The Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) partnered with local Ouachita Parish officials and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries to rescue and evacuate a geriatric horse from rising flood waters of the Ouachita River on November 9, 2009, in West Monroe, La. Horse-owner Tess Cooper had contacted her veterinarian, Dr. Jay Wharford, last week and asked for his assistance in moving the horse from flooded land near her home to dry ground where he could receive care and food.

Dr. Wharford contacted LSART Equine Branch Director, Dr. Rebecca McConnico of the Equine Health Studies Program (EHSP) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM), for assistance. From there, Dr. McConnico and Dr. Renee Poirrier (LSART Director) coordinated with parish officials, and a plan was put into place to coordinate the rescue using a pontoon boat provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries before the threatening Hurricane Ida hit coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico (possibly including already flooded areas of Louisiana). The LSART Team was composed of Dr. Mustajab Mirza, assistant professor of equine surgery; Dr. Michelle Woodward, equine medicine and surgery intern; Dr. Rebecca McConnico (LSU SVM 1987); LSU equine technician Cindy Meeker; and LSART Deputy Director Dr. Becky Adcock (LSU SVM 1984).

The rescue team consisting of LSART, Parish Animal Control Officers (Toby Danna and Scott Riggin), and Wildlife & Fisheries agents (Rocket, Kincaid, and Matthews) met on November 9 at 8 a.m. at the Forsythe Park dock area on the levee of the Ouachita River. The short planning meeting, led by Wildlife & Fisheries Agent Rocket and Dr. McConnico, called for the team to boat over to the location where the horse was stranded to further refine the operations plan. Once the situation was reviewed and a thorough physical exam was performed on the horse, it was determined that “Doc,” the 25+ year old Quarter horse, was healthy enough to withstand general anesthesia and a boat ride to dry ground. The owner was made aware of the possible risks of anesthesia and boat transport, as well as the possibility of halting the mission in the event of human life endangerment.

An intravenous catheter was placed while the glide team was briefed on how to place the approximately 1,000 pound horse onto the glide (a large animal stretcher) and up onto the boat once he was on the ground under general anesthesia. The horse was sedated and then induced using intravenous anesthesia. With the aid of six glide handlers, the horse was maneuvered onto the glide and secured in place using nylon webbing. Reinforced plywood was positioned to act as a ramp to move the horse onto the pontoon boat, which was about three feet off the ground/water. With the aid of several assistants, the horse was moved up onto the boat and within minutes was cruising south on the Ouachita River toward Bayou D’Arbonne.

The horse was maintained under general anesthesia and had a strong and regular peripheral pulse. Upon arrival at Griffin’s Boat Dock at Bayou D’Arbonne, the horse was moved down the ramp onto a flat grassy surface where he was released from the webbing that kept the horse secured to the glide. The horse recovered uneventfully and was moved by trailer to a five-acre lot in West Monroe, La.

Photographs are available on LSART’s Facebook page.

5 November 2009

Pet Photos with Santa Paws at LSU Veterinary School

Bring your pet—any pet—to meet Santa Paws! Pets can have their picture taken with Santa Paws on Saturday, November 21 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.

3 November 2009
LSU Announces 2009 Rainmakers
Seven of the 100 Researchers are with LSU SVM

LSU recently announced its second annual list of “Rainmakers,” those faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized for innovative research and creative scholarship, compete for external funding at the highest levels and attract and mentor exceptional graduate students.

Offering due recognition for their exceptional productivity, these 100 outstanding research and creative faculty were recognized at the annual Rainmakers Gala, a dinner and award ceremony held Oct.13.

Among this year’s round of award recipients are faculty from nearly all disciplines on the LSU campus. Rainmakers from LSU SVM are Joseph Francis, MVSc, PhD, Associate Professor in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBS); Thomas R. Klei, PhD, Boyd Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Advanced Studies; Konstantin G. Kousoulas, MS, PhD, Professor of Veterinary Virology in Pathobiological Sciences (PBS) and Director of the Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine; Shulin Li, MS, PhD, Professor in CBS; Fang-Ting Liang, MS, PhD, Associate Professor in PBS; Kevin Macaluso, MS, PhD, Associate Professor in PBS; and Gary Sod, MA, PhD, DVM, Assistant Professor of Farm Animal Health Management in Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Vice Chancellor of Research & Economic Development Brooks Keel solicited nominations from nearly 50 departments representing 12 major academic divisions in both scientific and artistic fields.

“This year’s selection of Rainmakers shows the great diversity of research and creative scholarship present on this campus,” said Keel. “These scholars represent the essence of what makes our university great – a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, outreach and scholarship, no matter what the field of study might be.”

The nomination process is held annually, giving opportunity for recognition to all faculty who demonstrate exceptional academic productivity in a given year. Nominees are eligible regardless of their tenure at LSU and include both emerging and well-established university scholars.

For more information about the Rainmakers Gala celebration or the outstanding work of this year’s selected recipients, contact the Office of Research & Economic Development, 225-578-5833, or e-mail research@lsu.edu, placing “LSU Rainmakers Gala” in the subject line.

Visit http://www.research.lsu.edu/pdfs/2009Rainmakers.pdf for a complete list of all 2009 Rainmakers.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts 78^th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine will host the 78^th Annual Conference for Veterinarians on November 7. The conference will be held at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, La.

“Once again, we are bringing in nationally recognized speakers: Drs. Michael Schaer, Gary Ellison, and Sharon Hoffman; and the conference will focus on Companion Animals,” said Dr. Dennis McCurnin, professor of veterinary surgery and the coordinator of LSU SVM’s continuing education program. Dr. Schaer is professor of small animal medicine at the University of Florida and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care. Dr. Ellison is a professor of small animal surgery at the University of Florida and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Hoffman (LSU SVM 1984) owns a veterinary dentistry and oral surgery practice in Jacksonville, Fla., and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry.

Dr. Schaer will discuss glucocorticoid treatment and diabetic phenomena in felines, and Dr. Ellison will discuss wound management and intestinal surgery. Both Drs. Schaer and Ellison will discuss case studies as well. Dr. Hoffman will discuss what’s new in dentistry and oral surgery. In addition, LSU SVM faculty clinicians will give presentations on dermatology cases, canine reproduction, ophthalmology, seizures, oncology, anesthesia, clinical practice efficiency, and common disease presentations in avian/exotic companion animals. Eight hours of continuing education credit will be provided in two tracks so a choice of two subjects and two speakers exists each hour of the program.

There will also be a continuing education program for veterinary technicians. Topics in the veterinary technician sessions include grief counseling for the pet owner, feline restraint techniques and gadgets, chemical restraint for felines, ECG basics, cystocentesis, fine needle aspirates, shock and trauma, and breeding and dystocia.

The conference includes an alumni reception and reunions for the School’s milestone classes of 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004. Other activities include an alumni luncheon, the Distinguished Alumnus Award presentation, exhibitor, the Fall Family Picnic (November 6), and a golf tournament benefitting the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (November 8).

Pre-registration is recommended to ensure adequate materials and space. The registration fee includes conference proceedings, break refreshments, and lunch.

Contact the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at (225) 578-9900 to obtain a brochure and registration form, or click here to download a pdf of the complete registration brochure. Please join us for education and fun activities with friends and colleagues.

LSU Hosts Veterinary Dermatology Conference

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM) is hosting a veterinary dermatology conference entitled, “Dermatology: The Epidermis and Beyond” on Sunday, October 18. This conference is generously sponsored by Vetoquinol USA Inc., Virbac Corporation, D.V. M. Pharmaceuticals (IVX Animal Health), Bayer Animal Health, and Sogeval.

Topics include Demodicosis in the Dog: The Old and New; Weird Fungi in the Skin; How to Get the Most from Your Skin Biopsy; Behavioral Disease with Cutaneous Implications; and Scales, and Feathers, and Slime: Dermatoligc Peculiarities of Exotic Animal Species. The instructors are Kristen Fulham, DVM, MPT, dermatology resident, Southeast Veterinary Specialists; E. Clay Hodgin, DVM, PhD, DACVP, PATHODGIN, Veterinary Dermatopathology Service; Stephen Lemarie, DVM, MS, DACVD, staff dermatologist, Southeast Veterinary Specialists; Sandra R. Merchant, DVM, DACVD, professor of veterinary dermatology and staff dermatologist, LSU SVM; Javier Nevarez, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of zoological medicine, LSU SVM; Laura K. Sickafoose, DVM, dermatology resident, LSU SVM; Tara S. Snook DVM, assistant clinical professor of dermatology and staff dermatologist, LSU SVM; and Rebekah Westermeyer, DVM, MM, dermatology resident, LSU SVM.

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 certify the credit hours earned. Registration fee is $175 and includes seminar materials, break refreshments, and a catered lunch.

For more information, please call 225-578-9900, or click here to download a registration form.

LSU Veterinary School Receives $1.48 Million in Federal Stimulus Dollars

Louisiana State University is receiving new and supplement grants from the National Institutes of Health as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Eight of those grants are coming to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and bring over $1.48 million to the School.

“These awards are an indication of the growing strength and quality of biomedical research efforts at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Thomas Klei, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Advanced Studies. “The grants will help investigators obtain additional grants to grow their research programs. They will also put outside dollars into the local economy, as a large portion of these funds will be used to pay the salaries of research associates and graduate students.”

The grants are as follows:

Dr. Henrique Cheng, Assistant Professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBS), received a new RO3 award of $150,000 for two years (08/01/2009-07/31/2011) for his project, “Role of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin type 4 in dental follicle stem cell differentiation."

Dr. Marxa L. Figueiredo, Assistant Professor in CBS, received an Administrative Supplement Award to her NIH K01 grant, “Regulation of Normal and Neoplastic Growth,” for $100,000 for two years (09/30/2009-09/29/2011).

Dr. Thomas R. Klei, Associate Dean for Research & Advanced Studies, received $396,318 for the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network (LBRN) (09/0120/09-08/31/2011). This is a joint award with LSU Biological Sciences.

Dr. Shulin Li, Professor in CBS, received a supplement award to the current RO1 project, "Gene-Product Auto-Targeting to Tumor Vessels," in the amount of $219,403 (08/01/2009-07/31/2011).

Dr. Kevin Macaluso, Associate Professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences (PBS), received $108,495 for his project, “Role of fleas in transmission of rickettsiae: ecology of flea-borne spotted fever” (09/22/09-08/31/2010).

Dr. Arthur Penn, Professor of Toxicology in CBS, received a sub-award of $39.568 for his project, “Mitochondrial associated CVD susceptibility in humans and mice” (09/01/2009-08/31/2011). This is a joint award with the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Jeyseelan Samithamby, Assistant Professor in PBS, received $293,496 for his project, “Neutrophil accumulation in bacterial pneumonia” (07/01/2009-06/30/2011).

Dr. Gary E. Wise, Professor and Head of CBS, and Dr. Shaomian Yao, Assistant Professor in CBS, received an Administrative Supplement Award to their NIH R01 grant, “Molecular Basis of Tooth Eruption,” for $97,679 in 2009 and for $76,145 in 2010 (08/01/2009-07/31/2011).

LSU Veterinary School Requests Entries for Annual Art Exhibition

“Bird’s Nest,” an oil by George Gonzalez of Seabrook, Texas, received the SVM Program Award at the 2009 International Exhibition on Animals in Art.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine will hold the 23^rd Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art beginning with an opening reception, which is open to the public, on March 27, 2010 in the SVM Library. The show then runs through April 25, 2010.

Judge and Juror for this year’s event is Katherine Rutledge, an artist and New Orleans native who received her BFA from LSU. Katherine studied at the Baton Rouge Fine Arts Academy and the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. Her work is included in the permanent collection of the LSU Rural Life Museum, the McIlhenny Collection, and the Audubon Institute in New Orleans.

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 8, 2010. Proceeds will benefit special programs of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, such as the SVM Library and the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana.

Those interested in participating should go to www.vetmed.lsu.edu/art_show.htm to download an entry brochure, or contact Christine Mitchell, library director, at artshow@vetmed.lsu.edu.

LSU Alumni Travel to Liberia for Veterinarians without Borders

Dr. Arlene Gardsbane vaccinates dogs against rabies

After 14 years of civil war, the African country of Liberia does not have a single practicing veterinarian. In answer to a call for help from the Liberian government, two LSU alumni—Dr. Arlene Gardsbane (LSU 1987) and Dr. Beth Miller (LSU 1986) spent two weeks in the country as part of the Veterinarians without Borders program.

“I have been interested in Liberia for a long time,” said Dr. Gardsbane. “My brother-in-law, Paul Sully, was in Peace Corps in the 1970s in Liberia. Paul remained in contact with several people from Liberia, including Vice President Joseph Boakai,” Dr. Gardsbane got to know Boakai through his many visits to her family and the United States, and he was interested in veterinary medicine and livestock as he had been Minister of Agriculture many years ago.

In January 2009, Sully visited Liberia. He and Vice President Boakai discussed the lack of veterinarians in the country. They contacted Dr. Gardsbane and asked if she would be interested in helping. Having no experience in international development, Dr. Gardsbane called her friend Dr. Beth Miller, who had worked with Heifer International for 10 years. “Beth and I were friends before veterinary school and have remained friends all these years,” said Dr. Gardsbane. “Beth consented to donate her time to go to Liberia to do a two week assessment with me, so then the work began. We needed to raise about $8,500 for our expenses and needed to work under a non-profit so that people could donate money to us. I did a computer search and found Veterinarians without Borders. We contacted them to ask if they would like to ‘incubate’ the Vets to Liberia Project, and they graciously accepted the idea.”

Dr. Gardsbane’s veterinary clinic staff helped raise over $2,000 in funds to support the project by organizing several fundraisers, including a “Doggy Day Spa.” Said Dr. Gardsbane, “I am so proud of my staff. Without their efforts, we would have never raised the funds.”

The doctors arrived in Liberia on July 19. Once in the country, they hit the ground running. “We learned a lot in a very short time—indeed there were no licensed veterinarians working in the country!” said Dr. Gardsbane.

Rabies is endemic in the country (although there are no diagnostic tests to confirm the disease). Most cases are diagnosed via behavior of the animal or human. The epidemiologist in the country told Drs. Gardsbane and Miller that often people are sent home to die, so the human cases reported are just a percentage of the cases in the country. Lassa fever (carried by rats) is also a very common zoonotic disease.

The government is just starting to restore electricity, and most businesses have generators that run only at night. The first hotel the doctors stayed in had a generator that ran from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. The doctors learned to take bucket baths—heating water over the coals and mixing with cold water. The second week, they stayed with friends of Dr. Gardsbane’s brother-in-law. Again, only generator power was available, and it only ran at night.

Merial donated 350 doses of rabies vaccine, but the challenge was keeping them cold. Vice President Boaki had 24/7 electricity and a refrigerator where Dr. Gardsbane was able to store the vaccine. “I made one radio announcement letting people know that we would be holding a Free Rabies Clinic in the yard of the Ministry of Agriculture,” said Dr. Gardsbane. “We really didn’t think anyone would show up, but people showed up by the boatloads! I vaccinated over 100 dogs and one cat in about three hours. The dogs were in various degrees of health. Most were under the age of three, and the females were either pregnant or lactating. The only neutered male dogs were owned by ex-pats! We saw signs of parasitism, skin diseases, and healing wounds. One dog had a broken leg that was healing without any type of splint. The saddest thing was a puppy thrown into the ocean by its owner to ‘clean’ him. Unfortunately, this appeared to be a common practice.”

Dr. Beth Miller holding a lamb at the Central Agricultural Research Institute in Liberia

Dr. Miller added, “As the large animal vet on the team, I was looking at the structures and capacity of owners, buyers, and government to recognize and diagnose signs of disease, treat them, and prevent them in the future. Livestock were destroyed during the war, and sheep, goats, and pigs are being imported from neighboring countries. However, many of the animals were sick, or not vaccinated, or parasitized, or stressed by moving, and many died. There are no lab services, although the Food and Agriculture Organization just built a new lab and is training a few Liberians in serology to look for Newcastle’s Disease and Avian Influenza in poultry.”

Dr. Miller saw some cases of trauma in sheep and goats that go untreated because of lack of money, supplies or training. “At the slaughter house, we saw some very thin cattle that looked parasitized, and some were covered in ticks. Several had skin problems which could be papillomavirus, lumpy skin disease, or dermatophilosis. Several cattle livers had Fasciola lesions.

The doctors met several individuals they called “Para-Vets.” They function as veterinarians, and most had some sort of animal health care training; they were all anxious to receive additional training. The doctors also met the founder of the Liberian Animal Welfare Society (LAWS). At one point he had Kindness Clubs in several schools trying to teach children about animals and animal welfare.

“One of the hardest things for me to see where the empty shelves in the library at the University of Liberia,” said Dr. Miller. “During the war, the campus became a refugee camp, and the library books were burned so the people could cook rice.” However, she added, “The Liberians are warm and wonderful people, and spending time talking with them was a true delight. They appreciate all attempts to help them return to a sense of normalcy, where children can go to school, and crops can be planted and harvested, and animals are fat and healthy.”

After vaccinating approximately 200 animals against rabies, assessing animal health conditions, and talking with governmental officials as well as the “Para-Vets” to see what is needed in the country, the doctors left Liberia on August 7. Drs. Miller and Gardsbane hope to find funding to help develop several programs in Liberia. “I would like to work with educational officials to promote animal care and welfare starting in the elementary schools,” added Dr. Gardsbane. “Also, getting training for the “Para-Vets” who treat small animals is essential. It is hoped we can start a campaign to vaccinate against rabies throughout the country.”

Dr. Gardsbane has owned a small animal veterinary hospital in Maryland for 11 years. She currently has three part time veterinarians working for her, as well as 14 staff members. She and her 6-year-old daughter share their home with three cats and a Golden Retriever, and a guinea pig now lives at the clinic.

Dr. Miller resides in Little Rock, Ark. She teaches anatomy and physiology at Pulaski Technical College and some classes on international development at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also owns a consulting company called Miller Agricultural Consulting, which offers project design, training and livelihood analysis to international development agencies like USAID, Heifer International, World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Dr. Miller, her husband, and two daughters have four cats and an African gray parrot.

For more information about Veterinarians without Borders, please visit www.vetswithoutbordersus.org.

Photos provided by Christina Holder, a photo journalist living in Liberia.

AKC Companion Animal Recovery Donates Nearly $23,000 to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Grant for Support and Maintenance of AKC CAR LSU-SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit

AKC CAR LSU SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit

Baton Rouge–AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) recently awarded a $22,940 Canine Support and Relief Fund grant to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM) for the continued support, operation and maintenance of the AKC CAR LSU SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, AKC CAR donated $100,000 to the veterinary school toward the purchase of the AKC CAR LSU SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit, which consists of a truck and trailer. The trailer is equipped with facilities for medical and surgical procedures that can be deployed during natural disasters. Most recently the unit was utilized during hurricanes Gustav and Ike in September 2008 when it helped local veterinarians of Houma, LA care for the animals of their community after the storm. Working with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART), the unit was taken to where it was most needed after the storm.

“Since Hurricane Katrina, AKC CAR has proudly established and funded Veterinary Mobile Units for veterinary schools that come to the rescue of companion animals during natural disasters,” said Tom Sharp, CEO of AKC Companion Animal Recovery. “This unit not only helps in disaster relief but provides veterinary students with a valuable teaching tool and public service to shelters in need of spay and neuter surgeries for adoptable pets.”

AKC CAR’s recent grant will provide for an additional year of operation for the unit, which is used for teaching veterinary students and community service when not responding to disasters. Grant monies will be used to pay for gasoline for transportation to and from disaster locations, maintenance of the truck which tows the trailer, and to stock the trailer with medical and surgical supplies.

“The mobile unit is used at six shelters in this area that have no veterinarian on staff to spay/neuter animals. Since January, we’ve probably performed about 400 spay/neuters in the unit. This makes the animals easier to adopt out and saves the shelter money,” said Dr. Wendy Wolfson, LSU Shelter Medicine instructor. “The students also get valuable experience assisting in anesthesia and surgery.”

About the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund

The AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund was established as a permanent charitable fund with the goals of providing resources, support, funds, and other assistance to not-for-profit canine search and rescue organizations and K-9 units; not-for-profit veterinary units providing support to the canine rescue teams; and not-for-profit animal shelters and similar not-for-profit organizations providing care for companion animals displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters. Since 2001, more than $2 million has been donated to search and rescue teams and disaster relief efforts nationwide.

For more information on the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, visit www.akccar.org or call 1-800-252-7894.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Announces Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day Award Winners

Winners of awards at the Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day are (from left to right) Grant Middleton, Jessica Trichel, Piper Nelson, Melissa Smith, Esteban Soto, Gayathriy Theivanthiran (accepting the award on behalf of her husband, Balamayooran), and Jeffry Cutrera

On September 23, 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 Susan Eades, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Professor of Veterinary Medicine, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; and Andrew Lackner, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Director, Tulane National Primate Research Center. Dr. Eades discussed “Equine Laminitis Research: Battle Against a Clinical Nemesis,” and Dr. Lackner spoke on “AIDS Pathogenesis: Insights from Nonhuman Primate Models.”

Posters are presented by students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty in the interlude between presentations. The presentations inform the school community and visitors of the diverse current research activities within the SVM. Posters presented by advanced studies students and professional students were judged by a panel of non-SVM scientists for monetary prizes in three categories: (1) Dissertation (PhD) students; (2) Basic research for thesis (MS), professional students, and interns and residents; and (3) Clinical research for thesis (MS), professional students, and interns and resident. The growth and quality of the event is a measure of the efforts of the SVM community and our commitment to scholarly activity at all levels. This year, there were 16 entries in the doctoral student competition and 33 in the MS, interns and residents, veterinary students, and undergraduate students category.

Winners in the Basic Research Student competition, including Master’s, undergraduate, veterinary students, and interns and residents were as follows. First place went to Piper Nelson, Master’s degree student in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, for “Hyperglycemia and Decreased Insulin Secretion in Golli Knockout Mouse.” Nelson’s major professor is Dr. Henrique Cheng, assistant professor. Second place went to Melissa Smith, third-year veterinary student, for “Tissue Distribution and Pathological Changes over Time Induced by Experimental Infection with Wild Type and iglC Mutant Francisella sp. in Adult Tilapia.” Smith’s faculty mentors are Dr. John Hawke, associate professor of veterinary microbiology and parasitology, and Dr. Timothy Morgan, assistant professor of veterinary clinical medicine.

Winners in the Clinical Research student competition, including Master’s, undergraduate, veterinary students, and interns and residents were as follows. First place went to Jessica Trichel, second-year veterinary student, for “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Equine Temporomandibular Articulation-A Comparative Morphological Study.” Second place went to Grant Middleton, third-year veterinary student, for “Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess the Ligamentous Structures of the Occipitoatlantoaxial Region in the Dog.” Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, associate professor of veterinary radiology, was the faculty mentor for both Trichel and Middleton.

Winners in the Ph.D. category were as follows. First place went to Jeffry Cutrera, a PhD student in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, for “Development of a Tumor-Targeted-Cytokine Gene Therapy for Systemic Treatment of Malignant Disease.” Cutrera’s major professor is Dr. Shulin Li, professor. Second place went to Balamayooran Theivanthiran, a PhD student in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, for “Essential Role of RIP2 in Pulmonary Immunity against Bacteria.” Theivanthiran’s major professor is Dr. Samithamby Jeyaseelan, assistant professor. Third place went to Esteban Soto, a PhD student in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, for “Attenuated Francisella naotunensis iglC Mutant Induces Protective Immunity to Fish Fracisellosis in Tilapia.” Soto’s major professor is Dr. John Hawke, associate professor of veterinary microbiology and parasitology.

Phi Zeta would like to take this opportunity to thank the poster judges: Greg Bagby, PhD, Kai and Earl Rozas Professor of Physiology, LSU Health Sciences Center; Vinod Dasa, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center; Ram Devireddy, PhD Associate Professor, LSU Department of Mechanical Engineering; Jeff Gimble, MD, PhD Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center; Craig Greene, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Traumatology and Sports Medicine, Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic; Dan Hayes, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering; Jeff Hobden, PhD, Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, LSU Health Sciences Center; Jan M. Hondzinski, PhD, Associate Professor, LSU Department of Kinesiology; Jean Jacob, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Director of Research Development, School of Medicine; Director of Research, LSU Eye Center, LSU Health Sciences Center; Pete Kelleher, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor, LSU Research and Economic Development; Indu Kheterpal (Gilman), Assistant Professor – Research, Pennington Biomedical Research Center; Mary Beth Lima, PhD, Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, LSU; and Barry Robert, DVM, PhD, DACLAM, Director, Comparative Biology Core, Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Special thanks also go to the event sponsors: Bayer Animal Health Division, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Merial, Nestlé-Purina, Novartis Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, and Royal Canin.

Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory Receives $4 Million Contract Extension

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory (EMSL) has received a three-year extension of its contract with the Louisiana State Racing Commission to provide drug testing of racehorses in the State.

Established in 1987, the EMSL performs all equine drug testing for the Louisiana State Racing Commission. The laboratory, one of only 18 of its kind in the United States, tests about 8,000 horses each year, analyzing blood and urine samples for a long list of illegal drugs and other prohibited substances.

In 2007, the national banned-substance standards for the horseracing industry were expanded to include anabolic steroids, and on January 1, 2009, the Louisiana State Racing Commission adopted the national rule, banning all anabolic steroids that do not occur naturally in a horse. In order for the EMSL to be able to perform the expanded range of tests needed, the commission increased their funding to the laboratory to ensure that they have the resources needed to perform the job.

According to Dr. Steven Barker, director of the EMSL, the new contract extension will almost double the amount of funding the laboratory receives. “Our previous contract was for $700,000 per year for three years,” said Dr. Barker, “but this latest extension will bring in almost $1.4 million per year for the three-year period. We will be acquiring nearly $1 million of new, cutting-edge mass spectrometric equipment to conduct the testing and hiring five or six additional employees to handle the increased workload.”

“The additional equipment and expertise available in the EMSL will have other benefits, as well,” Dr. Barker continued. “Over the past 22 years, many researchers from LSU and outside the University have utilized our facilities and collaborated with us on their investigations,” he said. “With our enhanced capabilities, there will be a greater opportunity for more faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers, as well as others, to take advantage of our expanded facilities.”

Poodle receives stent at LSU Veterinary School

From left, Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, Dr. Romain Pariaut, Dr. Kirk Ryan, and Dr. Ashley Martin work together to insert a nasopharyngeal stent into Maggie, a 10-year-old Standard Poodle, at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Maggie was unable to breathe through her nose before the procedure but is doing fine now.

Maggie loves to catch Frisbees. However, after a dental cleaning at her veterinarian’s office, the 10-year-old black Standard Poodle began to discharge large amounts of thick mucus out of her nose. This made it impossible for her to breathe out of her nose, and she began to gradually decline. Thanks to a procedure done at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Maggie can breathe through her nose again and is back to catching Frisbees. “She’s a different dog,” said Maggie’s owner, Susan Strait of Lafayette, La.

In August 2008, Maggie went to her veterinarian for a dental cleaning. She was anesthetized for the procedure (which is standard practice), but she regurgitated or vomited during the recovery phase. This vomiting resulted in gastric fluid accumulation inside her nose and throat. The highly acidic gastric material damaged her nasal passages and caused a build-up of scar tissue. The scar tissue almost completely blocked Maggie’s nasal passage, causing difficulty breathing and a large amount of mucus to build up behind the scar tissue. “She would cough up these soft-ball-sized balls of mucous,” said Strait. “At first we thought it was an infection, so we tried antibiotics, but they didn’t work.”

Maggie was referred to LSU, where she was diagnosed by Dr. Kirk Ryan, assistant professor of veterinary medicine. “Anesthesia is generally very safe, but some harmful anesthesia reactions can occur. What’s remarkable in this case, is the type of complication that we saw with Maggie. It’s really a very uncommon problem,” said Dr. Ryan. “Our internal medicine resident, Dr. Ashley Martin (LSU 2006), advocated a new procedure where a stent is inserted into the nasal passage to open it back up.” The procedure had been done successfully a few other times, but it had never been performed at LSU.

In July 2009, Maggie received a nasopharyngeal stent. This stent is a wire mesh tube to hold the nasal passages open and prevent scar tissue recurrence. These stents were originally designed for humans but modified for veterinary purposes. In consultation with specialists across the country, the procedure was performed in the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory so that both endoscopy and fluoroscopy could be used. Endoscopy is a visual examination of interior structures of the body with an endoscope (essentially a special camera with a light source that can be inserted into the mouth or nose). Fluoroscopy allows examination using a fluoroscope, an instrument that uses an x-ray to project moving images onto a screen. “The mobile fluoroscopy equipment available in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is a highly maneuverable compact system that provides a large field of view for intra-operative images without interfering with the work of the doctor performing the procedure,” said Dr. Romain Pariaut, assistant professor of veterinary cardiology.

The procedure was performed by Drs. Ryan and Pariaut. Assisting with the procedure were Lee Ann Eddleman, veterinary technician; Dr. Martin; and Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, associate professor of radiology. “As a veterinary cardiologist involved in cardiac catheterizations, I am very familiar with the instruments, balloons and guidewires used to treat this problem and the various steps of the procedure. Indeed, this is very similar to the treatment of stenosis of the pulmonic valve, a common congenital defect in dogs,” said Dr. Pariaut.

A guidewire was inserted through Maggie’s nose and passed through a 1 millimeter opening to span the area of scar tissue. Using the guidewire, a balloon catheter was inserted through the stent and centered over the stricture (the area of narrow scar tissue). The balloon was inflated to open the stricture, and this could be seen using fluoroscopy. “We used some high pressure balloons to open the narrowed area to 14 mm,” said Dr. Ryan. Once the stenosis was open, the custom-made stent was placed on a balloon and passed over the guidewire where it was inflated under pressure to deploy the stent. Proper stent placement was verified on the x-ray and on the endoscope prior to removing the placement equipment.

“I took six months to research and plan this procedure and order the equipment, but Maggie is doing great,” said Dr. Ryan.

LSU Veterinary Students Work With Mike VI on Loading Technique
Mike VI exhibits normal, young adult tiger behavior but may not attend all home games

Mike VI, LSU's live tiger mascot, at his first game day in 2007.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine student handlers have been working with Mike VI, LSU’s live tiger mascot, throughout the summer to encourage him to load into his trailer for LSU Tiger home football games. However, being a young adult male tiger, he does not always comply, and because of this, may not attend all home games this season.

“His veterinary student caretakers have been loading Mike VI into his trailer this summer to get him ready for the LSU home games; however, he doesn’t always cooperate,” said Dr. David Baker, LSU’s attending veterinarian. “We know how important it is to the fans that he be in the stadium, but we can’t force him to do so, and we absolutely would never do that even if we could. Mike’s safety and well-being are most important to us, and we know that these are important to the fans as well.”

Mike VI arrived at LSU in August of 2007 as a two-year-old, but has since matured, becoming more cautious and less inquisitive. Dr. Baker said that this is a sign of normal tiger development.

“If Mike VI does not attend the pre-game festivities, it is important for fans to know that this does not mean that something is wrong,” said Dr. Baker. “Mike VI is a healthy, normal tiger.”

LSU Veterinary School Assists Animal Shelters While Educating Students

Fourth-year veterinary student Kelly Folse (left) and Catie Cook (Class of 2009) examine a puppy at the Ascension Parish Animal Shelter as part of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s shelter medicine program.

The experience of working with local shelters in the chaos that followed the hurricanes highlighted the plight of community animal shelters for Dr. Wendy Wolfson, an LSU alumni and current SVM faculty member. In many cases, community animal shelters are run on a shoestring budget, and are chronically understaffed and under resourced.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, under the leadership Dr. Wolfson and Dr. Susan Eddlestone, SVM expanded on its past work with area shelters and created a new Shelter Medicine/Disaster Response program. For the previous ten years, SVM's outreach to community animal shelters involved SVM students receiving hands-on training while at the same time helping cash-strapped community animal shelters by providing free spay/neuter and other basic animal care. With the launch of the new Shelter Medicine/Disaster Response program in 2007, LSU's outreach has expanded considerably.

With a new mobile crisis response unit that can be used for disaster response as well as community outreach, SVM has expanded its reach across eight parishes in the southern half of the state from south of Baton Rouge to middle Louisiana, and from near the Mississippi border to near the Texas border.

LSU SVM students and faculty now not only provide an expanded array of essential medical care for the animals across a broader region, they also:

Conduct animal care outreach and education in schools and other community settings;
Consult in person and through weekly phone/email support with shelter staff on policy changes (e.g. euthanasia practices) and animal care improvements (e.g. creating appropriate housing and adding exercise space)—SVM staff and volunteers are even volunteering their time to make some of these improvements;
Collect donations for area animal shelters during the holidays and deliver supplies; and
Offer training for shelter staff on topics including foster care, volunteer programs, reuniting pets and owners, behavior testing, microchips, software for shelters, and web site design.

The media attention created by the visiting mobile crisis unit also creates local interest in the work of shelter organizations and has the benefit of increasing adoptions following a visit.

The response from community shelters has been very enthusiastic with 20 shelters and rescue organizations participating this year. In 2009 and 2010, SVM is further developing the disaster response component of the program, including the development of policies and procedures for pre-storm evacuation of animals, helping shelters develop a disaster/emergency preparedness response, and raising money for an emergency response fund that would be drawn on in the event of a natural or other disaster to provide immediate care to dislocated and injured animals.

Veterinary School Welcomes the Class of 2013 and Returning Students

Members of the Class of 2013 participate in a Freshman Leadership Experience, which helps the students get to know each other and faculty and staff and promotes team building.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine received 642 applications and accepted 87 students for the Class of 2013. The class begins orientation on August 17 and will start classes on August 21. The average GRE score for the class was 1143, and the average GPA was 3.77. Their ages range from 20 to 41. Sixty-five of the students (74.7%) are female, and 22 (25.3%) are male.

Second- and third-year veterinary students are also returning to campus to start classes on August 17. The fourth-year veterinary students remained on campus throughout the summer while working and learning in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Veterinary students are required to take four years of instruction. The first five semesters include lectures and labs. The last three semesters are spent in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which effectively becomes the classroom for the third- and fourth-year veterinary students. Students are also given the opportunity for learning outside of the Veterinary Medicine Building by participating in courses such as the shelter medicine program, which allows students to accompany a faculty member to animal shelters in south Louisiana, assist with medical procedures, and learn about shelter medicine.

The LSU SVM accepted its first students in 1973. The first class graduated in 1977 with 35 students. With the Class of 2009, the LSU SVM has graduated 2,338 veterinarians. In addition to educating future veterinarians, the LSU SVM offers both MS and PhD degrees and serves as a premier biomedical research facility.

Veterinary School Researchers Investigate Respiratory Diseases in Both Humans and Animals

From left, Drs. Shafiqul Chowdhury, Samithamby Jeyaseelan, Maria Antonieta Guerrero-Plata, and Arthur Penn. These SVM researchers are investigating respiratory diseases that affect both humans and animals.

Four faculty members at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine are investigating respiratory diseases. Three are focusing on diseases affecting humans, and the fourth is conducting research on respiratory disease in cattle. Although the studies of this cluster of scientists seem diverse, the basic knowledge gained on the pulmonary systems response to various agents, and their laboratories’ synergistic interactions will benefit advances in treatment and prevention of a variety of human and animal diseases. Their combined research is supported by more than $3.8 million in extramural grants.

Arthur Penn, PhD is a professor of toxicology in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences and director of the Inhalation Research Facility. One area of focus is on respiratory system responses to major combustion-related air pollution events (oil refinery/pipeline explosions and fires, industrial accidents, forest fires).

A long-term focus of his laboratory has been on the involvement of environmental stress in adult chronic disease, especially atherosclerosis and asthma. We study mouse models of both human diseases. The main environmental stressor studied is “second-hand” cigarette smoke. Recently, Dr. Penn has been investigating the relationship between in utero exposure to “second-hand smoke” (i.e., exposure of pregnant mice to “second-hand smoke”) and the subsequent development of atherosclerosis or asthma in the adult offspring, which never are exposed to smoke after birth. Dr. Penn’s published results show that a) even in the absence of a high-fat diet, in utero exposure to “second-hand smoke” results in significantly accelerated atherosclerosis and that this is associated with increased oxidative stress; and b) that in utero exposure to “second-hand smoke” aggravates adult responses to agents that provoke asthmatic responses. Dr. Penn came to the LSU SVM from the New York University School of Medicine in New York, N.Y., in 1998.

Shafiqul Chowdhury, DVM, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences (PBS), is investigating molecular virology and recombinant vaccine technology of bovine herpesviruses (BHV). Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) is an important viral pathogen of cattle that can cause severe respiratory tract infection known as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), abortion in pregnant cows, and is an important component of the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRD, “Shipping fever”). BRD is known to cost the U.S. cattle industry at least 1/2 billion dollars annually. IBR disease also causes a substantial drop in milk and meat production in cattle. The long term goal of Dr. Chowdhury’s lab is to understand the following two specific areas of BHV-1 research: how BHV-1 and BHV-5 spread within the nervous system and the role of envelope glycoproteins in the regulation of pathogenicity and immunogenicity of BHV-1. Both projects are funded by the USDA (NRICGP/USDA). Dr. Chowdhury has a $375,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study functional analysis of BHV-1 gE&Us9 sub-domains required for anterograde neuronal spread. He also has a $355,000 USDA grant to investigate the regulation of pathogenecity and immunogenicity of BHV-1 envelope glycoproteins gM/gN. Dr. Chowdhury joined the LSU SVM faculty in 2008 from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas.

Samithamby Jeyaseelan, DVM, PhD, assistant professor in PBS, studies neutrophil recruitment, the most important initial host innate immune mechanism against bacteria, which is how the immune system eliminates bacteria at the site where disease-causing microbes enter the body. Dr. Jeyaseelan states, “I strongly feel that research on neutrophil recruitment to the lung against bacteria is a double-edged sword: an insufficient neutrophil recruitment can lead to life-threatening lung diseases whereas an extreme accumulation of neutrophils can lead to excessive lung damage. Therefore, the ideal therapeutic approach targeting the neutrophils would be to attenuate their destructive potential while maintaining their critical role in antibacterial defense, but this is an arduous task.” The overall research goal is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for neutrophil recruitment, priming and activation in the lungs. He states that the challenge in the next decade will be to develop novel approaches to keep neutrophils in the lung for defensive functions while modulating their undesirable effects leading to extensive lung damage. New therapeutic strategies are extremely important since 1) bacterial pneumonia affects more than one million adults with 30,000 deaths per year in the United States alone; and 2) neutrophil influx associated with bacterial pneumonia is the primary killer in several viral outbreaks, including flu. Dr. Jeyaseelan’s lab has three post-doctoral fellows, four PhD students, and one lab technician, and is supported by a 0.5 miliion career development award (K08 equivalent) from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute and a $1.7 million R01 from the NIH. Furthermore, Dr. Jeyaseelan recently received a $0.3 million two-year supplement to his R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) via American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This is so far the first supplement awarded from the NIH to School of Veterinary Medicine and one of the three supplements awarded from the NIH to LSU. Dr. Jeyaseelan came to the LSU SVM in 2007 from National Jewish Health (formerly National Jewish Medical and Research Center) in Denver, Colo., the #1 respiratory hospital in the U.S. for the past 12 years).

Maria Antonieta Guerrero-Plata, BSc, MSc, PhD, assistant professor in PBS, is researching innate immunity, dendritic cells, and the effect of environmental factors on the pathogenesis of respiratory viruses. Her current projects are in the field of viral immunology since understanding the mechanistic aspects of the immune response to viruses is fundamental to manipulate host responses, improve antiviral immunity or prevent severe disease caused by viral infections. Dr. Guerrero-Plata works with respiratory viral pathogens that are the most important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients (respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus). The immunity induced by these viruses is not fully protective, of short duration, and reinfections are common throughout life. Therefore, one of her projects seeks to determine the mechanisms used by these viruses to alter the immune response of infected individuals. The results of her studies will help to design a long lasting protection for these and other respiratory viral pathogens that cause significant airway morbidity. Another project focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying the severity and frequency of respiratory viral infections in children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Limited information is available about how ETS alters the immune system, and the mechanisms that may predispose an individual to increase lung infections are still unclear. The results of this work will help design new strategies to boost immunity against respiratory viruses under unfavorable environmental conditions characterized by exposure to ETS. Dr. Guerrero-Plata’s research team currently includes one postdoctoral fellow and one research associate. Her research support includes a $488,000 career development award from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute and a $100,000 Unrestricted Research award from the American Thoracic Society (she was one of the four recipients selected nationwide for this award). She is also one of the investigators included in the $13 million LSU-Tulane Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research P20 grant funded from the NIH National Center for Research Resources. Dr. Guerrero-Plata joined the LSU SVM faculty in May 2009 from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

LSU Veterinary School Receives $11.1 Million Grant

Pictured at the 2004 reception in honor of the original COBRE grant are, from left, Drs. Wiliam Jenkins, Gus Kousoulas, Andrew Lackner, Kevin Carman, and Thomas Klei.

In July 2004, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine received a $9.9 million grant to establish a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE). In July 2009, this grant was renewed for more than $11.1 million. This Center grant from the National Center for Research Resources provides substantial funds to developing faculty for independent funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) traditional mechanisms. The original grant lasted for five years and was competitively renewed for five more years.

The original grant created a Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research (CEIDR), which constitutes a strategic alliance between the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), the LSU College of Basic Sciences (BASC), and the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC). Konstantin G. Kousoulas, PhD, professor of veterinary virology and director of the Division of Biotechnology & Molecular Medicine, is the administrator of the COBRE program at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Five assistant professors had research projects in the original grant, representing the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, SVM; the Department of Biological Sciences, BASC; and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, TNPRC.

The COBRE grant provides funding and research capabilities that give assistant and associate professors the opportunity to establish research programs that will effectively compete for independent funding by NIH. Once a faculty member receives his or her own NIH funding for a particular research program, he or she will be rotated out of COBRE and replaced by other eligible faculty. The overall objective for the COBRE grant renewal is to build upon the substantial accomplishments of the previous funding period and continue efforts toward establishing an independent CEIDR, which relies heavily on the infectious diseases research focus of the LSU SVM, TNPRC and the greater south Louisiana region. Accomplishments by junior investigators (JIs) recruited during the last funding period (2003‐2008) includes the award of 5R01, 2R21, 2K22, 1K01 and one NIH‐R01‐subcontract, as well as competitive funding from sources other than NIH. Importantly, SVM and TNPRC were awarded a NIH T32 postdoctoral training grant for veterinarians and a NIH T35 summer training grant for veterinary students. Additional collaborative efforts include shared training in laboratory animal medicine and pathology.

The operational plan calls for the continued development of infrastructure and research capabilities by enhancing and leveraging available research resources. The COBRE will be administered by senior NIH funded investigators, K. Gus Kousoulas, PhD (LSU‐SVM) and Andrew A. Lackner, DVM, PhD (TNPRC). The proposed program for years 6-10 of the COBRE encompass four integrated research projects under the direction of new junior investigators working on infectious diseases. All of the selected junior investigators (JIs) have an exceptional promise to achieve NIH R01 funding within 1‐3 years of the renewed COBRE funding.

Enhancement of the research infrastructure will be achieved by the continued support and enhancement of the Molecular Immunopathology (MIP) Core Laboratory of the SVM Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BioMMED), which will operate as a consortium of existing, well‐supported LSU SVM centralized facilities. The MIP Core will provide state‐of‐the art molecular immunopathology research and training capabilities to COBRE‐CEIDR investigators and pathology residents in collaboration with TNPRC. Individual JIs will be mentored by three NIH‐experienced senior mentors who collectively will constitute the internal advisory committee (IAC) of the Center. The COBRE award will enable the LSU SVM, LSU BASC, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES) and TNPRC to further enhance their substantial collaborative efforts on infectious diseases of far‐reaching importance for health and disease and prepare for NIH program grant applications. Importantly, it affords an opportunity to forge alliances in a consortium with other infectious disease scientists in South Louisiana providing an unprecedented opportunity for research and training for all participating units. It is anticipated that research outcomes will be translated to new diagnostics, vaccines and other treatment modalities for ameliorating human and animal infectious diseases.

“What makes this grant so important is that it continues the momentum we began with the funding of the first COBRE that brought in $9.6 million and will allow us to continue the expansion of our research program in infectious disease as it relates to human health and comparative medicine,” said Thomas Klei, PhD, associate dean for research and advanced studies at the School of Veterinary Medicine. “It is important to know that this program was jump-started by funding from the Governor’s Biotechnology Initiative begun many years ago by Governor [Mike] Foster, which continues to have an important impact. It is the only grant like this currently at LSU. The ultimate goal is to create an independent Center for Infectious Diseases relying on the strengths of the participating institutions in the greater south Louisiana region.”

“This large grant is a testament to the underlying strengths and potential of Louisiana in infectious disease research and biotechnology. We hope that state agencies take notice of our successes and assist us in our research and economic development efforts,” said Dr. Kousoulas.

Hunter Retriever Club Foundation Supports Cancer Research at LSU Veterinary School

From left, Barry Bellemare, Mike Evans, and Glenn Stelly of the Hunter Retriever Club present a $1,500 check to Dr. Tracy Gieger (center) and Dr. William Ratterree (right) to support research at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

On July 22, representatives of the Hunter Retriever Club Foundation presented a $1,500 check to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. On hand to receive the check were Dr. Tracy Gieger, assistant professor of veterinary oncology and radiation oncology, and Dr. William Ratterree, oncology intern.

The funds are to support a study being conducted by Dr. Gieger in collaboration with Dr. Ratterree; Dr. Melissa Parsons-Doherty, oncology resident; Dr. Carley Saelinger, cardiology resident; and Dr. Romain Pariaut, assistant professor of veterinary cardiology. The study is an assessment of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in dogs using echocardiography.

Doxorubicin is a powerful and effective chemotherapy drug used very commonly for the treatment of cancer in dogs. Damage to the heart muscle is an uncommon but devastating side effect of this drug, which can force treatment to be stopped before effective doses are given and also can prove fatal. Early detection of heart damage during doxorubicin chemotherapy would made cancer treatment safer. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that allows detection and measurement of small changes in heart function. In this project, the hearts of patients undergoing doxorubicin chemotherapy for cancer will be examined prior to treatment and at regular intervals during and after treatment using echocardiography.

“The goal of this project is to identify inconsequential, moderate and severe changes in cardiac function as measured by echocardiography as a result of standard doxorubicin treatment in dogs so that earlier detection of life-threatening changes can be established,” said Dr. Gieger. “This will allow more complete and safer treatment of cancer with doxorubicin.”

Introducing Cadeau, A Filly Born at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

A chestnut filly (young female horse) was born on Wednesday, May 27 as the result of a breeding that LSU pursued after receiving the filly’s mother as a donation last year. To celebrate this birth, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) held a contest to name the filly. Over 60 entries were received, and on July 27, the LSU Equine Clinic faculty and staff voted on them. The winner of the naming contest is LSU student Nicole Karamichael of Hoover, Ala., and her entry was “Cadeau,” which means “gift” in French.

Cadeau’s mother, a seven-year-old bay (brown) Thoroughbred mare named “Duma,” was donated to the SVM after she repeatedly failed to produce a foal for her past owners. Following the careful evaluation of Duma’s health and potential to conceive, the LSU team developed a plan to attempt a healthy pregnancy for Duma, and a stallion prospect was chosen. The stallion, “Ole Rebel,” from Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, La., was selected as the sire.

Duma’s pregnancy progressed without incident. After she began to go into labor, the healthy foal was born in a matter of minutes. Bringing new life into the world is a specialty of the LSU Equine Team. With plans to develop a new Reproduction Center, the Veterinary School is continually making advancements that further their ability to serve the equine industry in Louisiana and provide incredible learning opportunities to veterinary students. Both Duma and her new filly are doing well and photos of the pair can be seen by visiting www.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.

Nicole Karamichael will be photographed with Cadeau and will be given an LSU SVM shirt and hat and an autographed copy of the book Horses of the Storm. The LSU SVM would like to thank everyone who participated in this contest and helped us celebrate the birth of this beautiful animal.

Second-Year Veterinary Student Receives AKC CAR Scholarship

Chad Malinek, a second-year veterinary student, has received one of twenty American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery Award scholarships.

Chad Malinak (Class of 2012), veterinary student at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, has received an American Kennel Club (AKC) Companion Animal Recovery Award. Every year, the AKC awards scholarships to students at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited schools of veterinary medicine. This year’s scholarships include twenty AKC Companion Animal Recovery scholarships of $5,000 each.

The AKC Scholarship Program for Veterinary Medicine has existed for 18 years, and the awards are given annually. Each accredited U.S. veterinary school is asked to nominate four scholarship candidates. From these students, the recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, activities with purebred dogs or related research, and need.

AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR), an affiliate of the American Kennel Club®, is the nation's largest not-for-profit pet identification and 24/7 recovery service provider. With millions of pets enrolled, hundreds of thousands of pets have been recovered through our service.

Founded in 1995, AKC CAR makes donations annually for veterinary student scholarships and manages the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, which provides grants for search and rescue teams and donations for natural disaster relief.

Sushi the Sea Lion Sees after Surgery

Sushi the Sea Lion undergoes cataract surgery at LSU SVM.

Dr. Eric Storey, veterinary ophthalmologist, began examining sea lions at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, La., in 2008. He was asked to look at four or five of the older animals, since 15- to 20-year-old sea lions can develop cataracts or lens luxations. Dr. Storey worked with the senior veterinarian at the Audubon Zoo, Dr. Robert MacLean, and Dr. Jim Grillo, another Audubon veterinarian, as well as the sea lions' keepers and veterinary technicians.

After examining the sea lions, Dr. Storey discussed the different possibilities for medical and surgical treatments for each animal. One sea lion needed to have an eye removed, and there were others with lens luxations and cataracts. In March, the sea lion keepers noticed that Sushi, a 22-year-old female, had developed cloudy eyes. “Sushi's veterinarians thought it might be a corneal ulcer,” said Dr. Storey. “We determined that the cataractous lens had luxated forward and was touching the inside of the cornea, causing the cloudiness in the cornea and lens.” Sushi had a very unhealthy cornea, and the lens was out of position.

“Lens luxation surgery carries a relatively high risk of complications because the eye is often so diseased,” added Dr.Storey. “You don't know if the cornea will get better or stay cloudy, and animals in this situation are prone to develop glaucoma or retinal detachments. It's hard to tell how much vision they have or will be regained.” The Audubon Zoo veterinarians, keepers, veterinary technicians, curators, and board members were all involved in making the decision about whether or not the eye would be removed or if they would try to restore vision in the eye.

On April 24, Sushi was transported to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for cataract surgery. Dr. Storey and Dr. Renee Carter (LSU 2000), also a veterinary ophthalmologist, made a 180-degree incision in the cornea at the top of the eye (to the right at the limbus at the junction between the sclera and cornea). The lens was removed through the incision using a lens loop was placed under the lens in order to pull it out. The doctors cut the vitreous from the back of the lens so it would not pull on the retina as it was removed. An endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) unit, which is a combination of a 19-gauge endoscope, a fiberoptic diode laser, and a fiberoptic light source, allowed the doctors to visualize the retina and check to see that there were no retinal tears or detachments. The ECP also allowed the doctors to ablate (burn or vaporize) the epithelium of the ciliary processes that produce aqueous humor to minimize the risk and/or severity of glaucoma. The eye was then reinflated with viscoelastic gels, and the large corneal incision was closed.

Sushi has been reexamined twice by LSU veterinary ophthalmologists since the surgery and many times by Audubon Zoo veterinarians and staff. “While she is very far-sighted because she no longer has a lens in the eye, she does appear to have vision,” said Dr. Storey. “Her prognosis is guarded in the long-term, as there is still a significant risk of complications, such as corneal disease and glaucoma.”

“As captive sea lions age, they are prone to developing cataracts and glaucoma, and our old girls are no exception,” said Dr. Robert MacLean, Audubon Zoo's senior veterinarian. “Our relationship with the LSU Veterinary School ophthalmologists and their access to advanced equipment and expertise has been a great help in managing these problems and keeping our animals more comfortable.”

“Sushi is holding her own,” said Audubon Zoo General Curator Rick Dietz. “We are especially grateful for our long-standing association with the LSU Veterinary School in cases such as this, where flexibility is key and expertise is imperative. The LSU veterinarians, staff, and students are always generous with their time and seem to enjoy working with our collection, so we see it as a classic case of ‘win-win.’”

http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/vth&c/Ophthalmology.htm

http://www.auduboninstitute.org/

Summer Means Soaring Temperatures and Potential Heatstroke for Pets

Now that summer is here, it’s good to remember that some pets require special care to avoid heatstroke. Dogs cannot tell you when their temperatures rise, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our pets have sufficient shelter from the sun, adequate water to drink, and a way to cool off as the heat rises. Take care when leaving your pets outside during the day, and never leave your dog in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

A dog’s body temperature is normally between 101°F and 102°F. They regulate their body temperature by panting; dogs do not sweat like people. Panting expels the heat. If the heat is not expelled fast enough, the body temperature rises. A rise of 3 degrees to a temperature of 105°F can cause the dog to have problems keeping up with his body’s demand for oxygen. When the temperature hits 108°F, the internal organs can start breaking down at a cellular level.

Early signs of heatstroke are rapid breathing, dry nose, rapid heart rate, and gums that leave their healthy color for dull, grayish-pink or red. This is an emergency! If your dog exhibits these symptoms, move the dog to a shaded area, soak the coat in cool water, and get him to a veterinarian immediately. These symptoms can be followed in minutes by collapse, seizure, coma and death.

The most important aid in heatstroke is prevention, so please ensure that your outdoor pets have plenty of shade and water and avoid leaving your pets in the car, even with the windows down. Make sure that your pet has a tip-proof bowl, so that he can’t spill his water bowl while you’re not at home. Lastly, plan walks for the early morning or late evening hours when the temperature is relatively low. With a few minor precautions, you and your pets can have a safe and happy summer.

Filly Born at LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Duma and her new filly

A chestnut filly (young female horse) was born at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. “We knew the mare was getting close to having the foal on Monday night. When she started giving birth it came pretty quickly,” said Mr. Pat McClure, equine technician.

The filly was the result of a breeding that LSU pursued after receiving the filly’s mother as a donation last year. The mother, a seven-year-old bay (brown) Thoroughbred mare named “Duma,” was donated to the School of Veterinary Medicine after she repeatedly failed to produce a foal for her past owners. Following the careful evaluation of Duma’s health and potential to conceive, the LSU team developed a plan to attempt a healthy pregnancy for Duma, and a stallion prospect was chosen. The stallion, “Ole Rebel,” from Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, La., was selected as the sire.

Over the past 11 months (the normal gestation period for a horse), Duma’s pregnancy progressed without incident. After she began to go into labor, the healthy foal was born in a matter of minutes.

Bringing new life into the world is a specialty of the LSU Equine Team. With plans to develop a new Reproduction Center, the Veterinary School is continually making advancements that further their ability to serve the equine industry in Louisiana and provide incredible learning opportunities to veterinary students.

“The students were very involved with this birth. It is not something that happens every day at the veterinary school so it was nice to be able to expose them to this kind of experience and let them assist with the delivery and care of the new foal,” said Dr. Sara Lyle, assistant professor of theriogenology and the veterinarian who oversaw Duma’s breeding and pregnancy. Both Duma and her new filly are doing well and photos of the pair can be seen by visiting www.equine.vetmed.lsu.edu.

The only remaining challenge is to come up with a name for the filly; LSU is looking for suggestions. To submit your entry, send an e-mail with your name, address, daytime telephone number, and your suggested name for the filly to LSUfilly@vetmed.lsu.edu; only complete entries with all of the required information will be accepted. Entries must be received no later than 12 p.m. CST on July 24, 2009. All entries will be voted upon by those LSU Equine Clinic faculty and staff who have not submitted entries themselves. The vote will take place on July 27, and the winner will be announced at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at 9 a.m. on July 31. The winner will get his or her photo taken with the filly and be given an LSU School of Veterinary Medicine shirt and hat and an autographed copy of the book Horses of the Storm.

LSU Veterinary School Holds Stakeholder Summit

From left, Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry Mike Strain, Dean Peter F. Haynes, and Associate Dean of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives David Senior participate in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Stakeholder Summit.

Forty people gathered on the LSU campus on June 9-10 for a Stakeholder Summit hosted by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) to discuss the School’s role in the changing profession of veterinary medicine and how to best position the School for the future. Community leaders joined Louisiana veterinarians, LSU leaders, and SVM faculty and staff. The Summit was led by Harrison Coerver of Harrison Coerver & Associates Consultants, who has over 30 years experience facilitating in the veterinary field.

The participants engaged in informed dialogue about the trends in the profession including private practice and the future of veterinary education and biomedical research. The SVM is embarking on a new approach to planning for the future by enlisting broader participation in the process, including external stakeholders and the services of a facilitator. The goal is to embrace the strengths of the SVM program and research and look forward to identify opportunities for success. There are 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the U.S. LSU receives 700-plus applicants for 86 seats and has one of the highest pass rates in the country on the national licensing exam. This initiative will help the SVM focus on meeting the needs of the profession, veterinary education, research, and the community in meaningful ways that will enhance our national reputation and competitiveness. As well, it will commence a dialog on the best resource allocation to achieve the School’s goals.

“This is an interesting time in the veterinary profession with trends emerging that will require significant attention to the way we prepare our graduates for the new challenges ahead,” said Dean Peter F. Haynes. “With good planning the SVM will be positioned to respond to these trends, and input from selected leaders from the SVM and external stakeholders will help craft this future. Indeed, this will be a new chapter for the School.”

Horses Rescued by LSU Veterinarians

LSU SVM's Equine Health Studies Program and Hospital is a premiere equine biomedical center dedictated to the health, well-being and performance of horses.

LSU Veterinarians responded to an emergency call the evening of May 30 after learning that two horses were trapped in an overturned horse trailer on Nicholson Road near the Bluebonnet extension as a result of a single vehicle accident.

LSU veterinarians, including Drs. Mustajab Mirza, Petrisor Baia, and Amy Cangelosi, attended to the two horses: a bay Thoroughbred gelding and a chestnut Thoroughbred gelding. Upon assessing the situation, the veterinary team implemented a plan for extracting the two horses from the wreckage. The two-horse trailer, with a middle divider, lay on its left side, leaving one horse lying on his side and the other lying on top of him. The top horse also had been thrown forward so that he was wedged tightly into the front of the trailer. After administering a mild sedative to relax the animals, the team of veterinarians began the extraction process, which involved cutting away the back portion of the steel trailer and utilizing fire hoses from the Baton Rouge Fire Department to sling around the horses mid section to pull them to freedom.

Both horses suffered cuts, wounds and abrasions, but no serious health issues were incurred as a result of the accident. The horses were transferred to the LSU Large Animal Clinic at the School of Veterinary Medicine for further evaluation and are both recovering well.

The LSU Equine Veterinary Team has also worked with the LSU Fire & Emergency Training Institute on similar incidents. The two groups have worked together since Hurricane Katrina and have participated in a number of training operations to expand on and deepen the understanding of large animal rescue. Lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina served as a springboard to enhancing the skills and logistical knowledge of rescue methods that were essential to this successful recovery of the horses involved in Sunday’s accident.

Protect Your Pets from Household Dangers, Both Inside and Out

This is the time of year when people and animals enjoy the outdoors. Please be aware that many pesticides and lawn care products are potentially toxic to pets. Be sure to store these items where pets have no access to them. After treating lawns and outside areas, restrict pets from these areas until exposure danger has passed. Pets do not have to ingest a pesticide or lawn care product to be exposed; exposure can also take place in some cases through the skin. Please read labels carefully.

Keep your pets safe this summer. Protect them from dangers both in the house and outdoors.

Cocoa shell mulch, also called cocoa mulch, cocoa bean mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch, or cocoa bean hull mulch, is made using the shell of the cocoa bean. This may be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities (much like processed chocolate, which can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to severe muscle tremor and neurologic signs).

Also, many types of summer foliage (such as hydrangea, wisteria, delphinium, foxglove, privet hedge and monkshood) can be toxic to pets as well, so do your best to prevent your pets from eating them.

Sago palm is a common plant that has gained popularity in the Baton Rouge area. Clinicians at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine are seeing an increase in cases of sago palm toxicity. Ingestion of this plant can be fatal due to its toxic effects on the liver and disruption in the clotting of blood (coagulopathy). Any part of the sago palm plant may be toxic, but specifically the red seeds from the female plant usually produced in the spring and the root ball of all sago palm plants are more commonly the source of the toxicity. Signs of vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice and hemorrhage are found within 12 hours after ingestion. There is no specific treatment for this toxin and the prognosis is usually poor.

Dangers lurk indoors as well. Never underestimate how curious or mischievous pets can be. Pet owners can save themselves a lot of anguish and money by keeping medications safely put away. Besides keeping all medications out of the reach of pets, owners must never give human medications to their pets without the specific recommendation of their veterinarian. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can potentially damage the digestive lining and cause stomach ulcers, and can also affect the kidneys. Acetaminophen is particularly toxic to cats, and can cause severe damage to red blood cells and liver failure.

Dogs and cats do not react to human medications the same way that people do, and these medications that help people every day can be very toxic to animals. Owners should consult their veterinarians before giving any medications to their pets. If you believe that your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Confers Ten Advanced Degrees

Attending the Diploma Distribution Ceremony at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine are (front row from left to right) Dr. Kevin Macaluso, Dr. John Malone, Dr. Prixia Nieto, Dr. Kathryn Rief, Soma Chowdhury, Dr. Anuradha Guggilam, Dr. Lee Ann Fugler, Dr. Stephen Gaunt, Dr. Joseph Francis, (second row from left to right) Dr. Geoffrey Hennig, Dr. Andrew Lewis, Dr. Ronald Thune, Dr. Matthew Rogge, Dr. Thomas Klei, Dean Peter Haynes, and Dr. Susan Eades.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine conferred ten graduate degrees at its Diploma Distribution Ceremony for the Graduate Academic Studies Program on May 15.

Associate Dean for Research and Advanced Studies and Boyd Professor Thomas R. Klei, Ph.D. presided over the ceremony, and Dr. Peter F. Haynes, dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, greeted the guests. Dr. Stephen D. Gaunt, professor of veterinary clinical pathology, served as the representative of the LSU Graduate Council and conferred the degrees.

Lee Ann Fugler, DVM (Watson, La.) received her PhD from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Her dissertation was entitled, “Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Equine Systemic Inflammatory Response: Implications for Equine Laminitis.” Dr. Fugler’s major advisors are Dr. Susan Eades, professor of veterinary medicine, and Dr. Rustin Moore, adjunct professor of veterinary surgery. Dr. Fugler received her DVM from LSU in 2002.

Anuradha Guggilam, BVSc, MVSc (Hyderebad, India) received her PhD from the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. Her dissertation is entitled, “Tumor Necrosis Factor Induced Oxidative Stress in the Central Nervous System Contributes to Sympathoexcitation in Heart Failure.” Dr. Guggilam’s major advisor is Dr. Joseph Francis, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Prixia Del mar Nieto, BVSc (Bogota, Columbia) received her PhD from the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Her dissertation is entitled, “Ecological Risk Models for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Bahia, Brazil and Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Dogs in South Central Louisiana.” Her major advisor is Dr. John Malone, professor of veterinary parasitology.

Kathryn Elizabeth Reif, BA, MSPH (South Euclid, Ohio) received her PhD from the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Dr. Reif’s dissertation is entitled, “Arthropod and Vertebrate Determinants for Horizontal Transmission of Rickettsia felis.” Her major advisor is Dr. Kevin Macaluso, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

Matthew Lee Rogge, BS, MS (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) received his PhD in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Dr. Rogge’s dissertation is entitled, “Expression of the Edwardsiella ictaluri Type III Secretion System and Its Relationship to the Native Plasmids.” His major advisor is Dr. Ronald Thune, professor and head of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

Galena Victorovna Rybachuk, DVM (Kiev, Ukraine) received her PhD in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Dr. Rybachuk’s dissertation is entitled, “Antiviral Chemotherapeutic Agents against Equine Herpesvirus Type 1: The Mechanism of Antiviral Effects of Porphyrin Derivatives.” Her major advisor is Dr. Konstantin “Gus” Kousoulas, professor of veterinary virology. Dr. Rybachuk received her DVM from LSU in 2007.

Soma Chowdhury, MSc (Chandannagar, India) received her MS in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Chowdhury’s thesis is entitled, “Influence of Tick Transmission on the Host Response to Rickettsial Infection.” Her major advisor is Dr. Kevin Macaluso, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

Geoffrey Stuart Hennig, BA, DVM (Indianapolis, Ind.) received his MS in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Hennig’s thesis is entitled, “Chondrocyte Death in Canine Osteochondral Explants Exposed to 0.5 Percent Bupivacaine.” His major advisor is Dr. Giselle Hosgood, professor of veterinary surgery.

Andrew Lewis, DVM (Powhatan, La.) received his MS in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Lewis’ thesis is entitled, “Biomechanical Evaluation of a 6.5-mm Headless, Tapered Variable Pitch Screw (Acutrak Plus) in Equine and Synthetic Bone.” His major advisor is Dr. Gary Sod, assistant professor of farm animal health management. Dr. Lewis received his DVM from LSU in 2005.

Andrea Serrano Zanetti, DVM (Bauru, Brazil) received his MS in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Dr. Zanetti’s thesis is entitled, “Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction(QPCR) Assay as a Molecular Tool to Assess Rickettsial Replications in Tick Hosts.” Her major advisor is Dr. Kevin Macaluso, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

“Training future biomedical researchers is an extremely important part of the mission of the School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Klei. “Our students continue to be successful following graduation and take significant positions in biomedical research in academia, industry and the private sector. The diversity of research activities within the SVM is also reflected in the titles of their theses and dissertations. The School is one of the premier biomedical research institutions in the state and would not be so without the graduate program.”

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Presents Scholarships and Awards at Annual Banquet

Dr. Bruce Eilts (back left), president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and professor of theriogenology, and Dean Peter F. Haynes (back right) congratulate the LVMA Outstanding Student Award recipients, (from left to right) Amy Norvall (Class of 2011), Alyce Marks (Class of 2009), and Emily Barras (Class of 2010).

On May 1, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine hosted the 35^th annual Awards and Honors Banquet at the LSU Union. The banquet was sponsored in part by Nestlé Purina Pet Care, Novartis Animal Health, and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA).

Dr. Kirk Ryan, assistant professor of veterinary medicine, served as Master of Ceremonies. Each year, the Master of Ceremonies is the winner of the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award from the previous year. Dean Peter F. Haynes welcomed the guests.

Over $143,000 was distributed to students in the form of awards and scholarships. Faculty and staff awards were bestowed at the beginning of the evening. This year Dean Peter F. Haynes created the Dean’s Student Scholarship Endowment Initiative. This Initiative, funded through gifts from the alumni and friends of the SVM to the Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund, will add $2,000 to the funds distributed from each endowed scholarship. The Initiative will add this minimum amount to the distribution from each endowed student scholarship on an annual basis, including those created in the future. Through the much appreciated generosity of our alumni and supporters, Initiative contributions will grow in future years with the primary goal of reducing student debt. Scholarships noted with an asterisk (*) have been supplemented by this Initiative.

The award recipients are listed below alphabetically in order of their hometown state and city:

Arkansas

Nanci Solis (Class of 2011), Batesville, Ark., received the Perry B. LeCates, Sr. Memorial Scholarship*;

Stacey Smith (Class of 2010), Batesville, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Chelsea Cherí Dowler (Class of 2012), Beech Grove, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Jack R. Redman and Elizabeth G. Redman Scholarship;

Chad Brown (Class of 2011), Conway, Ark., received the Nestlé Purina Award for Excellence in Companion Animal Nutrition;

Gale Martina Raymond (Class of 2012), Fayetteville, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Jonathan Francis Bova (Class of 2011), Fayetteville, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Sarah Huber (Class of 2012), Fayetteville, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Julie Pate (Class of 2011), Little Rock, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Kevin Ware (Class of 2010), Little Rock, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship and the Western Veterinary Conference Scholarship;

Trisha Young (Class of 2010), Lonoke, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Chris Nelson (Class of 2011), Malvern, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship;

Desiree Thomas (Class of 2012), Mountain Home, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Jack R. Redman and Elizabeth G. Redman Scholarship; and

Alex Bradford (Class of 2012), Sheridan, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship and the Opal Christiansen Memorial Scholarship*.

California

Kim Gusman (Class of 2010), Anaheim, Calif., received the AVID/Novartis Chip Day Scholarship;

Ambria Haddad (Class of 2011), Chino Hills, Calif., received the AVID/Novartis Chip Day Scholarship; and

Melissa Roth (Class of 2011), Davis, Calif., received the Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Scholarship.

Florida

Michelle Dunleavy (Class of 2010), Amelia Island, Fla., received the LSU SCAVMA Bookstore Scholarship;

Melinda Ann Pariso (Class of 2012), Hollywood, Fla., received the Margaret Lucille Thomas Taylor Memorial Scholarship; and

Melissa Smith (Class of 2011), Jacksonville, Fla., received the Sheri Ellen Cole Memorial Scholarship.

Georgia

Luli Petersen (Class of 2011), Marietta, Ga., received the WAZEM Club Award.

Kansas

Erin Denham (Class of 2010), Wichita, Kansas, received the M. Darnell Besch Scholarship*.

Louisiana

Rebekah Mack (Class of 2010), Baton Rouge, La., received the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Aesculapian Scholarship;

Leia Feinberg (Class of 2010), Bogalusa, La., received the Peri Tümay, DVM, Memorial Fellowship* and the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana Award;

Katie Severson (Class of 2010), Covington, La., received the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association/American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation Scholarship;

Kelly Urbina (Class of 2011), Covington, La., received the The Doctor Michael G. Groves Award;

Russell Freeland (Class of 2012), Crowley, La., received the Perry B. LeCates, Sr. Memorial Scholarship*;

Nicole Laviolette (Class of 2010), Erath, La., received the Salsbury Scholarship*;

Andre Borne Joubert (Class of 2010), Eunice, La., received the Salsbury Scholarship*;

Stephanie Rutherford (Class of 2012), Gonzales, La., received the Baton Rouge Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Scholarship*, the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Aesculapian Scholarship, and the Y.Z. Abdelbaki Memorial Scholarship;

Heather Bryant (Class of 2011), Hineston, La., received the Lorio Children Memorial Scholarship*;

Emily Barras (Class of 2010), Iberia, La., received the John D. Rhoades Leadership Scholarship* and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Student Award*;

Margaret Taylor Bowman (Class of 2012), Jennings, La., received the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Aesculapian Scholarship;

Erin Daniels (Class of 2010), Kenner, La., received the Dr. Kim Michels Memorial Scholarship and the Open House Award of Appreciation;

Kristin Marchal (Class of 2010), Kenner, La., received the The Henry Chester Propes and Mary Wood Propes Memorial Scholarship*;

Blake Hackler (Class of 2011), Lafayette, La., received the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Scholarship;

Ashley Leggitt (Class of 2010), Mandeville, La., received the The Robert M. Hammatt Award for Proficiency in Food Animal Medicine;

Gwen Johnson (Class of 2012), Metairie, La., received the AVID/Novartis Chip Day Scholarship;

Mary Leissenger (Class of 2010), Metairie, La., received the Salsbury Scholarship*;

Patrick Cutbirth (Class of 2011), Monroe, La., received the Bayou Kennel Club, Inc. Scholarship;

Anna Ozio (Class of 2012), Morgan City, La., received the Auxiliary to the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship*;

Jennifer Bruno (Class of 2010), New Orleans, La., received the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Service Scholarship*;

Kathleen Elstrott (Class of 2011), Ponchatoula, La., received the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Aesculapian Scholarship;

Kelly Franklin (Class of 2010), Robeline, La., received the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana Award;

Chad Malinak (Class of 2012), Ruston, La., received the King-Solberger Scholarship;

Hannah Cavender (Class of 2010), Ruston, La., received the Harold G. Forman Family Foundation Equine Scholarship in Honor of Nathaniel Greenberg and Benjamin Forman;

Daniel Dorbandt (Class of 2011), Shreveport, La., received the Baton Rouge Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Scholarship*;

Kim Menard (Class of 2011), Slidell, La., received the Auxiliary to the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Dedicated Service Award and the LSU SCAVMA Bookstore Scholarship;

Margaret Hartdegen (Class of 2011), Slidell, La., received the LSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Aesculapian Scholarship;

Morgan Daigle (Class of 2011), Sulphur, La., received the Calcasieu Kennel Club Scholarship*;

Jessica Trichel (Class of 2012), West Monroe, La., received the Bayou Kennel Club, Inc. Scholarship; and

Natalie W. Fowlkes (Class of 2010), West Monroe, La., received the LSU SCAVMA Bookstore Scholarship.

Massachusetts

Aisha Katherine Margolis (Class of 2010), Great Barrington, Mass., received the Salsbury Scholarship*;

North Carolina

Lauren Orvin (Class of 2010), Rocky Mountain, N.C., received the Open House Award of Appreciation; and

Grace Burns (Class of 2011), Washington, N.C., received the LSU SVM Equine Health Studies Program Scholarship.

New Hampshire

Holly Brown (Class of 2010), Berlin, N.H., received the Catherine M. Landry and Daniel Gillane Feline Studies Scholarship.

New York

Jennifer L. Park (Class of 2012), Buffalo, N.Y., received the LSU SCAVMA Bookstore Scholarship; and

Jessica Lipsett (Class of 2011), Liverpool, N.Y., received the Peri Tümay, DVM, Memorial Fellowship*.

Pennsylvania

Erin Wilkins (Class of 2012), Johnstown, Pa., received the Dr. Herbert C. Berger Scholarship*; and

Brendon Brophy (Class of 2010), Mt. Holly Springs, Pa., received the Association of Avian Veterinarians Award and the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana Award.

Puerto Rico

Blanca Colon (Class of 2011), San Juan, Puerto Rico, received the Changaram Kumarath Sankunny Memorial Award in Veterinary Pharmacology*.

Vermont

Charity Joy Uman (Class of 2010), Burlington, Vt., received the Brenda and William Banks Memorial Award*.

Wisconsin

David Schur (Class of 2010), Madison, Wis., received the Louisiana Academy of Veterinary Practice Companion Animal Scholarship* and the Simmons and Associates Award.

Zimbabwe, Africa

Amy Norvall (Class of 2011), Harare, Zimbabwe, received the Dr. Steven D. Everson and Dr. Bradley S. Everson Honorary Endowed Scholarship, the Harold G. Forman Family Foundation Equine Scholarship in Honor of Nathaniel Greenberg and Benjamin Forman, and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Student Award*.

LSU Veterinary School Enhances Diagnostic Capabilities with MRI

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine recently acquired a Hitachi Echelon 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit. This is the first and only high field MRI unit in the state of Louisiana for veterinary use. Since March 30, the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital has scanned over 56 patients with the MRI. Located on the first floor of the hospital, the MRI is accessible through the main hospital building and the Equine Hospital’s breezeway. This allows both small and large animal patients to be examined. “With this magnet, LSU is in the upper echelon for veterinary diagnostic imaging,” said Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, associate professor of veterinary radiology. “We match or exceed the technology of any other veterinary school in the country.”

With only 28 veterinary schools in the country, keeping up with new technology is important. “This technology is an indispensable diagnostic tool,” said Dr. Gaschen. “The high field strength of this magnet equates to a better signal, better images, and a shorter scan time. A shorter scan time means less time that an animal has to be under anesthesia.”

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive technique that uses strong magnetic fields to produce images of practically any part of the body. MRI has significant advantages over other imaging modalities, such as CT scans. With MRI, no ionizing radiation is involved; instead, a powerful magnet is used to send and receive radiofrequency impulses between it and the patient that carry information specific to the tissue type. This produces high resolution images that are especially good for contrasting different types of soft tissue, so that fat, muscle, fluids, as well as the grey and white matter of the brain, may be easily visualized and differentiated from one another. This makes MRI ideal for detecting lesions in the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system.

With access from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s large animal breezeway, a custom-made, MRI-compatible table, and specialized anesthesia equipment, the LSU Diagnostic Imaging Service can use the MRI to scan the limbs and heads of large animals, such as horses. The special MRI anesthesia unit for horses is designed with MRI-compatible materials, and the table has special padding to support the weight of the horse to protect pressure points along the body and limbs. “Since a horse’s body cannot fit completely through the gantry like a dog or cat, the LSU team developed their own technique to make images toward the edge—and not just the center—of the gantry,” said Dr. Gaschen. “This is called off iso-center imaging.”

The 1.5T Hitachi Echelon is a high field magnetic with many extras, including 8-channel, parallel imaging capabilities that will allow clinicians to produce images faster and in high detail. “Because we are faced with a highly variable patient size in veterinary medicine, and the fact that all of the patients must be anesthetized, a robust MRI unit such as this one is an important advantage,” Dr. Gaschen said.

The benefits of MRI are numerous. It allows for less invasive studies of animals with disease or injuries, allowing for fewer post-anesthesia complications, which translates into better patient care because of shorter anesthesia time. It also is the ultimate for neuroimaging. “There are many musculoskeletal and neurological disorders that can only be diagnosed with MRI,” added Dr. Gaschen.

Dr. Gaschen foresees a growing list of uses for MRI at the School of Veterinary Medicine. “I expect that many vascular diseases in dogs and horses that are both acquired and congenital will be examined using MRI in the future,” she said, “plus many investigators will use the MRI unit to conduct research studies in a non-invasive manner. There is a trend now in veterinary medicine to study ways in which MRI can be used in preference to invasive catheterization and radiographic contrast studies for diagnosing diseases involving the vasculature.

In addition to being a tremendous diagnostic tool, the MRI will be used for teaching. “Veterinary students will graduate from LSU knowing when and how MRI can benefit their patients,” said Dr. Gaschen.

The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital has package prices for the MRI that include fees for anesthesia. The hospital also has an outpatient imaging service for computed tomography (CT) and MRI now available to veterinarians in Louisiana and throughout the southeastern United States. The service is available for dogs and cats where CT or MRI of the head is indicated. The service offers a team approach to diagnosis that combines the latest and best CT and MRI equipment and specialists in the field of surgery, oncology, internal medicine, and anesthesia. Veterinarians who wish to request a CT or MRI of the head in a dog or cat should call the referral coordinator at 225-578-9040. More information is available at http://radiology.vetmed.lsu.edu.

LSU SVM Researcher’s Work Benefits Aquaculture Industry

Dr. John Hawke, associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences (PBS) and section head of Aquatic Diagnostics within the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, has been working at the SVM to diagnose and solve disease problems for the Louisiana aquaculture industry for nearly 25 years.

Dr. John Hawke, associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, diagnoses and solves disease problems for the Louisiana aquaculture industry.

Dr. Hawke is perhaps best known as the discoverer of enteric septicemia of catfish and for describing the causative bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, while working at Auburn University, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures in the late 1970s. He joined the SVM as a research associate in 1985. In the early 1990s, he became involved with the marine aquaculture industry in south Louisiana and began research on the bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, which causes disease in hybrid striped bass. He continued his studies of that organism when he entered the graduate program at the SVM while still a full-time employee and received his PhD in 1996.

Currently, Dr. Hawke is studying two pathogens new to the aquaculture industry in Louisiana: White Spot Syndrome Virus in crawfish, and a newly recognized subspecies of the bacterium Francisella noatunensis, which can cause high mortality in farmed tilapia.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), so named because of the abnormal calcium deposits it causes on the shells of some species of infected crustaceans, is an important viral pathogen of cultured shrimp worldwide. Prior to 2007, however, no viral disease had ever been reported from crawfish in Louisiana or anywhere else in the United States. Then things changed.

“In the spring of 2007,” said Dr. Hawke, “we started receiving reports of several crawfish farms that were experiencing heavy mortality among their red swamp crawfish and white river crawfish. After we performed postmortem exams on the dead crawfish, Dr. Wes Baumgartner, the pathology resident assisting me with this research, found microscopic evidence of a severe viral infection. When he saw intranuclear inclusions in ectodermal and mesodermal tissues, we suspected WSSV.”

WSSV in crawfish does not actually produce white spots on the shells, so it is difficult to recognize without laboratory testing. But affected crawfish appear weak and lethargic and cannot walk without losing their balance; as the virus invades multiple organ systems, they eventually die. WSSV is a reportable disease in the United States, so Drs. Hawke and Baumgartner immediately submitted specimens for further analysis. When Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed the presence of the virus, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, was notified.

After a survey revealed that crawfish from over 60 percent of the sites were infected with the virus, WSSV was declared endemic in Louisiana. Fortunately, the economic losses to the state’s $96 million crawfish industry from WSSV have not, to date, been too severe, but Dr. Hawke and the LADDL continue their research to learn more about this new pathogen and to work on developing a rapid test to detect the presence of the virus in crawfish.

Dr. Hawke also studies a bacterial disease of tilapia caused by Francisella noatunensis. This microorganism causes granulomatous inflammation of the internal organs and skin and is very closely related to the organism that causes tularemia in humans. So it is very possible that these studies in fish will lead to a better understanding of a disease in humans.

Dr. Hawke has served as co-chair of the Aquaculture Working Group of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute to work toward standardizing methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing of aquatic bacterial pathogens; as co-chair of the Fish Health Committee for the USDA Catfish Research and Extension Forum; and as a past president of the Fish Health Section of the American Fisheries Society. He regularly visits and consults on aquaculture disease problems internationally in China, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.

Dr. Hawke also teaches several courses in the veterinary curriculum and in the advanced studies program in PBS. He is also one of the major organizers of AQUAMED, an intensive four-week aquatic animal pathobiology course held during the summer in even-numbered years.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Confers Degrees and Awards

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine conferred 81 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at its 33^rd annual Veterinary Medicine Commencement Exercises on Monday, May 11. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne gave the commencement address at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

Dean Peter F. Haynes presided over the ceremony, and Dr. John Lombardi, president of the Louisiana State University System, conferred the degrees. Crystal Myers (Class of 2009) opened the ceremony with the invocation. Program speakers included Clifford Vannoy, senior vice president of the LSU Alumni Association, Dr. Pamela Mitchell, School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association president, and Dr. Bruce Eilts, president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and professor of theriogenology.

Dr. Haynes led the graduates in taking the Veterinarian’s Oath, adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1969. Dr. Michael Ratcliff (Class of 2009) closed the ceremony with the benediction.

Students who received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, senior awards, and internships are listed below alphabetically by state and hometown:

Arizona

Carmen Lydia Perez, Phoenix, Ariz.

Arkansas

Angie Kristine Dunlap, Benton, Ark.;

Bradley Ray Self, Blytheville, Ark., received the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association/Beef Industry Council Clinical Proficiency Award and the Lady Baldridge Companion Animal Award;

Crystal Lee Garner, Danville, Ark.;

Rachel A. Helm, El Dorado, Ark., has an internship at Florida Equine Veterinary Services in Clermont, Fla.

Elizabeth Pike Kappus, Horatio, Ark., received the Arizona Equine Medical & Surgical Centre Award and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Jack R. Redman and Elizabeth G. Redman Senior Award;

William Andrew Parker, Lonoke, Ark., has an assistantship with the University of Georgia Masters of Avian Medicine Program in Athens, Ga.;

Chaille Laine Hollensworth, Magnolia, Ark.;

Crystal Goche Myers, Proctor, Ark., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award;

Cassidee Rhea Landry, Rogers, Ark.; and

Sherri Lynn Andrews, Sherwood, Ark., received the Merial Shelter Medicine Award.

Connecticut

Stefania Victoria Naiman, Danbury, Conn.

Florida

Leigh Frances Parisi, Naples, Fla.;

Christopher Thomas Mole, Orlando, Fla., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate; and

Catherine Diane Cook, St. Cloud, Fla.

Idaho

Katherine Frances Smith, Boise, Idaho, has a Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Internship at the University of Georgia, in Athens, Ga., and received the Cat Haven Veterinary Student Extraordinaire Award.

Illinois

Melissa Ann Sikich, Naperville, Ill.

Louisiana

Kevin Dale Abbott, Abbeville, La.;

April Downs Fitzgerald, Alexandria, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Christopher Charles Hayes, Baker, La.;

Rosey Claire Andermann, Baton Rouge, La.;

Hilari Maree French, Baton Rouge, La.;

Gregg Mitchell Griffenhagen, Baton Rouge, La., has an Anesthesiology Internship at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, La., and received the Student Chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners Award, the American College of Veterinary Radiology Award, the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists Award, and the Cat Haven Veterinary Student Extraordinaire Award;

Brenna Kay Hanly, Baton Rouge, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Kristine Keri Hawkins, Baton Rouge, La.;

Melissa Kaye Jennings, Baton Rouge, La., has a Small Animal Rotating Internship at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, N.C., and received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Award;

Daniel Keith Langlois, Baton Rouge, La., has a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and received the Allan H. Hart/IDEXX Award and the DermaPet Award for Excellence in Dermatology;

Jason Keith Lavigne, Baton Rouge, La., received The Hershey Comeaux Memorial Award of Excellence and the Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health/Welch Allyn Small Animal Medicine Award;

Emelie Schlatre McLellan, Baton Rouge, La.;

Michael David Ratcliff, Baton Rouge, La.;

Robert Louis Braquet, Carencro, La.;

Kevin Gerard Showalter, Chalmette, La.;

Laura Lee D'Amico, Crowley, La., has a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and received the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Proficiency Award and the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award;

Cynthia Elizabeth Rachal, Denham Springs, La.;

Florence Bonilla Boudreaux, DeRidder, La.;

Beth LeAnne Riley, Franklinton, La.;

William Matthew Honea, Haughton, La., received the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Proficiency Award and the LVMA Equine Clinical Proficiency Award;

Gretchen Claire Henry, Houma, La.;

Justin Claude Roberts, Kentwood, La.;

Marc Darrell Bordelon, Lafayette, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate, the Nestlé Purina Business Management Award, and the Novartis/Ethicon Companion Animal Award;

Laura A. Sarradet, Lafayette, La.;

Michael Ryan Smith, Laplace, La., has a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, Fla.;

Brandy Alexis Stone, Leesville, La.;

Leslie Hutson Pence, Mandeville, La., has an Internship for Clinical Practice in Avian/Exotic Medicine and Surgery at West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic in Metairie, La., and received the Kaytee Outstanding Senior Award in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine;

Jeremy John Delcambre, Monroe, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Mitzi Durel Clark, New Orleans, La., has an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Mass., and received the Bayer Award for Excellence in Dermatology, the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate, and the North American Veterinary Conference Scholarship;

Amanda Claudet, New Orleans, La.;

Cynthia Marie Estrade, New Orleans, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Lindsey Gabrielle Gordon, New Orleans, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Thomas Edward Huddleston, New Orleans, La.;

Aliya Niambi Magee, New Orleans, La., has an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., and received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Cardiology Award;

Meredith Catherine Mouney, New Orleans, La., has a Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Internship at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., and received the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Award;

Michael Andrew Rossi, New Orleans, La., has a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Va., and received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Doty Jordan Kempf, Opelousas, La., has a Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency at the Tulane National Primate Research Center/LSU in Covington, La., and received the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners Student Award;

Alyce Leger Marks, Opelousas, La., has a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and received the Hills "Buddy" Award and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Student Award;

Elizabeth Marie Brown, Pineville, La., has a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida, Cooper City, Fla.;

Crystal Elizabeth Steib, Rosedale, La.;

Jennifer K. Conduff, Shreveport, La., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate;

Megan McCrary Sturdivant, Shreveport, La.;

David Romeo Espinosa, Sulphur, La., has a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and received the Bayer Client Communication Award and the Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Oncology Award;

Devon Castleberry Owens, Sulphur, La.;

Kayla Renee Prejean, Sulphur, La.;

Kristofor Clay Toups, Thibodaux, La.; and

Jessica Simmons Parker, West Monroe, La., has a Rotating Medicine, Surgery, and Racetrack Internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, Texas.

Maine

Christopher Bennett Norman, Brunswick, Maine, has a Rotating Internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, N.J.

Massachusetts

Marie Annette Chartier, Templeton, Mass., has an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Mass., and received the American Animal Hospital Association Senior Student Award.

Michigan

Carrie Renee Washburn, Fraser, Mich.; and

Aimee Michelle Hunt, Midland, Mich., has a Rotating Small Animal Internship at VCA Darien Animal Hospital/Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Darien, Conn.

North Carolina

Meghan Johnson Respess, Lenoir, N.C., has a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass., and received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award; and

Shannon Parker Evans, Newton, N.C., received the Edward Lloyd Mitchell Memorial Award.

New Hampshire

Michelle Fecteau Godiwala, Laconia, N.H., has an Internship at Southeast Veterinary Specialists in Metairie, La.

New York

Verna Serra, Brooklyn, N.Y., has a Rotating Internship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., and received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award;

Andrea Cristi Barros, Huntington Station, N.Y., has a Small Animal Medicine/Surgery Internship at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in Long Island, N.Y.; and

Patricia Jean Schuster, Scotia, N.Y., has a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at the VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in South Weymouth, Mass.

Puerto Rico

Astrid Bigio, San Juan, Puerto Rico, has a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Rotating Internship at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and received the Oncology Certificate of Merit Award.

Tennessee

Marty Gail Roaché, Memphis, Tenn., received the LSU Veterinary Business Management Association Certificate.

Texas

Lyndsey Ann Windle, Dallas, Texas;

Lisa Beth Berkowitz, Kingwood, Texas; and

Emily Jessica Kuo, Richmond, Texas.

West Virgnia

Holly Ana Rice, Ridgeley, W.V.

Washington

Roxanna Jean Gerlt-Bourelle, Seattle, Wash.

Seventeen Students to Participate in Veterinary Summer Scholars Program

Seventeen students have been selected to participate in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Summer Scholars Program, an introduction to biomedical research through research-driven activities. The 2009 Summer Scholars Program is funded by the Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholar Program, a grant from the National Institutes of Health, and research funds from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

2009 Veterinary Summer Scholars are (front row from left to right) Julie Pate (standing), Kathleen McCarthy, Jade Tenberg, and Janel Doud; (second row, seated from left to right) Stephanie Rutherford, Sarah Huber, Melissa Smith, and Joey Bynog; and (standing from left to right) Rebecca Neis, Jessica Trichel, Patrick Cutbirth, Grant Middleton, and Jessica Khodadad.

The Summer Scholars Program serves to further students’ learning and experiences beyond the required classroom and clinical training. The program is competitive and based on proposals submitted by first- and second-year veterinary students. The program encourages innovative studies in human and animal diseases, and lends further understanding to veterinary careers in biomedical research. Each year Merck-Merial selects veterinary schools to participate in its biomedical research program, and LSU has received the funding for the ninth consecutive year. For the sixth consecutive year, students will also receive grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for summer study. There are only eight veterinary schools in the country with summer grant programs funded by both Merck-Merial and the NIH.

Each student receives a $5,200 stipend. Merck-Merial will also sponsor the students’ participation at the 2009 Merck-Merial Symposium on August 6-8, 2009, at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., where research will be presented by students from the participating veterinary schools. This conference will bring together scientists from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and NIH leadership in one setting.

To participate in the Summer Scholars program, the students developed their own research plan proposals with the guidance of a faculty member, and a faculty committee selected the participants based on the proposals. All first and second year veterinary students throughout the country and abroad had the opportunity to submit proposals.

The recipients of the Merck-Merial Summer Research Awards and their project titles are as follows:

Andrea Dedeaux is a member of the Class of 2011 from Metairie, La., and her project is entitled, “Development of a Point of Care Screening Test for Canine Leptospirosis.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Mark Acierno, assistant professor of companion animal medicine.

Sarah Huber is a member of the Class of 2012 from Fayetteville, Ark., and her project is entitled, “Characterization of Fine Particles in the Ambient Air in Baton Rouge and of the Inflammatory Responses of Respiratory Cells Exposed to these Particles.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Arthur Penn, professor of toxicology.

Jessica Khodadad is a member of the Class of 2012 from Cocoa Beach, Fla., and her project is entitled, “Examining the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Firocoxib, a COX-1 Sparing NSAID, in Foals.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Rebecca McConnico, associate professor of veterinary medicine.

Grant Middleton is a member of the Class of 2011 from Arnaudville, La., and his project is entitled, “Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess Alar, Lateral Apical and Transverse Ligaments of the Atlanto-Occipital and Atlantoaxial Articulations in the Dog.” His faculty mentor is Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, associate professor of veterinary radiology.

Rebecca Neis is a member of the Class of 2011 from Mountain Home, Ark., and her project is entitled, “Using a Primary Neuronal Culture of Embryonic Rabbit Dorsal Root Ganglia to Study the Pathogenesis of Bovine Herpesvirus type 1.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Shafiqul Chowdhury, professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

Julie Pate is a member of the Class of 2011 from Little Rock, Ark., and her project is entitled, “Comet-Tail Artifacts in Normal Dogs with Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema.” Her faculty mentors are Dr. Romain Pariaut, assistant professor of veterinary cardiology, and Dr. Nathalie Rademacher, assistant professor of veterinary radiology.

Melissa Smith is a member of the Class of 2011 from Jacksonville, Fla., and her project is entitled, “Tissue Distribution and Pathological Changes over Time Induced by Experimental Infection with Wild Type Francisella sp. and Attenuated iglC Mutant Francisella sp. Using Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Zebra Fish (Danio rerio) as Disease Models.” Her faculty mentors are Dr. John Hawke, associate professor of veterinary microbiology and parasitology, and Dr. Timothy Morgan, assistant professor of veterinary clinical medicine.

The recipients of the NIH Biomedical Research Experience for Veterinary Students Awards and their project titles are as follows:

Joey Bynog is a member of the Class of 2011 from Natchitoches, La., and his project is entitled, “Characterizing Etiologic Agents of Tick-Borne Diseases in Southern Louisiana.” His faculty mentor is Dr. Kevin Macaluso, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

Hope Clay is a member of the Class of 2012 at Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health, and her project is entitled, “The Role of Mu Opioid Receptors in Diet Induced Obesity.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Maria Barnes, instructor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Patrick Cutbirth is a member of the Class of 2011 from Monroe, La., and his project is entitled, “The Use of Embryonated Eggs for Isolation and Culture of Spiroplasma spp.” His faculty mentors are Dr. Phillip Elzer, professor of veterinary science, and Dr. Fred Enright, professor and head of the Department of Veterinary Science.

Janel Doud is a member of the Class of 2011 from Southlake, Texas, and her project is entitled, “Intratumoral Electroporation of the Gene for Interleukin 12 and Bleomycin in Mice: Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics of Bleomycin and Interleukin 12.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Shulin Li, professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and Dr. Scott Reed, post-doctoral fellow and PhD candidate in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Eric Martinez-Ramirez is a member of the Class of 2012 from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, and his project is entitled, “Using Adenoviruses to Treat Prostate Cancer in a Mouse Model of Bone Metastases.” His faculty mentor is Dr. Marxa Figueiredo, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Kathleen McCarthy is a member of the Class of 2012 from Lafayette, La., and her project is entitled, “Investigation of the Role of Protein SrS2 in Nucleotide Excision Repair.” Her faculty advisor is Dr. Shisheng Li, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Stephanie Rutherford is a member of the Class of 2012 from Gonzales, La., and her project is entitled, “Chronic Alcoholism and Osteoarthritis: Evaluation of the Relationship between Alcoholic Ketosis and Articular Cartilage Matrix Changes.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Mandi Lopez, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Jennifer Sinese is a member of the Class of 2012 from Jacksonville, N.C., and her project is entitled, “Genetic Diversity in Sumatran and Borneo Orangutans.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Mark Batzer, Boyd Professor and Dr. Mary Lou Applewhite Distinguished Professor in the LSU College of Basic Sciences.

Jade Tenberg is a member of the Class of 2011 from Doylestown, Pa., and her project is entitled, “Protective Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells following Renal Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury.” Her faculty mentor is Dr. Jeffrey Gimble, professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences is funding the research of Jessica Trichel, a member of the Class of 2012 from West Monroe, La. Her research project is entitled, “Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance imaging of the Equine Temporomandibular Articulation-A Comparative Morphological Study,” and her faculty mentor is Dr. Lorrie Gaschen, associate professor of veterinary radiology.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Presents Five Staff Awards

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine presented awards to five staff members at a spring reception on April 30.

Dean Peter F. Haynes (center) congratulates the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s 2009 Staff Award recipients shown from left to right: David Jandle (Operations Management Award), Gaye Gomila (Outstanding Achievement Award), Kathleen Kirvin (Administrative Support Award), and John Ladner (Technical Management Award). Susie Brown (Academic Support Award) is not pictured.

Gaye Gomila, administrative coordinator in the Office of Student and Academic Affairs, was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes an employee from all SVM staff categories who exhibits superior work habits and who gives extra contributions to the School. Gomila was commended for her 16 years of service to the LSU SVM and her attitude, work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

The Administrative Support Award was presented to Kathleen Kirvin, administrative coordinator in Comparative Biomedical Sciences. This award recognizes an employee for excellence in support in all areas of administration. Kirvin was commended for her nine years of service to the LSU SVM and her initiative, communication skills, and leadership.

Susie Brown, administrative coordinator in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, won the Academic Support Award for excellence in providing academic support to the School’s faculty. Brown was commended for her four years of service to the LSU SVM and her dependability, exemplary work and communication skills, and her “can-do” attitude.

The Operations Management Award was presented to David Jandle, HVAC/Control tech master in Facility Planning & Control. The award recognizes outstanding management support in all areas of the School’s operations. Jandle was commended for his 15 years of service to the LSU SVM and his 33 years of service to LSU, as well as his helpfulness, efficiency, self-motivation, and positive attitude.

John Ladner, associate clinical specialist (anesthesia) in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics, received the Technical Management Award for his outstanding technical service to the School. Ladner was commended for his three years of service and his loyalty, dependability, and initiative.

Also recognized at the Spring Reception were those employees who have reached milestone years of service to the University. Receiving certificates denoting 20 years of service to LSU were Connie David, Comparative Biomedical Sciences; Frank Garza, Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Michael Keowen, Veterinary Clinical Sciences; John London, Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine; Essie Mack, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; Marlana Roundtree, Administration; and Jodie Territo, Pathobiological Sciences. Receiving certificates denoting 10 years of service to LSU were John Arnold, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; Sandra Donaldson, Dean’s Office; Thaya Guedry, Pathobiological Sciences; Cheryl Knotts, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; Veronica McCall, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; Jennifer McCarroll, Pathobiological Sciences; Patricia Milton, Facility Planning & Control; and Danielle Vallotton, Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

LSU Opens 22^nd International Exhibition on Animals in Art with Reception

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine opened its 22^nd International Exhibition on Animals in Art on Saturday, March 28. Dr. Peter F. Haynes, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and members of the SVM Art Show Committee welcomed more than 200 guests into the Veterinary Medicine Library for a first look at the exhibition.

Melanie Hansbrough (left), judge and juror, and Gretchen Morgan, alumni & public programs coordinator and art show committee chair, with Morning Walk by Margaret Rice of Baton Rouge, winner of Best in Show Award.

Two hundred and seventy artists from 41 states, Canada, Spain, Finland, Mexico, and the Netherlands submitted 583 entries for the show. Seventy-five pieces are featured in the exhibition, which continues through April 26 in the Veterinary Medicine Library. Judge and juror for this year’s exhibition is Melanie Hansbrough. Melanie is an artist from Baton Rouge, La., and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1972. She has studied with Janie McWhorter, Ed Pramuk, Della Storm, Meghan Clark, Michael Crespo, Stephanie DeManuelle, Van Wade-Day, Marcus McAllister, and Libby Johnson. Most of Melanie’s work is oil, pen and ink, watercolor, and collage. Her work has been exhibited at Dixon Smith Interiors, Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery, and Unique Visions in Baton Rouge, as well as Custom Linens in New Orleans, La.; Gallery Expose in Seaside, Fla.; and Basmatis in Blue Mountain Beach, Fla. Melanie’s work has been published in How to Make an Oil Painting by Michael Crespo, and her work was featured on the original cover of best-selling national cookbook, A Trim and Terrific Louisiana Kitchen by Holly Berkowitz Clegg.

Twenty-five of the artists were in attendance, including Ellen Alderson, Forrest City, Ark.; Marsha Barkemeyer, Baton Rouge, La.; Simon Baxter, Baton Rouge, La.; Craig Black, Gonzales, La.; Benjamin Bullins, Harvey, La.; Clay Coleman, Baton Rouge, La.; Ernie Fouret, New Iberia, La.; Sidney Gale, Denham Springs, La.; Frankie Gould, Livonia, La.; Veni Harlan, Baton Rouge, La.; Betty Johnson, Eureka Springs, Ark.; Joy Kepler, Breaux Bridge, La.; Katherine Klimitas, Metairie, La.; Gail Knecht, Baton Rouge, La.; Rebecca Luke-Lirette, Baton Rouge, La.; Erica Martin, Baton Rouge, La.; Jason Miner, New Orleans, La.; Cissy McCabe Quinn, Gulfport, Miss.; Kathy Reeves, Denham Springs, La.; Margaret Rice, Baton Rouge, La.; Krista Ann Roche, Baton Rouge, La.; Dana Territo, Baton Rouge, La.; Carol VandeBurgt, Baton Rouge, La.; Glen Wesley, Baton Rouge, La.; and Libby Willingham, Baton Rouge, La.

The $1,000 Best in Show award went to Margaret Rice from Baton Rouge, La., for her oil on board entitled Morning Walk. Dr. Janis Audin, Chicago, Ill., editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, chose Jacqueline Cohen’s slip and underglaze on clay, entitled Cat Dreaming, to appear on a future cover of the journal. Ms. Cohen is from High Falls, N.Y. The People’s Choice Award will be named at a later date.

Judge’s Awards were presented for the following pieces:

Golden Girl, Marsha Barkemeyer, Baton Rouge, La., acrylic;
Flight, Leslie Hutto, Aiken, S.C., bronze;
The “In” Crowd, Katherine Klimitas, Metairie, La., multimedia;
Harnessing Tom, Michael Nevin, Elmhurst, Ill., acrylic; and
In a December Morning Fog, Charles Smith, Baton Rouge, La., oil on canvas.
Honorable Mention Awards were presented for the following pieces:
Friday - Homeless in Yakima, Karen Allen, Yakima, Wash., newspaper collage;
The Last Parade, Ernie Fournet, New Iberia, La., graphite;
Papposilenos, Amanda Hext, Lake Charles, La., oil on panel;
Greyhound “Grey” Ghost, Richard Laurent, Chicago, Ill., oil;
Larry and the Pelican, Lucille Martin, Baton Rouge, La., water mixable oil color;
Jailbird (How We Raise Our Food), Jason Miner, New Orleans, La., found materials;
Nap, Scott Nolen, Rolling Meadows, Ill., photograph;
Watchdog, Louise Peterson, Guffey, Colo., bronze;
Mary’s Dog, Dana Territo, Baton Rouge, La., watercolor; and
What Now?, W. Leon White, Seattle, Wash., ceramic.

Members of the SVM Art Show Committee are Gretchen Morgan, chair; Dean Peter F. Haynes, Dean Emeritus Michael G. Groves, Derek Gordon, Ginger Guttner, Christine Mitchell, Michael D. Robinson, Nadine Carter Russell, Dr. David Senior, Dr. Ashley Stokes, and Denise Westphal.

The exhibition is open to the public during library hours and will run through April 26. All of the art pieces are for sale, and a 20% commission on each sale goes to the School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please contact Gretchen Morgan, coordinator of alumni & public programs, at 225-578-9826 or gmorgan@lsu.edu.

Grateful Clients Honor Their Veterinarians with $100,000 Scholarship Endowment to LSU Veterinary School

From left: Dean Peter F. Haynes, Dr. Brad Everson, Dr. Steven Everson, Mrs. Gigi Corley, and Mr. Dewey Corley

Dewey and Gigi Corley cherish their 10-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, Darby. When she became ill in December, the Corleys took Darby to their veterinarians, Dr. Steven Everson (LSU 1979) and Dr. Brad Everson (LSU 2005) at Southern Hills Animal Hospital in Shreveport, La. Dr. Brad Everson (LSU 2005) did exploratory surgery on Darby and found a bleeding tumor, indicating cancer. They stopped the bleeding and referred the Corleys to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. While at the LSU SVM, Darby underwent diagnostic testing and further surgery where doctors removed her spleen, left kidney, and an adrenal tumor. She is now back at home with her family.

To express their gratitude for the efforts of both the Eversons and the faculty, staff, and students at the LSU SVM, the Corleys have pledged $100,000 to the LSU SVM for the establishment of the Dr. Steven D. Everson and Dr. Bradley S. Everson Honorary Endowed Scholarship, which will provide a $5,000 scholarship to a deserving student each year starting in 2009. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on financial need and scholastic aptitude. Until the endowment produces earnings of $5,000, the Corleys will make additional annual gifts so the scholarship can disburse this amount immediately. The first award will be given out this April.

On March 5, the Corleys and the Eversons visited the LSU SVM to commemorate the scholarship and to tour of the Veterinary Medicine Building. “What a great day for the School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dean Peter F. Haynes. “This is the School’s largest scholarship endowment from a client, and we are most grateful for that. We cannot overemphasize the importance of scholarships as they help underpin the educational journey of our students, which is not without substantial obligations. This gift has five key elements: an animal in need, the referring veterinarians with whom we collaborate (and both of whom are also our alumni), a very competent and caring clinical team here at the LSU SVM, the grateful clients who have made an extraordinary commitment to our School, and the students, who reflect the core mission of the School of Veterinary Medicine and who are integral to our clinical program. We hope that this gift will be a model that will enable us to expand the connectivity between referring veterinarians, grateful clients, and the School of Veterinary Medicine. It will clearly strengthen our programs, and I want to express our sincere appreciation for this gift.”

In establishing this scholarship, the Corleys noted that, for the past eleven years, Darby has been a companion who has shown unfailing love and unquestioning devotion, and this scholarship is a tangible expression of their gratitude to Dr. Steven Everson and Dr. Bradley Everson, as well as the outstanding doctors and staff of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. “We feel like we are the beneficiaries of the excellent services of both the Eversons and the medical staff at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dewey Corley. “They have extended the life of someone who is very special to us.”

Darby at home with a favorite toy

Both Steven and Brad Everson are graduates of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. “My father and I are deeply honored to have this scholarship made in our names,” said Brad. “Most importantly, the Corley’s have achieved their goal of giving back to the profession that gave them more time with their beloved dog, Darby. This scholarship represents how a cohesive effort can benefit all those involved. Throughout the whole ordeal the Corleys were thoroughly pleased and impressed with the accommodations, professionalism, and vigilant care with which Darby was treated. As veterinarians we can take for granted how powerful our jobs can and should be. We are members of a fortunate profession and should never forget those that helped us get to our position.”

It is the Corley’s hope that recipients of this scholarship will develop into the same kind of fine doctors that Steve Everson and Brad Everson exemplify. It is their further hope that after graduation, scholarship recipients will also remember how meaningful this financial support had been during their student years and that they will, to the extent they are able, support students that follow them with donations to benefit the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Student support is a critical pillar of the Forever LSU campaign, an historic effort to acquire more than $750 million in support for LSU by the end of the year 2010. To find out how you can support LSU students campus-wide, and join the campaign for LSU’s future, visit www.foreverlsu.org.

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts 22^nd Annual International Animals in Art Exhibition

“The Dog’s Chair,” an acrylic by Marjie Bassler of Albuquerque, N.M., received the SVM Program Award at the 2008 International Exhibition on Animals in Art.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s 22^nd Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art begins with an opening reception on March 28 at 6 p.m. in the School’s Library. The exhibition will be on display in the School of Veterinary Medicine Library on Skip Bertman Drive from March 29 through April 26. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for library hours.

Judge and Juror for this year’s event will be Melanie Hansbrough. Melanie is an artist from Baton Rouge, La., and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1972. She has studied with Janie McWhorter, Ed Pramuk, Della Storm, Meghan Clark, Michael Crespo, Stephanie DeManuelle, Van Wade-Day, Marcus McAllister, and Libby Johnson. Most of Melanie’s work is oil, pen and ink, watercolor, and collage. Her work has been exhibited at Dixon Smith Interiors, Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery, and Unique Visions in Baton Rouge, as well as Custom Linens in New Orleans, La.; Gallery Expose in Seaside, Fla.; and Basmatis in Blue Mountain Beach, Fla. Melanie’s work has been published in How to Make an Oil Painting by Michael Crespo, and her work was featured on the original cover of best-selling national cookbook, A Trim and Terrific Louisiana Kitchen by Holly Berkowitz Clegg.

Two hundred and seventy artists from 41 states, Canada, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Mexico submitted 583 entries for the show. Of those 583 entries, 75 were accepted for the exhibition. The exhibition is held annually and 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. Other awards include the Judge’s Award, Honorable Mention, the People’s Choice Award, and the School of Veterinary Medicine Awards.

For more information on the exhibition, contact Gretchen Morgan at 225-578-9565 or gmorgan@lsu.edu. Information is also available at http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/art_show.htm.

Fight Animal Obesity at the Hill’s LSU SVM Great Rover Road Run

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Annual Run Benefiting the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association

And they’re off! People and pets participate in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Great Rover Road Run.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting the Hill’s LSU SVM 16th Annual Great Rover Road Run on Saturday, March 21. The Great Rover Road Run consists of a 5K Road Run and a one mile Fun Run/Walk with Rover. This year’s major sponsor is Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m., and the one mile Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. at the School on Skip Bertman Drive. The scenic course starts at the School and winds through the LSU campus.

Every participant will get a t-shirt and "doggy bag." Water and refreshments will be provided for all participants. There will also be a low cost dog wash available after the races. Awards will be given to the first-, second- and third-place winners in the different age categories for the 5K run and to the winners of the different categories for the one mile Fun Run. Several local non-profit organizations will be present passing out information, and clubs will be set up to sell different items such as water bottles, gourmet dog treats, and bandanas.

To pre-register, please contact the School at 225-578-9900 to request a registration form, or click here to download a pdf version of the registration form. You may also register on-site on the day of the run. The pre-registration fee for the 5K run and the one-mile Fun Run is $15 each, or $20 to participate in both races (pre-registration deadline is March 13). The registration fee on race day is $17 each for the 5K run and the Fun Run, or $24 for both races. If you pre-register, you can pick up your pre-race packet in the lobby of the School of Veterinary Medicine on March 20 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dog participants must be on a six-foot leash (not a retractable leash). Please do not bring female dogs if they are in heat. Dog participants must have proof of current vaccination and may be excluded if they are aggressive. No dogs will be allowed on the 5K course with competitive runners.

Proceeds benefit the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The mission of the Hill’s Great Rover Road Run is to spread awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for animals and the negative side effects of animal obesity. Puppies minus pounds are better!

LSU Veterinary School Giving Back to Its Students with Annual Fund Gifts

Dean Peter F. Haynes will supplement all 20 endowed scholarships at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine so that each student recipient will receive at least a $2,000 award from the LSU SVM’s Annual Fund. Although gifts to the Annual Fund (Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund) provide unrestricted support for the Dean’s priorities, these resources will be allocated to support the endowed scholarships. The goal is to build up Annual Fund gifts from alumni and friends so that in the near future each endowed scholarship is supplemented with a $5,000 annual award.

“The School of Veterinary Medicine touches people every day,” said Dean Haynes. “Our students benefit from an excellent curriculum taught by highly-qualified faculty, veterinarians benefit from a teaching hospital with Board-certified faculty in a wide range of specialty areas, and the community benefits from the superior service received from our graduates in the pursuit of their veterinary careers and through research conducted to understand diseases like cancer and heart disease.” This scholarship initiative by Dean Haynes augments the LSU SVM’s commitment to excellence.

Fourth-year veterinary student Verna Serra (left) and Rouchelle Gage, radiology technologist, prepare a feline patient for a CT scan in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

In 2008, over $130,000 was awarded to students in the form of awards and scholarships. One of those scholarship recipients is Michael Ratcliff (Class of 2009). “Obtaining a degree in veterinary medicine is a stressful endeavor, and any financial assistance we receive helps us to not worry so much about our financial situation,” said Ratcliff. “This allows us to focus more on things such as patient care, indirectly helping us to become better doctors.” Adds Verna Serra (Class of 2009), who received the Margaret Lucille Thomas Taylor Memorial Scholarship and the Salsbury Scholarship in 2008, “I am deeply grateful to the donors who support scholarships through the School of Veterinary Medicine. It is a true honor to be acknowledged for our achievements and efforts.”

“It is vital that we provide educational support for these students, who will graduate and become fundamental members of the community,” adds Dean Haynes. “It is with the commitment of our alumni and private citizens who donate to higher education that we are able to support our students in this way. With only 28 veterinary schools in the United States, the LSU SVM provides a unique service to Louisiana through education, research, and service.”

Support the LSU SVM
Tigertalk To Begin Calling Veterinary Alumni Soon

Barri Morrison (left) and Katie Smith, fourth-year veterinary students, examine Chip while on the Companion Animal Medicine Service.

LSU SVM alumni will begin receiving calls from students working on behalf of TigerTalk later this month. From February 16-21, 2009, students will be working the phones in an effort to raise funds for the school.

TigerTalk is a student telefund center created by the LSU Foundation to generate donations for the university. This initiative gives alumni and friends an opportunity to reconnect with the LSU SVM. Funds are used to support student and faculty educational activities, scholarships, programs and help the dean meet the college’s needs.

LSUSVM alumni are encouraged to visit http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/alumni_resources to provide the college with their most up-to-date contact information or to visit http://ww.vetmed.lsu.edu/giving.htm for more information about giving opportunities.

To make an online gift, go to https://www.lsufoundation.org/contribute.php and select the School of Veterinary Medicine on the drop-down menu as the beneficiary unit.

LSU Veterinary School Uses Mobile Unit to Help Care for Shelter Animals

Dr. Wendy Wolfson performs a dog neuter in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s mobile unit, while fourth-year veterinary student Tim Slater assists.

In January 2009, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine began taking a custom-made trailer to south Louisiana animal shelters as part of its shelter medicine curriculum. Sponsored in part by a grant from the Humane Society of the United States, this curriculum provides medical care and spay/neuter services for animal shelters while simultaneously educating veterinary students about primary veterinary care and shelter medicine. Students sign up for a two-week block, and go with Dr. Wendy Wolfson (LSU 1986), instructor, to the various shelters. The group travels by van to some of the shelters, but for those shelters that do not have surgical suites, Dr. Wolfson and her students bring the SVM’s mobile emergency response unit.

Funds for the mobile unit were provided in part by the American Kennel Club Animal Recovery Emergency Response Unit Fund. While intended to be used primarily to respond to any natural disaster in which small animals are left injured or abandoned, in the interim the unit is used to provide spay/neuter services as part of the shelter medicine curriculum.

The mobile unit is 32 feet long and includes a surgical table, surgical lights, a refrigerator, gas for anesthesia, scales, and 18 small cages (six of which can be converted to three larger cages). The unit has a generator and self-contained water supply but can also connect to a shelter’s electrical and water sources if available.

On January 28, Dr. Wolfson; Patricia Schuster and Tim Slater, both fourth-year veterinary students; and Neal Roache, the unit’s driver, traveled to Port Allen to West Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control. They visit this shelter once every six to seven days. Richard Summers, who operates the shelter, has been there about a year and has dramatically increased adoptions in that time. While the LSU SVM group is there, one neuter and three spays were performed, as well as a hernia repair. While the animals were prepped for surgery in the mobile unit, they also received flea medication and had their nails trimmed. A feline leukemia test was also performed on a kitten (it was negative). The animals recovered briefly in the mobile unit and returned to the animal shelter after they awoke from surgery.

This is the mobile unit’s third visit to West Baton Rouge Animal Control. The unit also travels to Ascension Parish Animal Control and the Walker Animal Shelter in Livingston Parish. The shelter medicine group also travels to the St. Charles Parish Animal Control, Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO in Metairie, the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans, and the Lafayette Parish Animal Control, but without the mobile unit.

“This mobile unit enables us to provide surgery services to animal shelters that don’t have the facilities to do so, which in turn helps them find homes for these animals,” said Dr. Wolfson. “Most shelters do very well with extremely limited resources, and we are thrilled to be able to help them while educating our students at the same time.”

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Press Releases

Louisiana State Animal Response Team Rescues Horse from Rising Flood Waters, 10 November 2009

Pet Photos with Santa Paws at LSU Veterinary School, 5 November 2009

LSU Announces 2009 Rainmakers, 3 November 2009

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts 78th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, 27 October 2009

LSU Hosts Veterinary Dermatology Conference, 15 October 2009

LSU Veterinary School Receives $1.48 Million in Federal Stimulus Dollars, 13 October 2009

LSU Veterinary School Requests Entries for Annual Art Exhibition, 13 October 2009

LSU Alumni Travel to Liberia for Veterinarians without Borders, 8 October 2009

AKC Companion Animal Recovery Donates Nearly $23,000 to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, 30 September 2009

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Announces Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day Award Winners, 24 September 2009

Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory Receives $4 Million Contract Extension, 17 September 2009

Poodle Receives Stent at LSU Veterinary School, 14 September 2009

LSU Veterinary Students Work With Mike VI on Loading Technique, 11 September 2009

LSU Veterinary School Assists Animal Shelters While Educating Students, 8 September 2009

Veterinary School Welcomes the Class of 2013 and Returning Students, 17 August 2009

Veterinary School Researchers Investigate Respiratory Diseases in Both Humans and Animals, 6 August 2009

LSU Veterinary School Receives $11.1 Million Grant, 6 August 2009

Hunter Retriever Club Foundation Supports Cancer Research at LSU Veterinary School, 3 August 2009

Introducing Cadeau, A Filly Born at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, 31 July 2009

Second-Year Veterinary Student Receives AKC CAR Scholarship, 27 July 2009

Sushi the Sea Lion Sees after Surgery, 7 July 2009

Summer Means Soaring Temperatures and Potential Heatstroke for Pets, 7 July 2009

Filly Born at LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 17 June 2009

LSU Veterinary School Holds Stakeholder Summit, 10 June 2009

Horses Rescued by LSU Veterinarians, 8 June 2009

Protect Your Pets from Household Dangers, Both Inside and Out, 28 May 2009

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Confers Ten Advanced Degrees, 18 May 2009

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Presents Scholarships and Awards at Annual Banquet, 18 May 2009

LSU Veterinary School Enhances Diagnostic Capabilities with MRI, 15 May 2009

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