Exploring Orthobiologics in Equine Health with Dr. Esther Millares

In this episode of the EquiConnect Podcast, host Dr. Mike Pownall welcomes Dr. Esther Millares from McKee Panel Equine Services - Campbellville to discuss the emerging field of orthobiologics. The conversation delves into the definition, applications, and benefits of orthobiologics like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), IRAP, and ProStride for treating equine musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Millares explains how these regenerative therapies work, their advantages over traditional treatments, and common misconceptions. The episode emphasizes the importance of consulting veterinarians for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Dr Esther Millares started her professional career after graduating in 2012 in Madrid, Spain where she did an equine rotating internship at the Alfonso X El Sabio Veterinary Teaching Hospital. During this time, her interest in sport medicine and equine surgery increased and she decided to pursue a career in sports medicine.

She then started a second internship at Paton & Martin Veterinary Services in Vancouver, Canada, an equine clinic with a large orthopedic and lameness caseload. During this experience, she was afforded the opportunity to work with elite sport horses that suffered a range of orthopedic injuries and allowed her to refine her lameness skills.

Afterwards, she completed a two-year Equine Sports Medicine Fellowship and a one-year Equine Field service Fellowship (Junior specialist) at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of California-Davis, USA. Dr. Millares then enrolled in an Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency program (ACVSMR Practice Experience), completed a certification in acupuncture by the Chi Institute in Florida, and achieved a kinesiotaping certification by Equi-Tape. During her time as a fellow and resident, she was able to develop some interest in research studies, which motivated her to pursue a Master of Sciences (MSc) at the University of Montreal (UdeM). Following graduation of the MSc, she was hired as an equine clinician at the veterinary teaching hospital (CHUV) of the University of Montreal and continues collaborating as a veterinary researcher at the Equine Asthma Research Laboratory of the UdeM.

During her time as a veterinarian, she has taken many different opportunities to learn and become very proficient at the diagnosis of basic and complex lameness, regenerative medicine, diagnostic imaging, routine medicine procedures, and acupuncture among others.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Equi Connect Podcast

00:37 Meet Dr. Esther Millares

02:28 Understanding Orthobiologics

04:21 Types of Orthobiologics

07:40 Clinical Applications and Benefits

09:43 Cost and Frequency of Treatments

12:46 Myths and Misconceptions

14:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information visit www.mckeepownall.ca or email info@mpequine.com