StemCell Therapy

Animal athletes come in all shapes and sizes. Generations of selective breeding have produced genetic lines of animals that are deemed more suited to a specific athletic discipline. For example, some dogs are bred to hunt, while others are bred for agility; some horses are bred for racing, while others are bred to work with cows. The evolution of todays bucking bull athlete is no different.

Traditionally, the bull riding event at a rodeo centered on the cowboy and how well he performed atop the bull. A high score usually meant a big payday for the cowboy but little, if any, credit or reward for the bull or his owner. Nowadays, competitive bucking bull events are a common occurrence with the bulls scored on their individual bucking ability rather than the performance of, or lack thereof, the cowboy riding them.

Since the early 1990s, and perhaps before, bucking bull breeders have aimed to produce animals that display superior athleticism. Bucking bulls are judged on their speed, power, front end drop, hind end kick, ability to change direction and body rolling. Those performing in todays bull riding events are faster, stronger and more agile than bulls from years past. These athletes engage in swift, powerful movements that place unique strains on their bodies not ordinarily experienced by their non-athletic bovine counterparts; thus, these bulls can and do suffer performance-related injuries.

While the realm of veterinary medicine has not usually included the practice of bovine sports medicine, due to the popularity and growth of the sport of bull riding and competitive bucking bull events, many veterinarians find themselves providing, to some extent, just that. Additionally, the owners perceived value of these animal athletes often allows for much more thorough veterinary evaluations and treatments than for the many bulls used solely for production.

Sports-related injuries are common in competitive athletics, regardless of the species; however, the bucking bull presents some unique challenges in identifying, diagnosing and treating injury or disease. Their fractious and sometimes aggressive nature can limit the display of pain or lameness, making minor injuries impossible to detect until they become more severe. Specialized facilities with sturdy corrals and hydraulic squeeze chutes are also often required to safely examine, hospitalize, and treat bucking bulls.

The two most common areas of injury or disease in the bucking bull athlete involve the musculoskeletal system (approximately 70-75 percent) and the horns (approximately 10-15 percent). Disorders to the musculoskeletal system frequently occur in the back or hind limbs and include bone fractures, tendon or ligament strains and joint disease. These injuries are often sustained during performance or training. Horn disorders often occur outside of the performance arena either during husbandry, transport, handling or fighting with other bulls. Disorders of other body systems do occur but with much less frequency.

Regardless of the source, injury or disease in a bucking bull commonly results in a lower performance if the bull can perform all together. Veterinarians with knowledge and experience specific to the bucking bull are often called on to evaluate these athletes, correctly diagnose the injury and prescribe a treatment plan. Following treatment and rehabilitation, many of these athletes are able return to the arena, performing at or above their previous level.

The bucking bull is a unique animal athlete, and the practice of bovine sports medicine is becoming a reality for more and more veterinarians each year. Injuries to the musculoskeletal system and horns are common and may be very different from injuries sustained by the non-athletic bovine. The continuous popularity of the sport of rodeo and other competitive bucking bull events will likely call for more experienced, specialized veterinarians in the field of bovine sports medicine and rehabilitation. The OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital has many veterinarians who specialize in all areas of bovine medicine including internal medicine, surgery and sports medicine.

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VETERINARY VIEWPOINTS: Bovine sports medicine Keeping the buck in the bull - Stillwater News Press

In this 1998 photo, Teresa Hershey works her first job in veterinary medicine as mixed animal practitioner in southeast Minnesota. Submitted photo

Idid a double pet euthanasia recently.

Two small poodles who grew up together and in old age were both very sick. I had done this only a couple of times before. The problem with this situation is the logistics. Who do you euthanize first?Do I ask the owner? That seems like a lot of weight to put on their shoulders, and I thought it would be best to decide for them.

I will euthanize Naomi and then I will euthanize Bear, I said. It was agreed that would be the order.

Once it was done, I laid the two dogs side-by-side on the table and covered them with a blanket to the chin. For some reason, it is not twice as sad to see two little bodies instead of one, but exponentially so.

My next patient after that appointment was a new puppy.Time to switch from being Doctor Death to Doctor Smiles. I do it all of the time, so I am used to it. My job is to be what the client in front of me needs right now. I suppose that is the definition of being a professional: the ability to perform your job with skill even under duress.

I recall one time when I was not successful in making that transition between a euthanasia and a puppy appointment. While examining the puppy, I started to cry and explained to the owner that I had just euthanized a pug friend and was feeling sad.

I didnt see that client again at my clinic. Who would come back to see a doctor who was crying?I wouldnt! When a client gives you money for a service, they want and deserve to have your undivided attention.

Many people dream of being a veterinarian.But soon enough, most realize it is not for them not only because of the rigors of school and the time and cost involved, but also because you have to be able to compartmentalize your day and deal with heavy things.

You have to like animals and be able to still think clearly when they are suffering. If you get too caught up in your feelings, you can become paralyzed and not perform your job well.

Of course the other extreme is also possible: where you look past the patient and only see the disease. This happened with one of my veterinary teachers.

One day when I was in veterinary school, one of my professors decided to move his bovine necropsy (autopsy) lab outside on a nice spring day.He sliced into the cow, setting her organs on the grass. He explained the pathology occurring in his subject while his boot-and-overall-clad veterinary students looked on with interest.Meanwhile, the English and history majors walking by were horrified and promptly reported him to school administrators. I can imagine the shock of my professor when he found out that public dissection is not appropriate for the masses.

Being a good veterinarian means that you can find that sweet spot between being caring and being analytical.Both are skills to be developed over time.

I am glad to be a seasoned veterinarian now.The growing pains of a young doctor are huge. Not only are you trying to figure out who you are as a person in this profession and how best to present yourself and your information,but also there is so much knowledge to accumulate about pathology, disease and what is normal.

I have been in practice for 20 years now and have diagnosed all manner of cancers, orthopedic issues, skin problems and metabolic disorders.Every once in a while, though, I will see something I have never seen before. Several years ago, a dog came into my clinic that the owner reported was just off. We have a term for this in veterinary medicine. It is called ADR Aint Doin Right. (This is a real abbreviationveterinarians use when we havent been able to pinpoint the disease.)

My ADR patient had very nondescript and subtle symptoms: moderate lethargy and a slight loss of appetite. All of his tests came back normal. When I saw the dog back three days later, he looked like a totally different animal. His face was twisted into a smile as if someone were standing behind him pulling his skin backwards. The diagnosis could now be made.This expression, called a sardonic grin, is classic for the disease tetanus and occurs because all of the muscles of the face tense up. Tetanus is fortunately extremely rare, but its effects are horrible to see and, for this dog, it was fatal.

Besides treating the animals that come through my door, I also have to treat the people.When I was in middle school and I told my mother that I wanted to be a veterinarian, she told me that was a good career choice for me because I wasnt good with people.(Note: My mother is a wonderful woman whom I love very, very much). My middle school self must not have been very pleasant to be around.

But my mother was wrong that veterinarians dont need to be good with people.Veterinarians have two customers: the patient and the person who brings the patient to your door.

Only a small portion of my job is occupied with real doctoring, like analyzing lab samples and sewing up lacerations.The majority of my job is being a human with feelings while trying to solve a problem with another human with feelings.That part is harder.

Of course, this would not be a proper article about the experience of being a veterinarian if I didnt talk about the best part of my job: the animals I get to meet.

I have a 30-pound Maine coon with a head the size of a small melon who visits me at the clinic.He is such an amazing creature that it is just an honor to be in the same room as him.

My smallest patient is a 3.5-pound Maltese who hides her head in the crook of her moms arm when I come into the room.Poor thing, everyone is a looming giant to her!

My biggest patient is a 150-pound mastiff. His jowls hang low and, after examining him, I need to sponge myself off because of the amount of saliva he deposits on me.

When the day is done, my calls are made and my notes are complete, I sit back and think, I get to come back again and do this all over tomorrow! and I feel I am very lucky to do so.

Dr. Teresa Hershey is a veterinarian at Westgate Pet Clinic in Linden Hills. Email pet questions to drhershey@westgatepetclinicmn.com.

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What is it like to be a veterinarian? - Southwest Journal

Zulqarnain Baloch,1,* Luchao Lv,1,2,* Lingxian Yi,1,2 Miao Wan,1,2 Bilal Aslam,3 Jun Yang,1,2 Jian-Hua Liu1,2

1College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Peoples Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Peoples Republic of China; 3Government College University, Faisalabad 54000, Pakistan

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Jian-Hua LiuCollege of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peoples Republic of ChinaEmail jhliu@scau.edu.cn

Abstract: The New Delhi Metallo--lactamase (NDM) producing Enterobacteriaceae is spreading worldwide. Although the blaNDM gene has been identified in animal associated Enterobacteriaceae isolates in many countries, little is known about its occurrence in animal products in Pakistan. In this study, 13 Escherichia coli isolates were collected from chicken meat samples in Pakistan. Two isolates, 15978 and C4109, exhibited reduced susceptibility (MIC 1 g/mL) to imipenem, and carried blaNDM-5 and blaNDM-7 gene, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing and Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing revealed that 15978 and C4109 belonged to ST156 and ST167, respectively. blaNDM-7 was carried by an IncX3 plasmid that has disseminated worldwide, whereas blaNDM-5 was located on an F36: A-: B32 plasmid, which shared high identity with two plasmids carried by E. coli isolates from other countries (one from a patient in Canada). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report characterizing blaNDM-carrying plasmids from chicken meat samples in Pakistan. The dissemination of almost identical blaNDM-5-bearing F36:A-:B32 and blaNDM-7-bearing IncX3 plasmids in different countries highlights the importance of international trade and travel in the spread of antimicrobial resistance strains and plasmids worldwide.

Keywords: plasmid, animal food, carbapenemase, blaNDM

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License.By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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Emergence of Almost Identical F36:A-:B32 Plasmids Carrying blaNDM | IDR - Dove Medical Press

Hope, the special-needs pig who was flown to a veterinary hospital in Pennsylvania last month to undergo an examination for her legs, is back home at an animal refuge in Caswell County, North Carolina.

The pig could not use her rear legs and was taken to New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square about an hour outside of Philadelphia Nov. 16.

About a week later, she returned home to Ziggys Refuge Farm Sanctuary after vets could not find anything wrong with the animal.

Her bone structure was all there, said Kristin Hartness, co-founder of Ziggys, located in the community of Providence. They had no idea why her legs were [spread] out to the side.

Born on a farm in Floyd, Hope was set to be euthanized when someone reached out to Ziggys. Hartness and her husband, sanctuary co-founder Jay Yontz, take care of special-needs farm animals at the 85-acre refuge.

Hartness and Yontz have been giving Hope physical therapy.

When Jay got her and started handling her and working her legs and massaging them ... all of a sudden Jay starts noticing her standing on all fours, Hartness said.

But her legs still spread out to the sides, she said.

Jennifer Miller, the Pittsylvania County resident who went on the flight with Hope in November, visited the 3-month-old pig at Ziggys on Dec. 21.

She is quite happy and very, very sassy, Miller said. She doesnt like to be held, but she is very food motivated. Shes learning all kinds of tricks. She knows how to spin in a circle to get food.

Hope will not need surgery, at least not in the near future, Miller said.

But she does drag her legs when shes tired.

She still has a ways to go, but we couldnt be happier with whats going on, Hartness said of Hopes progress.

Yontz expressed amazement at the pace of her recovery so far.

Its remarkable how she started using those legs, Yontz said.

Physical therapy has included stretching the pigs legs the way they need to go, he said.

She gets around on all fours regularly and can walk in a handstand.

A lot of times, her toes tuck under her, Hartness said. We just have to constantly work with her. The more that we do, the better she does.

On top of that, Hope is growing quickly.

Shes probably doubled in size since the flight, Hartness said.

Even Ziggy, Yontzs and Hartnesss first and much larger older pig, has warmed up to Hope a little.

She loves Ziggy ... and climbs in his bed, Yontz said. He tolerates that. Hes particular about his bed. She fits right in. Shes a lot of fun.

Crane reports for the Register & Bee. He can be reached at (434) 791-7987.

Crane reports for the Register & Bee. He can be reached at (434) 791-7987.

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Hope the flying pig back at Caswell County refuge after plane trip to Pennsylvania vet - GoDanRiver.com

After 35 years in Logansport, Dr. James Shell is passing the Shell Animal Clinic on to a new veterinarian, Dr. Andrew Bickett.

They closed the sale of the clinic the second week of December, and this past week has been one of transition. The change of hands comes after a long search by both men for the right fit.

My standards were high as I had to find someone who shared my deep love and appreciation for animals, as well as someone who has the medical skills to keep the clinic moving forward in the ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine and surgery, Shell stated in a letter he sent out to his clients.

I just felt fortunate to find someone like him to come in and take over, he said.

Bickett said he was searching for a place with the right veterinarian philosophy, standard of care and team, as well as the right community and Logansport proved right for him.

I like the kind of small town atmosphere, Bickett said.

Bickett is originally from Plano, Illinois, and hed been looking to buy a clinic that would put him closer to home than he was in central Kansas, where he worked in a small clinic after graduating from University of Illinois with his Doctorate in veterinarian medicine.

Hed looked at some in bigger cities, but they didnt seem right, he said. He wanted a place where he could get to know the community and his clients.

Bickett doesnt plan any major changes to the clinic, just an expansion of some services.

I do see exotic animals, which is something Dr. Shell didnt do a lot of, he said. That means hell take care of rabbits, snakes and hedgehogs, as well as other animals. Exotic is basically anything that isnt a cat, dog or farm animal, he said.

The clinics name will remain the same, at least for a while, and the staff will stay on. Bickett plans to update some of the equipment, but it wont be noticeable to most people, he said.

The familiar face of Archie lounging about the office will also remain the same. I inherited the cat, he said.

When Bickett first developed an interest in veterinarian medicine, it was my first dog, as it was for a lot of kids, he said. The dog had medical problems that required a lot of attention, and he regularly saw how vets did things and worked, he said.

For Shell, the call to this vocation came from growing up on a small farm and having small animals, and being in FFA and 4-H. His sister also worked for the local veterinarians office in high school and stayed to retirement, so that influenced him as well, he said.

He came to Logansport from his native Michigan in a similar situation as Bickett. He took over the clinic because it seemed like the proper fit.

During his 35 years here, hes seen clients for years and sometimes through multiple pets, and hell miss them and those working at the clinic.

Itll be a change for me, thats for sure, he said.

Shell plans to stay in Logansport, although he and his wife, Carolyn, will go to Arizona for winters and stay in their cottage at Winona Lake often. Hell be around to help at the clinic or consult with Bickett if necessary, but Shell believes that, at 70 years old, his days as a vet are over and Bickett is good for the clinic.

I dont think hes going to need my help much, Shell said.

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After 35 years, Shell Animal Clinic changes hands | Business - pharostribune.com

Submitted

TOPEKA Twenty-one scholarship winners for the 2019-20 school year were recognized during the annual Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention on December 4 in Wichita. A total of $23,000 was presented by the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) and its partners.

Three students attending the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine have been awarded $1,500 Cartridges for Cash (CFC) scholarships from Merck Animal Health and KLF.Joel Nelsonof Soldier is the son of Jerry and Jo Ann Nelson. He is a first-year veterinary student in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.Alexis Pedrow, a second-year veterinary student, is the daughter Jeff and Teresa Pedrow of Richmond.Boyd Roenneis the son of Jason and Heather Roenne of Meriden. He is a first-year veterinary student. This award recognizes K-State veterinary school students with a career goal of being a large animal veterinarian.

Ryann Allisonof Fort Scott andKyndall Norrisof Riley each received a $1,000 CFC scholarship through KLF. Allison is the daughter of Tim and Carol Allison. She is a junior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. Norrisis the daughter of Kirk and Janice Norris. She is a senior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. This scholarship is presented to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field. CFC scholarships were funded by Mercks donation of 25 for each used Ralgro wheel or Revalor cartridge turned in to KLA.

Two K-State students each received a $1,500 Douglas A. Laue Memorial Scholarship.Shanie Adamsis the daughter of Brian and Stacie Adams from Meriden. She is a senior majoring in agricultural business.Grady Schuster, son of David and Kathy Schuster of Richmond, is a junior, also majoring in agricultural business. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agriculture.

Gatlin Clawsonof Meade has been awarded the $1,000 Cattlemens Scholarship from GoBob Pipe & Steel and KLF. Clawson is the son of Dan and Tamra Clawson. He is a freshman at K-State dual majoring in agricultural economics and marketing. This scholarship is awarded to a student entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field.

Two $1,000 Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac Scholarships have been presented to K-State students.Kinsey Griffith, daughter of John and Terry Griffith from WaKeeney, is a junior dual majoring in agricultural economics and animal science.Thomas Smithis the son of Jeff and Holly Smith from Windom. He is a junior majoring in agricultural economics with a specialty in global food systems leadership. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agronomy, agribusiness or ag economics. Preference is given to applicants with a career goal of being actively engaged in a farming or feedyard enterprise.

Five K-State students from across the state have received $1,000 Youth in Agriculture scholarships from KLF.William A. Holemanis the son of William B. and Lora Holeman from Bronson. He is a sophomore majoring in feed science and management.Jamie Rockof Hope is the daughter of Brian and Candace Rock. She is a sophomore majoring in biological systems engineering.Courtney Sherbert, Morganville, is the daughter of Mike and Robin Sherbert. She is a sophomore majoring in agribusiness.Jordan Vandervortis the daughter of Jerry and Ingrid Vandervort of Wakarusa. She is a sophomore majoring in agricultural milling science and management.Kristopher Wagner, Satanta, is the son of Kevin and Maureen Wagner. He is a freshman majoring in agricultural economics. Funded by the KLF Club Calf Sale held during the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, these scholarships recognize students entering or returning to a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field.

The Kansas CattleWomen (KCW) awarded $1,000 scholarships to five Kansas students.Grace Aust, daughter of Brad and Janell Aust from LaCygne, is a freshman dual majoring in animal science and agricultural communications and journalism at K-State.Taylor Dieball, the daughter of Cory and Sally Dieball from Little River, is a freshman majoring in animal science at Butler Community College.Samantha Fischeris the daughter of Dan and Connie Fischer from Silver Lake. She is a junior dual majoring in food science and industry and global food systems leadership at K-State.Katelyn Pinkstonis the daughter of Jay and Brenda Bohnenblust from Clay Center. She is a senior at K-State majoring in agricultural education.Marie Reveles, daughter of LaVerna Reveles from Hays, is a junior at K-State majoring in agricultural education. These scholarships, funded by the KCW silent auction held in the KLA Convention Tradeshow, are awarded to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in dietetics, food safety, agriculture or a related field.

Kristina Zergerwas awarded the $500 Fred H. Woodbury Memorial Scholarship through KLF. Zerger is the daughter of Tarry and Nancy Zerger of Cheney. She is a senior majoring in animal science at K-State. This scholarship is presented to a student attending a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture. Preference is given to students residing within Chase, Franklin, Lyon, Osage or Wabaunsee county.

KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. For information about KLF scholarship opportunities or to receive an application, contact the foundation at 6031 S.W. 37th St., Topeka, KS 66614 or email[emailprotected].

KLA is a trade organization protecting the business interests of independent ranchers, feeders and dairy farmers. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep. The associations work is funded by voluntary dues dollars paid by its 5,600 members.

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Hays & WaKeeney natives, other KS youth receive $23000 in scholarships - hays Post

Washington State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine gets calls frequently asking for free or reduced cost services.

Dont misread this and assume these calls are exclusively for clinical services in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. While the majority are for such, still a few are from people or companies wanting free research services.

There are people around who believe that since the VTH is owned by the state, services must be free or deeply discounted. Nope. We are a fee-for-service facility like many state owned resources. And when it comes to undercutting private practices, we just dont have the ability to give away state resources like that.

We do have a program in our teaching hospital that is in perpetual need; the Good Samaritan Fund. It was started in the mid-1990s by WSU veterinary students to help animals in need of special care but whose owners could not afford treatment.

Today that mission has broadened slightly, and includes funding that may benefit accepting a very unique case that provides a unique teaching opportunity for veterinary students. Unknown ownership, or ownerless animals in need can also have an application made on their behalf.

An unknown ownership, patient might be say, a dog with no identification hit by a car. But perhaps the dog is well groomed, well fed and shows it is likely to be an owned animal. Good Sam funds, (as we refer to them) could be applied until ownership is established. An ownerless animal is one that has obviously been living at large for some time with no identification.

Good Sam funds are only awarded to treat common companion animals only at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU. Because the fund is always in need, there are significant limits on eligibility and the amount of funding awarded.

Eligible patients must have a need for life saving procedures and a reasonable prognosis for good long-term recovery. Patients will be either ownerless or owned by clients that cannot pay for care because of circumstances beyond the clients control. Unowned patients must have a temperament that does not prohibit transfer to a new owner.

Animals from animal control agencies, humane societies and business entities are not eligible for funds. The reason is, they are in fact owners of the animals they hold for placement. The college does many other things to benefit local and regional shelters. It is uncommon that are we able to provide the entire $1,000 upper limit toward a case. Owners are always responsible for some portion of the final billing not covered by Good Sam.

The team that reviews each application does so quickly. They have my total respect for their difficult task where needs far outstrip the funds ability to help. You can make application beginning here: vth.vetmed.wsu.edu/good-samaritan.

On that same page, you can donate funds, too. The end of the year is near and donations are tax deductible. You might want to consider making a donation to the WSU Foundation and directing it to the Good Samaritan Fund.The Good Samaritan originated as a biblical parable in the book of Luke. A traveler was beaten, stripped, robbed and left for dead. A priest came along and avoided the man. So did a Levite. It was the third person who earned the title Good Samaritan for stopping and rendering aid in the form of bandaging and applying oil and wine to the wounds.The Good Samaritan then loaded the man on his animal and took him to an inn for care. Thank goodness for both Good Samaritans and healthy animals.

Charlie Powell is the public information officer for the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, which provides this column as a community service. For questions or concerns about animals youd like to read about, email cpowell@vetmed.wsu.edu.

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Year's end and the Good Samaritan | Life - Moscow-Pullman Daily News

From left, Drs. Jerome Masty, Sandra San Miguel and Glen Hoffsis.

An Ohio State University associate professor has been named the recipient of the 2019 AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award.

Jerome Masty, DVM, MS, Ph.D., will be recognized in early March at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges annual conference and Iverson Bell Symposium in Washington, D.C.

The Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, presented by Zoetis, is a prestigious honor in the world of international academic veterinary medicine, according to AAVMC.

Dr. Masty, assigned to the department of veterinary biosciences, teaches first-year gross anatomy, second-year neuroanatomy of the nervous system and three second-year elective classes in surgical anatomy, feline anatomy and neuroanatomy.

Dr. Masty describes his teaching approach as one that goes beyond passive listening by engaging students through interactive notes and illustrative diagrams that help students to visualize and remember how different parts of the body work together, AAVMC stated. He continuously solicits and responds to student feedback and has demonstrated a commitment to teaching excellence as a mentor to numerous instructors and graduate teaching associates across various disciplines.

Five other veterinary educators will be honored alongside Dr. Masty. They are:

Did you know a subscription to Todays Veterinary Business is free to qualified veterinary professionals? All you have to do is sign up here (and renew each year). You also can sign up to receive the Todays Veterinary Business weekly e-newsletter.

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AAVMC chooses top educators of the year - Today's Veterinary Business Magazine

Students may receive two bachelors degrees from two Nebraska schools all in the span of four years in a new biology and agriculture program.

Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced a new dual-degree initiative, the applied science degree program, earlier this month. Students may earn a life sciences degree with a concentration in biology from Wayne and an applied science degree with concentrations in agriculture and natural resources from UNL.

The degree is one of its kind between the two schools and faculty have been working on it since September 2018, said Tammy Evetovich, dean of the Wayne State School of Natural and Social Sciences.

What I love about this program is that its so flexible and innovative, Evetovich said. People can take it and do what they want with it.

Students in the program will spend three years at Wayne States School of Natural and Social Sciences and finish their last year at UNLs College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) to receive both degrees. Graduates will be prepared for jobs related to farming, ranching, parks and recreation and land management.

Participants may choose to either relocate to the UNL campus in Lincoln for the last year or finish their education online with UNL and in local lab settings at the nearby Haskell Ag Lab in Concord.

The program is part of the Northeast Nebraska Agriculture and Natural Resources Education Compact, an agreement signed in October between seven institutions, according to a previous Daily News article.

The goals of the partnership are to provide education platforms in resilient food, energy, water and societal systems in alignment with career opportunities, as well as prepare teachers and curriculum to respond to the increased need for agricultural science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educators.

Additional partnership goals are intended to encourage workforce development solutions for the agriculture and natural resources industries in Northeast Nebraska.

We really needed to think about opportunities for learners in the northeast part of the state, said Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). One of the things we were focusing on is how we can leverage the strength of each of our institutions to best suit the needs of our learners. Wayne State is an excellent institution and CASNR and Wayne State share a lot of the same goals. It seemed like a natural partnership.

Evetovich said one of the main goals of the dual-degree program is to retain young people in Nebraska, especially in agriculture and natural resources.

Agriculture is very important in Nebraska, Evetovich said. We want to keep young, talented people in our community. The last thing I want is people in this region to think they have to leave to get an agriculture degree.

Freshman Evelina Krie was a major in pre-veterinary medicine at Wayne State College until she learned about the dual-degree program, she said. She will be one of the few students starting the program in January.

Im more interested in the biology part, but I also come from an agricultural background, so I like that it suits me better, Krie said. Im still planning on going into vet school, but I wanted to back myself up with more options. I thought it was neat how it gave you two degrees in four years.

While the program wont officially be offered until the 2020 fall semester, students are working with professors to begin the program in the 2020 spring semester, Evetovich said. Interested students may visit http://www.wsc.edu/info/20446/applied_science for more information.

People are getting really excited about this, Evetovich said. (UNL) has been great to work with, and it was truly a collaboration. We are happy to place young professionals in agriculture in Nebraska. Its something I think is very special.

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Wayne State partners with UNL to offer dual-degree program - Kearney Hub

From a horned ram wandering a neighborhood to lizards abandoned by their owners, animals in need of a home are welcome at this Baton Rouge shelter.

Though dogs and cats make up the majority of the animals that find their way to the Companion Animal Allianceshelter in Baton Rouge, the organization takes in a Noahs Ark of potential companions.

We get it all, said CAA Executive Director Jillian Sergio. As long as it isnt (native) wildlife, it comes to us.

The shelter near the Mississippi River on the outskirts of LSU's campus is a safe haven for pets that people have kept and, for whatever reason, can no longer care for.

Earlier this month, a cow came in after being hit by a car, requiring it to undergo treatment at the nearby LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. And many of 25 horses that lived in the shelters outdoor pasture this year came through neglect cases across East Baton Rouge Parish, Sergio said.

A few years ago, animal control officers picked up a lemur that someone had been keeping.

The lemur was the weirdest thing, Sergio said. We dont know the whole story because it was a stray.

They transferred the animal to a zoo.

She's kept a running total of this year's odd animals being fostered at the shelter. They include: 18 pigs, 14 chickens, 12 birds, eight goats and two donkeys.

Among the strangest this year, Sergio said, was a ram that been meandering through a Baton Rouge subdivision. The shelter is still unsure where the 5-foot-tall horned animal came from.

CAA partners with Rescue Me Animal Welfare, a Walker-based organizationthat has a broader reach and can find livestock and other exotic animals a home in a different parish or another state.

There are many reasons these animals have been forsaken by their owners, but the most common one is that the owners can no longer care for the animal and take them to the shelter in hopes of finding them a better home.

Livestock sometimes get picked up by animal control agents before the owners realize they're missing.

Sadly, sometimes the animals are set loose in the wild.

Laurie Font, a science teacher at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, has fostered dozens of reptiles in the past decade and is currently caring for a 5-foot-long red tail boa constrictor that a police officer found at the side of a road.

People get overwhelmed, so they release them, Font said. A lot of the ones we get in are not in the best of shape."

Some of the cold-blooded critters she's taken in over the last decade need serious veterinary care for infections or bone problems from being malnourished.

Font uses these animals in some of her environmental classes to expose city kids to critters they may never have encountered, as well as a chance to highlight cautionary tales of irresponsible pet ownership.

Iguanas and other reptiles are cheap to buy when theyre young but tend to be a lengthy commitment and have specialized needs and diets.

Finding homes for reptiles typically isnt difficult, but requires serious owners who can take care of them for several years. A red-tail boa, for example, can live 30 years.

Stray reptiles present a greater challenge, especially for those abandoned in the wild. Because they can survive in Louisianas mild climate, Font said, they can pose a threat to the ecosystem.

Florida in recent years has seen a boom in iguanas that have wreaked havoc on the environment, gobbling up the abundant plant life there with no natural predators to keep them in check.

Concerned about a similar possibility in Louisiana, Font said, CAA been encouraging people to take their pets to a shelter if they can no longer care for them.

"There are places you can turn to help versus just letting them go," Font said. "That's just not a viable option."

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From bearded dragons to a ram wandering a Baton Rouge neighborhood, animal shelter takes in all - The Advocate

This years campaign began on World Rabies Day on Sept. 28. The program is staffed entirely by volunteers and a team of veterinarians who have already vaccinated 7,000 dogs and 1,200 cats.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system (the bodys defense system against pathogens) to recognize and mount a response against viruses. So the next time a vaccinated dog encounters rabies, it will not develop the disease or become infectious to other animals. This is called immunity, and it stops a potential outbreak in its tracks.

Its impossible to vaccinate every single dog in the area, but once enough animals are vaccinated, the disease becomes so rare that it cannot be maintained in a population, no longer poses a threat and can hopefully be eliminated. This is how human vaccines work, too!

In addition to these critical free vaccination services, it is equally important to inform dog owners of the risk that unvaccinated dogs might pose to human health. To accomplish this, Dr. Kamau and Dr. Milnes are also conducting research to find out what people know (and dont know) about rabies.

This kind of research is called a knowledge, attitudes and practices study (or KAP study). It can help identify gaps in community knowledge and behaviors that might leave people vulnerable to disease exposure. For example, many languages refer to rabies as mad dog disease, leading to a common misunderstanding that the disease only affects dogs and people are not at risk.

The principle of One Health means that the health of domestic animals, people, wildlife and the environment are all intertwined. The global burden of rabies demonstrates just how closely our health is interrelated, and illustrates the value of veterinary medicine to human health and wildlife conservation. In short, vaccinating dogs also protects wildlife and saves human lives.

Veterinary fellows Dr. Maureen Kamau and Dr. Ellie Milnes are supported through a partnership between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Mpala Research Centre, Kenya Wildlife Service and Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, demonstrating the importance of this work to many stakeholders in the region.

Generous core support for the Global Health Programs training program is provided by Morris Animal Foundation and Dennis and Connie Keller.

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Stopping Rabies in its Tracks: How Canine Vaccines are Saving Lives in Kenya - Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Delaware Technical Community College alumna and adjunct instructor Autumn Cooper of Selbyville recently received the inaugural Delaware Veterinary Technician of the Year Award from the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association.

I am so honored to receive this award, Cooper said. This has been the most humbling and gratifying moment of my technician career.

The award is presented to a licensed veterinary technician who is a member in good standing of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association, and has shown a positive contribution to the advancement of the profession and veterinary technicians in Delaware.

Cooper graduated from Delaware Tech in 2013 with a degree in veterinary technology. She earned her bachelor of science degree in business management from Wilmington University in 2018. Cooper began working at Savannah Animal Hospital in Lewes in 2013, and worked as an educational laboratory specialist at Delaware Tech from 2013-16. She has been an adjunct instructor for Delaware Tech since 2016, teaching anatomy and physiology, veterinary nursing, surgical and anesthesia nursing, and dental procedure/imaging.

Autumn is compassionate, smart, hardworking, and driven, said Lisa Garrison, veterinary technology instructor. Her passion for learning and education, and elevating licensed veterinary technologists in this profession, is commendable.I am honored to have been part of her journey from the first time I met her in 2010 as a student to now as a leader in the profession.

Veterinary medicine has been a lifelong passion for Cooper.

Like many in the veterinary field, I was blessed to grow up in a home with a variety of animals, Cooper said. I quickly learned, through routine pet care and pet emergencies, that an important part of loving an animal is making sure that it receives veterinary care.

Cooper said the education she received at Delaware Tech helped her get to where she is today.

The instructional team at Delaware Tech has been vital in propelling me to success in the veterinary field, she said. I am so grateful to my instructors, mentors, co-workers, family, friends, and God for my continued success and future opportunities.

For more information on the veterinary technology program, go to http://www.dtcc.edu/programs.

Continued here:
Delaware Tech's Autumn Cooper named vet tech of the year - CapeGazette.com

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) It was a medical first in Philadelphia as human technology was used to save a dog with heart disease. Its a high-tech hearth procedure that is routinely performed on human patients. Now, for the first time in the region, its been successfully used for a dog.

Her family says Sophie has a heart of gold. Now, she also has a heart thats making history.

Shes just a joy, Sophie s owner Karen Cortellino said. It was love at first sight.

But their love story was suddenly threatened when the 9-year-old boxer fainted.

We were told even with medicine theres a high risk of sudden death, Cortellino said.

Cortellino learned her beloved rescue had an arrhythmia, the same type of erratic heartbeat thats diagnosed in people.

She had arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy, said Dr. Anna Gelzer, a cardiologist at Penns School of Veterinary Medicine.

Gelzer figured the human treatment could also work for dogs.

Sophie was the first case where weve tried to ablate ventricular tachycardia, Gelzer said.

For that, they turned to colleagues at Penn Medicine, where human heart patients are treated.

We were able to use the exact same equipment, Gelzer said.

When she explained to us that Sophie was going to have this procedure at the human hospital at HUP, I couldnt believe it, Cortellino said.

During ablation, a high energy catheter tip burns tiny portions of damaged heart tissue to restore normal rhythms.

The red dots are dots where we ablated, Gelzer said.

High-tech mapping helped guide the ablation, but it was the first-of-its-kind on a dog.

Were fortunate that things went smoothly, Gelzer said.

Cortellino says Sophie was pretty quickly back to normal with the human intervention saving her dogs life.

Its amazing. It is just completely amazing, Cortellino said.

Cortellino is hoping the risk she took with Sophie having the procedure will help other dogs in the future.

The treatment is experimental for now with a grant. The heart disease that Sophie has is common for boxers and is also prevalent in American bulldogs.

Original post:
Shes Just A Joy: Penn Doctors Save 9-Year-Old Dogs Life With First-Of-Its-Kind Heart Surgery - CBS Philly

The following is the first of two articles highlighting some of the top news stories from 2019.

Editors Note: The following is the first of two articles highlighting some of the top news stories from 2019. This article highlights events from January to June. The second installment will appear in the Jan. 1 issue.

January

Selectmen wrote a letter expressing their concerns and wishes to the federal project manager of the proposed new international bridge that will replace the aging span currently connecting Madawaska to Edmundston, New Brunswick. The letter made a plea to the various agencies involved: Please know that the community, through its leaders, submit these comments recognizing the short and the long-term significance, the magnitude and the impact of this once every hundred-year project.

Supporters of the Maine chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation gathered with friends and relatives of 4-year-old Justine Chenard to tell the youngster born with a heart defect that she would be going to Disney World the following week with her family.

Justine was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect that affects blood flow to the heart. Justine is a huge fan of Disney princesses, particularly Elsa from the movie Frozen.

The state Board of Veterinary Medicine and attorney generals office fined a local veterinarian accused of diverting drugs and improperly handling animals in her care and placed her on probation for at least five years. Dr. Christiana Yule, who owns and operates Fort Kent Animal Hospital, conceded in a consent agreement filed with the veterinary licensing board on Jan. 16 that on two occasions dating back to 2011 she handled a canine patient in a rough manner and that in March 2017 she left the facility while a cat was under anesthesia. Yule did not admit to diverting diazepam or hydrocodone for her personal use, but acknowledged in the agreement that there would be sufficient evidence for the board to find by a preponderance of the evidence that she would be subject to discipline.

The Madawaska School Committee appointed Ben Sirois on Jan. 7 to become superintendent of Madawaska schools, and ultimately the Valley Unified Regional Service Center serving communities from Grand Isle to Allagash. Sirois, who is superintendent of MSAD 27 in the Fort Kent area, took over for the three school administrative units in the St. John Valley that have been working together for about three years to combine resources and save money in an effort to address declining enrollments and rising education costs.

February

Tricia Newbolds High School Photo. (Morgan Mitchell | SJVT)

Former Madawaska resident and current White House security staff member Tricia Newbold said she had faced discrimination due to a rare form of dwarfism, and was under temporary suspension for defying authority and for failing to supervise and follow instructions. Newbold, who has a rare form of congenital dwarfism, graduated from Madawaska High School in 1998. Out of the more than 18 years Newbold has held her current position, she said she had been free of discrimination, until February of this year. This past year and a half with the current supervisor is the first time Ive ever felt discriminated against, ever. Its the first time Ive ever been in a situation where I cannot do my job, which is really an adjustment, especially after having all of the lengthening operations, she said. Newbold returned to work Feb. 14.

A busload of residents from the St. John Valley visited the new Sanford High School on Feb. 8 for inspiration, tips and guidance as three school administrative units in northern Aroostook consider building their own regional high school and technical center.

In an effort to continue providing public services to area residents, the local volunteer board of trustees of the Fort Kent Public Library officially kicked off a capital fundraiser campaign. The yearlong goal of the trustees was to raise $20,000 locally, a goal they managed to reach by years end with the support of local businesses, charitable organizations and members of the community.

March

The Foreign Language Association of Maine recognized SAD 27 educator Robert Daigle, naming him the 2019 Maine Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. The annual award recognizes those who have achieved outstanding results in teaching modern or classical languages.

Allagash voters, through the successful passage of two articles at their annual town meeting, approved alcohol consumption in local establishments in the town. Prior to the vote, Allagash was one of Maines few remaining dry towns.

Following a round of interviews, the Valley Unified Board of Directors selected an engineering and architectural firm, WBRC, to assist in the site selection and design of a proposed new regional high school.The board also voted to amend an agreement among the three school administrative units involved with the Valley Unified Regional Service Center to establish guidelines and costs for regional school transportation.

April

Pelletier Island property owners withdrew their petition to secede from St. Agatha after voter approval of a compromise worked out with town officials. Pelletier Island residents and St. Agatha municipal leaders issued a press release announcing a plan that will have the community include funding in its budget to help pay to maintain the Island Road on Pelletier Island.

The local Ice Busters crew celebrated the anniversary of its world record ice carousel, and announced the crew will plan to go bigger in 2020. The Ice Busters team brought a world record to Sinclair last year with the creation of a 22 million pound ice carousel on Long Lake. The group of volunteers used shovels, chainsaws and augers to dig out a 427 foot diameter circle more than two and a half feet thick, and then made it spin, all while raising money for the local Meals on Wheels program.

Valley Unified food service director Melanie Lagasse at the Fort Kent Community High School cafeteria with shoes she obtained from New Balance for St. John Valley students in need. (Jessica Potila | SJVT)

Valley Unified food service director Melanie Lagasse went above and beyond when she wrote a grant and donation letter to New Balance shoe company officials, and as a result obtained 92 new pairs of sneakers to distribute to area students in need. Because of Lagasses efforts, New Balance donated $3,680 worth of sneakers for students of all ages.

May

A newly formed Valley Unified Drama Unit, which included students from three St. John Valley administrative units comprising the Valley Unified Educational Service Center, came together to present dinner theater performances of the popular 1980s movie The Breakfast Club. The cast and crew were composed of students who attend schools in Madawaska, St. Agatha and Fort Kent.

The 2019 Pride of the Fort Kent Lions Show opened with a faux disclaimer warning of the many side effects that can occur from intense and prolonged laughter. The biannual event raised about $17,000 to support projects in the area this year.

Students in Stacy Belangers second-grade class at Fort Kent Elementary School educated, inspired and entertained audiences at the 5th annual Trash to Treasure Fashion Show at the University of Maine at Fort Kent Fox Auditorium. Each year, the students design innovative costumes from disposable materials to honor Earth Day and demonstrate their creativity. They then wear the costumes as they walk the runway at Fox Auditorium during two shows consisting of an audience of their peers and another with family, friends and community members.

A representative from WBRC Architects/Engineers met with the Valley Unified Site Selection Committee May 14 to discuss the criteria they will be using when considering the potential location of a new high school. Ray Bolduc from WBRC Architects/Engineers reviewed the site selection criteria matrix that each member of the Site Selection Committee will use to rate potential sites.

A 2015 Fort Kent Community High School graduate, who also graduated from Yale University, embarked on a year-long music fellowship in Israel. Jared Michaud earned a bachelor of arts degree in theater studies as well as a certificate from the education studies scholars program from Yale in May.

June

Two brothers and a family pet survived a harrowing ordeal after their canoes toppled over in Umsaskis Lake on Monday, June 3. From left: Cooper the Dog and Michael Fiori. (Courtesy of Michael Fiori)

Two brothers who nearly drowned in Umsaskis Lake along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Monday evening credited a New Hampshire Scout Troop camping in the area with saving their lives. The men were on day two of a weeklong fishing trip along the Allagash chain of lakes when their canoe toppled. They began swimming for shore but soon became separated. One of the men was headed toward the shore of a remote area known as Sandy Beach, where Scouts Crew 345 Kingston, New Hampshire, happened to be camping. The Scouts brought him to their fire where they heated stones and wrapped them in towels to warm him. In the meantime, members of the Scout crew headed for a ranger station to seek further help. Both men survived the ordeal.

Nearly a dozen members of law enforcement turned out in Frenchville for the handoff of the Special Olympics torch for the Madawaska leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The annual event involving officers in the Valley from Fort Kent to Madawaska raised nearly $1,300 to benefit the Special Olympics.

After heated discussions over a motion to eliminate a majority of proposed sites on the basis of proximity to either Madawaska or Fort Kent, Valley Unified Site Selection Committee members voted down the motion, and instead reached a consensus that the engineering firm would narrow down the options to 11 proposed sites.

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A look back at the top news stories of 2019 - fiddleheadfocus.com

Itty Bitty the Kitty is more entertaining than TV.

Thats my sugar. Ooh, hes a show! said his owner, Diane, as the energetic tabby pounced on a new toy.

That toy, a colorful length of braided fleece, was delivered by Jay Wilcox, a volunteer for Ani-Meals on Wheels. Wilcox also brought a months worth of donated provisions a bag of dry chow, six cans of seafood-flavored cat food and the new amusement to the third-floor apartment, greeting Diane by name and asking, Hows your baby?

The 70-year-old retired secretary (who asked that only her first name be used) lives in a rent-assisted building for older adults. As a Meals on Wheels client, she regularly receives healthy meals. Now her in-house entertainment and adored companion, Itty Bitty, does, too.

When I heard about this, my first reaction was, Youre kidding me! We need to be feeding people, not pets, confessed Wilcox, a retired dentist.

After making a few Ani-Meals deliveries, he did an about-face.

Ive seen how these lovable little fuzzballs touch the heart and soul of a person, he said. In some cases, that animal is all theyve got in the world.

Every month, Ani-Meals volunteers pack 1,200 pounds of pet food and deliver it to 170 animals, mostly cats, that live with Meals on Wheels clients served by Community Emergency Service (CES) in south Minneapolis.

The program is part of an effort to recognize the role that companion animals play in the health and well-being of the people Meals on Wheels serves.

Pets are really important for our clients, said Melanie LaPointe, volunteer coordinator at CES. They may not have much family or get out much. Their cat or their dog is their family.

Meals on Wheels has long been credited with helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities retain their independence by providing them with nutritious food. The regular lunchtime drop-offs by friendly volunteers also offer a connection for homebound clients.

A few years ago, Meals on Wheels America (the national organization that supports the thousands of community-based programs) discovered that many of its clients shared their limited food with their pets.

If you dont have a lot of food, you need it yourself, said LaPointe. Sharing is not healthy for the people and not healthy for the pets.

In 2016, the national organization offered grants to local Meals on Wheels programs to establish Ani-Meals on Wheels. In Minneapolis, CES relies on grants and individual donations of pet food, kitty litter and cash. Volunteers sort, pack and deliver the pet supplies.

Kim Flatgard is a regular at the historic church where CES is located. For more than two years, the Bloomington woman and her husband have sorted and packed donations for Ani-Meals.

Theres a feeling of satisfaction coming here and knowing what were giving to other animal lovers, she said.

A cure for loneliness

Its not just seniors living on limited incomes who suffer the very real effects of loneliness: Its now considered an epidemic among older people.

A growing body of research has confirmed the health threats associated with social isolation. A 2017 national Health and Retirement Study by the National Institute on Aging identified loneliness as a factor that contributes to an elevated risk of heart attacks, strokes, depression and even early death.

A study by the AARP Public Policy Institute linked feeling alone to higher health care costs, calculating that it creates an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending every year.

Older adults can become lonely to the point that they seek medical visits when they are not necessary, said LaNita Knoke, a health care strategist with Home Instead Senior Care. Theyre looking for social interaction.

Pet ownership can curb that loneliness. Its been credited with helping people make essential connections and providing the companionship that contributes to physical and mental health.

Human-to-human relationships are complicated and humans can let us down, said Athena Diesch-Chham, veterinary social worker in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. An animal gives the unconditional love that feeds the soul.

Diesch-Chham salutes the Ani-Meals on Wheels program for recognizing that supporting pets is a way of supporting their owners.

Our older people have experienced major losses spouses, siblings, the loss of independence, she said. A bond with an animal gives purpose, a reason to get up and face the day. That pet needs them.

Thats true for Diane, who grew up on a farm, which she calls the best life ever. As a girl, she helped her father with pigs, cows, chickens, a dog and, of course, a barnful of cats.

Now, she keeps track of Itty Bitty as he roams her apartment, sometimes observing her from the top of her refrigerator.

He sleeps in bed with me under my chin, she said. He keeps me company. He keeps me from getting too lonesome.

Kevyn Burger is a Minneapolis-based freelance broadcaster and writer.

Continue reading here:
An offshoot of Meals on Wheels, Ani-Meals on Wheels helps feed the pets of disadvantaged older adults - Minneapolis Star Tribune

A female reindeer and her daughter each had cataracts corrected.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- A reindeer mother and daughter are ready for duty this holiday season following cataract surgery in late summer at the Cornell University Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospital.

The reindeer live at Locust Hill Farm in Caton, New York, near Corning, and travel with their owner, Michael Cary, DVM, to holiday events around the Northeast. But when cataracts threatened their vision, Cary brought them to Cornell for consultation. Eric Ledbetter, DVM, professor and section chief of ophthalmology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, performed the procedure that restored their sight.

Large animal ophthalmologist Nita Irby, DVM, dilated the reindeers eyes and examined them to ensure that they were clear of inflammation and healing as expected.

It went great. I dont think they could look better at this point after surgery, said Ledbetter, who has performed cataract surgery on dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, horses, cows, alpacas and llamas. But this is my first reindeer.

The mother, 6-year-old Donder, had a milky cataract in one eye that developed after she snagged her eyelid on a fence. Without vision in that eye, she was nervous when animals or people approached from that side not ideal for a reindeer that interacts with the public. Her daughter, Dondersven, developed cataracts in both eyes, which were apparent a few weeks after birth. The young reindeer was still running about but was cautious around fences and other obstacles.

The cause of the cataracts is unknown, but Cary suspects that steroid eye drops might be to blame. He used the drops to reduce inflammation after her eyelid injury while Donder was pregnant, which might also have exposed Dondersven to the steroids.

Ledbetter corrected the cataracts by removing the clouded lenses during surgery on Sept. 4. Little is known about cataracts in reindeer, so Ledbetter relied on information from more common large animals, such as cows and horses, where there is a 10 percent to 20 percent chance of serious complications after surgery.

According to Ledbetter, the biggest challenge was positioning the reindeer while anesthetized so he could access the eyes without impaling himself on an antler.

You cant lay them on their backs, and you cant lay them flat on their side, Ledbetter said. He estimates that he spent about 30-45 minutes performing the surgery on each eye, and as much time positioning the animals correctly.

Initially scheduled for August, the surgery was pushed back because of concerns about damaging the delicate velvet that covers the antlers. The velvet is attached to blood vessels, which helps cool the animals in the summer but causes bleeding when injured. In the fall, however, the antlers dry out and the reindeer rub off the velvet, revealing the bone underneath. Reindeer are the only members of the deer family in which females also grow antlers.

Outside of Alaska, reindeer are a rare sight in the U.S., and even longtime hospital staff were fascinated by the unusual patients. Wild and domestic reindeer herds roam the tundra of Europe and Asia, but some reindeer were imported into Alaska from Siberia more than 100 years ago. Reindeer have been domesticated for thousands of years, Michael Cary said. They have cave paintings of reindeer being hunted and herded from the Ice Age.

During the recent checkup, Ledbetter and Irby dilated the reindeers eyes and examined them to ensure they were clear of inflammation, healing as expected and that tiny clumps of lens tissue had not regrown inside the eye. They were pleased to see that both mother and daughter were healing nicely.

Cary also noticed a marked improvement in the reindeers behavior since the surgery. When Donder had the cataract, she would be less dominant, less sure of herself, he said. Now that shes had the surgery, she was pushing all the yearlings around, telling them where they could go.

All the reindeer were home for the holidays and ready to help out at community events this season.

I know she still had one visual eye and we didnt have to do the surgery, but it was worth it, said Cary. Now she can go on display and be happier.

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Reindeer return to holiday action after surgery - News - Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro Record Herald

CryoLife Inc.(NYSE:CRY) announced that it had its investigational new drug application accepted by the FDA for a clinical trial to observe whether the On-X mechanical aortic valve can be maintained on apixaban instead of warfarin.

The On-X aortic valve is the first mechanical aortic heart valve to win FDA and CE Mark approval for labeling to permit use within a reduced warfarin dosage, according to a news release. Results of the original Proact trial showed a more than 60% reduction in bleeding events without increasing the risk of stroke.

Warfarin in patients with mechanical heart valves requires routine blood testing to manage the patients international normalized ratio within a certain range to minimize the likelihood of bleeding and stroke. The apixaban alternative CryoLife seeks to provide is intended to offer better durability, long-term survival and clinical outcomes.

The Proact Xa trial is slated to include 1,000 participants, randomizing 500 in each arm of the study at up to 60 sites in North America. Subjects are set to be 18 years of age or older and implanted with the On-X aortic valve and randomized to continue warfarin or switch to apixaban.

The trials co-primary efficacy endpoints are to determine if apixaban is non-inferior to warfarin and to determine if apixaban provides acceptable anticoagulation for patients with an On-X aortic valve for the primary outcome of valve thrombosis and valve-related thromboembolism. The primary safety endpoint is determining if apixaban is superior to warfarin in the safety outcome of major bleeding.

We are pleased that the FDA has authorized us to study the use of apixaban in patients with the On-X aortic valve, CryoLife chairman, president & CEO Pat Mackin said in a news release. If the PROACT Xa trial is successful in proving that On-X aortic valve recipients can be maintained safely on apixaban rather than warfarin, we believe that not only will we become the leader in the mechanical valve market, but also that the On-X aortic valve will take share from the existing bioprosthetic aortic valve market.

Apixaban has been shown to reduce stroke and cause less bleeding than warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, added Duke University professor of medicine in cardiology Dr. John Alexander. If it can be done safely, the possibility of managing patients with an On-X aortic valve with apixaban and eliminating their need for warfarin represents a potential benefit to patients and the physicians who manage them.

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CryoLife to begin investigational trial on using aortic valve without warfarin - Mass Device

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2018, Baylor University announced that Lady, one of the Universitys two American Black Bear mascots, is undergoing an innovative, noninvasive radiation treatment for a benign mass, or thymoma, in her chest. The asymptomatic tumor was found during a routine wellness examination with veterinarians at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Lady has received treatment at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a low-dose TomoTherapy System, a state-of-the-art treatment system that targets tumors while minimizing exposure of radiation to surrounding healthy tissues and causing fewer side effects compared to conventional forms of radiation therapy. Veterinarians continue to closely monitor the tumor, which has not grown since it was discovered. Lady is resting comfortably at her campus home the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat along with her older sister, Joy.

Additional Media Resources

Dec. 11, 2019 Letter to the Baylor Family from President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.

Dec. 11, 2019 News Release: Baylor Bear Mascot Lady Undergoing Treatment for Benign Thymoma

2019 Bear Mascot Program Fact Sheet about the program, daily and medical/health care, and Ladys diagnosis and treatment.

Photos, b-roll and video interview clips: https://baylor.box.com/v/BaylorBearsMascots

Thisfolder includes photos and b-roll of Lady and Joy in the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat on campus, at their off-campus enrichment facility and at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where Lady is being treated. In addition, the folder includes interview clips with J. Jill Heatley, DVM, zoological medicine specialist at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Please credit the photos to Matthew Minard/Baylor University and the video courtesy of Baylor University.

Baylor Bear Program website: http://www.baylor.edu/bear

See the article here:
2019 Baylor Bear Mascots | Media and Public Relations - Baylor University

Veterinary Medicine Market Overview:

The Veterinary Medicine Market is expected to grow at a significant pace, reports Verified Market Research. Its latest research report, titled [Veterinary Medicine Market Size and Forecast to 2026, Breakdown Data by Manufacturers, Key Regions, Types and Application], offers a unique point of view about the global market. Analysts believe that the changing consumption patterns are expected to have a great influence on the overall market. For a brief overview of the Veterinary Medicine Market, the research report provides an executive summary. It explains the various factors that form an important element of the market. It includes the definition and the scope of the market with a detailed explanation of the market drivers, opportunities, restraints, and threats.

Request a Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=21894&utm_source=DNI&utm_medium=005

Key Players Mentioned in the Veterinary Medicine Market Research Report:

Veterinary Medicine Market: Segmentation

Segmental analysis is one of the key sections of this report. The authors of the report have segregated the Veterinary Medicine market into product type, application, end user, and region. All the segments are studied on the basis of their CAGR, market share, and growth potential. In the regional analysis, the report highlights the regional markets having high growth potential. This clear and thorough assessment of the segments would help the players to focus on revenue generating areas of the Veterinary Medicine market.

Veterinary Medicine Market: Regional Segmentation

For a deeper understanding, the research report includes geographical segmentation of the Veterinary Medicine Market. It provides an evaluation of the volatility of the political scenarios and amends likely to be made to the regulatory structures. This assessment gives an accurate analysis of the regional-wise growth of the Veterinary Medicine Market.

Veterinary Medicine Market: Research Methodology

The research methodologies used by the analysts play an integral role in the way the publication has been collated. Analysts have used primary and secondary research methodologies to create a comprehensive analysis. For an accurate and precise analysis of the Veterinary Medicine Market, analysts have bottom-up and top-down approaches.

Ask for Discount @https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=21894&utm_source=DNI&utm_medium=005

Table of Content

1 Introduction of Veterinary Medicine Market

1.1 Overview of the Market 1.2 Scope of Report 1.3 Assumptions

2 Executive Summary

3 Research Methodology of Verified Market Research

3.1 Data Mining 3.2 Validation 3.3 Primary Interviews 3.4 List of Data Sources

4 Veterinary Medicine Market Outlook

4.1 Overview 4.2 Market Dynamics 4.2.1 Drivers 4.2.2 Restraints 4.2.3 Opportunities 4.3 Porters Five Force Model 4.4 Value Chain Analysis

5 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Deployment Model

5.1 Overview

6 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Solution 6.1 Overview

7 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Vertical

7.1 Overview

8 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Geography 8.1 Overview 8.2 North America 8.2.1 U.S. 8.2.2 Canada 8.2.3 Mexico 8.3 Europe 8.3.1 Germany 8.3.2 U.K. 8.3.3 France 8.3.4 Rest of Europe 8.4 Asia Pacific 8.4.1 China 8.4.2 Japan 8.4.3 India 8.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific 8.5 Rest of the World 8.5.1 Latin America 8.5.2 Middle East

9 Veterinary Medicine Market Competitive Landscape

9.1 Overview 9.2 Company Market Ranking 9.3 Key Development Strategies

10 Company Profiles

10.1.1 Overview 10.1.2 Financial Performance 10.1.3 Product Outlook 10.1.4 Key Developments

11 Appendix

11.1 Related Research

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Veterinary Medicine Market Size 2019 Focuses on Top Companies, Research Methodology, Drivers and Forecast to 2026 - Drnewsindustry

The CSU Employee Appreciation Board had the privilege of recognizing the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Finance and Research Office for their exemplary service on Oct. 21.

Nominated by Dana Schwartz, the group continuously goes above and beyond by assisting with tasks and providing customer service beyond their normal scope of duties. When an accountant in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital suddenly left, an employee in the Finance and Research Office offered to take on PCard reallocation for the VTH during the stressful year-end time frame.

In another instance, when a complicated research training grant was awarded to a department outside of CVMBS, this group volunteered to take over the administration of it because of their expertise on these types of awards and the outside department was unfamiliar with it.

Schwartz also shared another example of how this group embodies the true spirit of customer service. The Dish Network office was previously located where the finance office is now, and they still get people coming in wanting help with Dish issues. Recently, a gentleman in his 80s who couldnt get his TV to work came in. One of the employees helped him call the number on the bill to help get it fixed.

This group deserved to be recognized for making CSU a great place to work, and ultimately giving individuals positive experiences with CSU, Schwaartz said. The CSUEAB agrees! Congratulations on a job well done!

To nominate a department or office, visit the EAB website.

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CVMBS Finance and Research Office recognized by the Employee Appreciation Board - Source