Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026, Midnight EST
To encourage the inclusion of new and timely research while preserving the ability to publish in refereed journals, the AAEP allows for the submission of abbreviated abstracts. These abstracts will be published in the AAEP Proceedings, while a corresponding full (minimum 600 word) paper MUST BE submitted solely for peer review.
Authors are responsible for ensuring that submission to AAEP will not jeopardize future publication of their work. Please contact your target journal in advance to confirm its policy on prior publication.
Abstract Format and Length
Abstracts should be approximately 300 words. Word length is determined by what is allowed by the journal that is intended to publish the full manuscript.
- The word count includes the Take-Home Message.
- References are not required in the abstract but must be included in the full paper.
- Abbreviated abstracts must follow the same structured format as the full paper (see section headings below).
- Abstract presentations are limited to 15 minutes plus 5 minutes for Q&A.
Note: These guidelines apply only to Scientific Paper abstracts. Review, How-To, and In-Depth papers are not required to follow this abbreviated format.
Full-Length Paper Requirement (For Abstracts)
A corresponding 600-word full paper must also be submitted with the abstract. This manuscript will not be published but will be used to assess:
- Study design
- Materials and methods
- Statistical analysis
- Results (including tables, figures, charts)
- Interpretation and conclusions
The submitting author must include a statement that only the abstract is to be published in the AAEP Proceedings.
Section Headings (Required for Both Abstract and Full Paper)
1. Paper Title
* The title should be concise, informative, and written in title case.
* Avoid punctuation and sentence-style phrasing.
- Good: Intra-Articular Therapies for Managing Coxofemoral Osteoarthritis in Horses
- Not Ideal: This paper explores how intra-articular therapies can help manage coxofemoral osteoarthritis in horses
* Special Identification for Abstracts
To indicate intention to publish in a refereed journal, please add “RESEARCH ABSTRACT” at the end of your paper title (e.g., Efficacy of Novel Antimicrobial Agents in Equine Pneumonia: RESEARCH ABSTRACT).
2. Take-Home Message
* A brief summary (1–3 sentences, ~50 words) of the most important practical conclusion. Included in word count.
* Should clearly express practical application for the equine practitioner.
* Take-Home Message Example:
There are multiple upper respiratory conditions that impact performance during high-speed exercise. Differentiating between these allows for targeted treatment and improved outcomes.
3. Introduction
* Significant published work should be cited in full paper.
* Provide context, rationale, and a clear statement of the objective or hypothesis (usually found in the last sentence of the introduction).
4. Materials and Methods
* Describe study design and methodology.
* Include animal selection criteria (population selected from, how selected, etc.) and data collection methods.
* Detail statistical analyses, including methods for assessing normality and appropriate tests (parametric or non-parametric).
* Use metric units for all measurements and drug dosages.
- Example: 22 mg/kg, q 12 h, IV
- Incorrect: 10 mg/lb, BID, IV
5. Results
* Present findings using numerical data.
* Include measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median) and variability (e.g., standard deviation [SD], standard error [SE], confidence intervals [CI]).
* Report results of hypothesis testing where applicable.
* Use figures or tables to enhance clarity, if their inclusion does not interfere with future journal publication.
* If data cannot be fully disclosed, provide relative differences (e.g., % change, odds ratios, significance levels) in the text.
6. Discussion
* Interpret key results and compare with relevant literature.
* Explain any differences from published data.
* Reiterate and expand on the practical Take-Home Message in the final summarizing statement.
7. Acknowledgments
* i. Declaration of Ethics
* ii. Conflicts of Interest
* iii. Funding/Material/Technical Support
(See General Guidelines for detailed formatting.)
8. References
* Follow Vancouver style, per JAVMA standards.
* Number references in-text using superscripts in the order of appearance.
* See General Guidelines for detailed formatting requirements.
* Authors are responsible for ensuring formatting and accuracy of all citations.
For help with reference formatting please google “Vancouver citation tutorial” or check this link with a roughly 3-minute video: Bing Videos.
Blinded Review Policy
To ensure an unbiased review process, all submitted papers must be blinded. See General Guidelines for detailed blinding requirements. Submissions will be reviewed by a blinded team from the Scientific Review & Editorial Committee (SREC) for relevance, clarity, and value to equine practitioners.
Please consult the General Guidelines for additional details on formatting, ethical disclosures, compounded medications, permissions, and submission policies.
