The Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc. (ECIR Group) of Tempe, Arizona, recently announced that it is now accepting 2024 proposals to fund research investigating Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance (EMS/IR) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).
Applications for funding should be limited to topics relevant to EMS and PPID. Of particular interest are those within the ECIR Group philosophy of diagnosis, diet, trim and exercise (DDT/E) and prevention of laminitis.
‘Unique interface’
The mission of the ECIR Group is to improve the welfare of equines with metabolic disorders via a unique interface between basic research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. The ECIR Group serves the scientific community, practicing clinicians and owners by focusing on investigations most likely to directly, immediately and significantly benefit the welfare of the horse.
“Quality scientific research is critical to the continuous advancement of knowledge to benefit metabolic equines,” said Dr. Kathleen Gustafson, ECIR Group Inc. research director. “Our goal in 2024 is to fund research and encourage collaboration between scientists, scholars, veterinarians and hoof-care professionals to positively affect the health and welfare of these equines.”
Largest field-trial database for PPID, EMS/IR
The ECIR Group, an Arizona nonprofit corporation, was founded in 1999. In 2013, it was approved as a 501(c)3 public charity. It is currently the largest field-trial database for PPID and EMS/IR in the world. The group communicates the latest research, diagnosis and treatment information, including dietary recommendations, for horses with these conditions. It does this through a central outreach group, website, social media, published research and the NO Laminitis! Conference.
“Through the sharing of their in-the-barn experience, ECIR Group supporters have helped build effective protocols for metabolically challenged equines,” said current president Nancy Collins. “It is an honor that now, through member financial support, the ECIR Group has expanded to also fund equine metabolic research.”
Applications for funding should be limited to topics relevant to EMS and PPID, especially those within the ECIR Group philosophy of diagnosis, diet, trim and exercise (DDT/E), and prevention of laminitis. Proposals that meet these general guidelines will all be considered. All applications must be submitted via the ecirhorse.org research portal. Deadline for submission is May 31, 2024.
Researchers will find more information at https://www.ecirhorse.org/research-proposals.php
About ECIR Group Inc.
Started in 1999, the ECIR Group is the largest field-trial database for PPID and EMS in the world. It provides the latest research, diagnosis and treatment information, in addition to dietary recommendations, for horses with these conditions. Even universities do not and cannot compile and follow long-term as many in-depth case histories of PPID/EMS horses as the ECIR Group.
In 2013 the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc., an Arizona nonprofit corporation, was approved as a 501(c)3 public charity. Tax deductible contributions and grants support ongoing research, education, and awareness of Equine Cushing’s Disease/PPID and EMS.
