Page 23 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

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PREFACE TO THE

SIXTH EDITION

Welcome to the sixth edition of Adams and Stashak’s tions, saddle fit, headshaking, and assessment of the
Lameness in Horses. When Dr. Stashak approached me neurologic horse. Chapter 11 discusses the unique fea-
about being an editor for the new edition, I failed to tures of the musculoskeletal system in the growing
realize the complexity of the endeavor. However, I have horse and serves to remind us of the numerous differ-
tried to modify the book with the specific goal of pro- ences between the immature and mature horse with
viding the most current information as concisely as pos- respect to lameness.
sible. You will notice that Dr. Stashak’s name has been A major effort was also made to include as many new
added to the book title to reflect his numerous contribu- color images and illustrations within the sixth edition as
tions to this text over the last few editions. possible. Several older anatomical illustrations were
The primary objectives of the sixth edition were to converted to color, but many of the black and white
update existing information and add new information illustrations were retained because they remain excellent
without expanding the size of the book. This required examples. Conventional radiographs were replaced with
reorganization, consolidation, and deletion of existing digital images whenever possible due to their improved
material in some cases. Expansive text on surgical pro- quality and reproducibility. The goal was to have every
cedures was condensed or eliminated in the sixth edition image clearly illustrate what the author had intended.
to focus on lameness and not surgery in horses. An instructional DVD titled The “How to” Guide for
You will notice that only Chapters 1–5 and 12 are Equine Lameness Evaluation complements the sixth edi-
similar in content to previous chapters in the fifth edi- tion. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate physical
tion. However, Chapter 4 (Diagnostic Procedures) has examination procedures, manipulative tests, and other
been expanded considerably to reflect the advances that diagnostic techniques that are somewhat unique to the
have been made in this important area over the last horse. Perineural and intrasynovial anesthetic techniques
several years. Chapters 6–11 are new, although much of are illustrated both with still images and live demonstra-
the information from the fifth edition has been reorgan- tions. Examples of lameness cases were included, so the
ized into a different format within these chapters. observer could translate written text to the live horse
Chapter 6 was added because of the growing impor- regarding what to look for when evaluating a lame
tance of the axial skeleton in lameness and poor perfor- horse. Specific examples of uncommon musculoskeletal
mance, especially in certain occupations. Chapters 7 problems were also included with the idea that once you
and 8 focus on the principles of musculoskeletal dis- see one, you will never forget it. Finally, an example of
eases and treatments, respectively, and hopefully permit how to evaluate lameness using objective data was
the reader to better understand these basic disease pro- included to make readers aware of the possible future of
cesses as well as the multitude of treatment options that lameness diagnosis in the horse.
are available for the numerous disease conditions cov- I wish to thank all who contributed to the text in any
ered elsewhere in the text. Chapter 9 contains a wealth way, including the numerous horses, clients, and veteri-
of information from experienced equine veterinarians narians who have provided me with the case material,
regarding lameness conditions unique to a horse’s spe- knowledge, and experiences that have been included
cific sport. Knowing these specific occupation‐related within this text. I hope that the sixth edition continues
conditions can be extremely helpful in lameness diagno- in the rich tradition of excellence that has been provided
sis. Chapter 10 is a “catch all” for many conditions and by previous editions of Adams’ Lameness in Horses.
situations that do not fit neatly within another chapter However, as the specialty of equine lameness continues
yet are important aspects of the musculoskeletal system to evolve, ideas to further improve the text are always
in the horse. Examples include prepurchase examina- welcomed. Thank you.

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