Dr. Sue Dyson: A Trailblazer in Equine Veterinary Medicine
Few individuals in equine veterinary medicine have had a career as impactful and illustrious as Dr. Sue Dyson.
Renowned globally as a pioneer in the field of equine lameness, Sue’s contributions have not only elevated the standards of veterinary care but also reshaped the way practitioners understand, diagnose, and manage lameness in horses.
Her journey into equine veterinary medicine began as a rider, with an unwavering passion for improving the lives of horses.
Dr. Dyson graduated from the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, and quickly immersed herself in the intricate world of equine practice.
From the outset, her dedication to understanding and alleviating lameness set her apart, and over the years, her expertise became the gold standard.
Groundbreaking Research on Equine Lameness
Sue Dyson’s name is synonymous with lameness diagnosis and management. Through decades of clinical practice and research, she has transformed what was once an often-misunderstood and misdiagnosed area of veterinary practice into a precise science.
Her work has led to the development of innovative diagnostic tools and protocols, making lameness evaluation more accurate and accessible for veterinarians around the world.
Among her many achievements, Dr. Sue Dyson was instrumental in advancing the use of diagnostic imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, skeletal scintigraphy and MRI, in the evaluation of lameness.
She has also authored and co-authored over 430 peer-reviewed articles, plus books and book chapters, cementing her reputation as a thought leader in equine medicine.
Perhaps the crowning glory of her career is her research and publications on the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) – a tool used to identify signs of discomfort in ridden horses.
This has been particularly transformative in advancing the welfare of the horse, providing veterinarians, trainers and riders with a new framework to assess and manage equine well-being.
Educator, Mentor, and Advocate
Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Sue Dyson has dedicated her career to education. Recognizing the critical need for continuous professional development in the veterinary field, she has made it her mission to share her knowledge with colleagues globally. (including inspiring our own staff like Kristie Morris)
Dr. Dyson is an Honorary Member of the British and Italian Equine Veterinary Associations and an Honorary Associate Member of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, and was inducted into the University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame in the USA, accolades that reflect her exceptional contributions to the profession.
Her dedication to education is further exemplified by her work with The Equine Lameness Program, an innovative online resource designed to equip equine veterinarians with the skills and confidence to excel in lameness diagnosis and treatment.
This program distills her decades of experience into practical yet still scientifically-based learnings, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the field’s foremost experts.
Since its launch in November 2023, the Equine Lameness Program has empowered thousands of practitioners worldwide, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Dr. Sue Dyson Legacy of Excellence
Sue Dyson’s work extends far beyond the confines of academia and practice. Her influence is felt in the countless horses she has helped and the veterinarians she has mentored, and hers is truly a household name among veterinarians.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the British Equine Veterinary Association Richard Hartley Clinical Award for her outstanding research, the Tierklinink Hochmoor Prize, Germany and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Frank J Milne award.
Through her unwavering commitment to advancing equine medicine, Dr. Dyson has set a standard of care that inspires practitioners globally.
For equine veterinarians seeking to refine their skills, Dr. Dyson’s story is not only inspiring but also a call to action. Her journey underscores the importance of dedication, curiosity, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to the welfare of horses.
To learn directly from Dr. Sue Dyson and Dr. Olivia James to elevate your practice, explore the Equine Lameness Program. With her expertise as your guide, you’ll gain the tools to make a transformative impact on your patients and their owners.
