Peter Muir

Surgical Sciences

Research Program

The Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory has several areas of interest. An active area is skeletal adaptation to loading, stress (fatigue) fractures. One Health Genomics through genomic dissection of disease on spontaneous companion animal models is also very active. Clinically, the laboratory continues to focus on cruciate ligament rupture in dogs, long bone fracture repair, and clinical trials evaluating treatment of canine osteoarthritis, including use of regenerative medicine therapy.

Pathogenesis of spontaneous stress fractures, such as condylar fracture in racing Thoroughbreds, is an important current focus. We are particularly interested in the remodeling response in the subchondral plate that promotes condylar stress fracture propagation. The laboratory has developed a novel vertical and oblique CT scanning through the Asto CT Inc, Equina system (www.astoct.com). Using this CT system, routine screening of standing sedated racehorses for bone injury is now possible.

In the area of One Health Genomics, genomic dissection of spontaneous disease in compansion animals is a major focus. Current projects include genome-wide association studies of canine cruciate rupture, canine laryngeal paralysis, and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis in the Peruvian Horse. Using a whole genome sequencing approach, we are also studying fibrotic myopathy in the German Shepherd Dog.

Current areas of cruciate rupture research include the immune response within the stifle synovium that is an important early pathologic feature that precedes ligament rupture. A goal of this research is development of a disease-modifying or bioenhanced treatment for the stable stifle in affected dogs.

As part of our clinical trial work in client-owned dogs, the laboratory is continuing to work on development of improved methods for analysis of force-platform gait data.

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