As diagnostic and therapeutic technologies expand, it’s ever more important to see the big picture.

There has been an explosion of new information in the equine sports medicine field, with new or expanded imaging technolo­gies available and more commonly in use in the performance horse industry. In addition, there are new therapies available for treatment of injuries and performance-induced wear-and-tear.

Cold therapy may be ubiquitous for hard-working horses, but science hasn’t answered how effective the therapy is or even the best way to apply ice.

If you’ve ever iced a sore muscle or swollen ankle, then you’ve experienced firsthand the pain-relieving effects. Visit any training room for high-profile human athletes, and cold therapy will be part of the regimen.

The FEI Bureau has approved changes to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List. The new list will be effective on Jan. 1, 2014.

The changes are summarized below:

-Two new Controlled Medication substances have been added to the list for 2014: metformin, a potent but legitimate oral anti-diabetic drug with a potential welfare risk; and levothyroxine, an exogenous thyroid hormone replacement that could enhance performance.

Luitpold Animal Health, manufacturers of Adequan IM, Adequan IA, and Adequan Canine, announced on Sept. 17 that a shipment of Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) IM was released to the market last week and was received by veterinarians beginning Sept. 13.

We’ve all been there. It’s a Sunday afternoon, and your horse is running a bit of a fever. Or, he came in from the field with a gash that makes you wonder: “Is this stitchable? Or not?”