Dr. W. Robert Cook

FRCVS, PhD., Professor Emeritus at Tufts University in Massachusetts, Author

Author of: Specifications for Speed in the Racehorse
Selecting Racehorses Using the Airflow Factors (DVD)

Background: After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 1952, Dr. Robert Cook was in general practice for three years and equine practice for another three. Since then he has been a clinician, teacher, and researcher at University Schools of Veterinary Medicine in Cambridge, London, Glasgow, Nairobi, Urbana and Boston. For eight years prior to coming the the United States in 1977, he worked at the Equine Research Station of Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, England. His field of research is diseases of the ear, nose and throat of the horse. Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy has been a special interest and was the subject of his Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Cambridge, England. Dr. Cook was Professor of Surgery and Professor of Anatomy and Cellular Biology at Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine, in Boston. He joined Tufts when the the school was started in 1979 and was the first Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences, subsequently serving as Acting Dean for a period.

Airflow Factors as an Aid to Selection
This talk can be adjusted so that it addresses the particular needs for the selection of racehorses, or event horses, dressage, show jumpers, etc... It stresses the fundamental importance of good wind for competition horses of all kinds.

Bleeding: How to Manage and Prevent
First discusses and proposes the cause of EIPH and, from this logical foundation, suggestions for management and prevention follow. Bleeding from the lungs can be shown to be caused by any obstruction of the upper airway, at exercise or rest.

Electro-diagnosis for Spinal and Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy
Describes a new and more accurate approach to the diagnosis of "wobblers" and the whole host of "roarers," "gurglers," displacers of soft palates, etc. This is an objective diagnosis based on a nerve condition measurement of the response to the slap test. The technique is known as electro-laryngeography.

Problems Caused by a Closed Stud Book
Closed stud books result in a loss of genetic diversity and an annually increasing degree of inbreeding in the population. This, in turn, leads to a rise in the frequency of inherited diseases and an increase of unsoundness. Some solutions are described.

BOOKING DETAILS:

Honorarium: $850

Preferred Airport: Logan Airport - Boston, Massachusetts