LSU School of Veterinary
Medicine Confers Three Advanced Degrees
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine conferred three graduate
degrees at its Diploma Distribution Ceremony for the Graduate
Academic Studies Program on December 21.
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 School and conferred the degrees.
Dr. Xiaobing Tan, BMD
(Shandong, China) received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree
from the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. His
dissertation is entitled, “P-glycoprotein and Membrane
Permeability as Determinants of Xenobiotic Bioavailability and
Bioaccumulation.” His major advisor is Dr. Kevin Kleinow,
professor of veterinary physiology, pharmacology & toxicology.
Amanda Paige DeRouen Polito, BS
(Baton Rouge, La.) received her Master’s of Science (MS) degree
from the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Her thesis is
entitled, “Depletion of 32-kbp Circular Plasmids from
Borrelia burgdorferi,” and her major advisor is Dr.
Fang-Ting Liang, assistant professor of pathobiological
sciences.
Ildiko Katalin Polyak, BS
(Danbury, Conn.) received her Master’s of Science (MS) degree
from the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Her thesis is
entitled, “Characterization of a Virulence Related Hypothetical
Protein in Edwardsiella ictaluri,” and her major advisor
is Dr. Ronald Thune, professor and head of the Department of
Pathobiological Sciences.
Also recognized were three graduates who received their PhDs in
August 2007.
Andrew Preston Fulmer, MS
(Des Arc, Ark.) received his PhD from the Department of
Pathobiological Sciences. His dissertation was entitled,
“Genetics of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Tegument Proteins
Involved in Virion Morphogenesis and Egress,” and his major
advisor was Dr. Konstantin G. Kousoulas, professor of veterinary
virology and director of the Division of Biotechnology &
Molecular Medicine.
Gleeson Murphy, DVM
(Baton Rouge, La.) received his PhD from the Department of
Comparative Biomedical Sciences. His dissertation was entitled,
“Responses of Respiratory System Cells in Vitro and in Vivo to
Petrochemical Combustion-Derived Ultrafine Particles,” and his
major advisor was Dr. Arthur L. Penn, professor of toxicology
and director of the Inhalation Research Facility.
Krishna Shakya, BVSc
(Jajarkot, Nepal) received his PhD from the Department of
Pathobiological Sciences. His dissertation was entitled,
“Evaluation of Immune Responses to Haemonchus contortus
in Gulf Coast Native Compared to Suffolk Lambs,” and his major
advisor was Dr. James E. Miller, professor of epidemiology and
community health.
“This is an important day for the School’s graduate program,”
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 School is one
of the premier biomedical research institutions in the state and
would not be so without the graduate program.”
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LSU Hosts
Equine Artificial
Insemination Workshop
The LSU
School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting an Equine Artificial
Insemination Workshop for Owners & Breeders on February 9-10.
This workshop is designed to provide participants with the
knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform artificial
insemination with both fresh and cooled semen. In addition, the
proper handling and preparation of semen for transport will be
discussed to enable participants to provide this service.
Training in rectal palpation and ultrasonography are not
included in this course.
The maximum
number of participants is 21, so registration is required. The
registration fee is $325 if postmarked by January 25 and $350 if
postmarked after January 25. Included in the registration fee
for the workshop are printed proceedings, a catered lunch, and
break refreshments. Participants are asked to bring a calculator
if they have one.
Workshop
instructors are Drs. Bruce Eilts, Dip ACT, professor of
theriogenology; Dale Paccamonti, Dip ACT, head of the Department
of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and professor of theriogenology;
Sara Lyle, Dip ACT, instructor of theriogenology; and Jose Len,
theriogenology resident.
For more
information and to download a registration form with a complete
listing of workshop topics, go to
www.vetmed.lsu.edu, click on “SVM A-Z” and go to “Continuing
Education;” or call the LSU SVM at 225-578-9900.
Click here for a downloadable brochure.
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LSU SVM to Host Job Fair for Students and
Louisiana Veterinarians
Each year,
the demand for graduates from the LSU School of Veterinary
Medicine grows. They are given many different employment
opportunities both in Louisiana and out of state. In speaking
with our alumni and other Louisiana veterinarians, it has come
to our attention that there is a great need for veterinarians
here in Louisiana. Therefore, in response to this need, the LSU
SVM is hosting a Job Fair on Friday, January 11 to give
Louisiana veterinarians the chance to meet with veterinary
students looking for employment after graduation or for
externship opportunities.
Tables for
the Job Fair are complimentary, but we do ask that you register
for the event. The Job Fair will take place as part of Pharmacy
Day, which gives the students the opportunity to meet with
vendors. Pharmacy Day will take place on January 11 from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Veterinarians participating in the Job Fair
are also welcome to attend Pharmacy Day. The Job Fair will take
place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Each veterinarian and/or
clinic will be assigned a table. We are also asking students to
register so that we can better match them with veterinarians. We
hope that you will take this opportunity to meet with our
students.
If you would
like to register for the Job Fair, please go to
http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/job_fair.htm and complete the
on-line form. If you have any questions, please contact Gretchen
Morgan, alumni & public programs coordinator, at
gmorgan@lsu.edu or 225/578-9565.
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Holidays Can Mean Potential Hazards
for Pets
Holidays
bring families and friends together, but don’t forget to watch
out for your four-legged family members. Holidays can also mean
potential hazards for pets. Certain table foods, ornaments and
other holiday items can harm your pets.
Table food
can cause dogs to have pancreatitis, and bones cause
obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract. Grapes, raisins,
onions and chocolate are foods that dogs and cats should not
have. Most ornamental plants (e.g., poinsettias, mistletoes,
holly, etc.) can cause stomach upset and some even cause ulcers.
Decorating
usually involves more electrical cords, so please check to make
sure that your pets are not chewing on them. Also, some pets may
try to eat batteries, so please make sure that they are put
away.
Candy
wrappers, aluminum foil, plastic wrap or ribbons can also be a
problem for dogs and cats if eaten. Tinsel is very bad for pets
and is particularly enticing to cats. When ingested in
sufficient quantities, it binds into a rope that can
cause serious intestinal obstruction. Any small decoration or
toy poses a swallowing hazard. The same sort of problems that
affect children with toy recalls can affect pets. If a child can
choke on small toys or parts, then so can the family dog or cat.
Also, please remember to bring in your outside pets overnight if
there is a hard freeze.
If you think
that your pet may have ingested something harmful, please
contact your veterinarian immediately. Please help make this a
safe and happy holiday season for all of the members of your
family.
Top
NTRA’s Barbaro Fund Will Support
Laminitis Projects at LSU and University of Georgia
Two projects
focusing on the equine disease laminitis will be launched soon
utilizing funds raised by the National Thoroughbred Racing
Association (NTRA) in memory of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.
The projects, costing slightly more than $100,000 in total, will
be conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University and
the University of Georgia.
Following the
death of Barbaro after he contracted laminitis, the NTRA
Charities—Barbaro Memorial Fund was created in his honor. On
Belmont Stakes Day at Belmont Park in June, NTRA President and
Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop presented a check for
$100,000 to Dell Hancock, chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club
Research Foundation. The foundation, traditionally the leading
source of private funding for equine research, was entrusted by
the NTRA to manage the funds raised primarily from racing fans,
racing participants, and racetracks.
The
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation issued a special call
for laminitis research and convened a panel of experts to
evaluate the nine projects presented by researchers from
throughout North America.
The projects
chosen were designed by Professor Susan Eades of Louisiana State
University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Professor Douglas
Allen of the University of Georgia. Dr. Eades’ project will
continue veterinary science’s efforts to understand the specific
route of development of laminitis while testing the hypothesis
that the medication doxycycline can prevent the onset of the
disease and serve as a therapeutic agent for horses that
contract it.
Dr. Eades
will work on this project with Dr. Lee Ann Fugler, a PhD
candidate in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. “We
are evaluating doxycycline to see if it inhibits production of
matrix metalloproteinases in horses as it does in people with
diabetes, etc.,” said Dr. Eddlestone. “Matrix metalloproteinases
are possible the enzymes that break down the connective tissue
that attaches the coffin bone to the hoof during laminitis. We
will then see if it prevents development of laminitis. We are
doing some preliminary evaluations of doxycycline now and will
begin testing it as a preventative for laminitis after the first
of the year.”
Dr. Allen’s
work will follow up on recent research indicating that serotonin
might be a key chemical responsible for development of laminitis
and examine whether a medication that breaks down serotonin
might prevent the clinical signs of laminitis following
carbohydrate overload.
Both projects
are scheduled to be completed within two years.
“The
fund-raising effort of the NTRA already is having a positive
impact on researchers’ attempts to solve a major malady that is
a constant peril to all equines,” said Edward L. Bowen,
president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “If
sufficient additional fund raising in Barbaro’s memory is
achieved, additional laminitis proposals already designed can be
funded. Also, the remaining laminitis proposals we received will
be considered for funding through the foundation’s regular
competitive grants program.”
“The case of
Barbaro was a dramatic illustration of just how frustrating and
tragic a disease laminitis can be,” said Waldrop. “The
extraordinary effort to save him touched millions of people. The
NTRA Charities - Barbaro Memorial Fund is a way for all of us to
contribute to equine health and safety in a way that will ensure
that Barbaro’s legacy lives on forever.”
As described
by the Merck Veterinary Manual, laminitis involves a breakdown
and degeneration of the horn-like and sensitive laminae
connected to the hoof’s inner wall. Various stimuli can initiate
the process. Laminitis is extremely painful, which often leads
to the decision that euthanasia is the only humane course.
Laminitis
research has long been a priority for the Grayson-Jockey Club
Research Foundation and other fund-raising agencies and
university research teams.
LSU SVM Honors Class of 1977 Graduate with Distinguished Alumnus
Award
 |
| Dean Peter F. Haynes (left) presents Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Simmons with the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the LSU SVM’s 76th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians on November 10. |
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine awarded the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award to Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Simmons (LSU ’77) at its 76th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians on November 10. Dr. Simmons is vice president, Global Pharmaceutical Research with Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation in Summit, N.J. He was a member of the first class of the School of Veterinary Medicine, receiving his DVM from LSU in 1977. His class is celebrating its thirtieth reunion this year.
Dr. Simmons joined Schering-Plough in 1988 as a research program director. He has served in his current position since 1997. After graduating from the SVM, Dr. Simmons first worked as a practicing veterinarian at Bossier Animal Hospital in Bossier City, La. From 1979 to 1988 he worked for Beecham Laboratories in Bristol, Tenn., before joining Schering-Plough. During his career with Schering-Plough, he has been involved in both pharmaceutical and biological product development.
As a vice president with Schering-Plough, Dr. Simmons is responsible for overseeing the research and development of new pharmaceuticals for animal health. He is involved in all aspects of product development, from discovery to clinical research and drug safety. He has been involved in the development and approval of many commonly used products in veterinary medicine today, such as Clavamox®, Amoxi-Mast®, Mometamax®, Otomax®, Optimmune®, Orbax®, Zubrin®, Nuflor®, Banamine®, Resflor®, M+Pac®, Clinacox™, Slice® and Aquaflor®. “These drug introductions have proven to be very important contributions to veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Stephen Gaunt (LSU ’77), LSU SVM professor of veterinary clinical pathology, who nominated Dr. Simmons for this award.
Dr. Simmons is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and several other professional organizations. He is a fellow in the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics and is listed in Who’s Who in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Simmons is also active in the Bridgewater United Methodist Church, having served as the chairman of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and as a youth advisor; he is currently a member of the Board of Trustees. He has served his community as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 46 and is currently a staff member of Operation Shoebox NJ, a non-profit organization that collects, packs and ships items to our troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern countries.
Dr. Simmons met his wife Julia in 1976, when she presented her cat on an emergency call at the SVM. They married in 1979 and are the parents of two sons, Will (age 26) and John (age 22). “Bob is at the height of an exemplary career, serving in a high-level management position in a worldwide player in the veterinary pharmaceutical field,” said Dr. Gaunt. “LSU should be very proud of this alumnus!”
Dr. Simmons was presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by Dean Peter F. Haynes during the Alumni Luncheon at the LSU SVM’s Annual Conference on November 10. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Simmons stated, “I would like to thank the School of Veterinary Medicine for presenting me with this wonderful honor and for the instruction that the Class of 1977 received, which enabled us to go on and accomplish the things that we have achieved. My appreciation goes out to the School of Veterinary Medicine, the staff—some of whom are still here today—to the Class of 1977, and to my best friend, who is also my wife, Julia.”
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is a means to recognize alumni of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for outstanding professional and personal achievements. The award is presented at the Annual Conference each year. Any veterinarian who received the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Louisiana State University before 1998 is eligible for the award. Candidates will be recognized for their accomplishments in veterinary medicine and/or contributions to the community through public service. Previous winners include Dr. Robert Lewis (LSU ’77), Elgin, Texas, 1990 recipient; Drs. Larry McCaskill (LSU ’81), Oscar, La., Mark Mikelonis (LSU ’88, Covington, La., and Jim Floyd (LSU ’87), Pittsboro, N.C., 1991 recipients; Dr. Allen J. Roussel (LSU ’77), College Station, Texas, 1992 recipient; Dr. Mike Strain (LSU ’83), Covington, La., 2003 recipient; Dr. Alfred Stevens (LSU ’79), Baton Rouge, La., 2004 recipient; Dr. Gregory Rich (LSU ’85), Kenner, La., 2005 recipient; and Dr. Mary Boudreaux (LSU ’79), Auburn, Ala., 2006 recipient.
Top
Bentley, a six-year-old German Shepherd, came to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with congestive heart failure. He was born with a congenital defect called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is an abnormal persistence of a small blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, after birth. Bentley was treated using a procedure called transcatheter PDA occlusion. This is the first time this procedure has been done on a dog at LSU.
 |
|
Dr. Romain
Pariaut treated Bentley, a six-year-old German Shepherd, for congestive
heart failure at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine using a procedure
called transcatheter PDA occlusion. |
“The ductus usually closes after birth,” said Dr. Romain Pariaut, assistant professor of veterinary cardiology. “However, sometimes it doesn’t and can cause congestive heart failure if left untreated.” Bentley was referred to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital after his primary veterinarian, Dr. Donna Kleinpeter (LSU SVM ’86) diagnosed him with heart failure. When Bentley first arrived at the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he was suffering from pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Dr. Strickland, associate professor of veterinary cardiology, and Dr. Pariaut diagnosed the PDA and discussed treatment options with Bentley's owners, Dr. Caroline Nash, an assistant professor in the LSU French Studies Department and her husband, Peter Longerich. “We discussed the traditional surgical option, which involves opening the chest cavity and ligating the vessel, and cardiac catheterization,” said Dr. Pariaut.
“Using interventional cardiac catheterization is less invasive than surgery and does not require as much recovery time,” said Dr. Pariaut. A small incision is made in the leg to gain access to the femoral artery. Then, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and travels through the vessels to the heart. The procedure is done in radiology using fluoroscopy to track the catheter’s path.
The catheter includes a device called an Amplatz® Canine Ductus Occluder (ACDO) manufactured by Infiniti Medical, LLC. The ACDO, which is made especially for dogs, has a short waist separating two disks that are released successively once the vessel is reached. The first disk is released when it reaches the pulmonary artery. The second disk is deployed within the PDA to close the hole, which is now between the two disks. The device is detached from its delivery cable and will remain in the body permanently, while the catheter is removed.
Bentley had the procedure on a Tuesday and went home the next day, though he will be on medication. “This procedure works best on medium to large dogs; in smaller dogs, the arteries may be too small for the catheter,” said Dr. Pariaut. “Both catheterization and surgery can successfully treat PDA, and both options are offered to the clients.” Bentley will return to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at least two more times to check on his recovery, but his prognosis is very good.
“I cannot commend enough all who were involved in saving Bentley's life,” said Nash. “Dr. Strickland and Rachel Tankersley, cardiology assistant, played key roles during the procedure in assisting Dr. Pariaut. Stephanie Johnson, the counselor, along with her intern, Natalie Chandler, continuously provided me with updates during the procedure, always maintaining a positive attitude and offering me words and gestures of comfort and encouragement. I will never find the words to adequately express my gratitude and praise to Bronk McDaniel, the student who was given charge of Bentley. He was extremely diligent, but above all, he went above and beyond his duties and responsibilities where Bentley was concerned. Lastly, I am deeply indebted to Dr. Pariaut. First and foremost, one must establish a certain bond with a doctor who will be performing a life-saving procedure, whether it be on you or your child. Further, it is critical that this bond be built on trust. Dr. Pariaut is a gift and a true blessing. LSU is extremely fortunate to have him on their team.”
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The
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine
is
hosting
a
veterinary
dermatology
seminar
entitled,
“A
Potpourri
of
Veterinary
Dermatologic
Diseases
and
Therapy”
on
Sunday,
December
2.
This
seminar
is
generously
sponsored
by
Vetoquinol
USA
Inc.,
Virbac
Corporation,
D.V.M.
Pharmaceuticals
(IVX
Animal
Health),
Bayer
Animal
Health,
and
Sogeval.
Topics
include
Flea
Control,
Staphylococcal
Infections,
MRSA/
MRSI
Strains,
Allergy
Specific
Immunotherapy,
MDR1
Mutation/Ivermectin
Usage,
New
Drugs
in
Veterinary
Dermatology,
Diagnostic
Imaging,
Feline
Skin
Diseases,
Histiocytosis,
Nail
Disease,
Keratinization,
and
more.
The
instructors
are
Tina
Brown,
DVM,
MS,
dermatology
resident,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine;
Carol
S.
Foil,
DVM,
MS,
DACVD,
professor
emeritus,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine,
and
consultant,
Veterinary
Information
Network;
Stephen
Lemarie,
DVM,
MS,
DACVD,
staff
dermatologist,
Southeast
Veterinary
Specialists;
Sandra
R.
Merchant,
DVM,
DACVD,
professor
of
veterinary
dermatology
and
staff
dermatologist,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine;
Nathalie
Rademacher,
Dr.med.vet.,
DECVDI,
assistant
professor
of
radiology
and
staff
radiologist,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine;
Tara
S.
Snook,
DVM,
assistant
clinical
professor
of
dermatology
and
staff
dermatologist,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine;
and
Deirdre
Vaughan
DVM,
MS,
dermatology
resident,
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine
and
Southeast
Veterinary
Specialists.
Eight
hours
of
continuing
education
credit
or
0.8
CEU
credits
(one
hour
equals
0.1
CE
unit)
will
be
earned
for
this
course.
Certification
forms
will
be
provided
for
participants
to
complete
credit
hours
earned.
The
registration
fee
is
$125
before
November
19
($150
after
November
19).
Fee
includes
seminar
materials,
break
refreshments,
and
a
catered
lunch.
For
more
information
or
to
request
a
registration
form,
call
225-578-9900
or
click
here
to
download.
Top
LSU
Alumnus
to
Become
Next
Commissioner
of
Agriculture
 |
|
Dr. Mike Strain, new Commissioner of Agriculture for Louisiana |
Dr.
Mike
Strain
ran
for
the
office
of
Commissioner
of
Agriculture
for
the
State
of
Louisiana
and
was
headed
for
a
run-off
against
incumbent
Bob
Odom.
On
October
25,
Odom
announced
his
retirement
effective
January
14,
making
Strain
the
State’s
new
Commissioner
of
Agriculture.
Strain
received
40
percent
of
the
vote
in
the
October
election.
During
his
campaign,
Strain
said
he
wants
to
expand
domestic
and
foreign
markets
for
new
and
existing
crops,
to
craft
a
tax-cut
package
to
aid
agriculture
and
to
make
better
use
of
LSU
and
other
schools
to
improve
farming
methods.
“Born
and
raised
on
a
farm
in
Abita
Springs,
La.,
farming
has
been
in
my
family
for
over
five
generations,”
said
Strain.
“My
childhood
and
adolescent
experiences
on
our
farm
directed
me
to
an
interest
in
and
dedication
to
agriculture
and
veterinary
medicine.”
Strain
met
his
wife
Susan
at
the
LSU
School
of
Veterinary
Medicine,
and
they
were
married
upon
her
graduation
in
1984;
he
received
his
DVM
in
1983.
Strain
was
a
junior
in
veterinary
school
when
they
first
met,
and
Susan
was
a
sophomore.
After
graduation,
Strain
opened
a
rural
large
animal
practice.
Susan
joined
the
practice,
and
she
began
doing
small
animal
medicine
in
May
1984.
“Susan
and
I
both
began
our
careers
together
in
our
own
practice,”
said
Strain.
“Our
practice
is
now
predominately
small
animal;
however,
I
still
provide
veterinary
services
for
our
own
herds.”
Strain
got
into
state
politics
in
2000,
when
he
was
elected
to
serve
in
the
Louisiana
House
of
Representatives.
“I
decided
to
get
involved
in
politics
because
I
truly
believed
that
I
could
make
a
significant
difference
in
the
lives
of
our
citizens
and
the
future
of
Louisiana,”
said
Strain.
“I
had
served
as
legislative
chair
for
the
Louisiana
Veterinary
Medical
Association
for
approximately
10
years
and
had
been
active
on
the
