EVMC study provides treatment for rare skeletal disease in horses

Doha: A former intern at the Equine Veterinary Medical Center (EVMC) has had research published in Veterinary Surgery, a world-renowned scientific journal. The study, which was conducted at the Qatar Foundation entity, offers a new treatment avenue to horses and equine surgeons facing a rare skeletal condition.

Dr. Machiel Ysebaert was an intern at  EVMC from 2019-2020 and took part in a 12-month post-graduate veterinary teaching program dedicated to young veterinarians with a desire to specialize in equine diagnostics and therapeutics. The program saw six interns from Belgium, Pakistan, Portugal, France, and Qatar undertake the intense training. Dr. Ysebaert and the EVMC surgical team, which was led by Dr. Florent David, Head of  the Surgery and Sports Medicine service at EVMC, were presented with a rare case of a benign bone tumor interfering with the navicular bone, located close to the foot. The latest diagnostic imaging technologies were used to assess the foal and identify the clinical condition. Utilizing advanced surgical techniques and equipment, the team was able to successfully remove, by arthroscopy, the bone and cartilage overgrowth using a new approach.