Volunteer Opportunity: Lend your expertise to the Ask
the Vet Forum in 2015
The Ask the Vet online forum is seeking AAEP members
to lend their expertise to horse owners in 2015. The
AAEP's Ask the Vet forum allows horse owners to submit
questions on various topics in veterinary medicine and overall horse health. Suggested
topics include, but are not limited to emergency care, preparing for emergency disasters
and internal parasites. If you are interested in volunteering your expertise, please contact
Dana Kirkland at dkirkland@aaep.org.

Equine Veterinary Journal: Featured papers of interest

Changes in the faecal microbiota of mares precede the development of post partum
colic - JS Weese, SJ Holcombe, RM Emberston, KA Kurtz, HA Roessner,
M Jalali and SE Wismer
This study found consistent changes in faecal microbiota which preceded
episodes of colic; this may lead to identification of higher risk mares and
manipulation of the microbiota in order to reduce the risk of colic.

Lungeing on hard and soft surfaces: Movement symmetry of trotting horses considered
sound by their owners - T Pfau, C Jennings, H Mitchell, E Olsen, A Walker, A Egenvall, S
Tröster, R Weller and M Rhodin
Assessment of horses on a straight line only should not be used as a sole measure of
lameness. Assessment on both reins and on differing surfaces should be undertaken.

Important Deadlines:
 January 30: Milne lecturer nominations due - A detailed nomination letter is
required and must entail qualifications and accomplishments of nominees. January
30, 2015 is the deadline to submit a letter for the 2016 Milne Lecture. Please
submit nomination letters to Carey Ross at cross@aaep.org.

 February 1: Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign spring application
deadline - Qualified applicants must be a 501(c)3 rescue/retirement facility and
follow the AAEP Rescue Retirement Guidelines. Complimentary vaccines provided
by AAEP Educational Partner, Merck Animal Health. For more information about
the UHVRC program visit, www.UHVRC.org.