This BBC News article talks about the Dynamic Respiratory Endoscope, an augmented reality system, which lets vets assess live pictures of a horse's airways as it gallops at full speed. From the article: "The pioneering equipment could replace traditional methods where a horse is examined while running on a treadmill.
The University of Glasgow's Equine Hospital acquired the endoscope as part of a joint venture with horse training firm, Mark Johnston Racing.
The instrument will be used in the university's newly-launched Performance Horse Clinic.
Dr Patrick Pollock, senior clinician in equine surgery, said: "Within the animal kingdom, horses are considered to be elite athletes because of their unique anatomy and physiology.
"Many of the causes of poor performance are related to the respiratory system and a technique called endoscopy, in which a small camera is introduced through the nose and into the airways of the horse, is frequently used to diagnose disease affecting this area.
"Existing technology allows for a horse to be scoped while it runs on a treadmill. But this is expensive and potentially dangerous for the horse and treadmill operator.
"This new system has many advantages in that it allows horses to be examined in their normal environment under normal exercise conditions and is therefore more likely to result in the correct diagnosis."
Racehorse trainer, Mark Johnston, said the equipment was a leap forward in diagnosing problems.
"The Dynamic Respiratory Endoscope will revolutionise what we know about horses when they are being fully exercised," he said.
"Understanding the airway of a horse is the key to understanding so much more about them and how they function.""
Mark Johnston: Always A Trainer To Follow
Fascinating article, and absolutely no surprise to see that Mark Johnston is the willing volunteer pioneering these new diagnostic tools.
Johnston was a veterinary surgeon prior to taking out a trainers' license, and is one of the top trainers in the country. He knows how to get every ounce out of his horses and, of course, how to provide the exact care they require in times of injury or convalescence.
As a fan of UK horse racing, I will personally be looking for a subset of Johnston's horses to improve - apparently without reason - next season, as the fruits of this labour pay off by pinpointing and addressing hitherto undetected respiratory problems in some of his string.
Cracking stuff!
Matt Bisogno http://www.geegeez.co.uk Leading UK Horse Racing Blog