An American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation study has identified the areas of horse health that have the most pressing need for research.

Equine veterinarians participated in the 2009 AAEP Membership Equine Research Study to assist the equine industry in directing its financial support of equine research projects.

Study respondents ranked laminitis, colic, arthritis, tendon injuries and navicular disease as the five research priorities.

“The 2009 AAEP Membership Equine Research Study is a valuable tool in determining where the industry should direct support for equine research in the future,” said Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, chair of the AAEP Foundation. “With this updated study, the industry is able to identify the areas of equine research important to veterinarians, thus enhancing the industry’s ability to make important decisions as to where time and resources should be directed to help horses through research.”