Dr Kate Allen is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recognised specialist in equine sports medicine.

My primary research focus is to improve the health, welfare and performance of horses engaged in sport or competition, particularly in the area of equine sports medicine. There are unique health and welfare challenges affecting the performance horse, and unique ethical challenges affecting the sports medicine veterinary surgeon. My expertise as a specialist, derived from a career blending clinical veterinary practice with clinically relevant research, along with my experience as a rider and competitor gives me the perspectives and understanding to contribute to advancements in this field.

I have advanced novel research initiatives in emerging areas of equine sports medicine, such as the development and application of overground endoscopy which is a technique used to image the upper airway during exercise that is now in widespread use internationally.  Furthermore, my research group led a novel programme of research to improve our understanding of the response of the respiratory muscles to training.

By embracing interdisciplinary collaborations and integrating cutting-edge advancements from other fields, I seek to pave the way for innovation in equine sports medicine. A current research area is the application of artificial intelligence to the assessment of upper airway function in endoscopy recordings. The purpose of this research is to improve and standardise the endoscopy grading processes currently used worldwide.  Through research I seek to create clarity and transparency in areas of contention for veterinary surgeons.

My research recognises the multifaceted challenges faced by equine sports medicine veterinary surgeons worldwide. Recognising the lack of research and the lack of support in this area, I have undertaken the first empirical research to understand the ethical challenges facing equine sports medicine veterinary surgeons. Having identified a wide range of concerns, my future research will explore how these can be improved in order to support veterinary surgeons striving for the highest level of professional conduct in equine sports medicine and how collectively we can continue to ensure the health and welfare of horses used for sport.

Examples of my research:

• Equine sports medicine ethics

Allen K., King M., Anderson L. and Mullan S. (2024) Ethical issues concerning UK veterinary surgeons practicing in equine sports medicine. Recently submitted.

Allen K., Anderson L., King M. and Mullan S. (2024) Competing interests at the heart of equine sports medicine ethics: A scoping review. Equine Vet. J.

• The application of artificial intelligence to grading and assessing upper airway function from endoscopy recordings.

This research is recently started, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

In addition, I collaborate with an Australian research group, investigating laryngeal grading of yearling Thoroughbreds in Australia.

Hardwick J., Ahern B., Crawford K.,  Allen K., and Franklin S (2024) Yearling laryngeal function in thoroughbreds that underwent a laryngoplasty differs from controls.

• Responses of the equine respiratory muscles

Fitzharris L.E., Hezzell M.J. and Allen K.J. (2022) Training the equine respiratory muscles: Ultrasound measurement of muscle size. Equine Vet. J.

Fitzharris L.E., Hezzell M.J. and Allen K.J. (2022) Training the equine respiratory muscles: Inspiratory muscle strength. Equine Vet. J.

Fitzharris L.E., Franklin S.H., McConnell A.K., Hezzell M.J. and Allen K.J. (2021) Inspiratory muscle training for the treatment of dynamic upper airway collapse in racehorses: A preliminary investigation. Vet. J.

Fitzharris L.E., Meehan L.J., Hezzell M.J. and Allen K.J. (2020) The equine diaphragm: A novel technique for repeatable ultrasound measurement. Vet. Radiol. Ultra.

Allen K.J., Fitzharris L.E., and McConnell A.K. (2020) Inspiratory muscle training and testing: Rationale, development, and feasibility. Equine Vet. J.

• Equine overground endoscopy

Allen K.J. and Franklin S.H. (2010) Assessment of the exercise tests used during overground endoscopy in UK thoroughbred racehorses and how these may affect the diagnosis of dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions. Equine Vet. J. Suppl.

Allen K.J. and Franklin S.H. (2010) Comparisons of overground endoscopy and treadmill endoscopy in U.K. Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet. J.

Franklin S.H., Burn J.F. and Allen K.J. (2008) Clinical trials using a telemetric endoscope for use during over-ground exercise: A preliminary study. Equine Vet. J.

• Equine upper airway disorders

Franklin S.H. and Allen K.J. (2017) Assessment of dynamic upper respiratory tract function in the equine athlete. Equine Veterinary Education.

Allen K.J and Franklin S.H. (2013) Characteristics of palatal instability in thoroughbred racehorses and their association with the development of dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Equine Vet. J.

Allen K.J. and Franklin S.H. (2013) The effect of palatal dysfunction on measures of ventilation and gas exchange in thoroughbred racehorses during high intensity exercise. Equine Vet. J.

Allen K.J., Christley R.M., Birchall M.A. and Franklin S.H. (2012) A systematic review of the efficacy of interventions for dynamic intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Equine Vet. J.

• Equine cardiology

Hammond A., Sage W., Hezzell M.J., Smith S., Franklin S. and Allen K.J. (2022) Heart rate variability during high-speed treadmill exercise and recovery in Thoroughbred racehorses presented for poor performance. Equine Vet. J.

Marr C., Franklin S., Garrod G., Wylie C., Smith L., Dukes McEwan J., Bright J. and Allen K.J. (2021) Exercise-associated rhythm disturbances in poorly performing Thoroughbreds: risk factors and association with racing performance. Equine Vet. J.