LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers ground breaking treatment for patients

LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers ground-breaking treatment for patients with kidney disease MARCH/APRIL 2008 Also Inside: Retinal Reattachment Surgery Veterinarian on a Mission Veterinary Teaching Hospital House Officers LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR continues to provide support for our Oncology program, as well as Jenny Cassibry, Shay Bordelon and Tammie Moreau, who have made the program work smoothly throughout this time without our full-time Veterinary Oncology staff on site. We have renovated one large animal recovery stall and will complete the other one soon, with a new fence, wall padding, and a new rope system. Several other projects are scheduled this year, including the parking lot, sidewalks, stall fronts, isolation stalls, and the large animal reception area, just to mention a few. We continue to make progress on the MRI and hope to have that technology available in-house in several months. The hurricanes of 2005 may be a blessing to us in 2008 as we have a chance to obtain some much-needed technology and equipment that is being surplused from a New Orleans hospital. I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the faculty, staff, and students for making the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and the VTH&C a great place to work and for taking care of our clients and our patients each and every day, 365 days a year. We are one of the best-kept secrets in Baton Rouge and Louisiana. This is my first opportunity to address you since I arrived at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinics. It has been a most exciting time for me and for the VTH&C. We have performed several first-time procedures in Ophthalmology, a PDA in Cardiology and dialysis in Internal Medicine–not to mention that the volume of emergency cases continues to increase. We will have an on-site, full-time Radiation Oncologist in March and are excited about several candidates who hopefully will augment our Medical Oncology staff. I would be remiss if I did not say thanks to Dr. Neal Mauldin for his continuing efforts to work with us in Radiation Therapy and to Dr. Andy Daters, who Steven R. Winkler Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics www.vetmed.lsu.edu/vth&c LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ADMINISTRATION Dr. Peter F. Haynes Dean Dr. Thomas R. Klei Associate Dean for Research and Advanced Studies Associate Dean for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Dr. David F. Senior Dr. Joseph Taboada Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs Ernie Tanoos Assistant Dean for Finance and Administrative Services ON THE COVER LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers groundbreaking treatment for patients with kidney disease During the much-publicized tragedy involving tainted pet food, the LSU SVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics treated animals for kidney failure. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy is a new blood purification modality that is rapidly gaining acceptance for the treatment of acute kidney injury in people and companion animals. Full story on page 2. COVER PHOTO: Dr. Mark Acierno (center) works with Dr. Jon Fletcher (left), small animal medicine resident, and Jennifer Aeyoub (Class of 2008) on Zeke, a giant Schnauzer, who received CRRT at the LSU SVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Page 2 ABOVE: Jennifer Aeyoub (Class of 2008) pets Zeke while he undergoes CRRT. Page 6 Page 8 Page 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS Ground-Breaking Treatment .......................................... 2 Laminitis Research Project............................................... 5 Arrow Removed From Dog’s Head ............................... 6 Retinal Reattachment.......................................................... 8 Veterinarian on a Mission .............................................. 10 A Moment in History .......................................................... 12 Looking Back at the SVM ................................................. 14 New faculty .............................................................................. 15 House Officers ........................................................................ 16 Alumni Tracks and Baby Vets ......................................... 20 Alumni Profile......................................................................... 22 Forever LSU & SVM ................................................................ 23 Ginger Guttner Editor Kathleen Harrington Writer and Webmaster La Veterinaire is published by the Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Office of Public Relations. Communications should be addressed to Editor, La Veterinaire, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Veterinary Teaching Hospital Offers Ground-Breaking Treatments for Patients with Kidney Disease By Mark J. Acierno, DVM, MBA, DACVIM Just four days earlier, Zeke, a two-year-old giant schnauzer, was chasing squirrels in his back yard; however, on the morning of May 9, his owner was racing from Houston, Texas, to Baton Rouge to get Zeke life-saving treatment. A few days earlier, Zeke had been given dog food tainted with melamine, and he was now in anuric renal failure. Zeke was being rushed to Baton Rouge because the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the few places in the world where pets can receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). After six days of treatment, Zeke’s kidneys began functioning well enough for him to be removed from the system, and in just two weeks he was once again enforcing the backyard squirrel-free zone. hours. More recently, CRRT has emerged as a treatment for patients with acute kidney injury. As the name implies, CRRT relies on a gradual and continuous process to remove uremic toxins, regulate fluids and establish electrolyte/acid base balance. Once treatment has begun, the patient’s blood continues to be filtered until kidney function returns or the patient is transitioned to intermittent dialysis. CRRT, like traditional intermittent hemodialysis (ID), utilizes semipermeable membranes contained within a dialyzer to replace normal kidney function; however, unlike ID, which is primarily a diffusive process, CRRT utilizes both diffusion and convection. Blood Purification Until recently, the only hope for veterinary renal injury patients requiring blood purification was intermittent hemodialysis. This is primarily a diffusion-based modality that is performed at set intervals, often several times a week, for four to five 2 The basis of all blood purification is the dividing of a patient’s blood and passing it through thousands of straw-like semi-permeable membranes. During intermittent dialysis, these straw-like semi-permeable membranes are bathed in a specialized solution called dialysate. By adjusting the composition of the dialysate, substances can be made to enter or leave the blood. This process, in which substances move from an area of high to low concentration, is called diffusion. Convection exposes the blood traveling in the straw-like semi-permeable membranes to a positive transmembrane pressure resulting in fluid being pushed across the membrane and out of the blood. This fluid, called ultrafiltrate, carries toxins, electrolytes, and other small molecules across the semi-permeable membrane, where they are discarded. Convection is technically challenging, as large amounts of fluids and electrolytes must be replaced with great accuracy or the patient will rapidly become dehydrated, over hydrated, or suffer electrolyte imbalances. The benefit of convection is that it can remove larger molecules than diffusion. CRRT has several advantages over intermittent dialysis. Its continuous nature and ability to remove larger molecules allows CRRT to more closely approximate normal kidney function. Studies have demonstrated that CRRT is superior to intermittent dialysis for controlling acid/base and electrolyte balance. Intermittent dialysis relies on diffusion to remove large amounts of toxins from the blood in relatively short periods of time; therefore, large amounts of sterile dialysate must be produced “onsite.” This requires specialized water treatment facilities, which adds significantly to the complexity as well as the cost of operating and maintaining the dialysis equipment. Due to their efficient utilization of convection and diffusion, CRRT units utilize pre-packaged fluids, which significantly reduces maintenance and allows the system to be used cage-side. and heatstroke. Some of these patients have weighed as little as 2.4 kg. CRRT can also be used to treat toxin exposures and drug overdoses. The ability of CRRT to remove these substances is dependent on the compounds’ characteristics, including size, protein binding, and volume of distribution. Our Intensive Care Unit maintains up-todate information on which drugs, toxins and substances of abuse can be removed. By utilizing convection to remove excess fluid, CRRT has been used to treat diuretic resistant congestive heart failure in people. The use of CRRT to treat cats and dogs with this condition is currently being evaluated. Blood Access The fist step in the CRRT process is to provide sufficient vascular access so that ample volumes of blood can be continuously taken from and returned to the patient. In all Indications The most common indication for CRRT is the treatment of acute kidney injury patients in which renal function is expected to return, or to stabilize a patient who is being transitioned to intermittent dialysis. We have successfully used CRRT to treat animals with conditions such as acute kidney injury secondary to leptospirosis, melamine toxicity ABOVE LEFT: Dr. Mark Acierno checks on Zeke while he undergoes CRRT in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Small Animal Intensive Care Unit. ABOVE: Brian Titus (left) talks to Dr. Mark Acierno (right) and Jennifer Aeyoub (Class of 2008) about Zeke, his Giant Schnauzer, who received continuous renal replacement therapy at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. 3 GROUND-BREAKING TREATMENT (continued) but the smallest patients, a single dual lumen temporary dialysis catheter is placed in the jugular vein. Typically, an 11.5 Fr. catheter is used in medium and large dogs, and a 7 Fr. catheter is normally used in small dogs and cats. In the smallest patients, single lumen 5 Fr. catheters can be placed in each jugular. It is for this reason that referring veterinarians are asked to avoid using the jugular veins in any patient that may be a CRRT candidate. Providing competent patient care twenty-four hours a day for extended periods of time is the most difficult aspect of CRRT. An advanced knowledge of renal physiology and CRRT are essential for making treatment decisions; therefore, even at a teaching facility, the pool of trained personnel is limited. At All of the blood pathways, including the dialysis catheters, tubing, and dialyzers, are highly biocompatible; however, proper anticoagulation is essential to prevent clotting of the CRRT blood pathways. Clotting necessitates the replacement of costly dialyzer and tubing, leads to a significant loss of patient blood and results in a significant period of time during which the patient cannot be treated. There are two methods of anticoagulation. One option involves systemic anticoagulation of the patient with heparin; the other involves localized anticoagulation of the CRRT circuit by the chelation of serum calcium. Heparin increases the activity of antithrombin, while calcium is an important co-factor needed throughout the clotting cascade. Both methods are associated with significant side effects. Heparin is associated with hemorrhage, while calcium chelation can cause hypocalcemia and metabolic alkalosis. Due to the ease of monitoring, lower cost and personal experience, the LSU SVM currently uses heparin as an anticoagulant. • A pet owner who expresses an interest in CRRT should be referred as soon as possible, as the chance of a successful treatment increases with earlier intervention. • Attempt to leave at least one jugular vein untouched. No blood drawing, no catheters, etc. On an hourly basis, problems associated with appropriate anti-coagulation are perhaps the most challenging. Although activated clotting times are regularly measured, and heparin rates adjusted, CRRT circuits eventually become clotted. Conversely, some patients develop moderate bleeding. This is usually seen at an existing catheter site, although occasionally nosebleeds occur. Hypotension is another complication that is thought to be the result of the large amount of blood needed in the CRRT circuit (50 ml – 84 ml). All of the equipment that is used was designed for use in people. Although pediatric CRRT sets are available, the blood volume of a child and a cat are not comparable. In an attempt to address this situation in smaller patients, the blood 4 pathway is primed with blood or other colloids. This strategy has been used successfully at the LSU SVM to treat patients weighing as little as 2.4 kg. Patient care Anticoagulation our facility, a doctor and a trained student are always at the patient’s side. Conclusion Continuous renal replacement therapy is an exciting new technology that offers hope in the treatment of acute kidney injury. Treatment of toxicosis and congestive heart failure are other important uses for CRRT. Although resources, time and personnel intensive, experience shows that the treatment of acute kidney injury with CRRT can be very rewarding. Points for referral Complications • It is important that a CRRT center be contacted directly before referring a patient. Resources on the Web www.vetcrrt.net–The Veterinary CRRT homepage www.queenofthenephron.com–Up-to-date list of CRRT / dialysis / transplant facilities around the world Research LSU Veterinary School receives Grant for Laminitis Research in memory of barbaro Dr. Susan Eades, professor of equine medicine, is working on a project funded by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) through the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation to help veterinarians better understand the routes by which horses contract laminitis and find ways to treat the debilitating condition. Laminitis is an inflammation and degeneration of the soft tissue (laminae) that connects the hoof wall to the coffin bone, or distal phalanx, of the horse’s leg, causing severe pain to the animal. It can affect any or all hooves, but front hooves are most frequently affected. This inflammation can result from excessive weight bearing during severe lameness, systemic disease or metabolic syndrome, but many cases of laminitis are sequelae to colic. Horses that have had colic— especially colic that was caused by carbohydrate overload, i.e., overeating corn or grain—often develop laminitis after recovering from the initial intestinal problem. It is thought that chemicals released during the episode of colic bring about the inflammation in the lamellar tissues. The damaged laminae allow the excruciatingly painful separation and rotation of the coffin bone. This special funding program from the NTRA is in honor of Barbaro, the 2006 winner of the Kentucky Derby who was injured in the 2006 Preakness and was euthanatized in 2007 due to pain and debilitation from laminitis of both front feet. This grant program was heavily supported by the public as they rallied behind this special horse during his recovery. His suffering has emphasized the need for new research to develop more advanced treatment methods. Dr. Eades and Dr. Lee Ann Fugler, a PhD candidate in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, began work on the NTRA grant at the beginning of 2008. Their research is aimed at finding medications that block the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that are formed in the early stages of laminitis and are capable of degrading the lamellar tissue. Doxycycline is currently the only 5 Barbaro with Dr. Dean Richardson of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. medication approved for use as an MMP inhibitor in people with conditions such as periodontal disease and tissue damage resulting from diabetes. However, oxytetracycline, pentoxifylline (and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used as MMP inhibitors. “We initially were working with doxycycline,” said Dr. Eades, “but it appears that other medications may be more effective.” Because the research is still in its early stages, it is not yet known which inhibitor will be most effective. Laminitis is considered one of the most important diseases in the equine industry with an estimated 15% of horses developing laminitis during their lifetime; 75% of those admitted to referral hospitals eventually require euthanasia. Annual monetary losses related to laminitis have been conservatively estimated at greater than $13 million (associated with its diagnosis, treatment and loss of horses subsequent to complications). Dr. Eades has been studying laminitis since 1990 and has published a number of peer-reviewed papers on the subject. She and Dr. Fugler will be working on this project until December 2009. Clinical Case Study ABOVE: This arrowhead and fragments of metal and wood were removed from Lucky Jack by Dr. Giselle Hosgood. RIGHT: Radiograph of Lucky Jack’s head before surgery. ABOVE RIGHT: Lucky Jack is prepared for surgery to remove an arrow from his muzzle. LSU Veterinary Surgeon Removes Arrow from Dog’s Head On February 7, surgeons at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine removed an arrowhead from the head of “Lucky Jack,” a mixed breed dog. In September 2007, near Jessieville, Ark., Lucky Jack was shot with a steel tip arrow, possibly by a hunter. Due to financial reasons, his owners released him to Dr. Bob Zepecki, owner of the All Pet Center in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Dr. Zepecki raised the funds to send Lucky Jack to LSU to have the surgery to remove the arrowhead. Lucky Jack first came to LSU to be evaluated in November 2007. After an examination, the surgical team determined that Lucky Jack needed to be treated for heartworms and Ehrlichia canis disease (an infection transmitted by the brown dog tick) before he would be strong enough to have surgery. He returned to Arkansas for treatment and came back to LSU for surgery on February 6. Radiographs were taken of Lucky Jack’s head to determine if 6 the arrowhead had moved since he was last examined. The arrowhead remained in the nasal cavity, apparently entering in the throat area and moving upwards into the nasal cavity with the tip lodging very close to the corner of the dog’s eye. Lucky Jack was then prepared for surgery, which lasted approximately one hour and was conducted by Dr. Giselle Hosgood, professor of veterinary surgery. The arrowhead was deeply embedded into the bone of the nose and had caused a significant infection and some damage to the fine scroll bones inside the nasal cavity. With careful manipulation, the arrowhead was successfully removed. Radiographs taken after surgery confirmed that no metal remained in the dog’s head. Lucky Jack stayed in LSU’s Small Animal Intensive Care Unit overnight and then returned to Arkansas on February 8. Lucky Jack was treated for his nasal infection and has continued to recover without complication. He is now enjoying life in Arkansas. 4,600 Visitors Learn about Veterinary Medicine at 2008 Open House Approximately 4,600 visitors toured the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at its 26th Annual Open House on March 1. This year’s theme was Veterinarians in the Community: Global Ambassadors. A self-guided tour took visitors through the Veterinary Medicine Building where students, faculty and staff provided information at 70 exhibits. The Petting Zoo (above) is always one of the more popular attractions. From left to right, Interim Chancellor William Jenkins, LSU Provost Astrid Merget, and Dean Peter F. Haynes walk the Paw Print Trail through the School of Veterinary Medicine during Open House. 7 Clinical Case Study LSU Veterinary Ophthalmologist Performs Retinal Reattachment Surgery In September 2007, Max, a three-year-old Boston Terrier, had his retina reattached by a veterinary ophthalmologist at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Eric S. Storey, assistant professor of ophthalmology. “Some dog breeds, such as Boston Terriers, Bichons and Shih tzus, are predisposed to retinal detachments,” said Dr. Storey. In Max’s case, this was his second retinal detachment. The first retinal detachment in his right eye was chronic, and the retina had several tears. This second detachment in his left eye was not as severe, making him a good candidate for a successful reattachment. The procedure is done with the dog lying on his back looking at the ceiling. “An incision is made in the sclera, and three 20-gauge holes or ‘ports’ are made,” said Dr. Storey. “A tube 8 is inserted in one port to deliver fluid that maintains a normal pressure inside the eye. The second port is for a fiber optic light, and the third is for the surgical tools.” The binocular indirect ophthalmomicroscope (BIOM) is a lens system attached to the microscope that allows focus and orientation inside the eye for the surgeon. “The first step is to remove the vitreous gel, which is usually cloudy and easy to see in these cases,” said Dr. Storey. “The detached retina is usually fluttering in the fluid so it takes great care not to remove the retina with the vitreous.” The back of the eye is shaped like a cup, and the retina is often only attached to the optic nerve in the bottom of the “cup.” The second step is to fill the detached retina beginning right over the optic nerve with perfluorocarbon fluid, which weighs down the retina and lays it against the sclera. The eye is completely filled with perfluorocarbon, which displaces all water outside of the eye through the infusion canula. “Next, a diode laser is used to burn the retina and choroid (the middle, vascular coat of the eye, between the sclera and the retina),” said Dr. Storey. “This makes a scar that will adhere the retina to the choroid over the upcoming days and weeks.” Silicone oil is then pumped into the back of the eye where it floats on the perfluorocarbon fluid and fills the back of the eye from the lens down. A “flute” needle is placed within the pool of perfluorocarbon liquid and as the eye is pressurized, the perfluorocarbon liquid goes up the needle and drains out of the eye. The last step is to close the three incisions without inducing any bleeding. “Max was a good candidate for retinal reattachment because the detachment was partial, spontaneous, and had only recently occurred,” said Dr. Storey. “If the retina is partially detached or only detached for a few days or weeks, the reattachment is more likely to be successful, and the dog will very likely be able to see again.” Partial detachments in the top half of the retina always progress to a complete retinal detachment over time, and this type of retinal surgery can intervene to prevent blindness where other techniques fail. In cases where a complete retinal detachment is weeks to months old, the rods and cones within the eye can degrade, causing the return of vision to take longer. In very prolonged cases, vision may never return despite reattachment of the retina. It is more common to see cases where the retina is detached due to other eye problems. In these cases, the detachment is often a result of cataracts or develops after cataract surgery. “Though these cases are more complex, and the success rate is lower, these animals would remain blind without retinal reattachment surgery,” said Dr. Storey. “One of our future goals with retinal surgery is to be able to treat horses with reattachment surgery the same way we treat dogs.” To determine the success of a reattachment, Dr. Storey uses a maze created out of interlocking foam walls. The dog is sent through the maze to determine how well his vision has been restored. “In Max’s case, his vision continues to be fabulous,” said Dr. Storey. ABOVE: Image of a detached retina with a healthy vascular supply. ABOVE LEFT: Max’s reattached retina. 9 Veterinarian on a Mission By Loretta Bubenik, DVM, MS, DACVS I have gone on two trips to Central America (one to Honduras and one to Nicaragua), along with other veterinarians and veterinary students, through Christian Veterinary Mission Short Term Missions. We cared for both large and small animals. We brought supplies for anesthetizing, castrating, vaccinating and deworming large and small animals, spaying small animals, and doing other minor surgical procedures (eye enucleations, entropion surgery, and tumor removal are some examples). We also did pregnancy checks on cattle. We treated/evaluated 731 animals during the 14 days we were in Honduras. Of those, 165 had surgery of some sort. All small animals were dewormed, vaccinated for rabies and treated for fleas and ticks. The animals tended to bleed quite a bit during surgery, so we suspect that all had tick borne diseases, but we could not test for that, nor could we test for heartworm disease. Over the six days we were in Nicaragua, we saw 259 animals and performed 56 surgeries. In both places, transmissible venereal tumors and malnutrition were prevalent in both large and small animals, though the condition of the cattle and pigs was better than the other animals. Part of our work was to also educate animal owners on sanitation, how to treat animals, and how to handle minor 10 problems that arise with things like cattle birthing. Sanitation and poor treatment of animals is a big problem in both areas. Part of our job is to try and educate owners on how to start changing these things to improve both human and animal health. We are well taken care of through the missionaries we work with and the Christian veterinary mission. We traveled to villages in the back of a truck. In Hondouras, we slept in a place similar to dorm rooms, but with no walls separating beds for the most part. We never made it back to the ranch in time for dinner, so we ate whatever was left when we got home. All three meals consisted of beans usually—then some other stuff. The food we ate there was grown on the ranch for the most part and was prepared fresh daily. We were on the truck to leave for villages by 7:00 a.m. and usually did not return to the ranch until about 6:00-7:00 p.m. We spent the day working in the villages. At night we would clean and organize supplies and sit out under the stars and worship. In Nicaragua, we stayed in little cabins built by the missionary team. They were really nice compared to other places in the area. Most of the time we did not have electricity—the government rations it there, but we did not need it really. We had fresh meals every day and freshly squeezed juice of great RIGHT: Members of the mission team prepare surgery tables. Surgery suites consisted of whatever could be constructed. Most of the time, someone had a table we could borrow, but other times we used cinderblocks to make tables, or used the tailgate of the truck, the ground or a fallen tree or tree stumps. You had to be a little creative at times. LEFT: I performed this surgery on the tailgate of a pickup truck. Most of the time things went well with the surgeries. Sometimes, the wind was a problem and we would get leaves blowing in our field. If we positioned ourselves under the wrong sort of tree, we discovered that ants lived in those trees and would fall on us and the surgery field. varieties. We did not have buildings to work in. We worked outdoors. Our first step was to establish a vaccination/ deworming area, a waiting area and a surgery suite (preferably under a tree because it was scorching hot). The back of the truck was supply storage. I worked mostly with the students to teach them how to do surgery. By the end of the time there, most of the students were doing spays, castrations and warble (large larvae from flies) removals on their own. We brought leashes with us that we could use for surgery ties and for muzzles. We kept instruments clean by washing between cases and using cold pack solution for sterility. Our basic surgery supplies consisted of containers that we could use for cold packs, instruments for the spays and castrations, an emasculator for the bulls and horses, blades for large and small animals, betadine solution and scrub, chlorhexadine solution and scrub, alcohol, gauze sponges, drapes that we made from left-over instrument pack covers at LSU, sterile gloves and suture. The suture was tricky. It is expensive so we got most of it from donations. It is not the most sterile environment, so the suture was important. We found out that gut was very good for ligatures, subcutaneous, and skin sutures. Anesthesia was tricky because we did not have anesthesia machines or monitors. We had injectable ketamine and xylazine, which we all realized was not the best thing for small animals, but we had a limited drug list we could get approved and we took drugs that could be used in large and small animals. For pain, we had chewable NSAIDs that we would give before anesthesia, and we had some local anesthetic agent for blocking incision lines. All animals got an injection of long-lasting penicillin before surgery. Recovery was interesting since there was not a recovery room. Fortunately, animals were not anesthetized long, so they recovered fairly quickly. We usually put them on a sheet or in the grass in a shaded but warm area. The biggest problem was making sure ants did not get on the animals. For deworming, we had whatever was donated. The only vaccine for small animals was rabies, which was donated. We bought some large animal (cattle) vaccines in-country and vaccinated several herds. I really enjoyed both trips. It was great working with students from other places in those circumstances. I think regular visits of large and small animal veterinarians would be beneficial to these areas to improve quality of life for both the people and the animals. I think we all should be very thankful for where we live and with what we are provided. Our working conditions are great and our government is supportive in many more ways. We are fortunate to live where we do. I am, however, stirred to continue my help over there. I can’t do much, but, at the same time, I can offer a lot those people don’t have. 11 A Moment in the History of Veterinary Medicine By Dean Emeritus Everett D. Besch and Professor Emeritus Maurice C. Morrissette Pursuit of the Bureau of Health Manpower Educational Assistance construction grant for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine began officially in September 1968 with a meeting of university officials and Bureau administrators in Washington, D.C. The preliminary draft of the project’s requirement study was presented during the meeting and was considered by the Bureau representatives as a commitment of the university to proceed with the project. This led to the assignment of a Public Health Service advisor as our liaison, and we were placed in the Bureau’s program. On July 2, 1969, the first construction grant application for the construction of the School’s physical plant was submitted to the Educational Branch of the Bureau. This led to a visit to the University by a Bureau grant review committee during July 19-23, while NASA had men walking on the moon. In December, the National Advisory Committee on Health Professions Education approved the grant application but with deferred funding. Manpower Act was extended in November 1971 and funded in early 1972. In June 1972, the School reapplied for construction grant support to the Bureau of Health Manpower Education. The grant was approved in September and placed on the active funding list for $10,110,000. Since the project had been delayed for over two years, the grant application included a separate facility referred to as a temporary teaching hospital to meet clinical science training while the physical plant was being constructed. Bureau personnel objected to the use of “temporary” so the name was changed to the Interim Clinical Science Facility that was approved. Funding for the Veterinary Medicine Building was received in early 1973. The project’s low bidder, L.W. Eaton Construction Co., was given the notice to proceed on April 16, 1973, with a physical plant completion time of January 11, 1976. Members of the first class were admitted during the 1973-74 school year. Difficulties associated with the Veterinary Medicine During the next three years, physical plant architectural and engineering drawings and specifications were completed and approved by Bureau personnel, and several department heads were appointed to the faculty. Reapplication for construction funds had to wait until the Comprehensive Health 12 Building involving unapproved changes in the building steel specifications, concern about the integrity of the building, labor problems and negotiations with the Louisiana Capital Construction and Improvement Commission delayed the project for over two years. With members of the first class scheduled to graduate in May 1977, the Interim Clinical Science facility gained prominence in the planning sequence. Since the Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics description, including the influence of other universities in its design, was discussed in the April 2005 issue of La Veterinaire, emphasis in this discussion will be on the development, occupation and use of the Interim Veterinary Clinical Science Facilities and other interim support structures that met curriculum and other educational requirements for the classes of 1977 and 1978. The requirement study for the Interim Clinical Science Facility was developed during the fall of 1972. Project architects were assigned in May 1973 to design a prefabricated metal building of 7,800 square feet, to be situated at the northeast corner of the primary site next to the western margin of the Veterinary Science Research Farm. Access to the building would be by a shell road from River Road. Budget for the building was $240,000. In November 1973, the low bid for the facility was in excess of $389,000, which was rejected. Revised plans placed the building on a two-acre plot located at the southwest corner of the Research Farm with access to South Stadium Drive. Mr. Ted Nissing, agriculture engineer, LSU Agriculture Research Station, was in charge of project revision. A second bid on the facility was taken in August 1974 for $354,880, which was accepted with the contract stipulation that the facility would be completed by March 1975. Delays due to contractor problems and poor management caused the University to petition the Capital Construction and Improvement Commission to relieve the contractor from the project. This was approved and LSU Physical Plant personnel completed the building by early November 1975. An open house was held at the Interim Clinic on November 23-24 with over 1,000 visitors. The School’s Mobile Field Service Clinic had been inaugurated in September 1974 and was conducted by Drs. T.H. Belling and Peter F. Haynes. All Clinics were in operation on November 1975. The Interim Clinic had facilities to support the medical and surgical procedures for large and small animal patients, a pharmacy next to the examination rooms, two wards with 14 kennels each, outside exercise runs and six stalls for holding large domestic animals. A student surgical laboratory and a laboratory animal ward were provided in the renovated western half of the Veterinary Science Farm Isolation Building. The EIA Barn was renovated providing hot water, peripheral drainage, upgraded large animal stalls and an air-conditioned large animal surgery. The Farm’s Calf Barn was renovated for School use, and a pre-fabricated metal “Porta Stall” building, located at the northwest corner of the EIA Building, was constructed to house large animal patients. Overall, interim clinical facilities were considered adequate to meet instructional requirements. In January 1975, two large mobile trailers, each at least 1,800 square feet, were brought to the site in units and placed on the west side of the Interim Clinical Science Building. These “Surge Facilities” contained a large third class room, student study space and faculty office space. Each trailer was connected by a concrete sidewalk and each had a porch attached. Additionally, two smaller lease trailers (600 square feet) were used to house faculty members and a Clinical Pathology Laboratory. When the Veterinary Medicine Building was occupied in June 1978, all Veterinary Science farm buildings used to support the School’s clinics and third- and fourth-year instruction needs were placed back in the original design state. The interim support program, located at over eight separate areas on the campus, were deemed more than adequate to meet the AVMA’s Council on Education’s Standard Requirements for an Accredited College and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine received “Full Accreditation” in April 1977 prior to the graduation of the first class and prior to the occupation of the permanent building. 13 Looking Back at the SVM . . . These photos of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s interim facilities come from the SVM archives. To learn more about the veterinary program in the 1970s when this facility was operational, read the story on page 14. Interim Veterinary Clinical Facility vew from South Stadium Drive (now Skip Bertman Drive) in 1975. Interim Veterinary Clinical Facility Small Animal In-Patient Exam Room. Dr. David Hesse (seated) and Dr. Charles Kleinpeter (both members of LSU 1978) at the Interim Educational Trailer. Dr. Allen Roussel (LSU 1977) outside the large animal holding area at the Veterinary Science Research Farm used by the LSU SVM as an adjunct to the Interim Veterinary Clinical Science Facility in 1976. If you have photos of your time at the LSU SVM and would like to share them, please contact Ginger Guttner, coordinator of public relations, at 225-578-9922 or gguttner@vetmed.lsu.edu. 14 NEW FACULTY Dr. Yu M. Kang joined the faculty as a research assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences on October 30, 2007. Dr. Kang received his MS in pathophysiology from Jiamusi Medical College of Jiamusi University in China in 1989 and his PhD in physiology from Shanxi Medical University in China in 1998. He did his post-doctoral work at Kansas State University (1998-1999) and the University of Iowa (2000-2002). Dr. Kang was an assistant research scientist (research assistant professor) at the University of Iowa from 2003-2007. His research focuses on the central nervous system mechanisms involved in cardiovascular regulation. Dr. Kang’s current studies address central mechanisms regulating sympathetic drive in hypertension, heart failure, and pain. He has published 57 papers in this field. in 1984. He received his MS and PhD specializing in plant genetics and biotechnology from the Department of Agronomy at Louisiana State University in 1997 and 2001, respectively. Dr. Yao was employed as a senior post-doctoral researcher at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine prior to accepting his current position. His major research emphasis focuses on the molecular regulation of bone resorption and bone formation, especially bone remodeling for tooth eruption. Bone resorption is required to form a pathway before a tooth can erupt. Concurrently, bone formation at the base of the tooth crypt serves as a motive force to push the tooth out of the crypt. The study of bone remodeling is also significant in understanding many bone diseases, such as in osteoporosis and periodontitis. In addition, Dr. Yao is interested in purifying and culturing stem cells from dental tissues and differentiating them into various specialized cell types for potential uses in regenerative medicine. Dr. Laura Riggs, a tenure-track assistant professor of equine surgery, began her employment on January 14. Dr. Riggs received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and just completed her PhD in Physiology at the University of Georgia, where she was also a large animal surgery clinical instructor. She completed both her Large Animal Medicine & Surgery Internship and her Residency in Large Animal Surgery at the University of Georgia. She has been a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons since 2007. Dr. Riggs’ primary areas of research are laminitis and acute inflammation. Dr. Shaomian Yao has joined the faculty as a research assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. He received his BS in Agronomy from Guizhou Agricultural College, Guiyang, China (now College of Agriculture, Guizhou University) A rehabilitated bald eagle treated by the School of Veterinary Medicine takes flight after it is released from the carrier at Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower in Morgan City, La. Assisting in the release are (from left to right) Marlana Roundtree, rehabilitation coordinator; Dr. Javier Nevarez, director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana; and Leslie Latimore with Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary. 15 House Officers Dr. Lenore M. Bacek, intern, Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery (6/18/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from Ross University in January 2007. Her clinical interests are emergency/ critical care as well as internal medicine (endocrine and immune-mediated diseases). Residents and Interns in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Dr. Jeanette Cremer, fellow, Companion Animal Surgery (7/2/2007-7/11/2008), received her Dr.med.vet. from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, in 2006. She then completed an internship in Switzerland. Her clinical interest is surgery, and her research interest is goniometric measurements of the hip stifle and surface EMG. Dr. Tina Brown, resident, Dermatology (7/17/2006-7/17/2008), received her DVM from Auburn University in 2004 and then worked in a small animal practice in Tennessee before coming to LSU for a small animal internship in 2005. Dr. Brown’s research interests are pythiosis and lagenidiosis. Dr. Amanda Curling, intern, Equine Medicine & Surgery (7/2/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from Ross University in January 2007. She did her clinical year at Iowa State University. She plans to pursue a residency in equine internal medicine. Dr. Todd D. Carter, intern, Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery (6/18/2007-6/30/2008), received his DVM from Auburn University in 2007. Dr. Carter’s clinical interest is cardiology, and he plans to pursue a residency after his internship is complete. Dr. Lacey A. Davis, intern, Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery (6/18/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from the University of Tennessee in 2007. Her area of clinical interest is small animal surgery. Dr. Jon Fletcher, resident, Small Animal Medicine (7/17/2006-7/17/2008), received his DVM from LSU in 2005. He completed an internship at Auburn University, and his clinical interests are diabetes and medical neurology. Dr. Isabelle Cattin, resident, Small Animal Medicine (7/16/2007-7/15/2009), received her DVM from the University of Bern in Switzerland in 2001. She completed a small animal internship at the University of Vienna in Austria in 2006, and her clinical interests are hematology, immunology and neurology. Dr. Claudia Fraune, resident, Small Animal Medicine (7/2/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from the University of Hannover. She received her Dr.med.vet. from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and 16 completed a small animal internship in Augsburg, Germany. Her research interest is nephrology. Dr. Geoff Hennig, resident, Companion Animal Surgery (7/17/2006-7/17/2009), received his DVM from Ross University in 2005. He completed an internship at the University of Georgia in 2006, and his clinical area of interest is orthopedics. Dr. Timm Gudehus, resident, Equine Surgery (7/16/2007-7/15/2010), graduated from the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, in December 2003 in the department for experimental surgery for human implantology. After completion of this internship at a clinic located at the Munich racetrack, he received his Dr.med. vet at his alma mater. He completed a second internship/ fellowship in equine orthopedics and imaging/sports medicine at California Equine Orthopedics in San Marcos, Calif., before coming to LSU for his equine surgery residency. Dr. Gudehus’ clinical interest is equine surgery, and his personal focus is equine orthopedics. Dr. Lisa Kivett, intern, Equine Medicine & Surgery (7/2/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from North Carolina State University in 2007. Dr. Jose Len, resident, Theriogenology (7/18/2005-7/18/2008), received his DVM from the University of Guadalajara (Mexico) in 1994. He worked at a racetrak and a thoroughbred horse breeding farm in Panama prior to coming to LSU. Dr. Kathleen M. Guthrie, intern, Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery (6/18/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from the University of Georgia in 2007. Her clinical interest is small animal surgery. Dr. Andrew J. Lewis, resident, Equine Surgery (7/17/2006-7/17/2009), received his DVM from LSU in 2005. He completed an internship in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Dr. Lewis’ clinical interests are orthopedics, upper respiratory surgery, and abdominal surgery. Dr. David Guzman, resident, Zoological Medicine (7/18/2005-7/18/2008), received his Lic. en Vet. from the Veterinary School of Leon, Spain, in 2002. Between 2002 and 2004, he practiced small animal medicine in Spain and England, where he also completed an avian and medicine and surgery internship in 2003. In 2005, he completed an exotic animal medicine and surgery internship at Tufts University. Dr. Guzman’s areas of research interest include avian and exotic infectious disease and preventive medicine, orthopedics, emergency and critical care, and pediatric and reproductive medicine. Dr. Ashley Martin, resident, Small Animal Medicine (7/16/2007-7/16/2009), received her DVM from LSU in 2006. She completed an internship at Tufts University, and her clinical interests are infectious disease and nephrology. 17 HOUSE OFFICERS (continued) Dr. Bettina Mayer-Roenne, resident, Small Animal Medicine (7/16/2007-7/16/2009), received her DVM from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, in 2002. She completed an internship at Cornell University in 2004, and then worked as an emergency clinician and visiting instructor at Cornell in 2006. Her clinical interests are internal medicine (endocrinology and nephrology), emergency medicine and critical care, and neurology. Dr. Simon Staempfli, resident, Equine Practice (7/23/2007-7/17/2009), received his DVM from Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland, in December 2003. He worked in private practice in Switzerland for two years, and he completed an internship in Large Animal Surgery and Medicine at Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada, as well as a residency in Equine Practice at LSU. Dr. Staempfli’s clinical interests are equine surgery, medicine and theriogenology. Dr. J. Brennan McGoldrick, intern, Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery (6/18/2007-6/30/2008) received his DVM from the University of Georgia in 2007. His clinical interest is small animal surgery. Dr. Jessica Thompson, resident, Equine Medicine (7/17/2006-7/17/2009), received her DVM in 2005 from Texas A&M University. She completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala in Florida, in 2006. Her clinical interests are equine internal medicine, especially neonatology, neurology, emergency/ critical care, ultrasonography. Her MS project involves the effects of clenbuterol on skeletal muscle composition, cardiac function, and biochemical markers of muscle injury in exercising horses. Dr. Cintia de Oliveira, intern, Radiology (7/2/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil in 2001. Her clinical interest is imaging diagnosis. Dr. Sunil Vasanjee, resident, Companion Animal Surgery (7/18/2005-7/18/2008), received his BVSc from the University of Zimbabwe in 2000. After working in private practice for two years, Dr. Vasanjee completed a fellowship in companion animal surgery in 2003, an internship in 2004, and a comparative orthopedic research fellowship in 2005, all at LSU. His clinical interests are orthopedic and general surgery, and his research interest is in the pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Dr. Shannon Shaw, intern, Zoological Medicine (6/18/2007-6/30/2008), received her DVM from St. George University in 2007. Her clinical interest is zoo medicine. Dr. Lynne A. Snow, resident, Companion Animal Surgery (7/16/2007-7/16/2010), received her DVM from the University of Illinois in 2004. She completed an internship with the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura, Calif., as well as a surgical internship with the Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles, Calif. Dr. Snow’s research interest is cranial cruciate ligament rupture. 18 Dr. Deirdre Vaughan, resident, Dermatology (7/17/2006-7/17/2008), received her DVM from Auburn University in 2004 and an MS in veterinary physiology from Texas A&M. She completed a small animal internship in 2005 at Southeast Veterinary Specialists in Metairie, La., followed by a dermatology internship at the same location. Her research and clinical interests include characterization of staphylococcal pyoderma in companion animals and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of staph pyoderma. Small Animal Medicine Symposium: Infectious Disease Update Sunday, April 27, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Featuring Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, Professor of Internal Medicine, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Eight hours of continuing education credit or 0.8 CEU credits will be earned for this course. For registration information, go to the SVM website at www.vetmed.lsu.edu or call 225-578-9900. Thanks to an educational grant from Pfizer Animal Health, registrations received by April 23, 2008, will be complimentary. LSU Students and Graduates Obtain Internships and Residencies Congratulations to the following class of 2008 students who were successful in obtaining an internship through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians: Jennifer Ayoub (Baton Rouge, La.), Greenbrier Veterinary Referral Center, Internship in Small Animal Internal and Emergency Medicine; Kaikhushroo Banajee (Baton Rouge, La.), University of Illinois, Small Animal Medicine/Surgery Rotating Internship; Glen Bonin (Greenwell Springs, La.), University of Tennessee, Small Animal Rotating Internship; Lindsey Boudreaux (Baton Rouge, La.), Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Rotating Internship; Jason Brewer (Baton Rouge, La.), Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery; Claudia Channing (Baton Rouge, La.), VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Rotating Small Animal Internship in Surgery, Medicine, Radiology & ER; Jennifer Crescioni (Baton Rouge, La.), Advanced Vetrinary Care Center, Rotating Internship; Jana Doege (Baton Rouge, La.), University of Georgia, Large Animal Rotating Internship; Wesley Lee (Baton Rouge, La.), North Carolina State University, Equine Medicine and Surgery Internship; Evan Sones (Baton Rouge, La.), Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Small Animal Rotating Internship; and Katrine Voie (Baton Rouge, La.), Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine. Former LSU graduates who matched this year to residency programs are as follows: Dionne Ferguson (LSU 2007), Louisiana State University, Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency; Crystal Hariu (LSU 2007), Texas A&M University, Three-Year Residency in Cardiology; Ashok Padmabhan (LSU 2006), New York Veterinary Specialty Center, Small Animal Surgical Internship; and Jennifer Sonis (LSU 2007), Colorado State University, Residency - Equine Internal Medicine. 19 Alumni Tracks & Baby Vets 1980 Dr. Don J. Harris is president of the North American Veterinary Conference for 2008. Don is the owner of the Avian Exotic Animal Medical Center in Miami, Fla. "It’s a humbling experience to be the first exotics practitioner to be in a position of such magnitude," said Don. "To be president of such an all-encompassing organization is a real honor." 1983 Dr. Michael Strain, newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry for the state of Louisiana, received the Everett Besch Distinguished Service Award at the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting in Shreveport, La., in January. Mike was recognized for his service to the local community, the state of Louisiana, and the nation. 1996 Dr. Kenneth E. Layton has purchased Pine Valley Animal Hospital PC in Wilmington, N.C. Ken is married to Jeannie and has two stepchildren, Chris (24) and Micaela (20) and a son, Jacob (10). 2000 Dr. Sandy M. Landry married Dr. Dino Herrera Zaragoza of Veracruz, Mexico, on January 4, 2008. The wedding took place in Veracruz, where Sandy and Dino reside. Sandy volunteers at the University of Veracruz Veterinary School clinic and does relief work in Phoenix, Ariz. 1981 Dr. Michael Liles received the Veterinarian of the Year Award at the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting in Hot Springs, Ark., in February 2008. Mike has served on the Arkansas VMA Board of Directors for over 19 years. Mike opened Liles Animal Clinic in 1994 in Searcy, Ark., where he also resides with his wife of 24 years, Nancy. They have three children and three grandchildren. 1984 Dr. Sharon Hoffman, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, practices veterinary dentistry and oral surgery in Jacksonville, Fla. The practice is mobile, and she travels to several locations to provide referral services. Her research involves dental disease in captive orcas. She delivered a presentation on this topic at the World Veterinary Dental Congress in Brazil in 2007. Sharon and her husband, Scott Brewer, reside in Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. Rachel Dawn Roark married Paul Roark on May 1, 2006. The Roarks had a baby, Zachary Ellis, on March 8, 2007. Rachel started doing emergency relief work at four different veterinary clinics in the Dallas/Forth Worth area in July 2007. The Roarks reside in Dallas, Texas. 1982 Dr. Norette Underwood was installed as the first female president of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association at its Winter Meeting in Hot Springs, Ark., in February 2008. Norette has been married to Don Nolen for 22 years and has owned and operated Trumann Animal Clinic for 24 years. She and Don reside in Harrisburg, Ark. 1985 Dr. Sherrill Green is an associate professor and associate director of veterinary service at Stanford University in the Department of Comparative Medicine. Sherrill is also an author of romantic fiction. Dark Rider was the first of two books published by Kensington Publishers in September 2007, and Shadow Rider will be published in October 2008. Sherril lives in Palo Alto, Calif., with her husband and two children. 2002 Drs. Scott A. and Laura J. Koenig have been married for almost 13 years. They previously worked in Shreveport, La., and then in Malvern/Arkadelphia, Ark. as associates. The Koenigs currently are the owners of the Animal Family Practice Veterinary Hospital in Bryant, Ark. The Koenigs reside in Hot Springs, Ark. 20 Dr. Amanda Evans Quebedeaux and her husband, Michael, celebrated the birth of their first child, Carson Donel, on January 2, 2008. Carson weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 1/2 in. long. Amanda works at Fitzgerald Animal Hospital in Alexandria, La., where she has been for three and a half years. The Quebedeaux family resides in Woodworth, La. animal medicine and surgery in June 2007. Her future plans are to specialize with a residency in internal medicine. Erica is employed full-time with VCA until the baby arrives. After maternity leave, she will go back part-time for a while. The Canons are currently living in Albuquerque, N.M. Alumni Annual Fund Telephone Appeal April 14-May 9 If you are an SVM alumnus and have already donated to the annual Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund during the 2007-08 fiscal year, thank you! If not, you will receive a call asking for your pledge as part of our telephone appeal. Dr. Brooke Bellard McGee and her husband, Lewis, welcomed home their first child, Madison Abigail, on August 30, 2007. Madison weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21 in. long. Madison was welcomed home by many family and friends and the McGees’ two dogs, Dallas and Chance. The McGees reside in Eunice, La. 2006 Erica Canon (Snowden) married Jason Canon on November 24, 2007. They are expecting their first child, Arianna Leigh Canon, on March 28. Erica finished her internship in small For information on how you can support the SVM, go to www.vetmed.lsu.edu/giving.htm or give us a call at 225-578-9900. Drop Us A Line! Alumni updates can be sent to the SVM using the form below or by submitting an on-line form on the SVM website at www.vetmed.lsu.edu. Go to "Alumni & Donors" and then click on "Keep in Touch" under "Alumni Resources." Mail to: Office of Public Relations School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 E-Mail: gguttner@vetmed.lsu.edu Please let us know how you are doing and what is going on in your life. Complete and return this form to us today! Name_____________________________________________________________________________________GraduationYear_______________ Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone___________________ Work Phone____________________ E-mail_______________________________________________ News Item __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March/April 2008 La Veterinaire 21 Alumni Profile Dr. Mike Beard (LSU ‘83) 1983 Alumnus Dr. Mike Beard What made you want to be a veterinarian? “I grew up in a rural area in Southwest Arkansas and every job that I had from a small child involved animals. In the ninth grade I went to work in a veterinary clinic, and I never had any doubt that was what I was supposed to do. There was a wonderful diversity, and the veterinarians were held in such high regard in the community.” What does the LSU SVM mean to you? “Excellence. I was taught at the LSU SVM to become a life-time learner so that I would become a more effective veterinarian. I was taught how to handle data and think with it so that I would know what the next thing to do would be. And that has always been my strong point.” What was LSU SVM like when you attended? “I always tell everybody that veterinary school for the first two years was more like kindergarten than anything. They had us seated alphabetically, our lab groups were in alphabetical order, and we pretty much did everything together.“ What are some of your most memorable moments from LSU? “LSU football and basketball. I’m still a big fan.” Any other interesting tidbits you’d like to share? “I worked with Dr. J.B. Malone in Parasitology while attending LSU SVM.” How did the LSU SVM prepare you for your career in veterinary medicine? “I was immediately able to contribute in the practices that I worked in, and my production was equal to any other veterinarian in practice. When preparing for my American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) certification, I met veterinarians from all over the world, and my training from LSU was second to none.” Mike has owned West Prince Animal Hospital in Conway, Ark., for the past three years. He has been certified by ABVP in Canine/Feline Practice since 1992. He currently serves on the Credentialing Committee for ABVP. Mike is the immediate past president of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association. His family includes his wife of 30 years, Glenda; their 23-year-old daughter, Elyse (a veterinary technician); and a 10-year-old son, Ethan (a veterinarian in training). 22 Development Your Support of the Annual Fund is Vital to the Success of the SVM The annual Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund is the cornerstone of advancement for the School of Veterinary Medicine. The School’s long-term strategic plan sets progressive goals and objectives that will advance veterinary medicine locally, regionally and internationally. These high standards can only be met through private sector donations to enhance our resources beyond appropriations. The future of the School is dependent upon the Annual Fund. Dr. William L. Jenkins Society. In 1988, Dr. Jenkins was appointed the second Dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He has had an extraordinary career at LSU, moving into the positions of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, then Chancellor of the LSU and A&M College, and finally President of the LSU System. Dr. Everett D. Besch Society ($2,500-$4,999) Donors who make an annual gift between $2,500-$4,999 are recognized as members of the Dr. Everett D. Besch Society. In 1988, Dr. Besch retired as the first Dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He worked tirelessly for the veterinary school and in 1968 saw the Louisiana Legislature approve the establishment of the School. Dr. Daniel J. Hillmann Club ($100-$499) Donors who make an annual gift between $100-$499 are recognized as members of the Dr. Daniel J. Hillmann Club. In 1973, Dr. Hillmann was one of the first faculty members appointed to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and he continues to teach anatomy to our veterinary students today. Dr. John D. Rhoades Club ($500-$999) Donors who make an annual gift between $500-$999 are recognized as members of the Dr. John D. Rhoades Club. Dr. Rhoades was on the faculty of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine from 1980-2005, and as Associate Dean of Student Affairs he touched the lives of every veterinary student during that time. Dr. William H. Dalrymple Society ($5,000-$10,000) Donors who make an annual gift between $5,000-$10,000 are recognized as members of the Dr. William H. Dalrymple Society. Considered the “Father of Veterinary Medicine” in the south central region of the United States, Dr. Dalrymple came to LSU in 1889 as professor of comparative medicine and veterinarian of the experiment stations. Throughout his professional career, he was a member and officer in numerous veterinary and agricultural organizations, and in 1905 was one of the charter members of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. To support the annual Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund, complete the form on page 25 and return it to the SVM today! 23 Dr. William L. Jenkins Society ($1,000-$2,499) Donors who make an annual gift between $1,000-$2,499 are recognized as members of the Development One of the facilities you can help build is a new Equine Reproduction Unit. Major projects of the LSU SVM Building new and better facilities to produce a superior veterinary program While the SVM’s annual Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund is a general fund to support the School’s programs, the School is also in the midst of a capital campaign to fund facilities. Public universities are relying more and more on private funds to enhance their programs. Louisiana State University is halfway through Forever LSU, the largest, most ambitious fundraising effort in the university’s history with a goal of raising $750 million by 2010, the 150th anniversary of LSU. The SVM’s portion of that $750 million goal is $22.5 million, which encompasses funds for student support, faculty support and infrastructure support, the most urgent needs of which are an Equine Isolation Unit, an Equine Reproduction Unit, and the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana. The Equine Isolation Unit is vital for continued accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Thanks to you, we are close to fulfilling this need. With approximately $1 million in private donations and matching funds, we are well underway to achieving our goal. area. This facility is needed to house horses with contagious diseases (e.g., strangles and salmonella) away from other patients and to contain potentially zoonotic diseases. This facility is crucial for veterinarians to safely and successfully treat the ever-increasing number of horses admitted with infectious, potentially contagious disease. Equine Reproduction Unit - $ 1 million Equine Isolation Unit - $3.6 million The new Equine Isolation Unit will be a climate-controlled building with 10 isolation stalls, each with an associated clean anteroom; it will also contain an examination/treatment 24 The Equine Reproduction Unit will enable scientists to conduct leading-edge investigation of mare and stallion infertility and of foal development. The new building will include a semen-evaluation laboratory, a semen-freezing laboratory, and an in vitro fertilization and gamete transfer laboratory. The facility will also include an area with four stalls for mares and foals, four paddocks, and a covered stallion collection area with breeding mount. The Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana has more than 1,700 native and migratory animals presented annually. Since 1997, the number of animals received by the hospital has increased 93%. Limited space at the School has led to cramped conditions, where wildlife patients must share hospitalization and treatment areas with clients’ pets. To better serve the rapidly increasing case load, funding is needed for increased operational expenses and a new facility. As one of only 28 veterinary schools in the United States, the SVM is a shining example of medical education, research and service in Louisiana. You can help us continue our journey as we strive to educate future veterinarians, perform cuttingedge medical research, and provide state-of-the-art veterinary medical service to thousands of patients each year. To make a major gift to one of these capital projects, contact Dr. David Senior, associate dean for advancement and strategic initiatives, at 225-578-9900. Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana - $10 million The Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana was founded in 1981 at the LSU SVM as the only full-service wildlife education, rehabilitation, and research facility in Louisiana. The WHL is a non-profit unit supported solely through private contributions. No fee is charged to Good Samaritans who bring in injured animals for any of the unit’s services. Partnering with area rehabilitators, wildlife agencies, marine mammal stranding groups, and zoological parks, the WHL provides care for injured and orphaned wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Threatened species, such as the bald eagle, are commonly treated at the facility. Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund Thank you if you have already contributed for 2007-2008. I want my gift to support the 2007-2008 Advance Veterinary Medicine Fund (07/01/2007-06/30/2008). _____ Gift / _____ Pledge for the Hillmann Club ($100-$499), the Rhoades Club ($500-$999), the Jenkins Society ($1,000-$2,499), the Besch Society ($2,500-$4,999) or the Dalrymple Society ($5,000-$10,000). My pledge will be paid in _____ installments. Name ___________________________________________________________________________GraduationYear_______________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone________________ Work Phone_________________ _____MC _____AMEX E-mail______________________________________________ _____Discover For credit card contributions: _____VISA Credit Card Number______________________________________________________Expiration Date_________________________ Cardholder’s signature _________________________________________________________________________________________ Please make your check payable to: LSU Foundation Mail to: Institutional Advancement School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 March/April 2008 La Veterinaire Call (225)578-9900 or (225)578-9948 to make your gift by phone! Visit www.vetmed.lsu.edu/giving.htm to give online. 25 Upcoming SVM Events April 27 May 1 May 2 May 9 May 12 Small Animal Medicine Symposium: Infectious Disease Update SVM Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Spring Reception and Staff Awards SVM Courtyard Baton Rouge, Louisiana Awards & Honors Banquet LSU Union, Baton Rouge, Louisiana SVM Semester ends SVM Commencement LSU Union Theater, Baton Rouge, Louisiana For information on these and other SVM events, contact the SVM at 225/578-9900 or go to www.vetmed.lsu.edu. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 733 Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803