Gustavo Ferlini Agne

Dr Gustavo Ferlini Agne

Equine Lecturer

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Gustavo is a Large Animal Internal Medicine Specialist and lecturer in Equine Internal Medicine in the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at The University of Adelaide. After graduating from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS - Brazil), Gustavo worked as an equine practitioner in south of Brazil with a focus on equine reproduction. Afterwards, Gustavo completed two equine rotating internships in California, USA and an equine medicine fellowship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute prior to commencing a specialty training programme in Large Animal Internal Medicine at Auburn University. Gustavo also attained a Master of Science degree at Auburn University studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a novel oral diuretic in horses. Following this, he attained board-certification with large animal internal medicine specialist status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and commenced his academic career at The University of Adelaide. Gustavo is currently undertaking a PhD investigating the welfare impact and aspects of non-response to therapy in horses with Equine Gastric Ulceration. Gustavo has a passion for all aspects of internal medicine, including pharmacology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, neonatology, cardiorespiratory, ophthalmology as well as treatment and management of infectious diseases.

Dr. Gustavo's research is centered around improved diagnostic intervention and clinical approaches in veterinary practice with an ultimate goal of optimizing treatment outcome and animal welfare. Main research areas include gastroenterology and pharmacology. 

Current and previous projects include:

- Investigation of drug metabolism variability in horses - with a focus on treatment of Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome. 

- Investigation of pain biomarkers and pain scales in horses. Specifically, in horses suffering from Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. 

- Investigation of biomarkers for screening of surgical lesions and determination of survival in horses with abdominal discomfort (colic)

- Antimicrobial stewardship - with a focus on pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials and reported MIC from common pathogens in equine veterinary medicine. 

- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of novel pharmaceuticals in large animal veterinary medicine

 

 

2020-2022 - Cat 1 0006007942: RIRDC - Open Call Research and Development Projects: Can iso-PGs indicate the need for surgery and predict survival in colic horses? Emilie Mas; Ferlini Agne, Gustavo; Noschka, Erik; Du Preez, Surita; Labens, Raphael; Total amount awarded: $40,833 AUD

 

  • Funding scheme: FND000706: Fight Food Waste CRC Project
  • Description: Bioactive compounds in unripe bananas may confer a variety of health benefits. Studies have identified high levels of antioxidants and resistant starch which may be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. They have also been shown to have anti-ulcerogenic properties in human and rodent models of disease. Approximately 60-100% of strenuously exercising horses are affected by equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS). Exercise-induced oxidative stress is also identified in athletic horses. Antioxidant supplementation is recommended to restore the oxidant/antioxidant balance. This project aims to develop a nutraceutical profile of a dried green banana supplement (produced by Banana Feeds Australia) and identify potential equine health applications. This will be achieved by: Objective 1: Developing a profile of biologically active compounds in the dried green banana supplement. Objective 2: Determining the effects of a dried green banana supplement on gastrointestinal health by 1) investigating its effectiveness as an EGUS preventative and 2) investigating its effect on faecal microbiome and total antioxidant status.
  • Funder name: Fight Food Waste CRC
  • Funder reference: 2.3.1-2

Reporting dates: 09 Apr 2020 to 09 Apr 2021

2020-2021 - Cat 2-4 0006009461: Fight Food Waste CRC Project: Livestock and Equine Scoping Study; Franklin, Samantha; Weaver, Sarah Jane; Nayar, Sasi; Verdegaal, Elisabeth Johanna Martina Magdelena; Hebart, Michelle Leanne; Caetano, Mariana; DuPreez, Surita; Ferlini Agne, Gustavo; Total amount awarded: $100,000 AUD

2020 - Chief Investigator - UofA Collaboration Grant Scheme: Agne G.F., Jung S., Wooldridge A.A., Duran SH., Ravis W., Lopes M., “The effects of orally administered torsemide on electrolyte fractional excretion and serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in healthy horses”. ECEIM Congress, Valencia, Spain, November 2019. (Published Research Abstract - Platform). Total amount awarded: $4000 AUD matched by additional $4000 by UC Davis California.

2019 - Chief Investigator - UofA Travel Grant Scheme: Agne G.F., Jung S., Wooldridge A.A., Duran SH., Ravis W., Lopes M., “The effects of orally administered torsemide on electrolyte fractional excretion and serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in healthy horses”. ECEIM Congress, Valencia, Spain, November 2019. (Published Research Abstract - Platform). Total amount awarded: $2000 AUD

Basic principles, concepts and approaches of equine veterinary diseases and disorders to clinical and preclinical students in the doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM), veterinary technology and animal sciences programs. 

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2020 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Pain in horses with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome University of Adelaide Animal Sciences Honours Full Time Bridget May
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