Society for theriogenology

all phases of the endurance day to avoid problems of exhaustion and hyperthermia. The criteria for exhaustion in event horses are beginning to be understood and the FEI has set up a special working group on this. Much advice has been received from experienced vets, such as Dr. Marty Simensen from the States. The critical factors that push a tired horse over the edge into exhaustion involve both heat and humidity. However, exhaustion is a very complex syndrome of pathophysiological processes that produce an extremely tired or overstressed horse at the end of the endurance day. The syndrome involves the cumulative effects of hyperthermia, muscle cramps (tying up) and respiratory embarrassment/ distress (±thumps). It is not appropriate to discuss the body's physiological responses in detail, but these essentially involve the depletion of energy sources, build up of waste and metabolic products, and most importantly, the problem of dissipation of heat. The clinical signs include: • the general state of the horse and elevated rectal temperature, • delay or failure of the pulse rate to return toresting levels; • respiratory rate remains high and shallow; • shocked uneasy appearance with weak pulse, poor capillary refill, tucked up abdomen; • inability to sweat effectively; • increased nervousness and irritability with whinnying and continual shifting of weight; • raised tail and relaxed anus; and • progressive onset of stiffness of gait and behavioral signs. The climate in and around the course had been carefully monitored for two weeks before the event. There had been an unseasonal amount of rain in early July, but gradually the "climate factor" (ambient temperature + relative humidity) kept creeping up until the day of the cross country it was forecast at over 150

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- a level at which extra precautions should be taken. The Ground Jury considered advice from the Veterinary Commission and made a decision to reduce the Steeplechase from 4.5 to 4 minutes (i.e. 7 fences at 690 m/min) and Phase C from 11 km to 9 km with an extra assistance point after 5 km (which meant an additional 3 mins to the time allowed). The horses were very carefully monitored in the 10 Minute box and after Phase D. As a result of these precautions and the sensible attitude of the riders, very few incidents occurred. In fact, of the 82 horses competing only two had to be treated for exhaustion and both recovered, and 70 horses completed the course.

General c o m m e n t s on t h e event There is no doubt that at the end of the day this was a most successful Olympic competition. It is always unfortunate to have to eliminate horses at the three inspections, although considering the level of the competition the numbers taken out were very small. 1st Inspection: No. inspected - 111; No. sent to Holding Box - 5; and No. failed- 3. 2nd Inspection: No. inspected - 81 and No. failed - 0. 3rd Inspection: No. inspected- 68; No. sent to Holding Box - 7, and No. failed- 5. All in all it was a triumph for the horses, riders, officials and vets. A most successful and happy e v e n t - and, of course the best team won! Now we have to get to Work to makesure the next Olympics in Atlanta is as good and safe for the horses.

SOCIETY FOR THERIoGENoLOGY The Society forTheriogenology held their Annual Conference, August 15,17, 1992, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. Theme of the Confer-

ence was "Theriogenology, Impact on People & Profits." Included on the program was the introduction of the new evaluation forms, for use by members, for the bull, stallion, canine, and ram. Newly-elected officers are" President: Dr. Thomas Shelton, Blackfoot, ID; Vice-President: Dr. Beverly Purswell, Blacksburg, VA, and Secretary-Treasurer: Dr. Jerry Rains of Kansas City, MO. Newly-elected Directors to the Board for a three-year term are: Dr. Bruce Sorenson, Bozeman, MT, Dr. Gordon Spronk, Pipestone, Minnesota; and Dr. Carl Woodburn, Caldwell, Idaho. Dr. Victor Shille ofthe University of Florida presented the 9th Annual "David E. Bartlett" lecture. The 1993 Annual Conference will be August 12-14 at the Omni Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.

THE AMERICANCOLLEGE OF THERIOGENOLOGISTS The American College of Theriogenologists met in San Antonio, Texas at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, August 12-15, at the time of the Annual Conference of the Society for Theriogenology. At the Annual business Meeting held on Thursday, August 13, the following new members of the Executive Board were announced. President: Dr. Ted i.xrck, Urbana, Ill; President-elect: Dr. Particia Olson, St. Paul, MN; Secretary: Dr. Dickson Varner, College Station, TX. Dr. Steven Van Camp of Raleigh, NC continues as Treasurer. Elected as a Director-at-Large on the Board was Dr. Mark Spire of Manhattan, KS. Awarded an Honorary membership in the American College of Theriogenologists was Dr. Patrick Concannon of Cornell University. An Honorary membership was also awarded posthumously to Dr. George Stabenfeldt of Davis, California who had died August 4.

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