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Dr. Michael Davis, director of the lab, said the lab's old treadmill had lasted about ten years but had just been worn out. Because the lab is getting ready to launch into some aggressive research in equine sports medicine, Davis said it was imperative to have a well-built and dependable treadmill before the project begins.
The research project will be examining hidden reasons for performance horses not living up to expectations. Researchers will be looking for cardiac problems, lung performance, subtle lameness and muscle soreness. And to check on cardiac problems and lung performance, it is necessary to put the animal under the stress of running. While running, the horse's heart is monitored by an electrocardiogram and the lungs and airway are monitored by an endoscope.
The new treadmill will have a top speed of 55 miles per hour. Davis said a "good" horse, at full gallop, will achieve speeds of 30-35 miles per hour, so he feels the new machine will have the capability of testing any horse, regardless of the horse's running speed.
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