Seminar: "What’s New in Old Horses? From Risk Factors for Medical Conditions to the Development of a Diagnostic Tool for Muscle Atrophy" - Alisa C. Herbst, BSc, PhD

Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Seminar:

"What’s New in Old Horses? From Risk Factors for Medical Conditions to the Development of a Diagnostic Tool for Muscle Atrophy"

Alisa C. Herbst, BSc, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Rutgers Equine Science Center

The life expectancy of horses is increasing, and senior horses (≥ 15 years) account for 1/3rd of the global equine population to date. Elderly horses are commonly affected by medical conditions, many of which are currently poorly understood and a challenge to diagnose and treat. Dr. Alisa Herbst’s research is concerned with various aspects of equine geriatric medicine and focuses especially on age-related changes in muscle mass and immune function. In her seminar talk, she will 1) elucidate risk factors for medical conditions commonly affecting senior horses, 2) discuss her findings concerning the effects of aging on equine innate immune function, and 3) highlight recent advances toward the development and validation of a diagnostic tool for muscle atrophy in horses.