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“The ductus usually closes after birth,” said Dr. Romain Pariaut, assistant professor of veterinary cardiology. “However, sometimes it doesn’t and can cause congestive heart failure if left untreated.” Bentley was referred to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital after his primary veterinarian, Dr. Donna Kleinpeter (LSU SVM ’86) diagnosed him with heart failure. When Bentley first arrived at the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he was suffering from pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Dr. Strickland, associate professor of veterinary cardiology, and Dr. Pariaut diagnosed the PDA and discussed treatment options with Bentley's owners, Dr. Caroline Nash, an assistant professor in the LSU French Studies Department and her husband, Peter Longerich. “We discussed the traditional surgical option, which involves opening the chest cavity and ligating the vessel, and cardiac catheterization,” said Dr. Pariaut. “Using interventional cardiac catheterization is less invasive than surgery and does not require as much recovery time,” said Dr. Pariaut. A small incision is made in the leg to gain access to the femoral artery. Then, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and travels through the vessels to the heart. The procedure is done in radiology using fluoroscopy to track the catheter’s path. The catheter includes a device called an Amplatz® Canine Ductus Occluder (ACDO) manufactured by Infiniti Medical, LLC. The ACDO, which is made especially for dogs, has a short waist separating two disks that are released successively once the vessel is reached. The first disk is released when it reaches the pulmonary artery. The second disk is deployed within the PDA to close the hole, which is now between the two disks. The device is detached from its delivery cable and will remain in the body permanently, while the catheter is removed. Bentley had the procedure on a Tuesday and went home the next day, though he will be on medication. “This procedure works best on medium to large dogs; in smaller dogs, the arteries may be too small for the catheter,” said Dr. Pariaut. “Both catheterization and surgery can successfully treat PDA, and both options are offered to the clients.” Bentley will return to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at least two more times to check on his recovery, but his prognosis is very good. “I cannot commend enough all who were involved in saving Bentley's life,” said Nash. “Dr. Strickland and Rachel Tankersley, cardiology assistant, played key roles during the procedure in assisting Dr. Pariaut. Stephanie Johnson, the counselor, along with her intern, Natalie Chandler, continuously provided me with updates during the procedure, always maintaining a positive attitude and offering me words and gestures of comfort and encouragement. I will never find the words to adequately express my gratitude and praise to Bronk McDaniel, the student who was given charge of Bentley. He was extremely diligent, but above all, he went above and beyond his duties and responsibilities where Bentley was concerned. Lastly, I am deeply indebted to Dr. Pariaut. First and foremost, one must establish a certain bond with a doctor who will be performing a life-saving procedure, whether it be on you or your child. Further, it is critical that this bond be built on trust. Dr. Pariaut is a gift and a true blessing. LSU is extremely fortunate to have him on their team.” LSU Hosts Veterinary Dermatology SeminarThe LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a veterinary dermatology seminar entitled, “A Potpourri of Veterinary Dermatologic Diseases and Therapy” on Sunday, December 2. This seminar is generously sponsored by Vetoquinol USA Inc., Virbac Corporation, D.V.M. Pharmaceuticals (IVX Animal Health), Bayer Animal Health, and Sogeval. Topics include Flea Control, Staphylococcal Infections, MRSA/ MRSI Strains, Allergy Specific Immunotherapy, MDR1 Mutation/Ivermectin Usage, New Drugs in Veterinary Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Feline Skin Diseases, Histiocytosis, Nail Disease, Keratinization, and more. The instructors are Tina Brown, DVM, MS, dermatology resident, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; Carol S. Foil, DVM, MS, DACVD, professor emeritus, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and consultant, Veterinary Information Network; Stephen Lemarie, DVM, MS, DACVD, staff dermatologist, Southeast Veterinary Specialists; Sandra R. Merchant, DVM, DACVD, professor of veterinary dermatology and staff dermatologist, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; Nathalie Rademacher, Dr.med.vet., DECVDI, assistant professor of radiology and staff radiologist, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; Tara S. Snook, DVM, assistant clinical professor of dermatology and staff dermatologist, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; and Deirdre Vaughan DVM, MS, dermatology resident, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and Southeast Veterinary Specialists. Eight hours of continuing education credit or 0.8 CEU credits (one hour equals 0.1 CE unit) will be earned for this course. Certification forms will be provided for participants to complete credit hours earned. The registration fee is $125 before November 19 ($150 after November 19). Fee includes seminar materials, break refreshments, and a catered lunch. For more information or to request a registration form, call 225-578-9900 or click here to download. LSU Alumnus to Become Next Commissioner of Agriculture
Dr. Mike Strain ran for the office of Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Louisiana and was headed for a run-off against incumbent Bob Odom. On October 25, Odom announced his retirement effective January 14, making Strain the State’s new Commissioner of Agriculture. Strain received 40 percent of the vote in the October election. During his campaign, Strain said he wants to expand domestic and foreign markets for new and existing crops, to craft a tax-cut package to aid agriculture and to make better use of LSU and other schools to improve farming methods. “Born and raised on a farm in Abita Springs, La., farming has been in my family for over five generations,” said Strain. “My childhood and adolescent experiences on our farm directed me to an interest in and dedication to agriculture and veterinary medicine.” Strain met his wife Susan at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and they were married upon her graduation in 1984; he received his DVM in 1983. Strain was a junior in veterinary school when they first met, and Susan was a sophomore. After graduation, Strain opened a rural large animal practice. Susan joined the practice, and she began doing small animal medicine in May 1984. “Susan and I both began our careers together in our own practice,” said Strain. “Our practice is now predominately small animal; however, I still provide veterinary services for our own herds.” Strain got into state politics in 2000, when he was elected to serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives. “I decided to get involved in politics because I truly believed that I could make a significant difference in the lives of our citizens and the future of Louisiana,” said Strain. “I had served as legislative chair for the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association for approximately 10 years and had been active on the board, as well as holding leadership positions in the LVMA. I had also been active for many years in the Farm Bureau and Cattlemen's Association.” Strain served in the Louisiana House of Representatives for seven years. “If I had to choose an issue that I feel has most impacted veterinary medicine in this state, it would be passage of House Bill 88, which established the Equine Health Studies Program Fund in the state treasury.” The EHSP encompasses the LSU SVM’s equine clinic, teaching and research. House Bill 88 provides an annual deposit of $750,000 to be used expressly by the EHSP; the funds come from revenue derived from slot machine gaming at horse racing venues. Strain remains close to the LSU SVM and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003. “Attending the LSU SVM was a wonderful experience,” said Strain. “There was a family atmosphere that was intellectually challenging and goal oriented. I made many friends that are still close today. The LSU SVM prepared me very well for private practice. It gave me the foundation upon which to build my career. What LSU SVM means to me cannot be adequately described in words. I still feel that it is a home for me. It is an institution made up of high quality individuals whom I feel are friends, colleagues and mentors. I also believe that it is my duty and responsibility to help the School in any way that I can so that it can be the very best it can be for future generations of veterinarians.” In addition to his work as a veterinarian and as a state legislator, Strain served 17 years with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Reserves, was commissioner of the St. Tammany Parish Fire District, was past parish president and state board member for the Louisiana Farm Bureau, and was president of the LVMA. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts 76th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
Topics in large animal medicine include Tackling Equine Infectious Diseases, New Strategies for the Treatment of Equine Recurrent Uveitis, Therio/Breeding Management, Dentistry/Dental Surgery, An Overview of Common Medical Conditions in Goats, Surgical Diseases of Meat Goats, Parasite Control and Other Herd Health Issues of Meat Goats, and Nutrition in Small Exotic Mammals: Dietary Recommendations and Health Implications.
Interactive laboratory sessions include Difficult Small Animal Cases: Combining Radiography, Ultrasonography and Cross-Sectional Imaging to Get a Diagnosis and Practice Management Roundtable Discussion: What Do You Need Help With in Your Practice.
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Nutrition;
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Radiology.
The conference includes a reunion weekend for all School alumni beginning Friday, November 9 honoring the classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002. The reunion weekend will feature a Fall Family Picnic on the front lawn of the School on November 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hotdogs, barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, bread pudding, Borden’s ice cream, and soft drinks will be provided. There will be a silent auction sponsored by the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association; proceeds help veterinary students attend a national conference. There will be a crafts table, a space walk, and other games and activities for the whole family.
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Seeks Help for Needy ClientsTweaky started out as an abandoned, mixed breed dog and was the inspiration for an endowment established to help impoverished pet owners. Nadine Carter Russell found the dog she named Tweaky (named for the robot in Buck Rogers) in a parking lot on College Drive in Baton Rouge, La. She gave the dog to her aunt, Paula G. Manship, who later set up the “Tweaky Fund,” an endowment with the LSU Foundation to benefit the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to help impoverished pet owners with veterinary care. The Tweaky Fund was established to provide veterinary services for pets of people in the Baton Rouge community who are unable to afford critical veterinary care. The fund helps needy pet owners pay with medicines, supplies, surgical procedures and other expenditures incurred at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, for serious and catastrophic cases. The fund can also offer financial support for those animal owners who, although living above poverty level, are unable to afford life-saving procedures for their pets. To qualify for the Tweaky Fund, a pet owner must pay a minimum of $100 towards care, and the prognosis for the patient must be good to excellent. The owner must also show evidence of prior general health care (e.g., vaccinations, heartworm prevention, etc.). The majority of the cases seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital are referred to LSU by the client’s veterinarian; however, to qualify for the Tweaky Fund, the case cannot be a referral. The owner must contact the Veterinary Teaching Hospital directly at 225-578-9600 to make an appointment. The primary clinician assigned to the case will then write a letter to the Tweaky Fund Committee detailing the merits of the case, and the owner must fill out a request form before funds can be allocated. Funds are distributed on a case-by-case basis. “Aunt Paula and I got to meet Loverboy, the first pet helped by the fund,” said Russell. “He had been in a bad car accident and was in very bad shape. He was just the dearest dog. We got to meet him before he went home. Aunt Paula was in her wheelchair, and he just leaned against her so she could pet him. To know that this dog was saved meant a lot to both of us.” The most recent recipient of aid from the Tweaky Fund was Jackson, a one-year old mixed breed dog. Jackson presented to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a foreign object lodged in his GI tract. “With surgery, his prognosis was excellent, but he would not have survived without it,” said Dr. Jon Fletcher, small animal medicine resident. Jackson’s owner is a college student and did not have the funds to pay for his surgery. “He was whimpering in his crate one night and started throwing up,” said his owner. “I called Poison Control, and they told me to call the School of Veterinary Medicine.” Jackson’s owner brought him in to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where tests were run, and it was determined that he would require surgery or have to be euthanized. “I was in tears when I heard how expensive the surgery would be,” said Jackson’s owner, “but then Dr. Fletcher said that I might qualify for a special fund. Jackson’s doing great now; he’s totally himself again.” Jackson’s owner and her mother are saving their money to give back to the fund that helped Jackson. “We want to pay it back so that the fund can be used to help someone else,” said Jackson’s owner. “I can’t imagine not having Jackson. Anything that anybody can donate makes all the difference. I don’t want anyone to have to lose a pet because they can’t afford the treatment.” The Tweaky Fund can only support a limited amount of expenditures per year, so each case is limited to a maximum donation of $2,000. Contributions to the fund would allow the Veterinary Teaching Hospital to expend more funds each year. To make a contribution to the Tweaky Fund, please contact Pat Edwards, director of institutional advancement, at 225-578-9870 or pedwards@vetmed.lsu.edu. LSU Equine Program Co-Hosts Large Animal Emergency Rescue Course The LSU-Equine Health Studies Program (EHSP) at the School of Veterinary Medicine recently co-hosted a four-day technical large animal emergency rescue and large animal hazardous material training course at the LSU-Fire & Emergency Training Institute (FETI) in Baton Rouge, La., October 11-14, 2007. Sponsored by the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART), the primary goal of the course was to prepare and train first responders, veterinarians, and other animal care personnel to work together in order to safely and effectively save animal lives without compromising human life during a disaster.
First responders, police officers, sheriff and deputy officials, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal control officials, animal shelter personnel, veterinary students, and animal/equine science students made up the group of course participants. Specific groups represented included Louisiana State Animal Response Team members from each area of the state as well as members of the LSU-EHSP, LSU-SVM Class of 2009, LSU-FETI, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Department, Louisiana Tech University Equine Science Program, LSU Pre-Veterinary Club, Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, Concordia Animal Welfare, the Louisiana Racing Commission, and USDA/APHIS. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises included basic as well as specific large animal rescue procedures. Highlighted in the training were practical animal assistance techniques, mud rescue, water rescue, vertical lift using an A-frame and rope system, vertical lift using a helicopter, night rescue of an injured horse on rough terrain, as well as HazMat training. The course and training were administered by LSU’s Equine Health Studies Program at the School of Veterinary Medicine and FETI. LSU’s Stephenson Disaster Management Institute joined with those groups, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Equine Committee Foundation, and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association to co-host the event. Dr. Tomas Gimenez from Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Inc., located in Pendleton, S.C., was course instructor. Karma and Angel, two of Gimenez’s trained walking horses, were invaluable animal participants and provided excellent and unique real-life training experience for participants. For additional information about this course, visit www.tlaer.org. Course participants received a certificate upon successful completion, which can be used for local, regional, state, and national disaster response credentialing. To learn more about this training course and future course offerings, please refer to www.LSART.org. LSU Teams with HSUS to Care for Pets Evacuated During Emergencies On October 8, the Humane Society of the United States announced that it is giving $600,000 to build an emergency animal shelter and medical clinic for pets at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson, La. The announcement was made on the steps of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Dr. David F. Senior, associate dean for advancement and strategic initiatives, represented the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, which will supervise the veterinary care provided by the shelter. The medium-security prison about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge will be able to house and care for up to 500 pets with handpicked, trained inmates and the supervision of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. This is not the first time Dixon inmates have helped care for animals. After Hurricane Katrina, Dixon inmates helped care for overflow pets from the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center animal shelter in Gonzales. Construction is expected to begin in April. After the facility is built, it will be used as more than just an emergency animal shelter; it will operate year-round to serve stray animals in the East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes to prepare them for adoption. The shelter will also help to train animals to care for people with special needs, such as the blind and the elderly. The inmates will benefit as well, Pacelle said. Veterinary students will assist in operation of the shelter year-round, said Dr. Senior. “Veterinary students will gain experience in shelter medicine; it will help them understand the plight of ownerless pets and their responsibility as veterinarians to this group of animals,” said Dr. Senior. “They will see many different types of diseases that they may not encounter in our referral clinic so it will broaden their exposure to disease entities.”
School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Pet Photos with Santa Paws Bring your pet – any pet – to meet Santa Paws! Pets can have their picture taken with Santa Paws on Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on Skip Bertman Drive in Baton Rouge, La. This annual event is sponsored by the Auxiliary to the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and helps fund scholarships for veterinary school students. A variety of photo packages are available. The family is welcome to pose with Santa Paws in the picture. Pets Believe Too! For more information, contact the School of Veterinary Medicine at (225) 578-9900. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Animals in Art Show Calls for Entries
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine will hold the 21st Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art beginning with an opening reception on March 29, 2008, and concluding on April 27, 2008. Judge and Juror for this year’s event will be Thomas Livesay, executive director of the LSU Museum of Art. He has served as director of the Whatcom Museum of History & Art in Bellingham, Wash.; director of the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe, N.M.; assistant director of the Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas, Texas; director of the Amarillo Art Center in Amarillo, Texas; and director of the Longview Museum & Art Center in Longview, Texas. Livesay received his BFA in 1968 and his MFA in 1972, both from the University of Texas in Austin. He did his post-graduate work in Institute in Arts Administration at Harvard University in 1978. Livesay was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Association of Museums (2004-2007) and currently serves on the board of the Louisiana Association of Museums. In 2006, Livesay was placed on the Centennial Honor Roll, which recognized him by the American Association of Museums as one of 100 professionals “who have worked during the past 100 years to innovate, improve and expand how museums in the United States serve the public.” In 2007, he received the Edgar L. Hewett Award from the New Mexico Association of Museums. The exhibition is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All media are welcomed and accepted; the work must be original. A $1,000 Best of Show award will be given and one entry will be chosen to appear on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. All work must be priced and for sale, and a 20% commission will be taken on all sales. Works must meet the spirit of the “Animals in Art” exhibit in order to be considered for acceptance. Selection of works to be accepted in the exhibition will be chosen from 2” x 2” mounted 35mm slides or digital images on a compact disk. Only one slide or digital image should be submitted for each 2-dimensional work, and a maximum of three slides or digital images may be submitted for a 3-dimensional work. Each slide or compact disk must be labeled with name, title, medium, and each slide must indicate the top of the artwork. The maximum size for entry is 60”x60”x48”. A non-refundable fee of $15.00 for each entry must accompany the entry form. A check or money order should be made payable to Louisiana State University with the notation “Animals in Art Entry” in the memo line. Entries are due by January 11, 2008. Those interested in participating should contact Gretchen Morgan, alumni & public programs coordinator for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, for an entry form and additional information at (225) 578-9565 or by e-mail at gmorgan@lsu.edu. Information is also available at the School’s Web site at www.vetmed.lsu.edu. LSU Police Dog Saved by LSU Veterinarians
With the help of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, a member of the LSU Police Department is recovering from liver failure. Sendy, a two-year-old female German Shepherd, is one of two new police dogs with the LSUPD. She became ill on September 20. Her handler, Officer Jason Bettencourtt, was awakened at 2:30 a.m. by a loud bang. When he got up to check on the noise, he found Sendy lying down by the back door. “She wouldn’t respond and couldn’t move,” said Bettencourtt, who called the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon arrival at the School’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sendy was examined, and it was determined that she had acute liver failure, most likely caused by the ingestion of a toxic plant. Sendy was treated by Dr. Bettina Mayer-Roenne, small animal medicine resident, and Leslie Andermann, fourth-year veterinary student. “At first, we didn’t think she was going to make it,” said Dr. Mayer-Roenne, “but she started getting better after the first day. With liver failure, it’s the secondary symptoms that can cause death. Sendy was suffering from fulminate liver failure, which caused a severe bleeding disorder, encephalopathy, hypotension, sepsis and arrhythmia.” Sendy was treated with blood transfusions and antibiotics during the nine days she stayed at the Hospital. “We don’t know exactly what Sendy ingested, but some toxins can cause long-term problems,” said Dr. Mayer-Roenne. Sendy will continue to come to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for check-ups for another six months, until it can be determined if she has suffered permanent damage. “She’s getting better every day,” said Bettencourtt. Sendy will be working as bomb-sniffing dog again and trains with Bettencourtt every day, though not as strenuously as she is still recovering. They go on regular patrols together and do one to two training sessions each day. “You truly have two amazing people in Dr. Mayer-Roenne and Leslie Andermann,” said Bettencourtt. “My deepest thanks go out to not only Dr. Mayer-Roenne and Ms. Andermann, but also to the rest of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine staff who cared for Sendy.”LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Announces Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day Award Winners
On September 26, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine held its annual Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day—a day established to promote research in schools of veterinary medicine, to recognize research conducted by veterinary students, residents, graduate students and faculty, and to encourage veterinary students to pursue careers in research. Phi Zeta is the national veterinary honor society, which recognizes and furthers scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals. The importance of this day to the SVM is underlined by the fact that the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is closed except for emergencies to allow all students and house officers to participate. Phi Zeta Day provides an opportunity for national experts to speak to students on current research in various fields and to present a picture of global veterinary research. This year’s speakers were Jack Harkema, DVM, MS, PhD, university distinguished professor, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University; and Linda Cork, DVM, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Comparative Medicine, and director, Veterinary Service Center, Stanford University. Dr. Harkema discussed, “A Veterinarian’s Study of Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution,” and Dr. Cork’s presentation was entitled, “Adventures in Comparative Medicine.” Veterinary and graduate students (including interns and residents) and faculty and staff presented their current biomedical research that is relevant to diseases of man and animals. Student entries were made in two categories: the doctoral student competition and the undergraduate, Master’s degree, and House Officer competition. First-, second- and third-place monetary awards were given in these categories. This year there were 23 entries in the doctoral student competition and 22 in the undergraduate, Master’s degree and House Officer category. Winners in the Student competition, including Master’s, undergraduate and veterinary students, and interns and residents were as follows. First place went to Astrid Bigio, a third-year student at the School of Veterinary Medicine, for “Quantitation of myenteric neurons and glia in the enteric nervous system of captive rhesus macaques with chronic idiopathic colitis.” Bigio’s faculty mentor was Dr. Marlene Orandle, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Second place went to Leigh Parisi, a third-year veterinary student at the School of Veterinary Medicine, for “An anatomical comparison between the cross-sectional anatomy, CT, and MR images of the Australian Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae).” Parisi’s faculty mentor was Dr. Thomas Tully, professor of veterinary clinical sciences. Third place went to Aliya “Yani” Magee, a third-year student at the School of Veterinary Medicine, for “NF-κB blockade attenuates oxidative stress and cytokine expression in the paraventricular nucleus of spontaneously hypertensive animals.” Magee’s faculty mentor was Dr. Joseph Francis, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. Winners in the Ph.D. category were as follows: First place went to Anuradha Guggilam, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, for “Altered superoxide and nitric oxide in the brain stem and hypothalamus in heart failure contributes to sympathoexcitation: Role of tumor necrosis factor-α.” Guggilam’s faculty mentor was Dr. Joseph Francis. Second place went to Srinivas Sriramula, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, for “Angiotensis II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress are attenuated in TNF-α knockout mice.” Sriramula’s faculty mentor was Dr. Joseph Francis. Third place went to Dr. Andrew David, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, for “HSV-1 (McKRAE) Glycoprotein K is essential for ocular pathogenesis and central nervous system infection.” David’s faculty mentor was Dr. Konstantin G. Kousoulas, professor of veterinary virology and director of the Division of Biotechnology & Molecular Medicine. Phi Zeta would like to take this opportunity to thank the poster judges: William Todd, PhD, Professor, LSU AgCenter and SVM Department of Pathobiological Sciences; Jeff Gimble, MD, PhD, Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center; W. Todd Monroe, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biological & Agricultural Engineering; Li Li, PhD, Associate Professor, LSU Kinesiology; E.J. Shannon, PhD, Hanson’s Disease Center; Varshni Singh, PhD, Research Associate, CAMD; DooYoung Hah, PhD, Assistant Professor, LSU Electrical & Computer Engineering; Fred Enright, DVM, PhD, Head, LSU Veterinary Science; Peter J. Kelleher, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor, LSU Research & Economic Development; Joomyeong Kim, PhD, Associate Professor, LSU Biological Sciences; Michael A. Welsch, PhD, Professor, LSU Design. Special thanks also go to the event sponsors: Bayer Animal Health Division, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Heska Corporation, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merial, Nestlé-Purina, Novartis Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health and Schering-Plough Animal Health. “The SVM annual fall research emphasis day sponsored and organized by Phi Zeta has become an important aspect of our research culture. It gives us an opportunity to showcase the research activities of our scientists and to recognize our students for their efforts with significant awards,” said Dr. Thomas R. Klei, associate dean for Research and Advanced Studies at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. LSU researchers have engineered herpes virus to kill cancer cellsHerpes viruses, though not life-threatening, are usually considered to be embarrassing and annoying. However, researchers at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine have engineered a herpes virus to potentially fight breast cancer, which, according to the American Cancer Society, is the most common cancer among women, excluding cancers of the skin, accounting for nearly one in three cancers diagnosed in U.S. women. “Our immune systems are engineered to fight cancer,” said Dr. Konstantin |
