.ohio-state.edu. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Name droppers: UCD equine surgeon earns national honor". The Davis Enterprise. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "2013 Alumni Achievement Awards". UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  5. ↑ "2014 Founders Award – Stover" (PDF). acvs.org. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  6. ↑ "Hall of Fame honor for renowned equine veterinarian". Horsetalk.co.nz. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  7. ↑ "Dr. Susan M. Stover receives the 2016 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award". American Veterinary Medical Association. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  8. ↑ "University of Kentucky to Honor Vet Stover". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  9. ↑ Warren, Rob (20 November 2022). "Dr. Sue Stover Delivers Milne Lecture at AAEP". UC Davis Veterinary Medicine News. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Marquardt, Lucas. "Is this the death of synthetic racing?" (PDF). thoroughbreddailynews.com. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  11. ↑ "Graded Stakes Tied to Adoption of Rules". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  12. ↑ Lewis, James M. "Racing's reformation?". veterinarynews.dvm360.com/. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  13. ↑ "Funding for New Racetrack Surfaces Study". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  14. ↑ "Restricting Foot Slide Causes P1 Fractures". www.americanfarriers.com. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  15. ↑ Anthenill, L. Stover, S. M., Gardner, I., Hill, A. (July 2007). "Risk factors for proximal sesamoid bone fractures associated with exercise history and horseshoe characteristics in Thoroughbred racehorses". American Journal of Veterinary Research. 68 (7): 760–71. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.68.7.760 . PMID   17605612 . Retrieved 26 August 2016.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ Stover, Susan M. (December 2003). "The epidemiology of Thoroughbred racehorse injuries". Clinical Techniques in Equine Practice. 2 (4): 312–322. doi:10.1053/j.ctep.2004.04.003.
  17. ↑ Ferraro, Gregory L. "Ask the Vets: New Data on Racehorse Injury Prevention" (PDF). California Thoroughbred. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  18. ↑ "Susan Stover – UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty". UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
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