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Research

 Research is a key component for the present and future enhancement of Athletic and Working Animals. Equine and canine athletes and scientific communities have gained many benefits from the research that the Auburn University Veterinary Sports Medicine Program (AUVSMP) has conducted over the years.  This research would not and is not possible with out the financial support from private donors and research grants. With financial support the AUVSMP has been able to research various technologies from human sports medicine and other scientific disiplines and apply those technologies to increase performance and safety in the athletic dog and horse community. Also the AUVSMP has employed such technologies as thermography to help us understand metabolism, injuries, illnesses, and environmental stressors on athletic animals. In addition, the AUVSMP has conducted many physiological, biomechanical, and environmental studies to determine the affects of such issues as environmental stress, anticipation stress, exercise stress, and recovery has on athletic animals in general. Other research projects have included studying training, nutrition, and kennel management programs for fox hounds, pointers, greyhounds, and sled dogs.

With financial help from private donors we have elevated the level of our analytical abilities. The AUVSMP uses state of the art kinematic analysis in the field and lab to evaluate lameness and performance of all breeds of dogs and horses. This technology has led to the development of better clinical and field lameness evaluation techniques, surgical techniques, and it has enhanced rehabilitation techniques. In the future this technology may lead to safer course designs in all sports due to a greater understanding of specific sports motions or skills. In addition, it may lead to new training protocols to improve performance. The AUVSMP continues to conduct cutting edge research for the benefit of the canine and equine athlete.

Other Explored Research Interests

  • The effects of conditioning upon the physical, physiological, psychological and olfactory performance of working dogs
  • Design and Implementation of Athletic and Working Dog Performance Optimization Programs
  • Conditioning Dogs for Variable Climates
  • Optimizing Nutrition for Physical Performance, Breeding, Olfaction, Immunity, and other.
  • Exploring New Methodologies to Evaluate Athletic and Working Dogs
  • Exploring New Methodologies to Evaluate Athletic and Working Horses
  • Evaluating the Effects of Anticipation on Performance in Dogs and Horses
  • Prevention of Overtraining and Overreaching in Dogs and Horses

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