Pathophysiology of Pain

There is no single sensation that presents such a vast array of kinds and degrees and provokes as many varied reactions as does pain. Deane Juhan

You will start with a basic overview of pain physiology and how that relates to a horse’s well-being both physiologically and psychologically. Beginning with the elements of pain pathways, you will review the medical ramifications of painful conditions and how pain can be managed in the horse. This will include a review of both acute and chronic conditions. You will spend time evaluating horses for signs of pain, lameness and how that affects their attitude. By understanding and recognizing pain, will be better able to discern if pain is at the root of a performance issue or not.

You will also review equine nutrition and how a horse’s diet affects body functions including muscle and bone development. This will include a brief review of biochemistry in order to gain an understanding of muscle and joint physiology at the cellular level.

Following nutrition, you will become familiar with common equine diseases that are related to lameness and musculoskeletal integrity. It is important to be familiar with the diseases and their processes when working with horses whose treatments may be hindered by a given disease. It is also important to recognize contraindications in diseased animals and to first do no harm to either horse or human. This information will be helpful in assessing the abilities and limitations of comparative treatments.