The vision of the McPhail Equine Neuromuscular Research Laboratory is to utilize new investigative techniques, our fundamental understanding of neuromuscular pathophysiology and a network of collaborations to discover the basis for muscle diseases and movement disorders in horses. By defining the underlying basis for equine neuromuscular diseases, we aim to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments that will change the way veterinarians practice and the way horse owners manage affected horses. Dr. Valberg has a long standing commitment to disseminating her research breakthroughs via continuing education seminars for veterinarians and online information and webinars for horse owners. Taking research from clinical medicine to the research lab and back to the horse is our goal.

These approaches have allowed collaborators to in the past discover;

• The molecular basis for Overo Lethal White Syndrome
• Polysaccharide storage myopathy, type 1 and type 2
• Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency
• Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis
• Immune mediated myositis
• Hypoglycin A as the cause for pasture myopathy and atypical myopathy
• The cerebellum as the origin of the movement disorder Shivers