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Dr. Bowker on the Vasculature of the Equine Hoof

For more than 100 years anatomy textbooks have mentioned the “scant to poor blood supply within the foot” but there is something unique about the vasculature of the equine hoof. How does it work? How is hoof circulation related to the pathologies that we see day to day in our hoof care practices and in our personal horses?

Robert M. Bowker, VMD, PhD is a professor emeritus of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation Department at Michigan State University. As a research scientist and educator, Dr. Bowker has made significant contribution to understanding the dynamic and functional architecture of the equine foot, exploring areas not previously considered. He is an internationally recognized author, lecturer, and teacher with an extensive publication list of more than 150 publications.

In 2008, Dr. Bowker established the Michigan Equine Podiatry and Laminitis Research Center, where he continues to pursue collaborative research programs with experts from around the globe.