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Equine osteoarthritis expert Wayne McIlwraith to speak in Bozeman

Bill Brewster

One of the world’s recognized experts on equine osteoarthritis is the featured Catlin Memorial Speaker during the MSU Equine Conference in Bozeman on March 5.

The conference takes place at the GranTree Inn and Convention Center.

Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, professor of surgery and the director of Orthopedic Research at Colorado State University, is scheduled to give two presentations during the day-long conference. During his first presentation at 8:30 a.m., McIlwraith will cover cause and diagnosis of osteoarthritis and a research update. At 10 a.m., he will discuss treatment options, including surgical interventions and prevention of the disease.



The speaker received his veterinary degree (BVSc) from Massey University of New Zealand. After time spent in a private practice, he completed a surgical internship at the University of Guelph in Canada. The internship was followed by a surgical residency at Purdue University. He also completed M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in joint disease (arthritis) research while at Purdue and was Board Certified as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1979. He also received his Dr. Med. Vet (h.c.) from the University of Vienna in 1995 and a Doctor of Science degree from Purdue University in 2001.

The McIlwraith presentations are just a portion of the comprehensive information scheduled during the Sixth annual MSU Equine Conference that is being sponsored by MSU Extension Service and MSU College of Agriculture’s Animal and Range Science Department.



Dr. Shannon Moreaux, DVM, an assistant professor in the department and the state’s equine extension specialist, faculty members and the Department’s Equine Advisory Committee, have planned a day-long schedule of breakout sessions that cover a broad range of practical and scientific topics designed to help horse owners in Montana with the latest information on a wide variety of subjects.

The first breakout session is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. The second is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., the third takes place at 2:30 p.m. and the final session takes place at 3:45 p.m.

Session topics include:

• Strangles update – Dr. Rob Keene, DVM, Boehringer-Ingelheim;

• First aid and emergency care – Dr. Jacey Cook, DVM, All-West Veterinary Hospital;

• Bits and equipment – Terry Shore of Westrends;

• Gastrointestinal diseases – Dr. Al Flint, DVM, Montana Equine;

• Understanding feed tags and hay analysis – Mike Wilson, Cargill;

• Breeding, foaling and shipping semen – Dr. Rod Warren, DVM, CSR Equine Sports Medicine Center;

• Equine metabolic disease – Dr. Peter Heidman, Montana Equine;

• EIA, anthrax and piraplasmosis – Dr. Jeanne Rankin, DVM, assistant state veterinarian, Montana Department of Livestock;

• Legal issues for Montana horse owners – Suzanne Nellen, attorney and performance horse producer;

• Hoof care techniques – Tom Wolfe, director of the MSU Shoeing School;

• Assessing quality horseshoeing with Josh Stanley, CJF;

• Equine management and budgeting software – Duane Griffith, MSU assistant professor, ag economics; and

• Alternative therapies – Dr. Lisa Jacobson, DVM, Big Sky Equine.

The program also features a number of educational sessions that are geared towards youth members of the horse community. They are:

• Horse judging workshop – Joani Kissock, Kissock Horse Center;

• Horse health and care for kids – Dr. Lisa Jacobson, DVM, Big Sky Equine; and

• Working in the horse industry – Andi Shockley, MSU equine manager.

Along with the lectures by equine specialists, the conference features a number of trade show exhibitors with products that are manufactured and sold specifically for horse owners.

A catered lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee of $45 per adult or $25 per student before Feb. 21; after Feb. 21 or at the door will cost $60 per adult and $40 per student. Register via an online form at http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/equine/equine_conf.htm.