Learn about LECOR

Research Publications

2004 EHSP Research Report

2005 EHSP Research Report

2006 EHSP Research Report

The LSU-Equine Health Studies Program provides current veterinary students an opportunity to explore the world of biomedical research by developing and completing a biomedical research project during the summer. The intent is to engage students in a creative, problem-solving research activity and to provide a learning experience that will lead to the discovery of new knowledge in an area of their choosing and identify potential pathways to a career in biomedical research. The summer program is funded by two sources, the Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars Program and an NIH T35 training grant. Students supported by NIH funds are chosen from applications that focus on problems or models important to human health whereas the Merck-Merial student projects focus on specific veterinary problems.

Jessica (left) and an LSU student worker with the LSU research herd.

The goal of 2nd year LSU-SVM student, Jessica Khodadad’s research is to determine the effect of a COX-1 sparing NSAIDs in foals. By studying the safety and preliminary pharmacokinetics of oral firocoxib, it will provide insight into its effects in foals. It is Jessica’s theory that firocoxib will prove to be a safer and more efficient NSAID. Her working hypothesis is that oral firocoxib treatment administered at the approved adult dosing level will be bioavailable and safe to use in foals that are 4-6 weeks old. Jessica’s mentor for her summer research is Dr. Rebecca McConnico, Associate Professor of Equine Medicine, EHSP in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at LSU. Jessica is a native of Cocoa Beach , Florida and plans to pursue a career specializing in exotic animal veterinary medicine.

Another summer researcher, Stephanie Rutherford, is also a 2nd year LSU-SVM student. Her summer research project is to evaluate the effects of chronic alcoholism on cartilage and tendon in a rat model. Specifically, she will look at the relationship between ketosis secondary to alcoholism and changes in structure, composition, and gene expression in tendon and cartilage. Osteoarthritis and tendon degeneration are associated with both diabetes and chronic alcoholism; however, the exact mechanism by which these conditions result in tissue damage are not well understood. Stephanie will be exploring the novel concept that ketosis, a side effect of both disease conditions, causes a cascade of events that end in tissue damage. Stephanie’s mentor for her summer research is Dr. Mandi J. Lopez, Director of the Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Stephanie is a native of Gonzales, Louisiana and plans to pursue a career specializing in small animal veterinary medicine.