October 4, 2026 · Evidence feed live
In turn, Finn participated in a research study to optimize the early diagnosis of airway disease for future patients.
As veterinarians, we are often confronted with clinical problems we haven’t encountered before — horses may have a disease we need to characterize better, or we have a lack of response to treatment and need to investigate a new medication.
Clinical research is a way of moving treatments and diagnostics forward.
One of the goals of a university setting is to generate and contribute to that body of knowledge.” —Dr.
Daniela Bedenice, professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Cummings School and Marilyn M.
Simpson Professor in Equine Medicine Equine asthma affects more than 80 percent of stabled horses.
Milder forms of asthma are difficult for owners to recognize and clinicians to diagnose.
At Tufts Equine Respiratory Health Lab , Hospital for Large Animals (HLA) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, clinical research is steadily advancing new technologies and methods of diagnosing and treating patients with inflammatory airway diseases like equine asthma.
In the case of a dressage horse named Finn, a non-invasive lung function test developed in the lab was key to his diagnosis and recovery.
A purebred Arabian gelding, Finn, competes with his owner, Nikki Bickar, in USDF-rated dressage events and Arabian breed shows throughout New England.
“Finn likes to work, he loves treats, he loves his routine.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
Source university website: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
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