Dr. Pompei Bolfa, pathologist and associate professor of biomedical sciences at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross Vet) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell University recently published a paper in Veterinary Pathology focusing on equine arytenoid chondritis, a condition most common in racehorses that decreases their athletic performance. The paper was featured on the cover of the January 2021 Veterinary Pathology journal.
Dr. Bolfa who served as principal investigator was joined by fellow pathologist, Dr. Michelle Dennis, statistician, Dr. Anne Conan, and large animal surgeon, Dr. Bernard Grevemeyer in the three-year study. Equine arytenoid chondritis causes airway obstruction and abnormal upper airway noise due to a space-occupying lesion(s) and decreased abduction. The objective of the study was to compare clinical scores and ultrasonographic findings with gross and microscopic lesions of naturally occurring arytenoid chondritis, in order to guide surgical treatment.
“Focal medial resection, a new conservative surgical approach, proposed for advanced equine arytenoid chondritis in racehorses could result in faster return to racing and high performance. The study combined pathology techniques and clinical assessment,” Dr. Pompei Bolfa.
The research study was funded by Ross Vet Center of Integrative Mammalian Research.
