Interesting News

International Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame Donald Walsh, DVM Pacific, Mo.Donald Walsh’s career changed when he encountered a series of particularly devastating laminitis cases after he’d already been operating the Homestead Equine Hospital for 14 years.“As a doctor of veterinary medicine with a pledge to alleviate suffering, I felt helpless to ease the pain caused by this debilitating disease,” recalls the 1969 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. “That’s when I became intent on discovering the underlying causes as a first step toward implementing an effective prevention and treatment protocol.” Working closely with the farrier community, Walsh was convinced that one day there would be a scientific breakthrough on laminitis. His research, he says, “found a life of its own,” and led to a connection with renowned Australian researcher, Christopher Pollitt, another member of the International Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame.Eventually, Walsh’s work led to the establishment of the Animal Health Foundation in 1984.The foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that funds laminitis research, with 100% of public donations going toward this effort. The foundation also offers information to help owners prevent laminitis. The painful and crippling disease continues to strike thousands of horses ever year. While progress is steadily being made, Walsh notes, “We are still a long way off from making a difference to those that are suffering today.”Walsh, who was raised on a farm where he developed a passion for Saddlebreds, is committed to continuing his work to conquer laminitis.“Do what is right for the animal and the rest will turn out alright,” is how he describes his philosophy.For more on the Animal Health Foundation, visit animalhealthfoundation.com