SPORTS MEDICINE PROGAM

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MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the Sports Medicine Program at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is to study injuries, diseases, nutritional factors, and physiologic functions of dogs and horses involved in field sports and working endeavors. The goal of the Program is to improve the health, well-being, and functional longevity of these animals and to disseminate information on research findings to those involved with such dogs and horses.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM

Field trials are part of a long, proud hunting and sporting tradtion in the State of Alabama, home of the National Free-For-All Championship trials. Approximately forty-five miles from the site of this annual competition, veterinarians and scientists at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine have established a Sports Medicine Program to address conditions affecting canine and equine athletes, particulary those used in field sports.

In 1991, Auburn intensified its efforts in the clinical care and research related to the health problems of canine and equine athletes in response to widespread interest in athletic animal health. Veterinary college faculty enthusiastically began to focus on developing such a program based on information and advice obtained from dog owners and handlers who work with these animals and private veterinary practitioners who have many of them as patients. This led to the formation of a Sports Medicine Program Committee made up of faculty and private practitioners that is responsible for promoting and developing research projects addressing canine and equine problems.

Committee members are dedicated to combining research and clinical services to provide the best possible care for athletic animals and to educating practicing veterinarians, dog owners, handlers, and breeders about the specific health needs of those animals.

FUNDING

The College of Veterinary Medicine, in cooperation with attending veterinarians, is interested in helping animal owners solve problems related to the athletic animal. Limited support for research projects in this area is initially being provided by the Scott-Ritchey Research Center and the Large Animal Clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Scott-Ritchey Research Center was started by Dr. Frank Hoerlein in the late 1960's with support from Mr. Kenneth Scott, an avid field trial enthusiast and bird-dog breeder. The Center was expanded and enriched in the late 1980's with funds from the Eleanor Ritchey estate and exists today as a major international center for research on diseases of dogs and cats.

One of the long-term goals of the Sports Medicine Program is to develop stable financial support for the continuation of research and clinical efforts, so that all problems related to the athletic animal can be properly addressed. Any individual or organization seeking additional information concerning the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Sports Medicine Program or interested in participating in the program should contact Dr. Steve Swaim at the Scott-Ritchey Research Center (334-844-5577), College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849.