Cummings School researchers study an inexpensive drug to see if it can offer a new treatment for equine asthma—a common and chronic affliction that’s difficult to manage
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Specialized Services
Featured Stories
Why Are Horses So Fast?
Breathing only through their noses—and having big hearts—give them a boost
The Tufts video series Ever Wonder features faculty and other experts answering questions for the curious about all manner of topics—from how parrots talk to why cats purr.
Why is even a small cough a big problem in a racehorse?
Professor Melissa Mazan, V93, a board-certified internist and pulmonology expert at Tufts Equine Center, explains
10 Facts About Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horses
Horses that live in barns, as well as horses living outside that are exposed to high levels of pollens, molds or other particulates, have an increased risk of developing a chronic and debilitating respiratory syndrome, often known as heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Falling under the umbrella of equine asthma, RAO is a performance-limiting, …
What Happens When a Horse’s Immune System Goes Awry?
A horse’s immune system is his own personal security detail. It is a very complex and efficient system of cells that carry out specific processes and each of these processes relies on another, working round-the-clock to keep your horse feeling well.
Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) risk assessment during horse shows
Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is a recently identified contagious disease that generates a high level of concern and much communication within the equestrian community. Horses that are competing may encounter EcoV at a show or other… Read More
Our Doctors
-
Daniela Bedenice
Dr. Med Vet, DACVIM, DACVECC
-
Nicholas Frank
DVM, PhD, DACVIM
-
Alisha Gruntman
DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Section Chief
-
Melissa Mazan
DVM, DACVIM
Daniela Bedenice
Dr. Med Vet, DACVIM, DACVECC
Dr. Daniela Bedenice is a veterinary internist and one of the few large animal veterinary specialists in the country who is dual board-certified in both Large Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. Dr. Bedenice co-leads the Tufts Equine Respiratory Lab and is at the forefront of understanding, diagnosing and treating horses with respiratory conditions. She also provides intensive care for both newborn and adult horses, llamas, alpacas and small ruminant species. Dr. Bedenice grew up in rural Germany where she trained and cared for many horses. After earning her veterinary degree from the Free University of Berlin, Dr. Bedenice initially worked in private practice followed by specialty training in large animal internal medicine, critical care and respiratory medicine after moving to the United States. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cummings School, Dr. Bedenice has published extensively in the field of comparative respiratory medicine and evidence-based therapy, as well as newborn and adult intensive care. She is Course Director of Clinical Pharmacology and leads or contributes to multiple veterinary courses focused on respiratory topics, gastrointestinal disease and neurology, and to clinical services specializing in large animal internal medicine. At home, Dr. Bedenice operates a small farm with thirteen alpacas and three German Shepherds.
Nicholas Frank
DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Alisha Gruntman
DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Section Chief
Dr. Alisha Gruntman is a veterinary internist and Section Chief for the Internal Medicine team at Tufts Equine Center. Dr. Gruntman commonly treats colic, colitis, enteritis, gastric ulcers, pneumonia, equine asthma, neurologic diseases and many other common and vague illnesses. She was drawn to medicine at Tufts because of the complex challenges treating cases at a high-level university referral practice. Her research focuses on gene therapies for rare genetic diseases in both human and veterinary patients. After completing her veterinary training at Purdue University, Dr. Gruntman completed her internship, medicine residency, and a year of post-doctoral research at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, specializing in Gene Therapy, from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is an Assistant Professor with both Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Melissa Mazan
DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Melissa Mazan co-leads the Tufts Equine Respiratory Lab and is a world-recognized expert in the field of equine asthma. Dr Mazan’s work led to the creation of the first clinical lung function laboratory in North America where lung function testing is regularly used to help improve equine performance. Dr. Mazan earned her B.A. at Yale University and her DVM from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She is board-certified in the America College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal). Dr. Mazan teaches courses on respiratory medicine and pathophysiology, as well as exercise physiology at Cummings School where she was drawn by the opportunity to combine research, clinical work and teaching. She also developed the first veterinary telemedicine teaching service in the United States for working equids in Fez, Morocco. Dr. Mazan’s interest in equine health and performance began when she was a member of the Varsity Polo Team at Yale University and the Captain of the Polo Team at the University of Oxford, and when she was managing her own barn and competing as a junior in equitation and Pony Club.
-
Email
-
Emergencies
For all emergencies, we are here 24/7. Please call ahead at 508-839-7926
-
Fax
508-839-7931
-
Pharmacy
Our client services representatives are ready to assist you with your appointment in the Internal Medicine department at Tufts Equine Center.