News

Jackson, La. — Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), a branch of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), deployed more than 1,200 veterinarians and technicians to aid distressed animals in Louisiana and Mississippi in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Philadelphia — The "publish or perish" adage in academia rarely applies to veterinary students, yet college leaders claim carrying out scientific research and having it accepted by peer-reviewed journals can boost anyone's job prospects, even those embarking on a clinical career.

One of the strongest and most destructive human emotions is denial. And in veterinary practice, especially companion-animal practice, we see denial every day.

Looking numb and weary, Dr. Gary Levy stands emotionless in what appears to have been a waiting room. His co-owners fled to higher ground, staff relocated and all that's left is the seemingly insurmountable task of reviving a practice disaster covered in mold, rotting in water and radiating a noxious stench.

Fort Collins, Colo.—Colorado State University (CSU) veterinarians are successfully using genetically modified Salmonella to treat soft-tissue sarcomas and melanoma in pet dogs.

You have graduated; you passed the boards, and you have finally found a practice that is a great fit. The owner is excited about having you start your career at the practice, too. Now you must walk through the door of that practice and make your first impression as a new team member.

The failure to thrive in newborn puppies and kittens, or neonates, is known as fading puppy and kitten syndrome. The syndrome can occur from birth to 9 weeks of age. Affected neonates can decline quickly and die, so immediate detection and treatment are key to survival. Be sure you know what to look for and what to do if you see any warning signs.

Orlando, Fla. — The 23rd North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) scheduled for Jan. 7-11 in Orlando, Fla. promises a wide range of informative programs for practitioners.

Chances are that you have been presented with puppies or kittens that have failed to thrive, some of which have eventually died.

Baton Rouge, La. — In dealing with a crisis, Ginger Gunter, public information officer for the Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine was not only trying communicate the college's efforts in helping victims of the U.S.' largest natural disaster, but also correct a lot of misinformation.

Calls to treat cows giving bloody milk are very common.

Take an active role in professional organizations, says the first female presidentof the AVMA. "What we do today will determine whether our future colleagues are held in high esteem."

Advancements in hematology have aided veterinarians greatly. Today's equipment for inclinic hematology analysis can provide accurate white blood cell (WBC) counts and partial or complete differential leukocyte counts. When considering leukocyte differentials, practitioners may ask whether a five-part differential is necessary. In a word, yes. To interpret leukocyte changes in a patient accurately, practitioners must obtain a WBC count and a complete fivepart differential. They should also obtain a peripheral blood film to assess the leukocytes for any morphologic changes. In some cases, practitioners may need to do serial complete blood counts (CBCs) to understand the changes in the different leukocyte forms during various disease states.

An estimated 100 Texas veterinary practices were located in the area hardest hit by Hurricane Rita, according to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA); long-term economic damage to practices had not been estimated at presstime.

Baton Rouge, La. — It's been dubbed the greatest pet rescue in history. When the levees broke in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, veterinary students found themselves at the heart of the recovery.

My goal for this symposium is to provide resources and encouragement for practicing veterinarians to confidently examine, perform appropriate diagnostic testing in, and treat these tiny patients.

In the August 2005 issue, the article "Idiosyncrasies in greyhounds that can affect their medical care", it was stated that symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy is also known as pemphigus.

It takes more than scientific intuition to become a well-rounded, successful veterinarian, experts say.

Pullman, Wash. — Non-technical competencies contributing to career success are being investigated as a new model for training veterinary students.

Of all the values on a general blood panel (complete blood count, serum chemistry profile), the platelet count may have the greatest potential to fool you.

Plum Island, N.Y. — The fate of Plum Island's aging research facility hangs in the balance as the government mulls scrapping the laboratories and DVM leaders argue the nation needs higher-level biocontainment capabilities.

When Senior Editor Jennifer Fiala and I boarded the flight for Baton Rouge, La., following the most destructive hurricanes on record, I had no idea what to expect.

We are frequently asked about the serum chemistry profile changes that may be seen in dogs receiving corticosteroids.

Hurricane Rita's single-digit death toll is overshadowed by more than 1,100 lives claimed by Hurricane Katrina three weeks earlier. Of course, livestock, pets, and wildlife also suffered tremendous devastation in the wrath of the hurricanes.

Baton Rouge, La. — When the last of an estimated 2,000 displaced pets are finally reunited with owners or adopted from Louisiana State University (LSU), Dr. Michael Groves will be signing off on this tab.

Los Angeles, Calif. — Touted as the largest dog owner malpractice settlement in U.S. history, the Bluestone case didn't survive the appellate process, but the staggering $39,000 verdict against two veterinarians stands.

From time to time, staff members at Veterinary Medicine bring their pets to work with them. It's nice to meet a colleague's dog, cat, bird, or, as in one case, Madagascar cockroach.

Ms. Johnson and her mother were standing by, biting nails on both hands while they waited for the verdict.