Horse treadmill unique in Oregon

Erica McKenzie A gift from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation has allowed OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine to install a new high-speed equine treadmill, the only one of its kind in Oregon. The $170,000 project allows clinicians and researchers to examine and conduct research on horses — and other large animals — in ways rarely if ever previously seen in the state.

A 1,200-pound horse can gallop on the treadmill at speeds surpassing 25 miles per hour while its heart rate, blood flow, and respiration are monitored. The first horses have begun to use the apparatus under the direction of Erica McKenzie, an assistant professor who specializes in large animal exercise physiology and nutrition. In the photo above by Mark Floyd, she rewards a horse with a treat after a treadmill workout.

"The installation of this high-speed treadmill significantly enhances the ability of our large animal clinicians to diagnose diseases in performance horses and conduct research applicable to exercising athletes — both equine and human," said Cyril Clarke, Lois Bates Acheson Dean of Veterinary Medicine. "This investment demonstrates our commitment to the care of equine patients and training of students in skills relevant to large animal practice."

The treadmill adds to the growing use of sophisticated instrumentation at OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, the only such college in Oregon. Last year the college installed a "64-slice" CT scanner, valued at more than $1 million, that can take head-to-toe body scans of horses, cows, and other large animals in just 15 seconds.

The Valley Foundation's support for the equine treadmill was part of a larger gift to renovate and expand the facilities in Magruder Hall. This generosity from the Valley Foundation has led to significant advancements in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and research at the College of Veterinary Medicine. "This underscores the importance of private support in helping the college to meet the needs of Oregon's animal industries and private owners," Clarke said.

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