Vet Cetera 2014 by Oklahoma State

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FROM SMALL PAWS TO LARGE, OSU TREATS THEM ALL

Grandparent University gives children a chance to “try on” being a veterinarian. PHOTO PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

VET CETERA M A G A Z I N E

F A L L 2 0 1 4 / V O L U M E

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PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences graduates competent, confident, practice-ready veterinarians — a tradition it has proudly carried forward since the day the veterinary college opened its doors 66 years ago. Please join us at the CVHS website: www.cvhs.okstate.edu. The OSU homepage is located at www.okstate.edu. Vet Cetera magazine is a publication of the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. Its purpose is to connect the college with its many alumni and friends, providing information on both campus news and pertinent issues in the ﬁeld of veterinary medicine OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY © 2014

COVER: The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University treats all members of the feline population ranging in size from tiny domestic kittens to large circus tigers. (Photos: Phil Shockley / University Marketing) Tiger story, Page 20.

2 W I D E W O R L D O F T R E AT M E N T Arthur, a dog that ruptured a disc in his neck, is walking again after physical therapy and electro-acupuncture.

11 A G I F T F R O M C A L I F O R N I A A Jersey cow from Bakersfield, Calif., is helping veterinary students learn at OSU.

15 P E T E ’ S P E T P O S S E “America’s Healthiest Campus” establishes a pet therapy program.

23 C H A N G I N G F O C U S Former Dean Dr. Michael Lorenz is loving his time back in the classroom and clinic.

60 F I N D I N G H E R PA S S I O N I N A F R I C A A fourth-year veterinary student took her studies to help a chimpanzee clinic in Zambia.

Jean Sander, DVM, MAM, DACPV Dean, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences

Derinda Blakeney, APR

Coordinator of Public Relations and Marketing derinda@okstate.edu

Sharon Worrell

Alumni Affairs Specialist

Heather Clay

Senior Director of Development

Dorothy L. Pugh Editor

Paul V. Fleming

Art Director / Designer

Phil Shockley / Gary Lawson Staff Photographers

Paul West

CVHS photography

74 T H A N K I N G O S U An OSU alumna is showing her gratitude for OSU’s veterinary college with a scholarship program for its students.

www.c v h s .o k st a te.e d u

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-9154; email: eeo@okstate.edu. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, was printed by Walsworth Print Group services at a cost of $9,541.00. 4.7M/Dec. 2014/#5598

From the Office of the Dean It is no secret that Oklahoma State University has been working diligently to become America’s Healthiest Campus. This is First Cowgirl Ann Hargis’ passion and fits perfectly with the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences’ slogan, “HEALTHY ANIMALS — HEALTHY PEOPLE.”

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

It may not be on the minds of But health problems are not many who are not “in” the pro- limited to infectious diseases. fession, but veterinarians address Today, stress and anxiety related more than the health and well-be- diseases plague our society. Even ing of animals. In fact, around 75 the stress that college students deal percent of the infectious diseases with today goes far beyond what affecting humans worldwide are of my generation experienced. That animal origin. Most people know again is where veterinary medicine, about the common zoonotic dis- specifically the Center for Veterieases such as rabies and lately cer- nary Health Sciences (CVHS), is tain influenzas, but they may not playing a role. be aware that many veterinarians Pete’s Pet Posse (P3) is an Oklaserve as health inspectors, over- homa State University initiative to see food safety and work in home- try to relieve some of our students’ land security. stresses. Faculty and staff also benAfter Sept. 11, the federal gov- efit from this program as they are ernment was on high alert for susceptible to workplace stresses, agri-terrorism as animal agricul- which can adversely affect the qualture in the United States is quite ity of their lives and work. vulnerable. As a poultry health Housed within the CVHS, the specialist, I was asked to keep a P3 pet therapy program includes close eye out for evidence of exotic O S U l e a d e r s f r o m H u m a n poultry diseases that could rapidly Resources, University Counselspread and devastate our ability to ling Services, OSU Legal Services, produce food. It would not only the president’s office and vetericreate a shortage of poultry prod- nary medicine. ucts in the U.S. but would wreak havoc within our national economy as our ability to export animal protein products would come to a screeching halt.

The P3 program accepts applications from OSU employees who own dogs whose temperament is a good fit for this service. These are all volunteers who are required to have the approval of their supervisors. The dogs are required to be evaluated as canine good citizens and become certified as pet therapy dogs. They and their owners are trained in therapy practices as well, all to ensure a positive experience for stressed people. Student Affairs, Human Resources, University Counseling, as well as new student orientation and residence halls during finals have all made excellent use of the service. The feedback has been very positive, and the popularity is growing. In fact, other universities are starting to reach out to the OSU P3 leadership to learn how to implement similar programs. We are proud to be leaders in this area of emotional health and feel strongly that this is a perfect ancillary to make Oklahoma State University truly America’s Healthiest Campus. You can read more about Pete’s Pet Posse in this edition of Vet Cetera.

JEAN E. SANDER, DVM, MAM, DACPV DEAN, CENTER FOR VETERINARY HEALTH SCIENCES

2014 Oklahoma State University

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Jill Murray treats Arthur with laser therapy, which requires all the people and dogs in the room at the time to wear safety goggles.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Wide World of Therapies RECOVERING DOG GETS HELP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS AT OSU

n OSU graduate student found the help her dog needed to walk again at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital.

Ashley Reynolds of Perkins, Okla., is mom to shepherd mix Arthur and working on her graduate degree in education.

“Arthur ruptured a disc in his neck, which paralyzed him,” Reynolds says. “Six weeks after surgery, he could not get up. That’s not normal. I knew he would benefit from physical therapy. I had never used OSU’s hospital but I knew it was here on campus.” She adopted Arthur, now 11, from the Stillwater Humane Society when he was 2 years old. Lara A. Sypniewski, DVM, DABVP, CVA, CCRP and the Henthorne Clinical Professor of Small Animal Medicine, uses a combination of physical therapy modalities to help Arthur regain mobility. She typically starts with therapeutic exercise, then acupuncture and laser. “Once I place the needles, I can increase the effectiveness using electro-acupuncture. This modality allows me to change the intensity and frequency of the electrical input,” she says. “A higher frequency is used for acute pain while a lower frequency helps relieve chronic pain. I think his mom was skeptical. The first day I saw

Arthur, he had been down for so long that no one in the room expected much. But Arthur’s eyes said that it wasn’t quite time to give up, so we pressed forward. We needled him that day and started doing deep tissue massage and laser therapy. We also made him work hard and stand on his own with assistance from a physioball.”

rest time as well in his treatment plan. Plus it takes time for the body to heal after surgery or an injury. When I palpate Arthur, his muscles are really tight and you can feel the knots. As a result, he experiences some twitches or light tremors. We’re working with him to improve his posture with the goal of having his back The physioball’s design allows the thera- straight. In addition, Arthur had stopped using pist to place a patient over the ball, allowing his limbs in the beginning. Currently it is only the dog’s legs and feet to reach the ground so his right front paw that we have to continue to the dog knows where he is in space and time. readjust to a normal position. Every time we “FitPaws, the company that makes physio- place it back, we give him a ton of praise. He is balls, actually donated about $1,000 worth of really proud of himself when he gets it right!” Arthur receives laser therapy, too. Everyone physical therapy equipment to the Veterinary in the room must wear safety goggles — includMedical Hospital. It’s wonderful,” Sypniewski ing Arthur. says. “We have the dogs balance on them and do different workouts with them. It was very “He doesn’t like the dog googles,” says regimportant for Arthur to know what it feels istered veterinary technician Jill Murray, RVT, like to stand again. RLATG, VTS-Exotic Companion Animals. “So “Arthur has arthritis in his elbow and hips we put them on upside down, and he seems to so our final goal for him is to maintain nor- tolerate them. We want to be sure Arthur’s eyes mal function and be comfortable. We want to are protected from the laser beams.”

minimize his pain,” Sypniewski says. “Because Arthur had not used his muscles for six weeks, we had to retrain and rework his muscles. He will naturally experience some discomfort just like a person would if they exercised after weeks of no activity. So we needed to consider

“I don’t think he would have recovered if I didn’t bring him here,” says Reynolds. “I love it here. Everyone is so nice and helpful. Arthur is not 100 percent but he is functional. He can get around and go to the bathroom on his own.” DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

Dr. Lara Sypniewski encourages Arthur, an 11-year-old shepherd mix, as he relearns how to stand with the help of a physioball.

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

2014 Oklahoma State University

Bucking horse Big Tex recovered from colic surgery at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital.

A Celebrity’s in the House Big Tex is a world-famous bucking horse owned by Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo. The 14-year-old bay was named the 2010 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Bareback Horse of the Year and was scheduled to compete during the final round at the 2014 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Okla. But he didn’t feel much like bucking on Saturday, April 12, when he arrived at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital at 9 p.m.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

BIG TEX HAS BEEN SELECTED TO BUCK AT THE

NATIONAL FINALS RODEO SEVEN STRAIGHT TIMES—FOUR IN BAREBACK RIDING AND THREE IN SADDLE BRONC RIDING. IN 2010, HE WAS PART OF ONE OF THE WORLDRECORD 94-POINT BAREBACK RIDES WHEN TILDEN HOOPER RODE HIM IN SILVER CITY, N.M. HE ALSO TIED THE NFR ARENA RECORD WHEN FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BOBBY MOTE SCORED 91.5 POINTS ON HIM IN 2008.

Dr. Chase Whitfield (OSU CVM ’11), equine surgery resident on call that night, met the horse trailer driven by Travis Adams, Carr’s operations manager. Big Tex had been under the care of Whitfield’s classmate, Dr. Grace Richter of Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Okla. Richter referred the case to OSU. The 1,200-pound, 16-hands-high horse was suffering from colic.

champions. Once we had him in the standing food animal surgery room, we anesthetized him and hoisted him onto a rolling table. We then moved him down the veterinary hospital hallway and into the equine surgery room where we again hoisted him onto the equine operating table.”

and medication. Usually he’s out in the pasture with a herd of horses. We brought in a 20-year-old from the herd to keep him company and hopefully relaxed so he can start healing,” says Whitfield.

According to Pete Carr, owner of the stock contracting company that promotes and produces Whitfield performed the sur- rodeo events, bucking horses are gery assisted by Dr. Daniel Burba. all different. Burba, DVM, DACVS, was a profes“Some live until they are in there Richter had determined that sor of equine surgery at Louisiana 30s. Some buck into their 20s, othBig Tex had a displacement of the State University School of Veteri- ers not quite that long,” says Carr. colon between the spleen and the nary Medicine at the time. He was “We produce about 30 rodeos kidney. She and her team had per- at OSU on a three-week locum a year,” adds Carr. “I’m passionate formed a rolling maneuver to try to and since then, his appointment about the livestock and producing help move the colon off the horse’s to OSU (Veterinary Clinical Sci- the best events I can that entertain spleen. Using a tractor, the horse’s ences) was approved at the Octo- people. This was our first visit to hind legs were lifted off the ground. ber Regents meeting. OSU’s Veterinary Medical HospiAfter two days with no improve“Big Tex has a 10-inch incision tal, and it was outstanding.” ment, the decision was made to on his belly from the colic surgery,” Big Tex left the hospital for bring him to OSU for surgery. Whitfield says. “Colic is always a home in Athens, Texas, six days With the help of food animal risk. Once I opened him, I was after his successful surgery. Even internal medicine resident Dr. able to inject fluid directly into though he appeared docile in the Emily Reppert, Whitfield guided his colon to relieve the blockage. hospital, Whitfield warns that he Big Tex through the cattle chutes Fortunately, I didn’t need to go will buck as soon as you put a flank into the food- animal standing sur- into the colon, which would have strap on him. But the big horse made his recovery longer and more won’t be working anytime soon. gery room. “It was quite a process to move difficult.” “He will be off the rodeo circuit Three days later, Big Tex was off for about four to six months. He’s him since he is not halter broke,” Whitfield remembers. “Big Tex antibiotics and pain medication a cross of some type — any horse is not the type of horse you put and walking around with no obvi- that size has some draft horse in a halter on and lead around the ous signs of discomfort. him,” adds Whitfield. barn. He’s bred to be a buck“He’s not used to being confined And that’s all the better to buck ing horse, not the family pet. He in a stall. However, I was able to those cowboys off! comes from a long line of bucking place a catheter in him for fluids DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

2014 Oklahoma State University

Lil Red Runaway

Racing to Win EDDIE JOHNS / COURTESY

OSU HELPS QUARTER HORSES OVERCOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL

t began with a quarter horse “This baby was so sick. She mare owned by Eddie Johns couldn’t stand by herself,” says of Altus, Okla. The mare had a Johns. “My best friend, David, foal with an infected hock. Johns came with me when we brought turned to OSU’s Veterinary Medi- her to Stillwater. He had to hold her up while Lyndi started an IV cal Hospital for treatment. on her.” “I was in my residency when

Eddie first came to OSU,” recalls Dr. Lyndi Gilliam, who has been teaching equine internal medicine at the Veterinary Medical Hospital for the past eight years. “The foal’s joint and bone were so severely infected that I didn’t think she would get sound. We treated her for a long time and amazingly, she went on to race.” Then there was that foal’s sister — Lil Red Runaway.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

And what a road it was. While it took a long time for the young horse to heal, Lil Red Runaway also ended up racing.

“Lil Red ran in the Iowa Double Gold Futurity,” Johns says. “She ran the fastest qualifying time and “It was the worst case of pneumo- placed second by two-hundredths nia I have ever seen,” says Dr. Gil- of a second. She ran her heart out liam. “I told Eddie that we can try every time and gave me everything but I don’t think we can save this she had.” filly. We put her on oxygen and “I watched Lil Red Runaway run hourly albuterol treatments, like at Remington Park in Oklahoma asthmatics take, to open the foal’s City,” says Gilliam. “She placed airways. We followed this regime third that day. It was a highlight of treating her for months and she, my career, because I never thought too, got better.” she would walk let alone race. It’s

“After she came back home, it a wonderful feeling to know you took many more months to get played a role in healing her as a her healed. Lyndi would show baby so she could grow and go on me ultrasounds of her lungs and to reach her potential.” you could see all the scarring and Lil Red raced for two years lesions. She probably shouldn’t before Johns retired her. Last year, have made it. Even though Lil Red she gave birth to a colt named never gave up and was a fighter, it Famous Lil Runaway and in the was Lyndi’s quick action and accu- spring of 2014, she gave birth to a rate diagnosis that got her on the filly named Redheads Run Hotter. road to recovery.”

“I have brought many horses to OSU,” adds Johns. “It doesn’t matter what the problem is, I know it will get taken care of. Dr. Gilliam loves her job and she is good at it and that makes a difference. The prices are reasonable, and I have full confidence in the services provided.”

been through a lot with Lil Red. He never gave up, and I’m glad we were able to pull her through for him. Hopefully Redheads Run Hotter will bring him many successful races. We wish him and his wife, Vanisa, all the best.”

“I am so grateful to Lyndi for her dedication to saving horses,” says “It amazes me that we were not Johns. “I truly believe I would not only able to save Lil Red Runaway have Lil Red if it weren’t for her. This when she was a baby but that she horse has never let me down and has went on to race and earn money. always exceeded my expectations. And now she has given birth to She truly makes me smile every day. this beautiful filly, Redheads Run Thank you,Lyndi and OSU.” Hotter,” says Gilliam. “Eddie has DERINDA BLAKENEY

EDDIE JOHNS / COURTESY

Lil Red Runaway and Redheads Run Hotter.

2014 Oklahoma State University

Walking Tall OSU HELPS SAVE RESCUED HORSE’S LEG WITH RARE PROCEDURE GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Bob Williams, manager of Ranch Hand Rescue, comforts Spirit.

Bob Williams, Drs. Sammy Pittman and Michael Schoonover with Spirit.

The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences brought one rescued horse’s leg back with a unique procedure. Spirit had been beaten with a baseball bat before he was saved by Ranch Hand Rescue in Texas. “I believe all life is precious,” says Bob Williams of Ranch Hand Rescue. “If we can take these animals and give them a good quality of life, there are all kinds of people that will adopt them and give them love. We have adopted many into our sanctuary where they become therapy horses.” Dr. Sammy Pittman of Innovative Equine Podiatry and Veterinary Services has worked with the organization on several cases and consulted with Dr. Mike Schoonover, assistant professor of equine surgery at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, about Spirit’s options. “Dr. Pittman actually referred the case to us,” says Schoonover. “Initially, I didn’t think Spirit was a great candidate for this particular

procedure because of the severity of his angulation and the length of time that had lapsed since the original injury.

“We are starting to see some changes radiographically, which indicates the bones are healing together and that’s a good sign. Because of the severity of his angu“The procedure we performed lation, Spirit is having a little more is not commonly done. It involves trouble than I would like from a fusing all the joints of the knee. rehabilitation standpoint. EssenHorses have three separate joints tially, he has to re-learn to walk in their knee. We used stainless using the joints above and below steel bone plates and applied them his knee, which is now stiff. We’re across the joints so that the joints trying some different splints and no longer move. After talking with devices to help him walk better, Dr. Pittman and hearing Bob Williams describe the horse and the but he’s certainly come a long work they are doing, we decided to way from where he was initially,” try the procedure. This is only the reports Schoonover. And through it all, Spirit has third procedure of this type that I been very cooperative. have done,” explains Schoonover.

Schoonover, a 2000 OSU DVM grad, joined the faculty in 2012. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Since earning his DVM degree from OSU in 2003, Pittman has studied under internationally known equine podiatrist Dr. Ric Redden to enhance his knowledge in treating hoof ailments. Innovative Equine Podiatry and Veterinary Services PLLC is located in Tulsa.

Ranch Hand Rescue is a nonprofit farm animal rescue center “Spirit is a really unique horse. and sanctuary in Argyle, Texas. For Schoonover did the surgery and then Pittman, who is also a farrier, He has maintained a good dispo- more information, visit ranchhanbuilt a special shoe for Spirit to sition, considering all he’s been drescue.org or contact Bob Wilhelp the horse’s good foot, which through,” says Schoonover. liams at (940) 464-0985. was already overloaded and weak. “Oklahoma State University was View two videos about Spirit: okla.st/1jOajD3 Schoonover finished up with a cast progressive and innovative on how and okla.st/qhsgcwn. on the repaired leg — orange, of they treated Spirit and it’s working,” course, to show their OSU spirit. adds Williams. The surgery was a success.

2014 Oklahoma State University

Settling Stomach Issues OSU TREATS BULLDOGGING HORSE FOR ULCERS AND MORE Ulcers in a horse are not good. But it was good when equine veterinarians at Oklahoma State treated the horse, which went on to win money for his owners.

“Stevie is doing great,” says Nikki. “Jason won first place in the first round of the American Cowboys Rodeo Association (ACRA) Final and second place in the second round. He also won the average at the ACRA Final.” Drs. Lyndi Gilliam and Todd Holbrook, equine internal medicine specialists at OSU’s Stevie and Jason placed ninth overall in Veterinary Medical Hospital, are truly excited the 2014 International Finals Rodeo in Oklaabout their patient’s progress. Stevie, a 14-year- homa City. old bay quarter horse owned by Nikki and In June 2014, Stevie returned to OSU’s VetJason Stewart of Bristow, Okla., has been treated erinary Medical Hospital. Dr. Todd Holbrook, twice at OSU. equine section chief who is also board certi-

Holbrook and his team performed an endoscopic exam of Stevie’s stomach.

“Stevie had gastric ulcers, so we put him on medication that changes the Ph in the stomach. Since horses are made to continually graze, their system is constantly making gastric acid,” explains Holbrook. “We have prescribed Gastro Guard™ by Merial, which is similar to Prilosec™ taken by humans. In two weeks, we will have Stevie come back and we’ll scope him again. If the ulceration is gone, we will lower Stevie first came to OSU in July 2013 after fied in veterinary sports medicine and rehabil- the dose by giving him Ulcer Guard. This will work as a preventive to keep his stomach ulcers having an adverse reaction to medication he itation, was assigned to the case. was given for a snakebite. “The owners think Stevie may have ulcers,” from flaring up.” Thanks to the work of both Gilliam and “We’ve owned Stevie for nine years. He’s in says Holbrook. “Poor performance and change Holbrook, Stevie is healthy, back to work and his prime. Jason rides him in bulldogging,” says in appetite are common clinical signs that will racking up points in bulldogging on the InterNikki Stewart. “We thought he was a goner.” give owners a hint that a horse may have ulcers. national Finals Rodeo circuit. The horse lost significant weight. Two veter- Nikki noticed that Stevie had been consuming DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR inarians had tried to treat Stevie but his symp- his grain slowly. Horses typically have consistoms kept progressing, so Dr. Jerry Randall tent eating habits, and she noticed it was now contacted Gilliam and referred Stevie to OSU’s taking him a long time to finish his grain.” Veterinary Medical Hospital. “One of our findings from Stevie’s examination made us suspect he could be suffering from an adverse reaction to one of the medications he had been given,” explains Gilliam. “We performed an ultrasound and blood work, which confirmed our suspicions. Since he had been bitten by a snake, one of our concerns was heart damage, so we carefully evaluated his heart and found no abnormalities. All Stevie’s symptoms could be attributed to his medication. Stevie was suffering from right dorsal colitis, which is a complication that can occur in horses treated with anti-inflammatory medications similar to ibuprofen in people. We treated him with other medications to help his colon heal and changed his diet until his colon completely recovered.” By November 2013 the horse had gained back most of his weight and was ready to compete once again.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

LONESOME DOG PHOTOGRAPHY (OWNED AND OPERATED BY DR. DEBBIE FIMPLE, RETIRED VETERINARIAN FROM THE CLASS OF 1983)

Jason Stewart and his horse Stevie.

Daisy, a Jersey cow, was donated to OSU by an alumna.

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

California Gal Comes to Stillwater DONATED HEIFER HELPS STUDENTS LEARN, TREAT SICK CATTLE She came all the way from Bakersfield, Calif., compliments of her donor, Amanda Wright, DVM, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2012. Born a twin with a male calf, this Jersey cow needed a new home.

“I wanted to give back to OSU Vet Med and find a donor cow that met their qualifications. Our practice covers about 110,000 cows and heifers, so I had just a few to pick from,” she says with a smile. “Daisy is a ‘free-martin’ heifer. “Since I graduated, I have been working at Because of a cow’s placental attachment, the Veterinarian’s Outlet, a veterinary practice male twin’s hormone crossed over to the female, under Animal Health International,” explains causing her to become sterile. Daisy doesn’t Wright. “We are a dairy practice in Bakersfield.” have a functioning reproductive tract. She can’t Wright’s duties include being a veterinar- get pregnant, and she can’t give milk. And if a ian in the morning and a microbiologist in cow does not make milk on a dairy, she gets a career change.” the afternoon. “Most mornings I spend time on the dairy doing herd checks and palpating cows. I also help with dystocias or difficult or abnormal births, calf hood vaccination, and an occasional surgery. In the afternoon, I’m managing the Milk Quality Lab, where we diagnose all the milk quality results and report the findings to clients.” So how did Wright come to donate Daisy to OSU?

“Jersey cows tend to be a sweet-natured breed and smaller in size, therefore Daisy is a perfect donor cow,” says Dr. Melanie Boileau, food animal section chief at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. “She is not only a great teaching tool for the veterinary students, she also serves as a blood and rumen fluid donor. In this way, Daisy is donating back by helping us treat sick cattle in need.”

“Donations come in all forms; this one is named Daisy and moos,” adds Wright. Wright loaded up Daisy and personally drove the cow from Bakersfield to Stillwater. After dropping Daisy at the veterinary hospital, she headed south to Fort Worth, Texas, for the National Mastitis Council Conference. “I ended up making a 3,000-mile road trip, getting in some continuing education and stopping to see friends and classmates along the way,” says Wright. “Daisy is one lucky heifer at her new home in Stillwater, where she will hopefully impact many students over her years to come.” And for all the students who will learn from Daisy, Wright has this to offer: “Find out what your passion in life is and make a job out of it. If you are not sure of what you want to do, learn what you don’t want to do. That will help narrow down your options until you find your passion. I work hard but I love what I am doing, so it doesn’t feel like work at all.”

2014 Oklahoma State University

Getting a LEG Up

KNEE REPLACEMENTS ARE GOING TO THE DOGS THESE DAYS

Dr. Mark Rochat has been performing small animal surgeries for 20 years at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. As most veterinarians do, he is constantly working to improve his skill set, learning the latest techniques, trying the newest technology. Already a board-certified veterinary surgeon, he has added yet another skill to his veterinary medicine bag. Dr. Rochat has been certified to perform total knee replacements and has successfully done so in several dogs. While learning this new skill, Rochat has been diligently mentoring surgery residents and junior faculty members in the technique. In fact, OSU is leading the country in the number of knee replacements done and he will be helping to teach the course in the near future. Here are just two successful knee replacement case stories.

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Addie rolls over for a belly rub from her “Dad” Ryan Gorman.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Ryan and Janae Gorman and Dr. Mark Rochat are all happy with Addie’s progress following the dog’s knee replacement surgery performed by Dr. Mark Rochat, small animal surgeon. PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Addie Gorman is a yellow Labrador retriever who turned 5 in May 2014. She has been with Ryan and Janae Gorman since she was 12 weeks old.

“We couldn’t understand why she was the last puppy left,” says Ryan Gorman. “But then we soon discovered she has leg problems.” The first issue arose in January 2012. “We were playing in the yard,” recalls Gorman. “Addie jumped up, and I heard a sound like a rubber band snapping. I knew that wasn’t good.” By March 2012, Addie had her first knee surgery on her left knee to replace torn ligaments with artificial ones. In May 2012, the surgery had to be redone. By August 2012, her right knee went out due to the extra use and weight it had to bear while her left knee recuperated. By March 2013, Addie was doing underwater treadmill and laser therapies with little improvement. “On July 31, 2013, Addie’s veterinarians referred us to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital,” says Gorman. “The next day Addie was undergoing surgery.” With OSU small animal surgeons Drs. Mark Rochat, J.T. Walker, Jeremiah Moorer and Jason Duell on the case, it was discovered that Addie’s left knee was infected. “They had to take out all of her implants or artificial ligaments to clean out the infection,” says Gorman. “Then they had to wait to make sure the infection was all gone. Originally, Addie’s surgery was scheduled for February 2014. But there was one small spot on her incision that they didn’t like the looks of so we opted to wait and be 100 percent sure she was infection-free before operating.”

In mid-March 2014, Addie had her left knee totally replaced. After chewing off the cone that was supposed to keep her from disturbing her sutures and breaking through the third door on the Gormans’ utility room, Addie showed her separation anxiety clearly.

“I love these guys,” says Gorman. “They have been great. All the students and staff know Addie, and she is glad to see them. Being OSU graduates we knew the hospital was here; we just didn’t know you could go right in and use it for wellness care as well as emergencies. Addie is doing great. She is off all the anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication she was previously on.”

“My wife and I are both accountants, so we work all day,” says Gorman. “Dr. Rochat offered to keep Addie and rehab her on-site and literally babysit her at the same time. Students would be “We are very happy with the results. Addie able to check on her frequently when she wasn’t can have a real life now,” adds Janae Gorman. in rehabilitation down the hall. So for nine “We really appreciate owners like you who weeks, I would drive to Stillwater on Monday are willing to take the steps necessary to fix the morning and drop Addie off. Then we would problem,” says Rochat. “We start with stabilizing pick her up on Friday so she could come home the knee and medical therapy for osteoarthrifor the weekend. Everyone at the hospital has tis but, if that doesn’t work, we historically had been awesome. We would get an update every very limited options. Before total knee replacemorning and every evening. They were wonder- ment, we could choose either amputation of the ful about answering all of our questions even limb, fusion of the knee, or euthanasia, none of if we called late at night.” which offer a chance to re-establish a functional On May 30, 2014, Addie was released to leg. Today, I am glad we have something better to offer that gives the dog its mobility, pain free.” go home. “She no longer has to be in a crate. She needs to be confined to one room when we are not there for about one more week,” Gorman says at her release. “She has to be on a leash when she’s outside. Addie is walking with no problem. Her leg looks normal. Addie doesn’t realize she has a new knee but the muscles and ligaments need time to heal.”

CONTINUES

“Her radiographs look good. Her implants are nice and tight; everything is in place,” says Dr. J.T. Walker. “Addie is 12 weeks out from her surgery, and it’s time we start letting her get back to being a dog. Monitor her behavior. If you see her limping, if there is swelling or signs of discomfort, please call us.”

2014 Oklahoma State University

Franklin Morris is a 7-year-old boxer. He is owned by Jason Morris, an Air Force pilot. Jason watched Franklin’s parents grow up and has had Franklin since he was a puppy. It was November 2012 when Jason first knew there was a problem with the dog’s knee.

“At the time, I was stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid,” Morris says. “I discovered that OSU was the only place in the region that had an underwater treadmill. I was bringing Frankie in for therapy with Laura Moorer and we had Drs. Mark Rochat, J.T. Walker and Jeremiah Moorer come in and look at him.” Dr. Rochat ordered a biopsy and scope on Franklin’s knee. What they found was not good news. “There was a disgusting infection in Franklin’s knee that had destroyed his meniscus, cartilage and ACL,” says Jason. “It was awful. Before we could do anything, they had to stop the infection.” Three antibiotic gel injections were administered directly into the dog’s knee at two-week intervals. For three months, Franklin received three antibiotic shots a day as well.

“The amazing part of all this is that OSU “I would bring Franklin to OSU for the knee injections and scopes. The three shots a day veterinary team was able to take a fully septic of antibiotics I was able to give him at home,” joint, get rid of the infection and replace the knee successfully. There is no cement in the says Morris. By July 2013, Franklin’s infection was gone, bone; it is all natural,” adds Morris.

and he was ready for knee replacement surgery.

Ten months later, Jason reports that Frankie is running and playing.

“Frankie stayed at the Vet Med Hospital for seven to 10 days to make sure everything was OK and that there were no problems. Then we began his physical therapy,” says Morris.

“On a cold day, he may be a little stiff but once you get him warmed up, he’s good to go,” Morris says.

Franklin’s knee issues brought Morris to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital for the first time. He was genuinely pleased with the entire process.

Morris was so impressed by everything that was done for Franklin that he has decided to get his degree to become a certified canine physical therapist.

“There is a huge need, and no one in this area “I asked Dr. Rochat about knee replacement surgery,” says Morris. “I had been researching it is doing it,” says Morris. “If people are willing and found that he had been doing hip replace- to spend $5,000 for surgery on their pet, they ment surgeries with great success. His reputa- will be willing to spend $300 to $400 on the tion among veterinarians was so highly touted physical therapy.” that I knew he was the only one I wanted operMorris has been serving in the military for ating on my dog. Dr. Rochat’s response was, ‘It’s 10 years. He was deployed to the Middle East funny you should ask as I just became certified this summer. And when he returns, Franklin to perform the surgery.’ He and Drs. Walker and will be able to run up and greet him, thanks Moorer are phenomenal — top notch. I would to the new knee. drive across the country to see these guys. The DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR level of care was stellar from the cardiologist to the surgeon to the physical therapist. JASON MORRIS COURTESY

Franklin strolls around the base where his “Dad” serves as an Air Force pilot showing no indications that the dog has had a total knee replacement.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Pete’s Pet Posse OSU LAUNCHES NATION’S MOST WAGGIN’ THERAPY PROGRAM

Oklahoma State is committed to be “America’s Healthiest Campus”® and continues to establish many programs to improve nutrition, increase physical activities and develop better overall health practices for its employees and students. Pete’s Pet Posse was established by OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences in cooperation with its Veterinary Medical Hospital, University Counseling, Human Resources and the Employee Assistance Program to improve the emotional welfare of faculty, staff and students and alumni and campus visitors as well. CONTINUES GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Disco, a miniature Australian Shepherd owned by Rick Eggers of ITLE, visits with students in the Student Union during the first week of classes this fall.

2014 Oklahoma State University

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

he first of its kind in the nation, Pete’s Pet Posse uses OSU’s own faculty and staff to provide a wellness benefit to the entire OSU population by placing therapy dogs in various departments on campus. Animals serve their “office” and conduct other visits across campus as requested. Visits are conducted in a variety of places, including new employee orientation, new student orientation, the library, residence halls, sorority/fraternity houses, etc. Research has shown that exposure to and contact with animals has a soothing effect, which can decrease blood pressure, reduce stress and calm agitation. These therapy dogs provide great emotional support for all they meet.

Clinical Professor in Small Animal Medicine at the hospital, followed up with aggressive rehabilitation to help Scruff regain normal function. “Scruff received water therapy, laser therapy and even acupuncture,” Hargis continues. “When we learned of his story, we were just starting Pete’s Pet Posse and were looking for a dog. It was at that time the Veterinary Medical Hospital mentioned what a great disposition this young dog had. We adopted each other, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Dr. Syp for her creative and innovative approach and to the aspiring veterinary students for the many hours of attention and care they provided Scruff.”

Each therapy dog and its owner/ handler must complete an application that will be reviewed by the program’s Advisory Board. Owners are interviewed, and all animals must receive a physical exam by a veterinarian at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. Also, a trainer must evaluate the animal’s disposi“Scruff was being abused in his tion to make sure it is a good candineighborhood. He had been shot date for the program. All dogs and and was unable to use his front left handlers must complete the trainleg,” says Ann Hargis. “He was res- ing program to become certified cued by three OSU students who as a pet therapy dog in Pete’s Pet brought him to OSU’s Veterinary Posse. Animals are not the property Medical Hospital. The students of OSU, but live at home with their turned to social media to raise the families and volunteer on behalf of the university. funds needed to treat Scruff.” Instrumental in creating and implementing the pilot phase of the program, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis is leading the way by example. She and President Hargis adopted an abandoned dog, Scruff, and he has been accepted into the program as a therapy dog.

Drs. Mark Rochat, small animal surgery section chief, and Jason Duell, small animal surgery resident, at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital treated Scruff. Dr. Lara Sypniewski, the Henthorne

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

In addition to receiving free annual wellness exams from OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, each dog is given a specially designed orange vest to wear when volunteering as an OSU therapy dog, a collar and a leash.

Pete’s Pet Posse consists of 14 trained dogs. Here are the dogs, their owner/handler and the department each volunteers for:

ZIPPER , owned by

Alissa Cable, Center for Veterinary

Health Sciences

CHARLIE , owned by Kendria Cost, Department of Human Resources

DISCO , owned by

Rick Eggers, Institute for Teaching and

Learning Excellence

SOPHIE , owned by Joy Fieldsend, Alumni Association

COOPER , owned by

Holley Hansen and Stephen Nemeth,

Political Science

SCRUFF , owned by Ann Hargis, Office of the President

SANDY , owned by Gaylene Hargrove, Bursar’s Office

BELLA , owned by Jan Jewell, OSU Foundation

CHICO , owned by

Elizabeth Lohrman, Seretean Wellness

Center

WINNIE , owned by

Sherri Longan, Applied Health and

Educational Psychology

KILO , owned by

Katelyn McAdams, Human Development

and Family Science

NALA , owned by Jill Murray, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences

ROCKY , owned by

Allie Potts, Louis Stokes Alliance for

Minority Participation, Department of Institutional Diversity

EVIE , owned by Lorinda Schrammel, Human Resources

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Ann Hargis brings in Scruff for his checkup with Dr. Lara Sypniewski. The dog was originally found with a gunshot wound to his leg, but he has fully recovered.

“Scruff loves going to campus and being around faculty, staff and students. He is proud to wear his orange vest and when he wears it, he knows that it is time to be compassionate and go to work,” says Ann. “It is amazing to me that after all he has been through he still wants to give back. His love is pure and unconditional, and I like to say he is giving back in true Cowboy spirit.” Proud sponsors of Pete’s Pet Posse include HomeAgain, Merial and Nestlé Purina PetCare. “Like Scruff, many of the dogs in the program were rescued from a shelter. If a dog has not yet been microchipped, HomeAgain will provide this service at no cost

to the owner,” says Sypniewski. “Nestlé provides the dog food so our therapy dogs are ‘powered by Purina’ to do their very best. And Merial provides our hospital with vaccinations and heartworm prevention medication as well as flea and tick preventative to ensure the dogs stay healthy.”

program, she is also volunteering her time at the local humane society to get her puppy fix,” says Hargis. “Dr. Lee Bird, VP of student affairs, sometimes uses a dog as she visits students who are in crisis or need to talk but are having a hard time. It’s also as simple as hearing the comments made as we are out on campus. ‘This is the best thing And the success stories keep that has happened to me all day’ coming in as the program grows or ‘I saw the dogs, and that makes from the first two therapy dogs my heart so happy.’ Perhaps the — Charlie and Evie — to 14 dogs, most obvious signs are the smiles fully trained and operational. the dogs bring. As people interact “A freshman met one of the dogs with the dogs, they can’t help but the first day of classes. She burst smile, ask questions and even share into tears and said, ‘I am not homepictures of their own dogs. ” sick for anything except my dogs.’ DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR She keeps in touch with one of our owners/handlers. As a result of the For more information on Pete’s Pet Posse, visit www.PetTherapy.okstate.edu. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

TORNADO VICTIM GIVES BACK Evie came to Oklahoma State University’s Veterinary Medical Hospital in May 2013. She was found wandering the streets of Shawnee, Okla., after a tornado blew through, leaving a trail of destruction. The 2-year-old spayed black-and-tan shepherd was full of ticks and tested positive for heartworm. “We cleaned her up, took her picture and posted her information on various social media sites hoping her owners would come and claim her,” says Dr. Lara Sypniewski, Henthorne Clinical Professor of Small Animal Medicine, a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist and a community practice veterinarian at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. Her owners never came. But instead of giving up, Evie is giving back. “Evie is a wonderful dog. She loves people and really thrives on any attention students or fellow clinicians give her,” says Sypniewski. “She has completed training to be a member of Pete’s Pet Posse, and works out of OSU’s Human Resources Department.” “Evie has gone from being a victim to helping those who are less fortunate and could benefit by a warm, friendly wag of her tail,” adds Sypniewski. “We hope people will see the good that can come out of a bad situation and support Evie’s health care and training by giving to Pete’s Pet Posse.” DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

For more information on Pete’s Pet Posse, contact Health Clay, senior director of development, Oklahoma State University Foundation, 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074 or call 405-385-5607.

Evie, a member of Pete’s Pet Posse, and her handler, Lorinda Schrammel. 18

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GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

A MEDICAL MIRACLE BREATHING PROBLEMS, PANCREATITIS, DIABETES AND CATARACTS — IN LESS THAN 10 POUNDS OF FLUFF

Frankie KASI KENNEDY / OSU FOUNDATION

Smith did her best to make Frankie’s stay assie Smith’s Brussels Griffon, Francis “Frankie came to us to recover after emer“Frankie” Smith probably shouldn’t gency surgery in Oklahoma City,” explains as comfortable as possible. According to thenbe around anymore. However, this Dugat. “He had pancreatitis that became so fourth year veterinary students Whitney Fry and 9-pound ball of wonder celebrated his 6th birth- severe it essentially was melting away or kill- Alisha Rogers, Frankie’s ICU cage was covered day in July 2014, thanks to the surgical exper- ing his pancreas. His condition, called necrotiz- with photos and quotes from home. tise of Dr. Danielle Dugat at OSU’s Center for ing pancreatitis, then led to the development “When Frankie was finally discharged, I left Veterinary Health Sciences. of an abscess. I had to take him into a second the Jesus Calling Daily Devotional book I had Frankie, who lives with his owner in Okla- emergency surgery in an attempt to resolve the read to him or had Alisha or Whitney read to homa City, first visited OSU’s Veterinary Medi- abscess. He should have died from the necro- him on days I couldn’t make it,” says Smith. cal Hospital in June 2012. Dugat, a small animal tizing pancreatitis and abscess formation, but “Having this daily reminder of the greatest power of all with him every day made a huge surgeon at the hospital, operated on Frankie he made it through.” for his upper airway syndrome, shortening his Operating on a dog Frankie’s size is a chal- difference, so we hoped it might give other long soft palate that was obstructing his breath- lenge, especially when the abscess was prac- patients, parents and ICU members hope to ing — a common problem in flat-nosed breeds. tically stuck to every one of the small dog’s keep going in the future. My faith, along with After the surgery, Frankie was a healthy, organs. Dugat had to be very exact in removing the other prayer warriors out there, along happy little dog until he developed suspected the abscess without damaging Frankie’s vital with the skill and expertise God so generously pancreatitis in July 2013. Drs. Mike Linville organs. Due to the complexity of the abscess, a graced these hardworking and well-educated (OSU CVM ‘91) and Meghan Ritchie of Vet- drain was placed in his belly cavity after surgery doctors, surgeons, technicians and students erinary Emergency and Critical Care Hospital to prevent the abscess from re-forming while with are what pulled Frankie through and still are each day.” in Oklahoma City performed the initial tests. he was being treated with antibiotics. Once Frankie was stabilized following emergency surgery by Dr. Brent Newcomb (OSU CVM ’06) at Veterinary Surgery Center in Oklahoma City, Smith contacted Dugat and brought the dog to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital for aftercare.

Three months later, Frankie again struggled “Frankie came through surgery like a champ,” Smith says. “He was standing just two hours with pancreatitis. In October 2013, he saw Dr. Alicia Bangert, a small animal internal mediafter surgery.” cine resident at the hospital, for a second bout of pancreatitis. Bangert did a plasma transfusion in an attempt to recover him from the painful episode of pancreatitis. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

Since Frankie’s initial surgery, Kassie was warned about the potential that Frankie could develop diabetes due to the serious extent of his pancreatic disease, and by December 2013, Frankie did indeed develop diabetes. Dr. Bangert evaluated Frankie every two weeks to try to regulate his diabetes and control a new problem, high triglycerides. “Dr. Bangert is amazing,” says Smith. “She has answered emails, text messages, and phone calls at all hours of the night during this process with Frankie. She is very thorough and hardworking and I really appreciate it.” “Frankie is a complicated diabetic,” adds Dugat. “He only has part of his pancreas, the organ that makes insulin for the body. And the part that is left is failing.” Frankie was put on insulin to help control his high blood sugar and medication to help control his high triglycerides, a direct effect of being diabetic. In May 2014, the tiny dog would face yet another challenge.

took one look at my precious baby and knew something was wrong. His normally big, bright eyes were cloudy.” Smith panicked not knowing if the diabetes was causing Frankie’s liver to fail, if this was something that could ultimately take him away from her. She called OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital without a second thought and brought Frankie in.

and Smith is instructed to keep him away from drop offs, in-ground swimming pools, anything that could be a threat only because he can’t see it clearly enough to avoid it.

“I am an OSU alumna and so proud of all you do here at the veterinary hospital,” says Smith. “The students are wonderful, the clinicians and staff knowledgeable, and everyone is so supportive. When Dr. Pucket confirmed that Luckily, Dr. Jonathan Pucket, one of OSU’s Francis had cataracts, I just looked at him and board certified veterinary ophthalmologists, said, ‘is this going to kill him?’ After all he has was able to squeeze Frankie in to examine the been through you just wonder what will finally dog. Dr. Pucket confirmed that Frankie has be the end. I’m happy to say that Dr. Pucket said this will not be a threat to Frankie’s overcataracts. all health and he should go through the sur“Frankie has a cataract on his right eye that gery just fine. There have been so many people is blocking 80 percent of his sight,” explains here who have helped Frankie on this journey. Pucket. “His left eye has 40 percent of his vision He really is a miracle dog. There will never be blocked. The cataracts are caused by Frankie’s enough thanks for their hard work, love and diabetes. The extra sugar in his blood stream hope. Everyone at the veterinary hospital is a leads to cataract development and blocks his true blessing to me and Frankie.” vision. If we don’t operate, the cataracts will To help with Frankie’s veterinarian progress and he will lose his sight in both eyes.”

Thankfully, even with his diabetes, Frankie is “He just fell off his ramp one night – he’s always so agile, something was definitely wrong,” a good candidate for cataract surgery. The operasays Kassie. “I picked him up and he seemed fine. tion is scheduled. In the meantime, prescription I had to leave on a trip and when I returned, I eye drops will help keep his eyes comfortable

bills, Smith has pet insurance through Pet Plan Insurance, one of the largest international insurance companies. The insurance covers 80 percent of Frankie’s veterinary care.

KASI KENNEDY / OSU FOUNDATION

Kassie Smith is holding Francis with Dr. Danielle Dugat (left).

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Dr. Peter Emily works on Delilah’s teeth.

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

The Teeth of the Tiger OSU HELPS DENTIST GIVE A BIG CAT 2 ROOT CANALS AND A CAP

A t i g e r f ro m t h e C u l p e p p e r a n d M e r r i we a t h e r C i rc u s o u t o f H u g o, Okla., spent a day in Stillwater in March 2014 but it wasn’t performing. Delilah, a 10½-year-old female tiger, needed some dental work, and OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital had the staff and the facilities to accommodate the 372-pound feline. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

“OSU’s role was to provide anes“I’ve repaired broken bird beaks, thesia services and a table large worked on lions, tigers, snakes — enough to hold Delilah while anything that has a mouth I work Dr. Peter Emily and his assistant on,” says Emily. Susanne performed the necesTrey Key, Delilah’s owner, noticed sary dental work,” says Dr. Meg she wasn’t eating and sought veteriGross, clinical associate professor nary counsel. and head of anesthesiology at the “I’ve had Delilah since March hospital. 2005. She was 1½ years old when Emily is a human dentist who I got her and her brother from has been providing veterinary den- the same litter,” says Key, who has tal services for more than 40 years. owned the circus for 14 years. “I Since 2005, he has promoted oral used some handling maneuvers and dental health of domestic and to get her to open her mouth. I captive exotics worldwide through just started snapping photos so the Peter Emily International Vet- we could see what we were dealing erinary Dental Foundation. with. The veterinarian said Delilah had some teeth that needed work.”

Dr. Emily worked on Delilah for 3 to 3½ hours giving her two root canals and one cap.

one African lion, horses and dogs that perform. The 2014 season ran March through October.

“While Delilah was under anesthesia, we performed a thorough physical exam, along with some preventative health care measures like vaccination and blood work to assess her overall health,” says Jill Murray, RVT, RLATG, VTS then working in the Avian, Exotic and Zoo Medicine Service at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital.

“The circus fits America well because people want to see what’s out there — what’s around the next bend,” says Key. “Last year, we traveled the west coast and this year we’re seeing the Midwest and now Delilah will be well and able to make that journey with us. Thank you, Dr. Emily and OSU.”

Key has been in the circus business for 24 years. His Culpepper and Merriweather Circus employs 30 people. In addition to Delilah and her brother, the circus has

A few weeks after her visit to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, Key reported that Delilah was doing well. OSU was glad to help the show go on — after all, who doesn’t like a circus? DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Delilah is a 372-pound tiger with the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, Hugo, Okla.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

While Dr. Michael Lorenz says his work at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences involves “everything from kissing puppies” to much more, the tables are sometimes turned on him.

Changing Focus LORENZ WORKS TO KEEP CONNECTIONS STRONG WITH STUDENTS, PATIENTS AND ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

r. Michael Lorenz, former dean of the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, has always maintained relationships with veterinary students, even while handling his academic administration duties. “Teaching has always been very dear to my heart,” Lorenz says. “As dean at OSU, I did a lot of classroom teaching, but maintained viability in the veterinary hospital in neurology.”

Lorenz is the only OSU vet student to return to the college as dean. Through the years he has earned many honors, from the Dean McElroy Award as outstanding student in his graduating class to the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Rodney’s father. All the subterfuge involved in his heritage made it all the more interesting.” At last a colony was developed and was later moved to Johns Hopkins. It was determined Rodney and his relatives had a disorder called paraspinal muscular atrophy.

“The case became the model for He was named the 2011 Vet- these neurological conditions in erinarian of the Year and was people,” Lorenz says. “We were sucjust inducted into the Oklahoma cessful in getting the genes into Higher Education Hall of Fame. beagles, which are easier to manA few cases over the years have age. We look to them as models for kept his attention. their human counterparts.”

So when he wanted to set aside the administrative position, the transition back to his clinical and “Rodney the Brittany Spanteaching environment was rela- iel was one for sure,” Lorenz says. tively easy. “During my time at the University “I maintained a relationship with of Georgia, Rodney was seen by students and faculty,” he says. “I’ve another doctor for a neurological been involved in the daily life of disorder. The diagnosis was canine the veterinary college. Deans at distemper, but I was relatively sure other colleges asked how I did that. that was not the case. I was suspiMy observation over many years cious he had an inherited neurois that if you want to maintain a degenerative disease.” relationship with students, you go A series of diagnostic tests were where the students are. They don’t done because the symptoms were willingly come to the dean’s office.” very much like some human pedi-

Three other models are used in the research, he says — two in cat colonies and the third uses Gordon setters. Lorenz graduated with his DVM from OSU in 1969 and completed his internship and residency at Cornell University. He served on the faculty at the University of Georgia from 1972 to 1988 and as the dean of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University until 1994. In 1997, he joined the faculty at OSU as associate dean for academic affairs. He was appointed acting dean in 2001 and dean in 2004.

He returned to fulltime teach- atric and neonatal diseases. ing in August 2011 after he retired “He had the strangest gait on the from administration. His com- planet,” Lorenz says. “He appeared mitment earned him the 2013 to be a sentinel case of a dog with a Regent’s Distinguished Teach- neurological disease like ALS. That He says his full retirement probing Award. wasn’t the case, but he was a dead ably will be in July 2015. Lorenz maintains a very full ringer for some other pediatric and “I am hoping to be back on a schedule at the veterinary hospital, neonatal neurological disorders.” part-time basis,” Lorenz says. “I seeing patients Monday through The National Institutes of would like to be back to part-time Thursday with appointments every Health wanted to establish a col- teaching on a relief basis.” 30 minutes. ony of dogs with the same issue Lorenz serves on the board of “It’s everything from kissing pup- in order to study the disorder, the Judith Karman Hospice and pies and petting kittens to telling Lorenz says. served as president for two years. an owner it is time to put this dog “We tried to find Rodney’s sib- His professional life dovetails with down. I call it an Alpha to Omega lings and parents,” he says. “It turns his hospice work. practice,” he says. “I have a lot of out the father listed on Rodney’s “Quality of life is important to consultations; all the dermatology paperwork was a fraud — he was us, and we rejoice in that,” he says. cases are funneled through me, and a surrogate who was posing as I consult on neurology cases.” BEVERLY BRYANT

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

OVMA

PHOTO COURTESY

BARTELS TAKES TOP OKLAHOMA VETERINARIAN HONOR

“It’s a huge honor to be recogr. Kenneth Bartels has been a veterinarian for 40 nized by your colleagues,” says Baryears, touching the lives tels. “After being here for 32 years, of many through service, research when I asked how many in the and teaching. Named the 2014 audience were my students, about Oklahoma Veterinarian of the Year three-quarters of them raised their by the Oklahoma Veterinary Med- hand. You come in contact with ical Association, Bartels currently lots of people and when they are holds the McCasland Professorship in favor of this type of honor, it in Laser Surgery and the Kerr Chair means a lot more.” for Biomedical Laser and PhotonBartels grew up in a farming ics Research in OSU’s Veterinary community in Iowa. He earned Medical Hospital where he is the his DVM degree from Iowa State director of the Biomedical Laser University in 1973. He completed Laboratory. a surgical residency and earned a

master’s degree in veterinary surgery from Colorado State University in 1977. After spending four years in private practice in Iowa and Utah, he joined the faculty at OSU in 1982. “When I was in private practice, I liked the clients the most. I was in a mixed animal practice and enjoyed both the large and the small animals, especially the dairy work.” CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

OVMA

“IF I COULD BE REMEMBERED FOR ONE THING IN MY C A R E E R , I WO U L D WA N T I T TO B E F O R T RY I N G TO P R OV I D E B OT H P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R T I S E A S W E L L A S S E R V I C E TO PAT I E N T S , C L I E N T S A N D M Y C O L L E AG U E S .” — DR. KENNETH BARTELS

However, there is more to the man than his veterinary career. Bartels recently retired as a colonel in the Army Veterinary Corps after 27 years of service, including two years of active duty and three deployments. Throughout his career, Bartels has worked with a variety of species and seen some changes. “The orthopedic cases we see today are more complicated than they were when I first started,” he says. “We work with the zoos, which means seeing anacondas and polar bears. In the military, I worked on bottle-nosed dolphins, belugas and military working dogs. It’s not every day you get to see a blowhole on a beluga (whale). As an adjunct professor in the wildlife department at Utah State, I taught biologist technicians how to do a necropsy in the field on elk, moose and big horn sheep. The diversity in our profession really needs more exploration with more emphasis on public health. Our state epidemiologist is a veterinarian, and that doesn’t happen very often.”

Bartels decided by his sophomore year in high school that he wanted to be a veterinarian.

the AVMA’s Convention Management and Planning Committee for nine years. He is a past president “I ran varsity track at Iowa State of the OVMA and the Southwest for two years. Advisers told me Veterinary Symposium. He is the they didn’t think I could run track AVMA delegate from Oklahoma and devote the necessary time to representing teaching and research studying so I gave up track and on the House Advisory Committee, went to veterinary school,” he says. which he chairs. He also is a mem“There is so much more (in veteri- ber of the AVMA executive board. nary medicine) than just practice. At the center’s Veterinary MediOpportunities that I have taken cal Hospital, Dr. Bartels enjoys the advantage of include the military, diversity of his position. public health, and food defense. “I like dealing with service, Associations with the American research and teaching. In the past Veterinary Medical Association five years, I have collaborated in and the OVMA made me so much research projects with the College more aware of what our profes- of Engineering and the College of sion is. Right now, there is legisla- Arts and Sciences involving lasers tion in Congress and in the state for surgeries and procedures,” he legislature that affect not only vet- says. “As a senior faculty member, erinary medicine but human med- I take the responsibility of mentoicine as well. We need to have our ring younger faculty members as voice heard.” part of our job very seriously.” Bartels has served as the AVMA’s representative to the American National Standards Institute Committee for Laser Safety in Medical Facilities. He was the interactive lab section manager for

OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. “He has been a dedicated mentor to many and has vigorously supported the continued growth of junior faculty. His accomplishments are far reaching, from his military reputation to his significant status in the veterinary community. In addition, he is so much fun to work with and always has a great story to tell! In my 16-year career, I have found few veterinarians that could hold a candle to Dr. Bartels’ accomplishments and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work with such an amazing gentleman.” “If I could be remembered for one thing in my career, I would want it to be for trying to provide both professional expertise as well as service to patients, clients and my colleagues,” adds Bartels.

Out of 34 veterinarians named “I find it quite difficult to put Veterinarian of the Year by the into words the profound impact OVMA, Dr. Kenneth Bartels is the th Dr. Bartels has had on my time 28 to be affiliated with the OSU here at OSU,” says Dr. Lara Syp- Center for Veterinary Health Sciniewski, Henthorne Clinical Pro- ences as either an alumnus or facfessor in Small Animal Medicine at ulty member. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

99TH OVMA CONVENTION AND EXPO

Also honored by the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association were the following alumni: D r . B illy C lay (’70), PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT D r . A ngie D u B ois (’99), DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD D r . S arah K irkpatrick (’06), YOUNG VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR D r . M ark S hackelford (’82), COMPANION ANIMAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR D r . G ary S tone (’78), FOOD ANIMAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR D r . T amara W hite (’05) EQUINE PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR

Also, taking over as president of the OVMA is Dr. Mark Shackelford .

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GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Dr. Melanie Boileau with a young calf that could contract pinkeye — but not if Dr. Boileau’s research work is successful.

Fighting Pinkeye Pinkeye can be as irritating in cattle as it is in humans. And that’s why Melanie Boileau, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, McCasland Clinical Professorship in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, associate professor and food animal section chief in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has been conducting comparative medicine research on Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) or pinkeye for the last seven years. Co-investigator on the project is Kenneth Clinkenbeard, DVM, Ph.D., associate dean, Graduate College, professor in

BOILEAU’S RESEARCH TARGETS BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR THE DISEASE IN CATTLE

the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and adjunct professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. “As a food animal veterinarian, I have developed a strong interest in pinkeye because it is such a common, widespread and contagious disease of cattle,” says Boileau. “Estimated to be the third to fifth most costly cattle disease, it is associated with central corneal ulcers and significant economic loss worldwide. Untreated, IBK can result in corneal scarring and loss of vision, thereby reducing feed efficiency and production.”

The number of cases seen at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital or through OSU’s ambulatory service varies tremendously from year to year. “Generally, we see a handful of cases each year; however, we have faced herd outbreaks,” she says. “For example, in 2012, we had multiple cow-calf herds in the area with pinkeye affecting anywhere from 30 to 90 percent of the animals. This included young calves, mature cows and bulls.” CONTINUES

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Outbreaks usually occur in the summer and typically affect calves more than adult cattle. “IBK is a multifactorial disease,” says Boileau. “The occurrence and clinical severity are strongly influenced by various factors, including transport of the disease through face flies and ocular irritants such as ultraviolet light, dust, wind and trauma from tall grass, brush, plant seeds or awns — those stickers or little burrs that grow wild in fields. While it is difficult to predict pinkeye outbreaks, it is more likely to occur during years with more rainfall, which means more tall grasses and more flies. “When you are examining a group of cattle with pinkeye, you can accidentally transfer the bacteria from one animal to the next via contaminated hands, clothing or tools used such as a rope, nylon halter or nose tongs,” Boileau adds. “And non-clinically affected cattle can serve as a carrier. It is very contagious.” Cattle strains of M. bovis do not readily pass from cattle to humans, therefore, pinkeye is not considered a true zoonotic disease. However a few immunocompromised individuals (infants, elderly, HIV positive, etc.) have developed pinkeye following contact with infected cattle. Pinkeye management hinges on minimizing risk factors for disease and reducing infection with M. bovis of the ocular surface through antimicrobial use and vaccination. “Insecticide-impregnated ear tags or topical insecticide with back/face rubbers to reduce fly populations have proven effective in reducing pinkeye in cattle populations,” she says. “Mowing tall grasses in pastures and erecting wind breaks to house animals away from dusty environments help also. Promptly correcting any nutritional imbalances including deficiencies of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals — particularly copper and selenium — will help as well.” Vaccination against M. bovis can be implemented six to eight weeks before clinical cases of pinkeye are expected. In a herd experiencing pinkeye, treatment plans will vary depending on the number, value and intended purpose of the affected animals, the stage or severity of the condition, existing personnel, and available budget.

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“In vitro, M. bovis is susceptible to a large In order for Dr. Boileau and her team to number of antibiotics; however, regional strain develop a B. bacteriovorus ophthalmic as a treatdifferences in susceptibility may necessitate ment for IBK, several things need to be accomculture and sensitivity prior to antimicrobial plished including production protocols for selection,” says Boileau. “Although antimi- preparation of enriched B. bacteriovorus suspencrobial therapy is the treatment of choice for sions, further development of an ophthalmic pinkeye, no treatment protocol guarantees 100 formulation and adaptation of an IBK model infection for testing the efficacy of B. bacteriovpercent success.” orus ophthalmic as a treatment for IBK. According to Boileau, injection of oxytetracycline (LA 200, Biomycin), florfenicol (Nuflor), “With proper funding, this product will be ceftiofur crystalline free acid (Excede) and used as a biological-based treatment for expertulathromycin (Draxxin) have been effective imentally induced IBK. When the proposed in treating pinkeye in cattle. product is developed, it will be further tested “Oxytretracycline and tulathromycin are for treatment of naturally occurring pinkeye. As two FDA-approved antibiotics labeled for the such, the proposed applied research will move treatment of pinkeye associated with M. bovis this novel antimicrobial treatment to a marketin cattle,” she adds. “The prognosis for cattle able product. Its use in food-producing aniwith pinkeye is good especially if treatment is mals would prevent meat and milk antibiotic instituted early in the disease process. In severe residues, decrease the opportunity for developcases with bilateral involvement, the prognosis ment of bacterial resistance, and avoid local and is poor as corneal rupture will lead to perma- systemic side effects associated with injectable antibiotic administration. That’s a very importnent blindness.” ant byproduct of our work — safe milk and As bacterial pathogens become more resismeat for your family made possible through tant to antibiotics, the search for new antibiotcomparative medical research as OSU’s Cenics and novel treatments for infections caused ter for Veterinary Health Sciences.” by these organisms is a priority among researchers like Boileau and Clinkenbeard.

“One novel treatment is biological ophthalmic therapy using Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109J,” says Boileau. “It is a predatory bacterium capable of killing various bacteria including the IBK agent M. bovis. More specifically, the primary goal of this research is to extend and complete our previous development of a biological, safe, effective, long-lasting, and easy-to-administer ophthalmic formulation consisting of predatory bacterium B. bacteriovorus for the treatment of pinkeye agent M. bovis.” Over the years, Drs. Boileau and Clinkenbeard have received research dollars from several sources to study B. bacteriovorus as treatment for pinkeye in cattle. “We sincerely appreciate the funding that has allowed us to continue our research with B. bacteriovorus including the University of Oklahoma Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (2007-2009), OSU Research Advisory Committee (2008), the National Institutes of Health, Scholars Research Program (2009-2012) and the OSU Technology Business Development Program (2010, 2012).

DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

ABOUT Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus The genus Bdellovibrio was first described by Stolp and Starr in 1963 as bacteriolytic organisms capable of attacking a living bacterium, attaching to its surface, penetrating the cell wall, multiplying inside the host, and causing the cell to burst and release more bacteria into the infested cell within a few hours. B. bacteriovorus has been isolated from a variety of environments including soils, rice paddies, plants, rivers, sewage, fish ponds, irrigation water and mammalian intestines. The potential use of B. bacteriovorus as a biological control or applied therapeutic agent has generated interest and research especially over the past 10 years. However, application of B. bacteriovorus biologic control for IBK has been limited to the research conducted by Dr. Melanie Boileau and Dr. Kenneth Clinkenbeard.

2014 ZOETIS DISTINGUISHED TEACHER AWARD — DR. LYNDI GILLIAM

PAUL WEST CVHS

Students, interns and residents crowd around the conference room table where Dr. Lyndi Gilliam holds ‘rounds.’ There is laughter, openness as in ‘there is no stupid question’ and learning taking place as fourth year veterinary students hone their clinical skills in equine internal medicine. Gilliam has been teaching at Oklahoma State’s Veterinary Medical Hospital for the past eight years. Her dedication, genuine care for her students and expertise in equine veterinary medicine have won her the 2014 Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award. GENESEE PHOTO

Dr. Shawn Blood (Class of 1989), Zoetis beef strategic technical service veterinarian, presents Dr. Lyndi Gilliam the 2014 Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award.

“As a teacher, I was super honored to receive this award,” says Gilliam. “I was shocked and very humbled. I had told my husband that it was on my ‘bucket list’ to earn it one day.”

it for the first time and recognize it, they are excited and I know I have accomplished something.

“I have so many memories. We have had some great laughs in equine medicine,” she adds. “And Gilliam says teaching is a way on a more serious note, it is really she can impact the future of veter- special when you work with a stuinary medicine. dent to overcome a personal or “It is highly rewarding when you professional challenge and they see the light turn on in students’ succeed. I remember one student, heads when they learn something who I thought highly of, did not new,” she smiles. “Teaching also pass the NAVLE (North Amerikeeps my job from being monoto- can Veterinary Licensing Examnous. Every day is gratifying. I may ination) the first time around; have seen the same disease over she was devastated. For many stuand over but when the students see dents becoming a veterinarian is a CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

life-long dream and to be there to help them ‘finish the race’ is wonderful. I encouraged her and she went back and passed the exam. Now she is a super successful practitioner. Knowing that I made a difference is very rewarding.”

“I teach equine urinary tract, equine neurology, some of the alimentary course and an advanced equine elective to third year veterinary students,” explains Gilliam. “I teach fourth year students during their three-week equine internal medicine clinical rotation.”

exclusively of videos of cases I have treated. It’s very easy to take a video with your iPhone.

the room. We also held an Ellen DeGeneres dance contest while we handed out the clickers. I try to be real with them and be transparent about my own life and own challenges. When I don’t know something, we figure it out together.”

”Today, almost every student has a laptop, which means you are competing with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Instant Messaging for their attention. While this After Dr. Gilliam earned her And it’s working. In addition to Dr. Gilliam says that teaching generation is good at multi-task- receiving the Zoetis Distinguished DVM degree from Oklahoma State in 2001, she worked in a private comes with some challenges— ing, it’s challenging. We also Echo Teacher Award, Dr. Gilliam also mixed animal practice in Dalhart, some technical and some just capture each lecture. So students received the class teaching award Texas, for two years. In 2003, she physical. don’t have to come to class. They from both the third year class and returned to OSU to complete an “Technology has improved dra- can just watch the lecture at their the fourth year class. equine internal medicine residency. matically since I started teaching,” convenience.” “It’s very humbling and I’m so She became a diplomate in the states Gilliam. “In the beginning Teaching an 8 a.m. class, Dr. Gil- appreciative,” she adds as her emoAmerican College of Veterinary it was PowerPoint slides. Now liam would often become frus- tions take over and happy tears fill Internal Medicine-Large Animal we have the clicker response sys- trated at the lack of attendance. her eyes. “I want to leave my legacy and earned her Ph.D. in Veterinary tem, which gives you instant feedin my students. I want them to say “If students are sleeping or not Biomedical Sciences. In 2006, she back on whether the students are engaged, I am not doing my job. ‘I remember Dr. Gilliam taught me joined the faculty of OSU’s Center grasping the material. Also for the I put that on myself,” she says. “To that.’ I care about them not only as for Veterinary Health Sciences and neurology class I started with pic- make students want to come to professionals but as people, too.” now holds the position of associ- tures I had found on the Internet. class, I have tried to make it more And it shows, Dr. Lyndi Gilliam, ate professor with tenure. Today, the course consists almost fun. This year I put some upbeat it definitely shows. music on as the students entered

DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

The Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award is given to educators in recognition of their character and leadership qualities as well as their outstanding teaching abilities.

PAUL WEST CVHS

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Dr. Dianne McFarlane received the 2014 Regents Distinguished Research Award for the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

M c FARLANE WINS REGENTS DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH AWARD CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

espite winning the 2014 Regents Distinguished Research Award for the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Dr. Dianne McFarlane MS, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM (Large Animal), was not always a researcher. Her career actually began in clinical practice. With a master’s degree in molecular genetics from the University of Georgia, she earned her DVM from the University of California. She went on to complete a large animal internship at the University of Georgia and a residency at North Carolina State before pursuing her doctorate at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada.

In 2004, McFarlane’s team determined that “It’s hard to get the funding you need. You have to keep looking for grants,” she says. “The the intermediate lobe of the horse’s pituitary support I receive from the Ricks-Rapp Profes- gland is under seasonal regulation. sorship has enabled us to support some proj“That had a huge impact on our work because ects in my lab that we would not otherwise be the intermediate lobe is more active in the able to complete. Every dollar is important, and fall. Therefore, all of the diagnostic tests for we appreciate them all.” equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction are affected by season, a change that we had not She also values patience. “We are interested in disease processes that previously recognized. This finding changed are slowly progressive; they occur over years as how we diagnose this disease in clinical cases the animals age. We chose to study naturally as well as in research.

occurring diseases in animals as we believe it is a better model than artificially induced diseases when your interest is in understanding the events that initiate disease development. If “I really enjoyed clinical practice,” she says. we understand the role of aging in neurode“In veterinary practice, however, you see cases generation in one species, such as the horse, it and diseases that you don’t understand and will help us understand it in another, includcan’t find information on. Research is the pur- ing in people. This is the concept known as suit of answers to those questions that arise in one medicine.” clinical practice. I realized that there wasn’t According to McFarlane, the neurons in very much information available about old horses that become injured regulate hormone horses, which led me to do research in the area production and are visible with abnormal hair of equine aging.” coats, muscle loss and immune deficiencies. An associate professor in the Department of Physiological Sciences at OSU’s veterinary center since 2005, she holds the Ricks-Rapp Professorship. McFarlane studies age-related neurodegeneration in horses, focusing specifically on equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), a debilitating condition that resembles Parkinson’s disease in humans.

In people, a different population of neurons becomes damaged causing abnormal movements, such as tremors or difficulty initiating movement. While the diseases are different, the same type of neurons — those that produce the neurochemical dopamine — selectively degenerate in both PPID and Parkinson’s disease.

“Even though the clinical signs are different, “When I was a resident at N.C. State, we similar events may start and fuel the degenerstarted seeing more old horses as owners were ative process in both diseases,” she adds. “If we more dedicated to keeping their horses longer,” can understand the factors that trigger degenshe says. “I love working with horses, especially eration of the dopamine-producing neurons the geriatric ones. Clients with older horses are in the horse, it may help us better understand very appreciative of interest in their animals. the events that lead to Parkinson’s disease. Our They usually have great stories to share because goal is to gain valuable insights to improve the they have had their horses for so long.” quality of life for both animals and humans.” Persistence is key when working in veterinary research, she says.

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“My work has depended on the participation of clients with older horses that have pituitary dysfunction and on referring veterinarians who have sent their clients with older horses my way. I have had horse owners loan me their horses for six months at a time or allow me to come to their farms to collect blood samples at regular intervals. This willingness to participate in the research has been invaluable in getting enough cases to study the disease. I know my research may help owners’ horses in the long run, but they don’t have to be so forthcoming. I really appreciate it. In addition, over the years, many students and fellow researchers, both from within the lab and from other labs, have contributed to the work; without them it wouldn’t be possible.” She also appreciates the recognition for her work. “It is a great honor to receive the Regent’s Research Award. It is both humbling and inspiring to be recognized for your work. This is a very distinguished honor and I’m so grateful.” The Regents Distinguished Research Award recognizes research excellence at OSU. Candidates must demonstrate a distinguished record of past and continuing meritorious achievements in research receiving national and international recognition. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

GENESEE PHOTO

Drs. Jerry Malayer (left), associate dean for research and graduate education, and Shawn Blood (Class of 1989), Zoetis beef strategic technical service veterinarian, present Dr. Jean d’Offay, professor in veterinary pathobiology, with the 2014 Zoetis Award for Research Excellence.

D’Offay wins Zoetis honor for bovine research

ean d’Offay, BVSc, DTVM, Ph.D., DACVM, who teaches in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, received the 2014 Zoetis Award for Research Excellence in April. The award promotes innovative research, on which the scientific advancement of the profession depends, by recognizing outstanding research effort and productivity. Selection is based on whether the nominee has been the principal investigator in research that has attained or is likely to attain national recognition and which was conducted within the past three years.

The award was presented by Dr. Jerry Malayer, associate dean, research and graduate education, and Dr. Shawn Blood (OSU CVM ’89), beef strategic technical service veterinarian for Zoetis. D’Offay’s work on the bovine herpes virus was the basis for the award.

“It was recognition for my research for a few years primarily looking at the genetics of viruses, especially the bovine herpes virus,” d’Offay says. “We are trying to understand and identify, and hopefully eliminate, the genetic basis for disease, and why some bovine herpesvirus vaccines cause cattle abortions.”

D’Offay does not work directly with the affected animals.

“We isolate the virus when we have a case of abortion in cattle,” he says. “We even have cases from Australia. We are looking at animals in Wyoming and California dairy herds. We look at the viruses isolated from those animals. We don’t put the viruses back into Although the vaccines are sup- other animals.” posed to prevent infections, they D’Offay says his role is to can also have deleterious effects, sequence the genome of the virus, d’Offay says. try to determine the viral genes “The vaccine virus can infect the fetus, and the fetus dies, causing abortions,” he says. He also looked at incidences of respiratory infections in feedlots that could be attributed to the bovine herpesvirus vaccines. “We looked at under what conditions does the vaccine virus do that, and when do we have to be careful using them. We are trying to understand and identify and hopefully eliminate the genetic traits that allow the vaccine virus to cause disease,” he says.

responsible for abortions, and share the genomic sequence with other researchers by downloading it on the Web,” he says.“The same data we use to draw our conclusions is available to other researchers to study and draw conclusions of their own.“

He is near completion of another research project involving a simian T-Lymphotropic virus (STLV). “It is a virus that affects primates naturally which is closely related to a human virus that causes cancer and paralysis in adults in tropical countries.” He said a colony of baboons at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City are naturally infected with STLV. “We had some dying of lymphoma. I was trying to determine what genetic changes in the virus allowed it to cause cancer,” he says. BEVERLY BRYANT

D’Offay also has won two college teaching awards and a regents teaching award, as well as classroom teaching awards from his students. He has taught immunology and virology at OSU since 1986.

2014 Oklahoma State University

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Dr. Pamela Lloyd (second from left) and her research team (from left) Farzana Rouf, Nabil Rashdan, Bo Zhai and Asitha Silva

Studying Blood Vessel Growth LLOYD APPLIES TO RENEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH PROJECT Pamela Lloyd was a graduate student in physiology at the University of Missouri when a blood vessel grew on the retina of her left eye. Doctors were unable to determine the cause of the extra growth as she had no health problems such as diabetes. Laser surgery removed the extra blood vessel, leaving Lloyd with a blind spot in that eye and a desire to learn what makes blood vessels grow. “I focused my postdoctoral research on growth factors that influence vascular health in diabetic patients and exercise,” says Lloyd, an associate professor in the Department of Physiological Sciences who holds a Ph.D. “When I joined the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences in 2006, I continued that work, which is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. I just submitted a renewal application for continued funding.” Lloyd’s laboratory is looking at placenta growth factor or PLGF, which is related to vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF. The difference is that VEGF has about 50,000 associated studies related to it while PLGF has merely 1,000 published papers. “PLGF is important because it plays a role in many different diseases so we need to learn more about it,” says Lloyd. “We want to 34

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determine what controls the levels of PLGF. We know it is regulated by blood flow — the physical force of blood flowing against the vessel wall. We have also determined that in animal models with high cholesterol, i.e. mice that have been fed a western diet, the regulation of PLGF is dysfunctional and blood vessels do not grow normally.” She has also looked at placenta growth factor’s role in causing collateral arteries to grow. “If you have a blocked artery in the heart, a new vessel could grow and act like a bypass around the blockage,” explains Lloyd. “This could potentially prevent someone from having a heart attack. People with diabetes don’t grow this type of blood vessel very well. We are not sure why that is so, but we think it relates to abnormal responses to the blood flow changes that occur when an artery becomes blocked. “The idea behind our research is that if we understand how this particular growth factor is controlled, biomedical researchers could come up with new treatments. For example, if we know how to activate the signaling pathways that stimulate its production, we can promote better vessel growth in the heart. The same idea would work in reverse. With cancer, you want

to prevent blood vessel growth. So if we better understand the regulation of this growth factor, we could open up new treatments for a variety of diseases.” In the renewal application, Lloyd outlines where her team goes from here. “We want to further study the details of the signaling. What makes PLGF increase or decrease its levels and how is that affected by the western-type diet, which is basically a high fat diet? We also want to look at whether or not the distribution of PLGF around the body changes in a high-fat diet. Another aspect of our research will focus on whether platelets can take up PLGF and release it, and if the protein is attached to the surface of cells that are in the blood vessel or if it is found in the walls of the blood vessel itself.” As Lloyd and her team look for these answers, they will be collaborating with Myron Hinsdale, DVM, Ph.D., associate professor, and with Lin Liu, Ph.D., Regents Professor, Lundberg-Kienlen Professorship in Biomedical Research, and director of the Biology Lung and Toxicology Laboratory, both in the Department of Physiological Sciences. If approved, Lloyd’s research will be funded through 2020.

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Drs. Tamara Gull (from left), Danielle Dugat, Todd Holbrook, Todd Jackson and veterinary medicine librarian Liz Amos are members of the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences

Emergency Response Committee.

Adding an Emergency Elective GULL LEADS NEW COURSE IN LEARNING HOW TO RESPOND IN CASE OF A DISASTER

or the first time, Oklahoma State’s veterinary center is offering “Veterinary Emergency Response and Disaster Management” as an elective in the fall 2014 semester. The instructor of record is assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology Tamara Gull, DVM, Ph.D., diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Large Animal, diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. Her Army training, her education, and her experience on the ground researching wildfires and responding to tornadoes gives her plenty of expertise to lead the class.

“There is a lot of interest on the students’ part as to what they can do now when disaster strikes and what they can do in their communities once they graduate and are working in the field,” says Gull, also a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve Veterinary Corps.

The new elective is taught grant was secured through our Stu“At a recent CART meeting, it during the lunch hour, giving fac- dent AVMA Chapter to help cover was stated that only 38 of Oklaulty and staff interested in helping travel and speaker expenses.” homa’s 77 counties have an aniduring future disasters a chance to Members of the OSU Center mal response team. That means attend the class along with veteri- for Veterinary Health Sciences half of Oklahoma’s counties do nary students. emergency resp onse commit- not have an animal response team “Veterinary disaster management tee include Liz Amos, veterinary available, which could be devasneeds people with all sorts of skill medicine librarian, and Drs. Todd tating in a rural, agricultural area,” sets. In addition to veterinarians Holbrook, Danielle Dugat, Todd Gull says. “We are hoping to get a who can triage injured animals, Jackson and Tamara Gull. “This group of veterinary students who we need people who are good on committee has worked together to are familiar with emergency mancomputers, people who can set up hone the veterinary center’s emer- agement organization who then spreadsheets, people familiar with gency response plan as well as con- go out and get others involved. We social media. We need good pho- ceiving this course,” Gull says. “We want to train veterinarians to get tographers, kennel cleaners and are all excited to get the course on involved in emergency management wherever they may go in the drivers to take supplies or animals the books.” world. Who knows? This class may from point A to point B. In addition to Gull, several facinspire future veterinary graduates Gull says the course will include ulty members are also involved to go to one of those underserved some take-home exercises but a with the Payne County Animal Oklahoma counties and become lab is not yet associated with the Response Team better known as involved on a management level course. “Eventually we would like Payne CART. Dugat, Holbrook, or on a participatory level.” to add a lab, probably a Satur- Jackson and Drs. Elisabeth Giedt day where we do a mock disaster scenario.”

Our beginning course will be partially funded by a $1,000 grant from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The

and Jean Sander, dean of the veterinary center, along with several veterinary technicians are active CART members. Payne CART members are part of the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps that respond to emergencies.

DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

For more information on veterinary emergency response and disaster management in Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps at www.okmrc.org.

2014 Oklahoma State University

N E W FAC E S

AARON HERNDON Aaron Herndon, DVM, DACVIM, joins the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as a lecturer in small animal internal medicine. He is pursuing a doctorate in veterinary biomedical sciences. Originally from Grapevine, Texas, he earned his DVM degree from Texas A&M University. Aaron served three years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps following graduation from veterinary college. In July 2014 he became a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His research interests focus on feline insulin resistance and diabetes. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and gardening.

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New Faculty Members SHANE LYON Shane Lyon, DVM, DACVIM, is an assistant professor of small animal internal medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Originally from Anadarko, Okla., he earned his bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in biology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and his DVM degree from OSU (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05). Dr. Lyon then completed a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Kansas State University and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal) in 2009. His research interests focus on canine and feline nephrology and urology. In his spare time, Lyon enjoys reading, travel, genealogy and photography. He is also an amateur film buff.

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KATRINA MEINKOTH Katrina Meinkoth, DVM, is a lecturer in junior surgery/shelter medicine. Originally from a small rural community outside Tulsa, Okla., she earned her DVM degree from OSU in 1988. Her area of interest is feline medicine. Meinkoth has worked as a community practice clinician at both Washington State University and Oklahoma State University for several years and has served as manager of recruitment for OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. She most recently was in a small animal private practice. In her spare time, Meinkoth enjoys Zumba, trail riding and beaches whenever possible.

NIK HAWKINS / COURTESY

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RYAN CURTIS Ryan Curtis, DVM, MS, is the assistant director of Animal Resources. Originally from Detroit, he earned his DVM degree from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and then completed a combined residency and master’s degree in Comparative Medicine/ Laboratory Animal Medicine at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

LAURA NAFE Laura Nafe, DVM, MS, DACVIM, joins the veterinary center as an assistant professor in small animal internal medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Originally from Little Rock, Ark., she earned her DVM degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. She went on to complete an internship at North Carolina State University. While completing a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Missouri, she earned a master’s degree in veterinary biomedical sciences. She is a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Her research interests focus on respiratory disease and immune-mediated disease.

Curtis’ research interests focus on cancer/radiation biology, anesthesia/analgesia in laboratory animals and environmental variables in a laboratory setting.

While in college, Nafe played Division 3 Basketball. In her spare time, she enjoys running, kayaking, sports (watching and playing), wakeboarding, live music and spending time with Parson, her 7-year-old yellow Labrador.

In his spare time, he enjoys running, hiking, tennis, golf and travel.

COURTESY

2014 Oklahoma State University

N E W FAC E S

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COREY WALL Corey Wall, DVM, MS, DACVR, is an assistant professor of diagnostic imaging in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Originally from Huntsville, Utah, he earned his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1999. After graduation, he completed two private practice internships, then worked for several years in private practice doing small animal emergency work and general practice. In 2010, he earned his masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and completed his residency in diagnostic imaging at the University of Missouri and became a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Wall is the proud father of five children between the ages of 5 and 13. He spends evenings and weekends with his children, chauffeuring them to various activities.

J.T. WALKER J.T. Walker, DVM, MS, joins the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as a lecturer in small animal surgery. Originally from Newcastle, Okla., Walker earned his DVM degree from OSU in 2004. After working in private general practice for five years, he completed a rotating internship and a surgical internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, Fla., a suburb of Orlando. Following the internships, he returned to OSU to pursue a three-year residency in small animal surgery, which he completed in June 2014 while earning his MS degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research interests focus on orthopedics. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, especially OSU football. GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

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DR. JOAO BRANDAO Joao Brandao, LMV, MS, joins the veterinary center as an assistant professor of Avian, Exotic and Zoological Medicine. Originally from Oporto, Portugal, he earned his veterinary degree (LMV) from the University of Tras-osMontes e Alto Dourvo in Vila Real, Portugal. As part of a European student exchange program, he studied for one year at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj Napoca, Romania, and one year at the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wroclaw, Poland. Brandao has also completed a one-year internship in avian and exotic animals at the Great Western Referrals in Swindon, U.K., followed by a oneyear internship in zoological medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass., and the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. After his internships, he completed a three-year zoological medicine residency and Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. His research interests focus on endocrinology of exotic animals, in particular avian species and rabbits. He is also interested in anesthesia and analgesia of zoological species. In his spare time, Brandao enjoys bird watching, cooking and concerts. During the last decade, he has lived in five different countries and five different U.S. states.

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LISANDRA KELLER Lisandra Keller joins the veterinary center as the executive assistant to the dean. Originally from Springfield, Mass., Keller earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration (pre-law) from Oklahoma State University. Her research interests focus on foreign languages, employment and estate planning law, and accounting and finance. She is a proud Navy veteran and a firm believer in the power of a strong education. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, learning, swimming sports and outdoor activities.

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New Staff PAUL WEST Paul West joins the CVHS team in the Advancement Office as a web designer. Originally from Sharpsville, Ind., he moved to Stillwater in 2011. “I came from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., to Stillwater to finish my degree in media and strategic communications: broadcast production at OSU,” says West. “However, some excellent opportunities came along, and I jumped at the chance to work in the film, TV and commercial media industry, including on the Oscar-nominated film August: Osage County.” In addition, West has coordinated national Kevin Durant commercials for Nike, Sprint and Verizon. His creative skills on the computer and behind the camera caught the attention of public relations and marketing coordinator Derinda Blakeney, APR. “We have been working for some time to improve the functionality of our website and update its look to the latest OSU template,” says Blakeney. “For the first time, we have an employee dedicated solely to keeping our website current and engaging. Paul’s skills will drive more traffic to our website, which will hopefully drive more clients to our doors both at the Veterinary Medical Hospital and at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. We are excited to have him on board.”

PHOTO COURTESY

In addition to getting the new website up and running, Paul will also focus on telling the veterinary center’s story on a larger scale, generating additional exposure locally and nationally through engaging videos, photos and social media. Visit www. cvhs.okstate.edu and www.ostate.tv to see his work.

2014 Oklahoma State University

A D VA N C E M E N T

GENESEE PHOTO

MELANIE BOILEAU

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JING LIU POPE Jing Liu Pope, Ph.D., was recently appointed as research associate professor of toxicology in the Department of Physiological Sciences. Pope’s doctorate is from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Her research interests focus on long-term neurobehavioral consequences of acute intoxication, mechanisms of pharmacological modulation of anticholinesterase toxicity, and development of countermeasures against chemical threats. She teaches two courses in the interdisciplinary toxicology program and one in the veterinary medicine curriculum.

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FACULTY PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS

TOM OOMENS Tom Oomens, Ph.D., was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor of virology in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. Oomens’ doctorate in molecular virology is from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His research interests focus on how enveloped viruses enter and exit the host cell and how to exploit that knowledge to make better and safer vaccines and anti-viral drugs. Currently, the emphasis is on human respiratory syncytial virus, which causes serious respiratory disease in children and the elderly and has a major medical impact around the world.

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Melanie Boileau, DVM, MS, DACVIM, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, was recently awarded the McCasland Clinical Professorship in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. She is the food animal section chief and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Large Animal. Boileau holds a DVM degree from the University of Montreal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on non-antimicrobial treatment alternative for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye) using predatory bacteria Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and management of bovine dystocia using tocolytic drugs.

PAUL WEST CVHS

TODD HOLBROOK Todd Holbrook, DVM, DACVIM, DACVSMR, was promoted from associate professor to professor and appointed to the June Jacobs Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Holbrook is the equine section chief, a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Large Animal and a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. He holds a DVM degree from the University of Georgia. His research interests focus on infectious disease, cardiology and sports medicine. Actively involved in the sport of endurance, Holbrook has provided veterinary care at numerous national and international competitions.

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ROBIN ALLISON Robin Allison, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP, was promoted from associate professor to professor of clinical pathology in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Both her DVM and doctorate are from Colorado State University. Allison teaches clinical pathology to professional veterinary medical students and mentors students in the pathology residency program. Her areas of interest include clinical hematology (especially blood film evaluation and hematopoietic neoplasia) and clinical cytology.

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2014 Oklahoma State University

Bowles Reflects on 40 Years at OSU What did you like most about your position here? PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

It was never boring. I was constantly learning and seeing things I had never seen before. I had the opportunity to work with a variety of colleagues with different areas of expertise. The teaching opportunities with students were simultaneously challenging, frustrating and rewarding. They always kept me seeking new and more in-depth information. I was also privileged to interact with many memorable pets and clients and some of the most dedicated, competent and self-sacrificing staff anyone could ever have. Do you have a favorite memory to share?

There are a lot of memorable moments — some good and some bad. I value the relationships I have developed with multiple clients because I have cared for their pets over the years and have come to view them as friends as well as clients. What changes have you seen in veterinary medicine since you began working here?

After earning her DVM degree at the University of Illinois, Dr. Mary Bowles came to Oklahoma State as a rotating intern in small animal medicine and surgery in July 1974 and never left. Following her yearlong internship, she spent the next two years as a research associate in a hemophiliac beagle colony and worked in the Small Animal Medicine Clinic. In 1977, she began as a full-time faculty instructor. Now an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal) and the small animal section chief, she is retiring. Derinda Blakeney, APR, coordinator of public relations and marketing, interviewed her about her tenure at Oklahoma’s only veterinary college.

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Several major events have occurred during my service at Oklahoma State. One is the shift from a male-dominated profession to a female-dominated profession. I remember a telephone conversation early in my career where a potential client questioned my credentials because I was a woman and couldn’t possibly be a veterinarian. In 1976, I remember going to an American Veterinary Medical Association meeting where a young girl accompanying one of the veterinary spouses noticed my veterinarian meeting badge, pointed to me, and excitedly exclaimed to her mother, ‘Look, mama, that lady is a vet!’ That surprise is a thing of the past as the majority of new veterinarians are female. The advances in veterinary diagnostic tools have been dramatic enhancing our ability to diagnose ailments in ways we never imagined when I was in school. For example, ultrasonography and endoscopy are essential and common diagnostic tools in private practice today but weren’t available when I graduated. On a more local level, the biggest changes that I have seen have been in Oklahoma State’s facilities and personnel. When I first came to OSU, the small animal veterinary clinic occupied the first floor of the north wing of today’s McElroy Hall. The large animal veterinary clinic was in the area where the current Veterinary Medicine Library is located. In 1981, we moved into the present facility, the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which has since undergone numerous modifications and will soon be enhanced by the CVHS Academic Center building. The veterinary clinic has expanded its specialty services as well and now offers ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology and zoo and wildlife specialists. What advice do you have for future veterinarians — students or faculty?

Don’t ever stop learning and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Remember that life is short and time goes by quickly so make time for your family, friends, and outside veterinary medicine interests — you will be a more interesting and happier person for having done so. What are your plans for the future?

I will still do some teaching, continuing education programs, and consultation. I plan on spending more time with family members. I would like to travel, read for pleasure and get into some volunteer work. Any last thoughts?

I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support, without which I could never have become a veterinarian or made it through the many challenges associated with my job. My parents, both deceased, wanted my siblings and me to have careers that were personally satisfying and allowed us to have financial independence. I shall be forever grateful to them for the sacrifices they made and their confidence in me that allowed me to follow my dream of becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine. I would also like to express my appreciation to my husband, John, and my children, Will and Lisa, for encouraging me during tough times and adapting to the many interruptions in our family life caused by my professional obligations. Animal emergencies come on any day — holiday or not — and at any time of day or night.

“ I H AV E B E E N P R I V I L E G E D TO K N OW D R . B OW L E S A S A N I N S T R U C TO R , M E N TO R , C O L L E AG U E A N D F R I E N D. T H E O N E T H I N G I W I L L A LWAYS A P P R E C I AT E A B O U T D R . B OW L E S I S H E R A M A Z I N G A B I L I T Y TO C A R E — C A R E A B O U T H E R S T U D E N T S , H E R PAT I E N T S , H E R C L I E N T S A N D H E R C O L L E AG U E S . I C A N ’ T I M AG I N E T H E T E AC H I N G H O S P I TA L WITHOUT HER, BUT THIS RETIREMENT IS W E L L D E S E R V E D.” — PAUL DEMARS, DVM, ABVP

Lauren Williams, Class of 2015, and Dr. Mary Bowles with a papillion being treated for a tracheal collapse.

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2014 Oklahoma State University

Faculty and Staff Retirements The veterinary center bid a bittersweet farewell to several faculty and staff members as they retired after giving many years of service to OSU. PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING GENESEE PHOTO

Mary Kay Jennings devoted 23 years to the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, working in the dean’s office first for the associate dean and later for the dean. In addition to her work responsibilities, she also participated in the OSU Staff Advisory Council (SAC), serving as its chair from 1998 to 2000. Her hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Jennings’ accolades are many including the Stratton Staff Award, SAC Distinguished Service Award, OSU Leadership Legacy recipient, OSU President’s Service Award, Honoree of the Perkins-Tryon Local Show, Service Award to 4-H and FFA Youth of Payne County, Honorary Member of Mu Chapter of Alpha Psi Fraternity and Honorary State FFA degree. In addition, Jennings spent countless hours volunteering and in leadership roles with Payne County Pork Producers, Perkins-Tryon 4-H and FFA Booster Club, Sooner State Dairy Show, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee, Payne County Premium Sale, Family and Continuing Education, Young Homemakers of America, Mobile Meals, United Way and the American Red Cross, to name a few. She touched many lives, whether through her job or her volunteerism. Her husband of 42 years, Roger Jennings, is also retiring after 40 years as an agricultural education teacher at Perkins-Tryon High School.

William Barrow , Ph.D., above center, came to OSU’s Center for Veterinary

Health Sciences in 2001, joining the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. As the Sitlington Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases, Barrow spent 13 years at OSU investigating infectious organisms. His lab has consistently been funded by the National Institutes of Health or branches of NIH with Barrow as the principal investigator. A $40 million grant helped his team play a key role in the nation’s Global Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Program. “Outbreaks of antibiotic resistant superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bring the importance of this research to the forefront,” says Barrow. “It is vital to protect human health and the food supply that we identify new drugs that can fight bacteria and emerging infectious diseases that we haven’t even seen before.” Another prominent piece of Barrow’s research was to develop an assemblage of antimicrobials for the treatment of inhalation anthrax that could be used in the event of a terrorist attack. Among other honors and awards he received, Barrow earned the OSU Regents Distinguished Research Award in 2007.

Esther Barrow , above front, joined the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences the same day as her husband, William, in March 2001. She spent the next 13 years working beside him as the laboratory manager and a research microbiologist for his infectious diseases research. “I love working with pathogenic microorganisms,” says Mrs. Barrow. “It was such an exciting time when Bill was awarded the biodefense contract by the National Institutes of Health, making OSU the only veterinary school in the country to receive this type of award. “Even though I spent most of my time in the lab, there are a lot of really nice people in our department and the veterinary center as a whole that I will really miss.” The Barrows are moving back to Texas to live closer to their children and grandchildren.

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GENESSE PHOTO

Larry Stein , Ph.D., has been teaching anatomy in the Department of Physiological Sciences for 28 years. The associate professor has most recently been serving as the interim department head for the past two years. For the last nine years, anatomy specialist Chris Pivinski has worked with Stein in the Duane R. Peterson Anatomy Learning Center. “I have seen Dr. Stein give his best so that the first-year students can succeed in the veterinary profession,” says Pivinski. “He makes the time in the lab profitable for them and at the same time challenges them to grow and learn. As for my own interaction with Dr. Stein, I would have to say that he has challenged me to be better at the different jobs I do in the lab. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life.” “We came to Stillwater in 2000; Larry has been a friend and colleague ever since,” says Dr. Carey Pope, professor of toxicology. “Dr. Stein has been a dedicated teacher to OSU veterinary students for almost three decades. Serving as interim department head over the last two years, his straightforward, open and evenhanded administrative approach has served the department well.” As he retires, Stein is looking forward to “every opportunity to stay active that comes along — too many to list are already waiting.”

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Patricia Clinkenbeard joined the CVHS team in October 1990. She worked in Dr. Ken Clinkenbeard’s laboratory assisting with various research projects as a senior lab technologist until December 2013. “I liked interacting with research students, faculty and staff. We missed our students when they graduated and it was fun to keep in touch and hear of the exciting things they are doing,” says Clinkenbeard. “I have many special memories of collaborating with the people in Dr. Confer’s lab on shipping fever pneumonia research, Dr. Barrow’s lab on the discovery of antimicrobials for highly pathogenic bacteria and Dr. Boileau on pinkeye in cattle research.”

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Clinkenbeard is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children and grandchildren as well as having time for other things she enjoys, such as making bread, sewing, gardening, cooking and learning to play the piano. “My job was rewarding because I had the opportunity to do work that benefited animal welfare and people,” she adds.

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Bruce Nance joined the veterinary center in May 1982 as an animal caretaker in the Animal Resources Department. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks. When he retired 31 years later, he was serving as the veterinary laboratory manager. “I enjoyed working with the various faculty members over the years. They all had very interesting research projects, which is what I was involved in,” Nance says. “I also had wonderful technicians and parttime student workers in the lab. During my tenure, I had 42 student workers who graduated from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.” After enjoying his free time for a year, Nance has taken a position at NAPA Auto Parts and likes driving from place to place to deliver parts.

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Henry (Hank) Jann,

DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, served as an equine surgeon at the Veterinary Medical Hospital for 28 years. An associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, he is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Most recently, the ACVSMR designated him a Regent and appointed him to its board of directors. Jann is retiring from OSU to accept a research position with the Humane Society of the United States to investigate management practices of wild horses and burros. The project is being done with the Bureau of Land Management and will focus on herd management areas located primarily in Nevada. “This is a four-year project,” says Jann. “My role in the first year is to collect data to determine which herd management areas are the best to collect data from. After we locate designated herds, we will evaluate the efficacy of infertility vaccine and other relevant management issues.” According to the Bureau of Land Management, the goal is to control the population growth of wild horses and burros that roam public lands in the West.

Robert Bahr , DVM, DACVR, has taught diag- is all the times that I was teaching students who Dr. Bahr’s plans for retirement include spending time with his grown sons and their families. After nostic imaging in the Department of Veterinary were having difficulties in image interpretation Clinical Sciences at OSU’s Veterinary Medical and then the ‘light’ came on with their new-found that, he may do teleradiology and/or locum work at the times and places of his choosing. Hospital for 30 years. A 1970 graduate of OSU’s understanding. College of Veterinary Medicine, he worked in “The most significant change I’ve seen in veterinary “I want to be able to control what I do with my time.” private practice before joining the veterinary medicine is the advent of digital radiography, As for advice to future veterinarians, he offers this: center. As associate professor of veterinary radiol- which revolutionized how we make radiographic “Always keep striving to improve your knowledge ogy, Bahr enjoyed his position. base and always ask, ‘What else might be going images and the manner in which cases are worked “I liked working with the many specialists and learn- up. This led to teleradiology, which greatly facili- on besides what I think is the obvious?’ Never be ing new techniques while seeing interesting and tates case management and diagnostic accuracy.” complacent with the way things are. Improvement is always possible.” challenging cases,” he says. “My favorite memory

2014 Oklahoma State University

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Cooper Honored with Stratton Staff Award

Today, the molecular lab performs standard mily Cooper, the recipient of the veteriFormer interim director Jerry Ritchey, DVM, nary center’s 2014 Stratton Staff Award, and real-time PCR tests at the rate of more than Ph.D., DACVP echoes Dr. Bailey’s praise of Cooper’s work. wears many hats at the Oklahoma Ani- 5,000 PCR tests a year. mal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. As the quality control coordinator, Cooper “Because of her knowledge, capabilities and Cooper joined OADDL in April 1999 as a developed and implemented OADDL’s Qual- capacity to get things done, Emily is the ‘go to’ senior research analyst and quality assurance/ ity Management System, which includes more person for everybody in the laboratory,” says quality control coordinator. Today, she is its than 800 standard operating procedures (SOPs) Ritchey. While the Cooper family calls Stillwaquality manager and development coordinator. in the various lab sections within OADDL. ter home, Emily grew up in McHenry, Ill., and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a mas“In my new position, I continue to develop “I was tasked with designing and impleter’s degree in animal science from the Univermenting a variety of polymerase chain reac- and implement SOPs throughout OADDL sity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. tion (PCR) tests, which involved DNA/RNA and coordinate regulatory-based training, pro-

extraction, amplification and detection of pathogens (bacterial or viral) in client samples such as tissue, swabs or feces,” she says. “Through the years, OADDL’s PCR testing capabilities have risen to more than 25 PCR tests. This initiative allowed OADDL to become a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). OADDL participates in surveillance testing for avian influenza, Newcastle disease, classical swine fever, foot and mouth disease, pseudorabies, and swine influenza — all agents that can threaten the nation’s food supply and/or public health if gone undetected.” Cooper also served as the molecular lab manager for 13 years.

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ficiency testing, and agreements with NAHLN.”

“I feel honored to receive the Stratton Staff In her development coordinator roll, she Award,” says Cooper. “It means a lot to know my organizes marketing opportunities for the lab- peers recognize my hard work and dedication oratory at local and regional meetings. Cooper toward advancements in diagnostic services. I maintains promotional materials that highlight enjoy the new challenges and opportunities my tests and programs offered at OADDL along job offers every day and interacting with professionals locally, regionally and nationally to with publishing OADDL’s e-newsletter. make improvements to the quantity and qual“Emily is directly responsible for ensuring ity of our services.” that OADDL remains in full compliance with

Established in 1989 upon Dr. Louis Stratour quality system and meets all requirements,” ton’s retirement, the Stratton Staff Award recsays Keith Bailey, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP, interim ognizes staff members for their service and director of OADDL. “She has brought us succontributions. cessfully through three audits. She has also for DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR the first time given OADDL a presence at state and regional meetings and initiated an electronic newsletter.”

CLASS OF 1963 DISTINGUISHED LECTURER

Applying Herd Health to Humans Think herd health applies only to animals? Think again.

As the Class of 1963 Distinguished Lecturer at the 2013 Annual Fall Veterinary Conference, retired Brig. Gen. Theresa Casey, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, highlighted the veterinarian’s unique perspective and skill in disease prevention in human populations in her presentation, “Health of the Human Herd — A Unique Veterinary Role.”

“It’s really all about one health for animals, humans and the environment,” says Casey. “The concepts of herd health preventive methods apply to the human population. Veterinary medicine is the profession that stands between all of humanity and plague and famine.”

With their expansive understanding of zoonotic diseases, vetMilitary veterinarians are erinarians know how important it responsible for food inspections, is to follow good health practices, sanitation inspections, communi- keep disease outbreaks contained cable disease control, group health and educate people on living safely. surveillance, education and more.

“In a time when viruses can travel on people from one continent to the next in less time than it takes the virus to make the host sick, it is important to take proper precautions to stay healthy,” she adds. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

T h e r e sa C a s e y / DVM: OSU, 1982 Career highlights: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 1990 Biomedical Sciences Corps, U.S. Air Force Instructor and consultant, DECON LLC, training

medical facility staffs on patient decontamination

Service awards: Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and an Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one silver leaf cluster and others

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“THE CONCEPTS O F H E R D H E A LT H PREVENTIVE M E T H O D S A P P LY TO T H E H U M A N P O P U L AT I O N . V E T E R I N A RY MEDICINE IS THE P R O F E S S I O N T H AT S TA N D S B E T W E E N ALL OF HUMANITY A N D P L AG U E A N D FA M I N E .”

2014 Oklahoma State University

SITLINGTON LECTURE

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

Speaker Links PCBs to Autism

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

The 14th Sitlington Lecture in Toxicology featured Pamela Lein, Ph.D., presenting “Environmental Risk Factors for Autism: The Case for PCBs.” Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describe a group of complex disorders of brain development. “ASD does not have one cause,” says Lein, an internationally recognized expert on developmental neurotoxicology. “It is a combination of genetic predisposition, the environment — both internally and externally — and the timing of those exposures in relation to the stage(s) of brain development. “We have also found that autism reflects altered patterns of neuronal connectivity within the developing brain. How the neurons connect in the brain of an ASD child is very different than a normal brain.” According to Lein, environmental levels of non-dioxin-like PCBs (the structural class of PCBs linked to developmental neurotoxicity) have not declined significantly over the past several decades.

Sitlington Lecture speaker Pamela Lein (center) is welcomed to OSU by CVHS Dean Jean Sander (left) and Carey Pope.

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LUNDBERG-KIENLEN LECTURE IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Matthay details work with respiratory syndrome PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

This year’s Lundberg-Kienlen Lecture in Biomedical Research featured Michael Matthay, MD, who discussed “Mesenchymal Stromal (Stem) Cells: Biology and Potential Therapeutic Value for the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.”

MICHAEL M AT T H AY, M D

Matthay is a professor of medicine and anesthesia at the University of California at San Francisco and a senior associate at the Cardiovascular Research Institute. He is director of the critical care medicine training in the Department of Medicine and associate director of the intensive care unit. Matthay’s clinical research is focused on the mechanisms that account for the pathogenesis and resolution of clinical acute lung injury and pulmonary edema. His most recent work has focused on the

potential therapeutic value of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of the acute respiratory distress syndrome in critically ill patients. The project, being called START (STem cells for ARDS Treatment), is an exciting new clinical trial for the treatment of patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Preclinical studies have shown mesenchymal stem cells to be effective at reducing the severity of organ injury as well as enhancing recovery. Matthay’s work is the first clinical trial to use mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for patients with severe ARDS. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a life-threatening infection or reaction to injuries of the lung that typically occurs in people who are very ill and are already hospitalized. It causes

impaired gas exchange with the release of inflammatory mediators, leading to inflammation, hypoxemia, and possible multiorgan failure. The mortality rate for ARDS is 25 percent to 40 percent, and those who do survive can sustain permanent lung damage. Up to 200,000 people a year in the U.S. suffer from it. Matthay told the CVHS audience that using mesenchymal stem cells to treat mice was unexpectedly successful, with a higher survival rate and reduced lung injury for the infected mice treated with the cells. Clinical trials are continuing. DOROTHY PUGH

levels of PCBs in the maternal diet and in neu- Tenn. She received her doctorate in pharmacolrons grown in culture. Interestingly, increased ogy and toxicology from the State University of dendritic arborization has also been reported in New York at Buffalo and completed postdocthe brains of at least a subset of children diag- toral training in molecular immunology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. Lein nosed with autism spectrum disorders. “While it would be difficult to eliminate PCBs is currently professor of neurotoxicology in from the environment, it is possible to focus on the Department of Molecular Biosciences and how we might moderate exposure to PCBs and/ director of the CounterACT Center of ExcelLein mentioned an aging Staten Island, N.Y., or mitigate their adverse effects on the devel- lence at the University of California at Davis school system that ordered an air analysis of its oping brain. For example, vitamin E has been School of Veterinary Medicine. schools found high levels of PCBs in the air. found to reverse or block some of the changes The Sitlington Lecture in Toxicology is caused by PCBs in an experimental model. You hosted by Carey Pope, Ph.D., OSU Regents She also showed that an increased level of can also decrease PCB intake by avoiding food Professor and Sitlington Chair in Toxicology intracellular calcium can be caused by non-dixstuffs known to sequester PCBs, such as fatty in the Department of Physiological Sciences oin-like PCBs, which can trigger calcium-detissues in fish. ” at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. pendent signaling pathways that have been “PCBs are manmade chemicals that were produced in the ’60s and ’70s in high quantities,” she says. “Because PCBs are chemically stable and long-lasting, many construction materials such as paint or caulking contained PCBs. Now that the materials are starting to deteriorate decades later, the PCBs are being released into the environment.”

linked to increased risk of autism. The triggering of these signaling pathways increases dendritic arborization both in the intact brain of rat pups exposed to environmentally relevant

Lein earned a bachelor’s degree in biology This year’s audience for the Sitlington Lecfrom Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and a ture increased as the CVHS streamed it online. master’s degree in environmental health from DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR East Tennessee State University in Johnson City,

2014 Oklahoma State University

Susan Little

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NCVP Celebrates 5 Years The National Center for Veterinary Parasitology (NCVP) is marking its fifth anniversary with many successes. The NCVP, housed within Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, began with financial commitments from key industry sponsors and a foundation grant. “The support of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, Novartis Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health and Merial allowed us to establish the Center and then nurture it in the early years,” says Susan Little, DVM, Ph.D., DACVM (Parasit.), OSU Regents Professor, Krull-Ewing Chair in Veterinary Parasitology and co-director of the NCVP. “The concept was novel — to create a clearinghouse for all things related to veterinary parasitology, support clinical parasitology research and develop the next generation of veterinary parasitologists.”

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

SPONSORS Thanks to the support of the following sponsors, the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology is able to offer valuable resources and educational tools to veterinarians, educators and the public as well as train the next generation of veterinary parasitologists:

Bayer Animal Health

Elanco Animal Health

Kirkpatrick Foundation

Merck Animal Health

Merial Limited

Novartis Animal Health

Zoetis

Parasites and vectors, such as “Before the NCVP, there was mosquitoes, ticks, and the organ- no pipeline for future talent speisms they transmit, cause disease cific to veterinary parasitology. and do not discriminate. Everyone The need for veterinary parasitolis fair game. And what about the ogists has grown but with a limfood supply? How can farmers and ited supply. Both academia and ranchers ensure their agricultural the pharmaceutical industry need byproducts are free of parasites and well-trained clinical researchers safe for consumption? The answers to effectively combat parasitic and are connected to the NCVP. vector-borne diseases,” adds Little. In 2014, Merck, Zoetis, and Elanco joined other continuing sponsors to provide sustaining support to the NCVP. For each sponsor donation of $100,000 a year, a resident position is established in the company’s name. In addition to the industry resident positions, the NCVP sponsors two residents, bringing the total number of trainees to eight. The NCVP residents are truly stars in their field, and several have received national awards for their research and progress. The number of applicants from across the United States continues to grow with top-notch veterinarians joining the NCVP team.

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test is run to address the problem. This is just one example of how NCVP parasitologists — both veterinarians and other scientists — intentionally consider research questions from a clinical aspect, i.e., how can we help veterinarians practice better medicine.”

On the NCVP’s website (www. ncvetp.org) , teachers from all The significance of sound clin- over the world can access a Parical parasitology training is that it asite Image Database at no cost. better informs understanding of Hundreds of parasite images are real world application and needs. available for teaching and learnA perfect example is heartworm. ing about veterinary parasitol“For years, heartworm diagnosis ogy. In addition, other teaching has been based on antigen testing resources include a “case of the to detect proteins of the parasite month” and a Jeopardy-styled parain the blood of dogs and cats, and sitology review game. Giving eduantigen tests are very sensitive and cators access to good, accurate and specific. But because of research compelling parasitology informaconducted at the NCVP, we now tion and research helps strengthen know that many infected dogs, knowledge and interest about parand perhaps most infected cats, asitology worldwide. may not test positive even though The diagnostic arm of the they have worms. Fortunately, this NCVP has also become more research also identified a simple, active since the center’s creation. in-clinic modification to how the Eileen Johnson, DVM, MS, Ph.D.,

is an associate clinical professor at OSU and the diagnostic veterinary parasitologist for the NCVP. “The diagnostic lab processes hundreds of samples each month for veterinarians in practice and for other reference labs,” says Johnson. “Most of the samples are from small animals, many from shelter animals. Some of the most common findings include hookworms, which can cause severe anemia in young animals, as well as coccidia, Giardia, roundworms and whipworms, which can cause diarrhea. Many of these parasites are zoonotic, and can cause disease in people who become infected, so identifying and treating the infections are particularly important. We encounter some unusual parasites such as Alaria and Dracunculus in small animals as well. We also provide egg per gram counts for horses and cattle, allowing veterinarians to tailor integrated parasite management programs and monitor treatment effectiveness.” CONTINUES

RESIDENTS IN TRAINING Alice Lee, DVM — Novartis Resident in Veterinary Parasitology, 2014 AAVP-Merck Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Jessica Rodriguez, DVM — Merial Resident in Veterinary Parasitology

Lindsay Starkey, DVM — Bayer Resident in Veterinary Parasitology, 2012 American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists/ Companion Animal Parasitology Council Award, 2013 Merck Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Yoko Nagamori, DVM — NCVP Resident in Veterinary Parasitology

Jennifer Thomas, DVM — NCVP affiliate graduate resident

Christopher Adolph , DVM — NCVP affiliate graduate resident and the first one to complete a degree (MS) through the program, listed in Veterinary Practice News’ “25 Vets to Watch in 2013”

Drs. Eileen Johnson and Yoko Nagamori look at the same microscopic sample through a multi-head scope. This ensures that the instructor and the resident in training see the identical slide for discussion purposes. 2014 Oklahoma State University

NCVP BOARD MEMBERS In addition to processing diagnostic samples, the clinical parasitology lab collects materials to be used for teaching courses both at Oklahoma State and at other veterinary colleges, and Johnson teaches residents and graduate students a special problems course in diagnostic parasitology best practices. “The NCVP provides information to veterinarians to help them recognize parasites in the animals they treat. An accurate, early diagnosis can cut down on the cost of treatment for the owner and hopefully bring the pet back to a healthy state faster,” says Little. The newest addition to the NCVP is the small grants program, which provides funding for oneyear projects to address specific problems in clinical or basic veterinary parasitology. “For the first time, the NCVP was able to award five grants totaling more than $40,000. Student involvement in the project is required which gives us one more opportunity to get younger scientists involved in and excited about parasitology research,” says Little. “All of this is made possible through our sponsoring partners and we are forever grateful for their continued support.” Plans for the NCVP include more ways to provide helpful information to parasitologists, veterinarians and the public. Look for videos on best practices in parasite control, new images of veterinary parasites, interesting cases involving veterinary parasitology, and more.

NCVP INAUGURAL RESEARCH GRANTS For the first time, the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology was able to accept research grant proposals from members of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Congratulations to these five recipients:

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IN THE PHOTO, FRONT ROW FROM LEFT: Jennifer Thomas — NCVP affiliate resident, OSU Lindsay Starkey — NCVP Bayer resident, OSU Anne Zajac — NCVP board member, Virginia Tech Joyce Login — NCVP ex-officio board member, Zoetis Alice Lee — NCVP Novartis resident, Cornell University Mason Reichard — NCVP co-director, OSU Jessica Rodriguez — NCVP Merial resident, Texas A&M University

Yoko Nagamori — NCVP resident, OSU MIDDLE ROW, FROM LEFT: Mike Dryden — NCVP board member, Kansas State University Heather Clay — OSU Foundation Chris Adolph — NCVP affiliate resident;

graduated with master’s in 2013, OSU

Susan Little — NCVP co-director, OSU Doug Carithers — NCVP ex-officio board member, Merial Frank Guerino — NCVP ex-officio board member, Merck Kelly Allen — NCVP project leader, OSU BACK ROW, FROM LEFT: Joe Hostetler — NCVP ex-officio board member, Bayer Dan Snyder — NCVP ex-officio board member, Elanco Dwight Bowman — NCVP board member, Cornell University Jason Drake — NCVP ex-officio board member, Novartis

DR. LORA BALLWEBER, Colorado State University — Individual animals versus the dung pile: Which sampling strategy is best for herd-based fecal egg count surveillance programs? DR. RICK GERHOLD, University of Tennessee — Persistence and decontamination of Trichomonas gallinae in artificial feeders and waterers and retrospective PCR testing for the parasite in wild birds. DR. DAVID LINDSAY, Virginia Tech — Sequencing the genome of Cystoisospora canis for insights into tissue cyst formation and reactivation of Cystoisospora species, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii. DR. KAREN SNOWDEN, Texas A&M — Improved diagnostic testing for Heterobilharzia americana in dogs using a commercial immunodiagnostic test compared to parasitologic and molecular methods. DR. HEATHER STOCKDALE-WALDEN, University of Florida —

Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Florida.

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OADDL GETS NEW MASS SPECTROMETER The Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL) has acquired a new MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization — Time of Flight) Mass Spectrometer. The equipment will be used to identify bacterial organisms isolated from clinical specimens. The spectrometer, better known as a MALDI biotyper, bases identification on the unique protein profiles of bacterial isolates. “Traditionally most bacteriology laboratories — including ours — have mainly relied on biochemical methods for identifying bacterial isolates in the lab,” says Akhilesh Ramachandran, BVSC, Ph.D., DACVM, assistant professor and Microbiology/Molecular Biology section head at OADDL. “Biochemical methods are inherently time-consuming, requiring 12 to 24 hours of bacterial growth before you can make an identification. The MALDI biotyper can

identify most bacterial isolates within a few minutes. That can be quite beneficial for our clients.”

Ashleigh Hall places a target plate containing bacterial samples into the MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer for identification.

A faster turnaround time provides earlier results and quicker treatment. OADDL clients include animal owners, veterinarians and clinicians at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. The MALDI biotyper will also be useful for researchers on campus. “The Instrument is ready to be employed for routine sample testing now that necessary personnel training and validations have been completed,” adds Ramachandran. Obtaining the MALDI biotyper was made possible by pooling funds from several sources. Contributors include the Veterinary Medical Hospital, the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, along with the generous gift of a friend of the college, who wishes to remain anonymous.

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2014 Oklahoma State University

Partnerships Benefit Beef Industry WILLARD SPARKS BEEF RESEARCH CENTER DEDICATES NEW EFFICIENCY UNIT OSU Animal Sciences and OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences have partnered for years on projects to benefit the beef industry. Their research studies have been supported by endowments from the Hitch family and from Dennis and Marta White. The animal health divisions of companies such as Boehringer-Ingelheim, Elanco, Merial, Merck, Novartis, and Zoetis also support various studies. Through the collab orative efforts of both colleges, OSU was able to construct a new Efficiency Unit at the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center on McElroy Road. In October 2013, representatives from several companies and both colleges gathered along with friends to dedicate the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center Efficiency Unit.

“This new unit has technology from Insentec, a company in the Netherlands. The unit allows us to measure individual intakes on feed, on water consumption, or on individual diets per each station,” says D.L. Step, DVM, DACVIM, professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the veterinary center and an OSU Extension specialist. “We also have video cameras to record behavior and remote sensor technology capabilities. It is one of only four units in North America. There is one in Canada, one in North Dakota, one in Nebraska, and now one at Oklahoma State.” “This efficiency unit can measure feeding and drinking behavior to help us determine health and well-being of animals and compare that to averages in outside pens,” says Clint Krehbiel, Ph.D., Regents

OSU beef cattle get ready to ‘cut the ribbon’ as they are herded into the building that houses the new Efficiency Unit.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY

Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition and Health, Dennis and Marta White Endowed Chair, and assistant department head of Animal Science. “The idea of teamwork has been with Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine for a long time. We are excited to see it benefit the beef industry once again as we bring this new efficiency unit One of the monitoring on line.” control units installed Since the dedication, the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center Efficiency Unit has been used for these contracted research projects:

throughout the new Efficiency Unit at the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center.

Evaluation of water intake in feeder cattle; Evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis

in newly arrived high-risk cattle; Evaluation of inflammatory response

in recently arrived high-risk cattle; and Evaluation of performance in feeder cattle

receiving different management protocols.

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

Paul McKellips speaks during the 18th Annual

Phi Zeta Research Day.

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

Foundation chief details research challenges “You do what you do (go into veterinary Paul McKellips, vice president of the Foun- transportation challenges (only one airline will dation for Biomedical Research, presented “The fly non-human primates), public opinion (only medicine) because of what the patient is going Miracle” as the keynote address during the 18th 46 percent support using animals for biomedi- through,” he says. “And while many battles have already been won, the challenge is to keep Annual Phi Zeta Research Day. He also spoke cal research) and animal rights extremists.” to OSU members of the Student Chapter of The ugly battle against deadly diseases and going. Research discoveries take 15 to 20 years, the American Veterinary Medical Association. debilitating conditions affects both humans thousands of people and billions of dollars to “The miracle of life is threatened by can- and animals, McKellips says. Emotion is a key bring to fruition. “We must never quit,” he adds. “We must cer,” says McKellips. “The fight against cancer component, as everything begins with the always support each other and we will finish is ongoing and involves research, a slow pro- patient experience. the race.” cess that can be frustrating. Researchers face government funding cuts, federal regulations, For more information on how research saves lives, visit fbresearch.org.

ACADEMIC CENTER FACULTY OFFICE BUILDING GOING UP This spring, the veterinary center broke ground for a new faculty office building adjacent to the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital. The building will house clinical sciences faculty. “When the hospital was completed in 1981, clinical sciences faculty members were placed in temporary cubicles in the basement of the building,” says Dr. Jean Sander, dean of the veterinary center. “This new building will provide real offices with walls that go up to the ceiling and a window.” Located on the northwest corner of the Veterinary Medical Hospital, the building will have the same Georgian look that is seen across the OSU campus. OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital will continue to be open for business during all phases of construction seeing routine wellness patients, referral cases, and emergencies. Completion of the project is estimated for August 2015.

2014 Oklahoma State University

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Myron Hinsdale, Lin Liu, Ashish Ranjan and Pamela Lloyd.

OSU Experts Unite in Regenerative Medicine Program “The group brings everyone together by meetlost due to age, disease, damage or congenital defects,” according to the National Institutes of ing regularly. We plan to administer a national Health. This includes stem cell therapies, regen- program survey and recruit external consuleration through bioactive molecules, and tis- tants,” he says. “Using pilot projects, we hope to promote proposal submissions to increase sue engineering. “Regenerative medicine offers the great involvement campuswide. The program will promise to cure human and animal diseases, provide a bridge for investigators across differLed by program director Lin Liu, Ph.D., especially in areas that do not have effective ent disciplines and serve as a focus point for Regents Professor of Physiological Sciences, treatments,” says Liu. “It is an exciting and research collaborations, education and trainLundberg-Kienlen Endowed Chair in Bio- emerging research field that thrives on collab- ing opportunities for students. medical Research, and director of the Okla- orations across disciplines.” The program was established through a comhoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious In addition to enhancing collaborations petitive grant from the Office of the Provost Diseases, the group is comprised of 19 faculty in regenerative medicine research across cam- and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. members representing 11 departments in five pus, program objectives include attracting Participating colleges include: Center for VetOSU colleges. additional faculty into this research area and erinary Health Sciences, Center for Health SciBy definition, regenerative medicine is “the eventually establishing a self-sustained cen- ences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of process of creating living, functional tissues ter of research excellence through extramu- Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and College of Engineering, Architecture and to repair or replace tissue or organ function ral funding. Technology. They come from across the campus of Oklahoma State University, each bringing expertise from their respective fields such as biology, human medicine, engineering and veterinary medicine. Together, they represent the Interdisciplinary Program in Regenerative Medicine at OSU.

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Currently the following projects are underway at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences:

MYRON HINSDALE, DVM, Ph.D., associate professor,

Department of Physiological Sciences, is examining the influences of the extracellular matrix on adult stem function in organ homeostasis and specifically how these cells can augment post-injury organ repair and regeneration.

LIN LIU, Ph.D., is testing whether lung cells

differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells can be used for therapy in COPD.

PAMELA LLOYD Ph.D., associate professor, Department

of Physiological Sciences, is determining whether mesenchymal stem cells can improve function of endothelial cells that have been damaged by exposure to cigarette smoke.

ASHISH RANJAN, BVSc, Ph.D., assistant professor,

Department of Physiological Sciences, is utilizing highintensity focused ultrasound to enhance targeting of stem cells in the organ of interest.

Although they do not have pilot programs, these CVHS faculty members are part of the Interdisciplinary Program in Regenerative Medicine at OSU:

TODD HOLBROOK, DVM, DACVIM (Large Animal),

DACVSMR, June Jacobs Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine, Equine Section Chief, professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

VERONIQUE LACOMBE, DVM, Ph.D., associate professor,

Department of Physiological Sciences

TOM OOMENS, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of

Veterinary Pathobiology

CAREY POPE, Ph.D., Regents Professor, Walter

Sitlington Chair in Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences

MICHAEL SCHOONOVER, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR,

assistant professor of equine surgery, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

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EXPANDING ACUPUNCTURE’S USAGE Dr. Lara Sypniewski presented information on using acupuncture as an innovative treatment at the TEDx Innovate series on Oct. 24, 2013. She discussed treating chronic pain in animals with acupuncture. Since chronic pain is seen more often in aging animals, their systems might not tolerate surgery or heavy painkillers as a means to relieve their pain. Acupuncture is part of the comprehensive approach Sypniewski uses to help pets live a healthier, happier life. Henthorne Clinical Professor Dr. Lara Sypniewski specializes in small animal medicine. She also serves as a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and is a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist. She sees patients at the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital Monday through Friday as a community practice clinician.

Dr. Lara Sypniewski at the 2013 TEDx conference.

TEDx talks are available at

http://www.osugiving.com/tedxostateu/tedx-2.0-2013-speakers.

2014 Oklahoma State University

‘Find What Feeds Your Soul and … Make It Happen’ OSU VETERINARY STUDENT FINDS PASSION IN TAKING HER STUDIES TO AFRICA

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

ALL PHOTOS JENNY LADD

“ I K N OW T H AT P H I L A N T H R O P I C V E T E R I N A RY WO R K W I L L A LWAYS B E A PA R T O F M Y L I F E .” — JENNY LADD

ONE

“Originally, I helped develop a Center for Veterinary Health Sciences student is self-sustaining nonprofit structure taking OSU’s purpose of “Healthy and built some chimpanzee encloAnimals, Healthy People” all the sures,” she says. “In 2011, I comway to Africa — and she hasn’t pleted my primary parasite survey with the help of Dr. [Mason] even graduated yet. Fourth-year student Jenny Ladd Reichard and a grant from the of Evergreen, Colo., traveled to American Humane Association.”

looked at Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. on site, and sent samples back to OSU for further analysis of other parasites. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are known most commonly as the cause of severe diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort in all species of primates, including humans.

Veterinary pathobiology associate professor Mason Reichard, Ph.D., mentored Ladd during a summer research project that involved collecting 70 fecal samples to analyze for parasites.

In her trips to Africa, Ladd has learned more than just the number of parasites in existence. She has learned about the people, the place and herself.

“Given the heavy parasite burden observed in 2011, we wanted to “Habitat destruction, primarily, follow up and evaluate the effects prevents the chimps from being protocol changes have made on released into the wild once rescued the current parasite burden,” Ladd and rehabilitated from the pet says, explaining the reason for her trade, bush meat trade and defor- 2013 trip. “Specifically, on-demand estation,” Ladd says. “The sanctu- water valves have replaced manary is designed to build family made ponds as a primary water groups and allow them to live out source for the chimpanzees. Keepthe remainder of their lives much ers now wear reusable rubber gloves, have a strict hand-washing like wild chimpanzees.” She first traveled to the sanctuary protocol and have reduced their as a volunteer in 2006 and returned physical contact with the animals.” In addition, showers were built in 2008. Ladd made the trip again to the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphan- at each enclosure for keepers to age in 2011 and 2013 with a veteri- use before they return home, to try to minimize the spread of disnary/public health focus. ease caused by the parasites. Ladd

“I try to be realistic about the impact I am having,” she says. “How do you encourage hand washing when soap is not readily available? How do you encourage glove use when there is no way to dispose of gloves? Through my experiences, I have learned that the best philosophy is keep it simple and sustainable. It helps if you can build something, provide medicine or provide supplies, but if it is not sustainable, the long-term impact will be minimal. It feels good to bring clothes, medicine and school supplies, which I do, but it is much better to teach the women to garden so they can sustain vegetable supplementation for

Africa in 2013 thanks to a $4,000 grant from the Morris Animal Foundation that was matched by a $4,000 donation from the CVHS. Her destination was a chimpanzee sanctuary in northern Zambia, along the Congolese border in Africa.

CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

their family or develop water purification systems that are extremely basic with locally acquired parts. These are things that will continue with or without outside involvement.

“Over the years, I have become accepted and welcomed by the people, but it took time. To gain their trust I tried to integrate myself into their daily lives. When we dug the foundation for the “Time and time again, I am chimpanzee enclosures, I helped reminded how much we take for swing a pickax and carried bricks. granted. Our knowledge and our Over the years, I have played socpossessions far exceed anything cer with their children and have they can even conceptualize. Ques- watched them grow up. I will tions such as ‘How many families always be a ‘muzungu’ or white share your home?’ and ‘When you person but they now make me feel fly in an airplane, does the sun get like, despite my heritage, I am part bigger?’ make you realize how for- of the family. “All of the families at Chimfuntunate we are. shi have so much pride and love in their hearts. They do not have many personal possessions, yet they seem happy and greet each other and every day with a smile. For example, on my last trip I left for the airport late at night. As we bumped down the dirt road through the bush, we came upon a bunch of rickety bicycles. The villagers had come to see me off, hug me and bless my future travels. I left Chimfunshi with tears in my eyes.”

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

After earning her veterinary degree, Ladd is pursuing a doctorate in wildlife conservation medicine. “I am just looking for the best-fitting opportunity. I know that philanthropic veterinary work will always be a part of my life. I encourage other veterinary students who want to go somewhere to help to find it on your own. Don’t wait for opportunities to find you. Talk to people, send emails, keep asking, keep looking. There are so many places that need help. Be realistic with your expectations. I equate my efforts in Africa to a drop in a bucket — a bucket that has a hole in it. Yet, I would not do it differently. Find what feeds your soul and find a way to make it happen.” Ladd is the daughter of Cheryl and Roger Ladd of Evergreen, Colo. She is one of 90 students who graduated in 2014 with a DVM degree from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

A Delight From Down Under VETERINARY HOSPITAL BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAYS FOR A YOUNG KANSAS KANGAROO There is never a good time to get sick but getting sick during the holidays always seems to make it worse. That’s exactly how Joe Freed, owner of three red kangaroos, felt when Winnie became ill around the 2013 Christmas holidays.

“For a long time, she did not gain any weight. She was only gaining about an ounce a week going from 4 pounds in January to only 7.8 pounds in April,” says Freed. “And she didn’t appear to be growing mentally, either. I guess “Winnie, an 8-month-old female joey (young that is following in her brother’s footsteps as kangaroo), was not eating well and acting Frank, now 4 years old, seemed to grow at a lethargic, so her owner brought her to our slower pace as well. I’m happy to say that WinVeterinary Medical Hospital on Dec. 26, 2013,” nie is now putting on weight. She now weighs explains Jill Murray, RVT, RLATG, VTS (Exotic 16 pounds, which is normal for a baby kangaCompanion Animals). “We performed a com- roo her age.” plete physical exam, blood work and fecal analKangaroos usually live 15 to 20 years and in ysis and determined that Winnie was suffering adulthood females will weigh on average 45 to from severe anemia and dehydration as a result 90 pounds. Native to Australia, red kangaroos of hemorrhagic enterocolitis and needed a or Macropus rufus are the largest of the marsupiblood transfusion.” als. The gestation period for a kangaroo is only Luckily for Winnie, Freed was able to bring 33 days. Joeys are tiny when they are born, averher mother, Hope, and older brother, Frank, aging only 2.5 centimeters long and weighing in from his home in Wichita, Kan. Frank was less than one gram. A newborn joey crawls up Winnie’s blood donor. The transfusion went the mother’s fur to her pouch where it develaccording to plan and Winnie spent the next ops for the next 8 months. week recuperating at OSU’s Veterinary MediFreed owns and operates Petiatric, a comcal Hospital. She was on IV fluid therapy and pany that produces animal intensive care units round-the-clock bottle feedings. She stayed in for aviculturists (bird breeders), zoos and veteran incubator in a “pouch” to help simulate the inarians. He started the business 25 years ago normal temperatures she would be in had she when he began raising parrots and wasn’t able been in her mother’s pouch. to find affordable equipment on the market. “We monitored Winnie’s packed cell volume, “At one time, I was breeding 300 parrots,” says or the number of circulating red blood cells, Freed. “As an exotic animal lover, I also wanted a closely to make sure it didn’t drop any further wallaby. I studied the care and feeding of macroand continued to climb,” adds Murray. pods and asked my customers to put me on their Six months later, Freed reports that Winnie baby list. Three years later, I acquired Skippy, a 4-month-old male. In 2007, I started raising walis finally starting to gain weight. labies but didn’t have good luck with them. A friend had a female red kangaroo (Hope) that was in need of supervision, so I bought her and fell madly in love with kangaroos and have been raising them ever since.”

Above, Winnie is wrapped in a blanket to help keep her warm as if she were in her mother’s pouch. Top left, CVHS registered veterinary technician, Jill Murray, bottle feeds Winnie. PHOTOS COURTESY JOE FREED

2014 Oklahoma State University

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

A Big Heart for Tiny Paws “Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue is “I volunteer at Tiny Paws serving as their medical technician coordi- a huge effort. It is an extremely nator,” explains Bearden. “I make labor-intensive process to take sure that there are people there to care of neonate kittens. Many give the kittens medicine. I work places just euthanize them. We with the veterinarians to decide need many volunteers to keep how we will treat the neonates. I them alive and healthy. The more also foster kittens until they find a volunteers we have, the less time forever home. Surprisingly, none each person needs to work. I’m have become permanent mem- not sure what I will do after grad“I was working in human medi- bers of my family as I have one very uation in May 2015. I would like to be involved in shelter medicine cine as a nursing and lab manager large dog and three cats.” in an urgent care clinic. A veteriTo help control the overpopula- whatever I do.”

Going back to college later in life for a veterinary medicine degree is a challenge that Melanie Bearden is happy to take on. Add in the fact that she volunteers at least 20 hours a week at a kitten rescue, and you have an extraordinary, compassionate person. Meet Melanie Bearden, Class of 2015, originally of Mannford, Okla.

It is easy to imagine the soontion of cats and kittens in Stillwater and surrounding areas, Bearden to-be veterinarian helping save also volunteers with Operation tiny paws. Catnip. Another nonprofit orgaDERINDA BLAKENEY, APR nization, Operation Catnip runs a trap, neuter and release program PHOTOGRAPHY / PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING While living in Ponca City, Okla., for feral cats. Spearheaded by Dr. Lesa Staubus, clinical assistant Bearden worked for the Humane Society as a volunteer, a director professor at the veterinary cenand a board member over the years. ter, Operation Catnip holds its She even started an animal rescue monthly clinics inside OSU’s Veton her own, so it was no wonder erinary Medical Hospital. that when she met Holly Chap“I usually trap feral cats and then ples for the first time, that the two work the clinics Operation Cathit it off. nip holds to spay/neuter the cats Chapples is the director of Tiny trapped by other community volPaws Kitten Rescue at 901 S. Lowry unteers,” she adds. narian friend needed some help. I worked as a veterinary technician and fell in love with it. We would work 12- to 14-hour days, and I couldn’t wait to go back and do it again,” says Bearden.

St. in Stillwater. The nonprofit resBearden has been honing her cues neonatal kittens, ensuring clinical skills in her final year of they are vaccinated, tested for dis- veterinary college. eases, spayed or neutered before they become eligible for adoption.

With a feather teaser in hand, Melanie Bearden gets lots of attention from the kittens at Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue, where she volunteers.

2014 Oklahoma State University

International CDC case gets an OSU assist It isn’t every day that a student working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is allowed to travel abroad on a CDC case. But Oklahoma State University fourth-year veterinary student Stefanie Bolas was allowed to assist on a mystifying case in the South Pacific. “I was on a six-week preceptor at the CDC in Atlanta working in the rabies branch when the request came in from Yap,” says Bolas, of Buffalo, N.Y. “Yap is an isolated, undeveloped island in the South Pacific.”

contaminated food or water, inhalation or infection of an open wound. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. Certain conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of becoming ill from Burkholderia.

Bolas’ teammates were Leisha Nolen, MD, Ph.D., Epidemic Intelligence Service officer; and David Blaney, MD, CDC medical epidemiologist. A Yap hospital employee provided transportation and translation services.

“Melioidosis has only been seen once before “We were tasked with conducting interviews in Yap, and that was in August 2013. A 40-year- with family and close contacts of the brothers old diabetic man died from the disease,” says and the diabetic man,” says Bolas. “We collected Bolas. “Then in January 2014, these two oth- information to identify potential exposures to erwise healthy brothers — one 14 and one 18 soil and water, day-to-day activities and medical — became acutely ill, were admitted to the hos- history among other things. We also collected pital and died within days of each other. That’s serum samples from close contacts to identify when an epidemiology officer in Yap contacted people who may have been exposed but did not the CDC and requested help to figure out what become ill. Test results showed that one female cousin of the boys and the son of the diabetic was going on.” Bolas was able to fly to Yap with financial man were positive for Burkholderia exposure assistance from OSU’s Center for Veterinary but were not ill with Melioidosis.”

Two teenage brothers had died shortly after they were admitted to the local hospital in Yap. The cause of death was determined to be Melioidosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Humans can be infected with the bacteria, which occurs mostly in tropical climates, by ingesting Health Sciences.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY

Stefanie Bolas (from left), Dr. Leisha Nolen and Dr. David Blaney made up the CDC team in Yap.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

The poster (at left) was developed by the Centers for Disease Control team to help inform the public about Melioidosis and how to prevent it. The CDC team (above) talked with family members at their home about the boys’ activities before they became ill.

The group spent eight days on the island and even attended the memorial service for the teenagers.

interviews and created an informational hand- externship will be allowed to travel within the out and poster for public areas such as schools, U.S. You don’t usually get an opportunity like this to go on an international CDC case.” stores and churches.

“For a small island community such as Yap, the deaths of two young, healthy boys were devastating. Many people were fearful, and rumors about the disease developed. People were unsure how the disease was acquired and what they could do to prevent it. We developed community messaging through radio

“It was a great experience to see the process from start to finish from the time the CDC received the request for assistance, to planning the logistics such as passports and arranging to fly supplies over, to being there to talk to the people involved and collect samples. About 40 percent of students working in a CDC

The CDC team organized blood sample collections from relatives and friends of the two teens who died.

After graduating with her DVM degree in May 2014, Bolas became a public health officer in the U.S. Air Force assigned to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev. She is the daughter of Michael and Kathleen Bolas of Williamsville, N.Y. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

The CDC team attends the memorial service for the two teenagers who died of Melioidosis.

2014 Oklahoma State University

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

National award allows student to continue research Homescho oled, Ellen Jackson entered veterinary college at Oklahoma State with the Class of 2016 at the age of 17 having already completed her undergraduate requirements. At the end of her freshman year, Jackson chose a research project in Dr. Veronique Lacombe’s laboratory as part of the veterinary center’s Summer Research Scholars Training Program. Now, after completing her second year of veterinary college, Jackson was one of only 10 veterinary students nationwide to receive an American Veterinary Medical Foundation/American Veterinary Medical Association 2nd Opportunity Summer Scholars Award. This award allowed her to return to Dr. Lacombe’s laboratory to continue her research.

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Ellen Jackson and Dr. Veronique Lacombe

Jackson collaborates with Dr. “I chose Dr. Lacombe’s lab because it uses several different Brenda Smith, Department of techniques including live animal Nutrition, who uses the mice as studies, PCR, Western Blot and a model. a unique biotinylation assay that “Dr. Smith sent skeletal and detects transporters on the sur- cardiac muscle samples to Dr. face of cells,” says Jackson. “I want Lacombe. I made protein extracts to learn many different lab tech- from the frozen hearts of the mice niques. Additionally, her work has on the study. I’m using Western implications for human and vet- Blotting to detect individual proerinary medicine. I’m interested teins,” she adds. in public health, so I was drawn To be eligible for the 2nd to lab work that had some human Opportunity Summer Scholars implications.” Award, Ellen submitted a 250-word The eventual goal of the study is abstract of her previous research to find new connections between and what she planned for her seccardiovascular disease and diabetes. ond year on the project. Chris Ross, Last year, Jackson was able to find DVM, Ph.D., associate dean of acathat genetically engineered labo- demic affairs and professor of physratory mice on a high-fat diet had iological sciences, and Veronique better control of whole body and Lacombe, DVM, Ph.D., associate cardiac glucose than normal mice professor of physiological sciences, on the same diet. wrote letters of support.

“ I a m ve r y g ra t e f u l t o D r. Lacombe for letting me work in her lab and to Drs. Ross and Jerry Malayer, associate dean for research and graduate education, for supporting my research,” says Jackson. With two years of study complete, Jackson enjoys veterinary college. “I have shared a lot of experiences with other students between clubs and classes. And the professors are friendly, too. I’m interested in public health related careers, possibly in epidemiology. However, a lot can change,” she adds. She has been accepted into the DVM/Ph.D. program, which will give her plenty of time to determine her path as her career in veterinary medicine develops.

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Dr. Larry Stein (right), interim department head of Physiological Sciences, presents the 2014 Dean Harry W. Orr Memorial Award to J.D. Folsom.

Folsom wins Orr Award J.D. Folsom received the 2014 Dean Harry W. Orr Memorial Award. He grew up on a cow/ calf operation with horses and dogs so becoming a veterinarian was his goal for as long as he can remember.

Folsom began his fourth and Folsom wants to focus on catfinal year of veterinary college in tle medicine but has no concrete May as he and his classmates tran- plans yet. For underclassmen, he sition into the clinical part of their has this advice: training. “Vet school is a marathon, not a “I’m looking forward to getting sprint. You have to just put your hands-on experience and develop- head down sometimes and push “I was born in Worland, Wyo. We ing skills that will serve me as a vet- through the hard times.” lived there until middle school erinarian and not sitting in class all In addition to the Dean Orr when we moved to Salmon, Idaho, day,” he says with a smile. Award, Folsom received a George where I graduated from high The Dean Orr Award was estab- Harold and Dorothy Elsie Faisy school. Dr. Patricia Holland in lished in honor of the second dean Award, a Butch and Luella Ruth Wyoming made a big impact to serve the OSU College of Veter- Curtis Educational Fund Award, the on me at a young age. I can still inary Medicine. Subbiah Sangiah Endowed Scholarremember her showing me and my “I feel extremely honored to ship in Veterinary Pharmacology brothers her instruments and what receive such an award. It helps val- and a Dr. Harvey and Corinne Price they were for about every time she idate a lot of hard work and long Endowed Scholarship. was around.” hours studying. It’s always a privilege to be honored for hard work and dedication to something you are passionate about.”

2014 Oklahoma State University

Carey Pope and Shane Morrison

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Interdisciplinary Toxicology unveils Paracelsus Award Shane Morrison, a doctoral candidate in zoology, is one of four students to receive the new Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Toxicology, and is the first recipient of the Paracelsus Award. This annual award recognizes academic excellence in the certificate program. The Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program is in its second year. Carey Pope, Ph.D., Regents Professor and Sitlington Chair in Toxicology in the Department of Physiological Sciences, along with Drs. Loren Smith, Regents Professor and head of Zoology, and David Wallace, professor and assistant dean for research, Center for Health Sciences, are co-directors of the

Morrison graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with an environmental emphasis and approval from the American Chemical Society, from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. “Shane, working with Dr. Jason Belden, asso- While an undergrad, he also worked for Dow ciate professor of toxicology (zoology), is an Chemical Co. as a co-op laboratory technician outstanding student that brings interests from gaining experience with ion-exchange resin chemistry, environmental science and toxi- technologies. At OSU, Morrison earned a master’s degree cology into his research program,” says Pope. “The merging of disciplines to study complex in zoology in 2012. His research, published questions of toxicological relevance is what in the journal of Environmental Toxicology and the Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program is Chemistry in 2013, has been the inspiration for his Ph.D. research at OSU. all about.” program. Last year, Pope and his colleagues placed third in the OSU President’s Cup for Creative Interdisciplinarity, which provided funding for student awards such as the Paracelsus Award earned by Morrison.

For more information on OSU’s Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program see toxicology.okstate.edu.

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GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Barrett wins national award Anne Barrett, a doctoral candidate in veterinary biomedical sciences at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, received the 2014 American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists/Companion Animal Parasitology Council Graduate Student Award in Zoonotic Disease from the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. The award includes an honorarium and travel support to attend the 2014 AAVP meeting in Denver, where Barrett will report her most recent research findings on novel Rickettsia spp. in dogs and lone star ticks in Oklahoma. Originally from Portland, Maine, Barrett is completing her doctorate at Oklahoma State under the guidance of Drs. Susan Little, Eileen Johnson, Tamara Gull (veterinary pathobiology) and Ed Shaw (microbiology and molecular genetics).

Vet Cetera honored The 2013 issue of Vet Cetera has earned notice from three professional groups. A 2014 Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation came from the national Public Relations Society of America. The program recognizes and honors the very best public relations tactics executed each year. This year’s competition drew a total of 734 entries. Of those, only 90 organizations were selected as Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation winners, demonstrating the high standards applied by the judges in their evaluation process.

KARI JO KELSO

B R I T TA N Y KO E T H E R

Students named to national team Kari Jo Kelso and Brittany such as finance, marketing, metKoether, both Class of 2015, were rics, benchmarking,” says Koether. two of just nine students chosen “The group also participated in a from across the country for the case study where we reviewed full inaugural Student North Ameri- practice financials and demographcan Business Association team. ics and then made recommendaThe American Animal Hospi- tions to a board on how to decrease tal Association established the expenses and improve revenue cenS-NABA based on the concept ters, HR practices and business of the North American Business goals. The nine team members Association. The NABA consists will work together throughout the of several small groups of private coming year on different projects.” practices that meet annually to discuss practice management strategies. Kelso and Koether attended the March 2014 AAHA meeting for the first S-NABA team meeting.

The idea behind NABA groups is to afford veterinary students an opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, master business practices that will “Each student created a presenta- increase their appeal to employtion on a form of veterinary busi- ers, and set themselves up for sucness and practice management cess when they eventually partner in or own their own veterinary practice.

The magazine also earned a second-place Excellence Award from the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association and an Honorable Mention from the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

2014 Oklahoma State University

‘It Was Awesome’ ZOETIS EQUINE EXTERNSHIP WINNER ENJOYS HIS 4 WEEKS IN TEXAS

7:30 A.M.: Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Navasota, Texas.

Patients start getting their morning treatments.

8:00 A.M.: The clinic opens, and in come more patients.

5:00 P.M.: The clinic closes.

6:00 P.M.: Those morning treatments are complete.

8:00 P.M.: Night treatments begin, as do every-two-hour check-ins on the patients.

“I did anything and everything. I don’t think I had more than three consecutive hours of sleep the entire time I was there. It was intense,” he adds. “I saw a corneal transplant. By the time I left the horse was off all medication and seeing. Whenever they have to put a horse down, they take the corneas and then transplant them as needed. I saw a lot of colic surgeries, too. One thing they don’t teach us in school is that colics only come in after 10 p.m.”

quarter horses or cutting horses but Arabians, thoroughbreds, draft horses and polo horses. We visited an Arabian horse farm where one Arabian sheik kept his $20 million horse.” Willis was one of two veterinary students nominated to receive the Zoetis Equine Externship.

“The veterinary center has other Zoetis externships, but this is the first year we have had one focused on equine veterinary medicine,” says Todd Holbrook, DVM, The equine hospital treats all Dipl. ACVIM-Large Animal, Dipl. breeds of horses as well as mules, ACVSMR, equine section chief, donkeys, zebras, alpacas and llamas. June Jacobs Endowed Chair in “In Oklahoma, when you drive Veterinary Medicine and the prowest from Stillwater, you see herds fessor who nominated Willis. “I of cattle,” he says. “In Texas, when nominated Andrew because I was you drive through the countryside, impressed with his innate skills of you see herds of horses. Not just observation and problem solving,

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That’s the demanding schedule that Andrew Willis of Woodward, Okla., lived for four weeks, seven days a week, during his Zoetis Equine Externship during the summer between his second and third year of veterinary college at OSU.

which I noted when I interacted with him in our equine clinical techniques courses.” As a teenager, Willis worked on a ranch and loved it. His great-uncle, Dr. Ron Guthrie (’66), and three of his cousins (Drs. James Giles, ’98; Kimber Guthrie, ’98; and Danielle Husted, ’05) all earned their DVM degrees at OSU, so it didn’t take much persuasion to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. “I shied away from doing an externship between my first and second years of veterinary college because I felt I didn’t know enough and that would be frowned upon. I would encourage anyone considering an externship to just do it,” says Willis. “I was very surprised at how laid-back people were at Brazos. The owner, Dr. Terrell Buchanan,

PAUL WEST / CVHS

better known as T-Bone, told me to apply what you have already that anytime I wanted to get my learned in class. A big thanks to hands on something, all I had to do Dr. Holbrook, Zoetis and Brazos as was ask. No matter how busy every- well as the student chapter of the one was, they were happy to sit American Association of Equine down and explain what they were Practitioners for making this expedoing and answer any questions I rience possible for me.” had. T-Bone told me to take their After graduation with the Class horse, Ethel, out of the corral and of 2016, Willis hopes to do an practice my joint injections on her internship and residency in equine in between client appointments. internal medicine. “The contacts I made were “Brazos said I was welcome to incredible. I met one of two sur- come back anytime, and they geons in the world that can do a would make room for me,” adds specialty surgery called a C7 T1 Willis. “I plan to take them up on wobbler surgery. An externship that offer at some point. I would is well worth your time. You will go back in a heartbeat.” learn a lot and you will be able DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

Drs. Todd Holbrook (from left) and Lyndi Gilliam (advisers to the student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners); Andrew Willis, Zoetis Equine Externship recipient; Brett Burk, Zoetis equine specialist; and Dr. Rocky Bigbie, CVM Class of 1981 and academic liaison at Zoetis.

2014 Oklahoma State University

PHOTO COURTESY

Afghan hounds Eliza Jane and Paco show off their orange pride.

Thanking OSU ALUMNA’S SCHOLARSHIP HELP FUND TOMORROW’S VETERINARIANS

Oklahoma State University alumna Miriam “Mimi” A. (Horn) Yeager has combined her love for Afghan hounds with her gratitude to OSU’s veterinary college for caring for her first dogs when she was a student. Back in 1975, while studying for her bachelor’s in sociology, Mimi lived in a small house on South Knoblock Street in Stillwater that had a fenced yard for her two Afghan hounds. Like many students then, she didn’t have a car. The only way she could afford veterinary treatment for the dogs was to walk to OSU’s veterinary college — 1½ miles each way. Alethea, one of Mimi Yeager’s Afghan hounds

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“Sometimes, someone would give me a ride, but most students did not have cars back then,” she recalls.

Today, she has six Afghans. Her German import, Paco, was a cover boy for Sight & Scent magazine twice in July 2012 and July 2013 After graduating in December issues. Another, Clyde (named after 1977, she married Kevin Yeager. Alaska veterinarian Dr. Clyde L. They moved to Casper, Wyo., and Odom), has been on the Afghan then to Anchorage, Ala., in 1981. Hound Review cover. All six dogs “We have had three litters are AKC and Canadian champions. “I have professional handlers to over the years. We named all the show my Afghans,” she says. “I’ve AKC-registered puppies after fishtraveled all over the United States ing lures. This was the invention as well as to Canada to show my of Kevin, me and our friends and dogs. In order to afford this, I many bottles of wine,” says Yeager. taught ABE/GED classes at the For the past 39 years, Yeager has 450-bed Anchorage Cook Inlet Preshared her life with 24 Afghan trial Prison for more than 30 years.” hounds. In January 2013, Kevin Yeager died.

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Above, Chris Horn (center), “Mimi” Yeager’s brother, helped present the first two Afghan Hound Heaven Scholarships by Miriam A. Yeager to Rebecca Tims (left) and Jill Weber.

“He always liked the idea of a scholarship. I am so grateful for the care my dogs received while I was at OSU that I wanted to provide two scholarships to be awarded to deserving veterinary students. Rather than make an estate gift, I decided to do it now.” She established the Afghan Hound Heaven Scholarship by Miriam A. Yeager. The two $5,000 annual scholarships will be given to third-year or fourth-year veterinary students based upon financial need.

“I feel good about this,” Yeager says. “We never had kids, so our Afghans have been our family; they have been my life. I hope these scholarships help someone become a veterinarian so they can care for someone’s pets the way the OSU Vet School cared for mine.”

“All I ask is that if ever an Afghan hound comes into your clinic, please give it an extra pat on the head. And, please remember that Afghans are sight hounds. Most dogs come when they are called. An Afghan takes a message and gets back with you later.”

The scholarships were awarded for the first time in April 2014 to Rebecca Tims of Midland, Texas, and Jill Weber of Coppell, Texas, both fourth-year students. And to these soon-to-be-veterinarians, Yeager has this request:

Clyde, at left, on the 2008 cover of

The Afghan Hound Review, Paco, above, posed with his handler in -11 degree weather for the July 2013 cover of Sight & Scent.

TORNADO GIFTS UPDATE Last year, more than 470 people from around the world gave generously to the OSU Animal Relief Fund to help the many injured animals from the Oklahoma tornadoes. Thank you to the following donors whose contributions came in after the 2013 issue of Vet Cetera went to press: AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE EDUCATIONAL CHARITABLE TRUST, SHELBURNE, VT. ARTHRODYNAMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC., LEXINGTON, KY. JACK L. BUSER, CHICKASHA, OKLA. CHRISTIE ANNE CASH, HOUSTON DOCTOR’S CHOICE SUPPLEMENTS, SAUK CITY, WIS. SUSAN AND J. MICHAEL EDWARDS, OKLAHOMA CITY GAITHERSBURG VETERINARY, GAITHERSBURG, MD. PRISCILLA AND KEVIN GERFEN, STILLWATER ROBIN H. GRAY, OCALA, FLA. HAPPY TRAILS EQUESTRIAN CLUB, BETHALTO, ILL.

TRACI L. HECK, SAND SPRINGS, OKLA. JOHNSON AND JOHNSON, PRINCETON, N.J. ADRIENNE LEIGH KENNEDY, SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. LUIS O. KRUG, AUDUBON, N.J. MILLER-MCMAHAN ALPACAS LLC, GENEVA, NEB. ANNE SANCHEZ, TULSA KENDALL SUMMERHAWK, TUCSON, ARIZ. DONNA M. TALL BEAR, NORMAN, OKLA. KIMBERLY WOZNIAK, BRISTOW, OKLA. KRISTINE M. YANNOTTA, HOWELL, N.J.

2014 Oklahoma State University

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Honoring their work The Distinguished Alumni Award is selected and presented by the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society Committee. It recognizes outstanding professional and personal achievements and contributions to the enhancement of the veterinary profession.

K. S h aw n B l o o d Dr. K. Shawn Blood has a wide range of professional experience. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University in 1989 and currently serves as a technical service veterinarian for Zoetis, covering the High Plains region. Prior to that, he oversaw all livestock operations for Hitch Enterprises, which consists of three large commercial feed yards, a ranch and a swine operation. Before joining Hitch, Blood became a practice partner and owner of a food animal practice in Sutton and Geneva, Neb., with an emphasis on swine and cattle. He became an equal partner of the Sutton Veterinary Clinic in 1991. The practice consists of two clinics covering most of a six-county area. Blood is licensed and accredited to practice in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. He is a member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, American Association

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S ta n l e y D. K o sa n k e Dr. Stanley D. Kosanke is a highly focused professor who has participated in numerous research grants, publications and teaching activities during his 40-year career. He started his college career with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from the College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University in 1968 and received his DVM from the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. Kosanke earned a Ph.D. at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University in 1975. He was employed for three years at the Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Ala., as a diagnostic pathologist for numerous drug carcinogenesis studies. He is currently an associate professor within the Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, and adjunct associate professor of oral and maxillofacial pathology, College

D av i d L. P a n c i e r a Dr. David L. Panciera graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University in 1982. He is the Anne Hunter Professor of Small Animal Medicine in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1987, he earned a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and board certification in small animal internal medicine from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. After completing his DVM at OSU, he worked in private practice and held faculty positions at several veterinary colleges. This experience has helped him teach veterinary students a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of medical disorders in small animals. He has provided advanced clinical training in small animal internal

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of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. He is involved in the Oklahoma Beef Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Nebraska Cattlemen. He was the director of the District VII region of the AABP from 2005-2011. He was a member and vice chair for the AVMA Council on Biologics and Therapeutic Agents and a member of the AVMA Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee. He is currently the Oklahoma director for the AVC board of directors. The AABP awarded him the Merial Excellence in Preventative Medicine-Beef Award at the Vancouver, BC, meeting in 2007. He also has articles published in Bovine Veterinarian, Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research and COBTA report. He was an active developer and contributing editor to the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Handbook. Blood is a strong supporter and contributor to the OSU CVM educational program, mentoring more than 50 externs over the last 20 years. He is a member of the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church in Guymon, Okla. He has been married to his wife Jennifer since 1995. They have three daughters, Anna, 17; Katie, 14; and Hope, 11.

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of Dentistry, at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he has been a faculty member for 36 years.

medicine to many interns and residents and has served on numerous graduate committees for master’s and doctoral candidates.

He attained accreditation from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 1981 and the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 1983. He has developed extensive curricula for both laboratory animal medicine and comparative pathology, which includes numerous teaching files on the diseases of humans, laboratory, exotic and domestic animals.

Panciera has obtained more than $650,000 in research grants with an emphasis on clinical endocrinology. He has over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals, authored a textbook on small animal endocrinology, and has written chapters in several textbooks. He also has served as a reviewer for numerous national and international professional publications including the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the Canadian Veterinary Journal.

Kosanke has served as principal investigator, co-investigator or consulting veterinary pathologist on 25 National Institutes of Health research grants. He has authored or co-authored 92 research publications and 66 research abstracts as well as making presentations at numerous local, state and national meetings. He has published in numerous journals and served as a manuscript reviewer for several scientific journals. He has taught extensively within the College of Medicine, the College of Dentistry and the graduate college at the OUHSC. He also helps with the mentoring of those veterinary students (many from OSU) and graduates who have participated in the comparative medicine externships and residency training programs, and has served as an adviser on numerous master’s and Ph.D. committees.

He is a member of several professional organizations including the Society for Comparative Endocrinology, American Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. Panciera has received awards for clinical teaching, including the Bayer Animal Health Faculty Recognition Award in 2006 and 2010. Panciera is married and has two children.

Kosanke also consults with several private veterinary reference laboratories. He is currently or has been a consulting veterinary pathologist to the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Max Planck Institute, Northwestern and Boston Universities, Miles Pharmaceutical and the Genzyme Corp., among many others.

2014 Oklahoma State University

Orange to the Bone TEUSCHER SPREADS LOVE FOR OSU TO FLORIDA

Even though Matt Teuscher, DVM, was born and reared in Gibson City, Ill., he bleeds OSU orange. He came to Stillwater, Okla., to get an education. His dream since grade school was to become a veterinarian. “Growing up on a farm, I loved helping my dad with the cattle and sheep. I came to Oklahoma State because I received an academic incentive scholarship,” says Teuscher. “It dropped the out-of-state tuition costs for both undergrad and veterinary school.”

The OSU athletic logo highlights one wall.

He graduated with his DVM degree in 2004 and went to work for the Animal Care Hospital in Morris, Ill.

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Another wall dons the Brightest Orange OSU logo as well.

Pistol Pete adorns supply cabinets in Dr. Matt Teuscher’s newly renovated surgery suite at his animal hospital.

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Dr. Matt Teuscher and his family

Island Animal Hospital in Venice, Fla.

“I enjoyed the bovine palpation lab with Drs. Gregor Morgan and Lionel Dawson. They were great teachers and they liked to have fun while you learn,” he remem“Over the next nine years, I gained a lot of experience bers. “It was a very practical way of learning. They in surgery especially in orthopedics.” made you think but didn’t talk over your head. Great In August 2013, Teuscher’s love for the ocean, boat- balance! I gained so much practical experience while ing, water sports and beautiful weather year round led I was at OSU that most veterinary schools don’t prohim and his family to the Gulf Coast of Florida. vide for their students. I felt ready when I graduated “The opportunity became available. The location to ‘hit the ground running’ and I did. and practice were exactly what I was looking for to “I am a very hands-on type of person. My favorite raise my family.” part of being a veterinarian is definitely surgery and Matt purchased the Island Animal Hospital in Venice, Fla., where he specializes in small animal medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. He also performs orthopedic surgeries for other veterinarians on a referral basis. His wife, Amanda, is the veterinary hospital manager.

Of course, Teuscher had to do a little redecorating — and like any orange-blooded OSU Cowboy fan, he chose an OSU theme for his veterinary hospital.

anatomy. Taking an animal that is ‘broken’ and figuring out how to best ‘fix’ the problem is not only challenging but also very rewarding. “If young graduating veterinarians practice good medicine and surgery and communicate well, the rest will fall into place,” he advises. “And Go Cowboys!” DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

“I still wear orange almost every day to work. Throughout my experiences since OSU, I have yet to find friendlier people or a more welcoming place than Stillwater.” Teuscher has fond memories of his time at OSU.

The Island Animal Hospital staff.

2014 Oklahoma State University

Honoring Military Heroes CVHS OBSERVANCE NOTES EVENT FOR DOOLITTLE’S RAIDERS The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences honored military heroes past and present at its Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, 2013, outside McElroy Hall at the Military Veterinarian Honor Court.

Nationally, only 1 percent of the U.S. population serves in the military and provides the 99 percent the freedom they enjoy, Lt. Col. Steven R. Cherrington, commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 670 at OSU, told the audience in his “Remembering Those Who Paved the Way” address. In Oklahoma, however, 325,000 people — almost 10 percent of the population — serve in the military.

THE FINAL TOAST Members of the Air Force and the Navy served together in 1942, launching bombers off the flight deck of the USS HORNET in the Pacific Ocean in retaliation for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Sixteen bombers were launched, each with a crew of five men. Lt. Col. Steven R. Cherrington says all but three crew members survived. The final four surviving Doolittle Raiders were honored by the Air Force on Nov. 9, 2013, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Three of the four survivors were able to attend the final toast, which was given from a bottle of 1896 cognac — Lt. Gen. James “Jimmy” Doolittle’s birth year. The late commander of the crew had started the annual toast tradition, but the surviving members decided that 2013’s would be the last event. Eighty silver goblets were presented to the Raiders in 1959 by the city of Tucson, Ariz. Each Raider’s name was engraved on his goblet, the second upside-down. Whitegloved cadets poured cognac into the survivors’ goblets. Those of the deceased were turned upside-down. At the end of that ceremony, retired Col. Carroll “C.V.” Glines, the historian for the Raiders, said, “This concludes the ceremony and also completes a mission,” according to the Air Force News Service.

“That is quite a telling number,” he says. He recognized another Veterans Day event, the final toast of the Doolittle Raiders, who led a raid on Tokyo on April 18, 1942, in retaliation for the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Cherrington, a professor, chairs the Department of Aerospace Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, teaching the foundations of the U.S. Air Force and national security affairs. He is an OSU graduate and a senior pilot with more than 1,400 hours and 400 combat hours supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti and Haiti. Lt. Col. Holland’s brick has a gold star on it to denote that he was killed in combat. Holland graduated from the OSU CVM in 1988. A roadside bomb killed him and three fellow servicemen on May 18, 2006. “How essential it is for us to gather with an attitude of gratitude,” Cherrington says. “Thank you for your service, patriotism and dedication.” Dr. Jean Sander, dean of the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, gave the welcome. OSU Army and Air Force ROTC cadets presented the colors. The veterinary center has a long history of supporting new recruits and faculty members enlisted in military service, as well as graduating many alumni who go on to military service, she says. In addition, Dr. Kenneth Bartels, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, holds the McCasland Professorship in Laser Surgery and the Kerr Chair for Biophotonics in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, and is director of the Surgical Laser Laboratory. Dr. Tamara Gull, recently promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, is an assistant professor in veterinary pathobiology and teaches infectious diseases and microbial forensics. The honor court was created to honor those OSU veterinarians who are serving or have served in the U.S. military. Bricks are engraved in remembrance of them and their service. BEVERLY BRYANT

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Lt. Col. Steven R. Cherrington

2 students Join the Army Kristen Borsella (Class of 2016) and Ian Frye (Class of 2017) were commissioned into the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps during the 2014 spring semester. They are two of four veterinary students currently serving in the Army Veterinary Corps.

into the Army last year prompted Borsella to look into the military option.

“Hearing about Sarah’s military experience inspired me to consider this as a career choice,” she says. “Also both of my grandfathers and an uncle served in the Borsella grew up in Pelham, N.Y., military. After speaking to them with a police sergeant father whose about this opportunity it conpartner is a K9 and who owned a firmed that this was something I pet grooming salon before that. really wanted to do.” She also worked at a local equine In return for a two-year scholcenter while attending middle and arship to help pay for her degree high school. in veterinary medicine, Borsella “For as long as I can remember, will serve on active duty in the I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian,” Army for three years following her says Borsella. graduation.

Watching her friend and classmate Sarah Keller receive a scholarship as Keller was commissioned

“I’m not sure if I will make a permanent career out of the military,” says Borsella. “I am very excited

will be an excellent opportunity to serve my country in a way that also helps me pursue my personal dreams of being a veterinarian. It’s “I’ll have to keep myself open to also a chance to gain valuable expewhatever new opportunities come rience working with health proalong,” says Frye, who received a fessionals in many different fields three-year scholarship and will for a common goal. The networkalso serve three years following his ing and technical resources I will graduation. “The loan repayment have access to are nearly unparalprogram was what first caught my leled compared to anywhere else I could be working as a new graduattention.” ate. And I will enter the service as “As an out-of-state student, the a commissioned officer, which only already high veterinary school tuiopens more of those doors for me.” tion bills are even more daunting. After their graduations, both This is a great way to cut down my students will attend the Officer repayment time by quite a bit,” says Frye, who grew up in Arlington, Basic Leadership Course at Fort Wash. “As I looked into it more, I Sam Houston in Texas before did find other aspects of the pro- being assigned to their first duty gram that attracted me to it. It station. about the opportunity ahead and am going to make the most of it. I think it’s a decision I will have to make when the time comes.”

DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

BOTH PHOTOS COURTESY

Kenneth Bartels, DVM, McCasland Foundation Laser Surgery Professor, Kerr Chair for Biophotonics, and a retired colonel in the Army Veterinary Corps, commissioned Kristen Borsella as a second lieutenant as part of the Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Ian Frye was commissioned as a second lieutenant by Capt. Joshua Willens.

2014 Oklahoma State University

CLASS OF 2014

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

Dr. Diane Dickinson (left) hoods her daughter, Carolyn, at her May graduation.

THE NEXT GENERATION Like mother, like daughter. That’s how it is in the Dickinson household. Dr. Diane Dickinson earned her DVM degree from OSU in 1984. In 2010, she returned to Stillwater to put a white coat on her middle daughter, Carolyn, as she began veterinary college with the Class of 2014. In 2013, Dr. Dickinson coated Carolyn during the Transition Ceremony and finally, on May 9, 2014, she hooded Carolyn as she, too, earned her DVM degree from Oklahoma State University.

this milestone in her life is the evidence thereof. “We took her to other colleges,” says Diane. Carolyn was made to be a veterinarian. I am so “We didn’t want her coming to OSU just grateful that I could personally encourage her. because I had.” I am so proud of her.” “I think most importantly my mom has Diane Dickinson owns Shepherd’s Cross Inc. shown me that having the chance to be a vetand Heart of the Shepherd Inc., both based in erinarian is a gift,” Carolyn says. “Not all peoClaremore, Okla. Shepherd’s Cross is a work- ple are meant to do it. Those of us that are have ing sheep farm, and Heart of the Shepherd is a responsibility to our patients and our clients a nonprofit organization that teaches veteri- to do the best we can. And when medicine fails, nary medicine and animal husbandry around to just be there for them and let them know you care about them.” the world. Carolyn regularly worked at both.

“I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long “Carolyn is the first of three children to go as I remember,” says Carolyn. “Seeing my mom on to veterinary college,” says Diane. “We put as one only made me want to do it even more.” her through the gauntlet. Carolyn worked with “From the time Carolyn was a little girl, she me on veterinary missions in different parts has always loved animals in a very real and prac- of the world, treating water buffalo and cattical way,” her mother says. “She would follow tle. She would always come home and say, ‘Yes, all the rules of sterile fields and patient care this is what I want to do.’ We wanted to make extremely well. However, she was so interested sure she was going into veterinary medicine in watching the surgeries that she would get too because it was what she wanted — not because close, and I would have to ask her to back up I am a veterinarian.” so I could do the surgery! She was enthralled by veterinary medicine and her accomplishing

The same was true for where Carolyn would earn her degree.

And with that Carolyn will leave OSU with her DVM degree to join a mixed-animal practice, Skiatook Animal Clinic in Skiatook, Okla. Her mother will continue to work on the farm. “Words cannot express the joy I feel,” says Diane. “I am so delighted to witness, first hand, veterinary medicine walking into the next generation, especially rural, mixed-animal medicine. In a time when veterinary medicine has met some challenges, I am filled with hope for our profession.” “I love it all — the medicine, the animals and the clients,” adds Carolyn Dickinson, DVM. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

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DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

THE JOURNEY It’s only been a few short years since Dr. Michael Rogers, Class of 2011, received his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University. On May 9, he hooded his wife, Alisha Rogers, as she earns her DVM degree from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine with the Class of 2014. “The thought of becoming a veterinarian was something I always considered,” says Alisha. “During my undergraduate studies in zoology at OSU, I was closely involved with many types of animals. After graduating and working for a few years, I decided I wanted to do more than work with animals; I wanted to work on them. Michael and my family convinced me that it was never too late to pursue my dreams.”

Drs. Michael and Alisha Rogers.

Alisha and Michael met working at Walmart while undergraduates at OSU. They started dating in June of 2005 and married April 14, 2007. In the fall of 2007, Michael began his journey to become a veterinarian. In May 2008, the couple began living at the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Ranch, serving as herdsmen and on-site security for four years, while gaining invaluable experience that would serve them well in the future. By the time Michael graduated in 2011, Alisha had completed her first year of veterinary college. Michael is currently the resident veterinarian at the Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Okla. “I am blessed to have had Michael’s help academically and his unwavering support,” Alisha says. “Not very many veterinary students are as fortunate as I am to have someone who knows what you are going through and can help along the way.”

“To be a veterinarian, the heart of your career is focused on animals and their health. However, helping someone in the process is what I like the most about veterinary medicine,” she adds. “During my senior year I served patients I will never forget; they will always be near and dear to my heart. While on my small animal surgery and internal medicine rotations, I was very lucky to have had a Brussels Griffon by the name of Francis. Francis and his owner, Kassie, are a true blessing. I loved seeing his dapper face peeking from his ICU cage, which was adorned from top to bottom with photos and quotes from home. My favorite quote in his cage was ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed … nothing will be impossible for you.’ (Matthew 17). Francis truly embodied this scripture, and he taught me to never give up. “I am indebted to OSU’s veterinary center faculty, house officers and staff for the collaboration, knowledge and experience I gained while in veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. I am excited to start my career as a veterinarian,” says Alisha, who is seeking a position close to their Guthrie home. “I am happy to have shared this journey with Alisha. It means more to me to hood Alisha than my own graduation. I can’t wait to give her a big hug after hooding her. I look forward to having her as a colleague,” says Michael. DERINDA BLAKENEY, APR

To read more about Francis’ road to recovery, see pages 19 and 20 in this issue of Vet Cetera.

2014 Oklahoma State University

CLASS OF 2014

GENESSE PHOTO

Whitney Fry accepts the McElroy Award from Steven McElroy, great-grandson of award namesake Dean Clarence H. McElroy.

Fry Receives McElroy Award Whitney Fry was speechless when her name was announced as the winner of the 2014 Dean Clarence H. McElroy Award, the highest honor for an OSU veterinary student.

influence my career choice. My parents have always encouraged me to do what makes me happy.”

Whitney grew up in Edmond, Okla. She majored in zoology/biomedical sciences at the University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate degree.

that it is coming to an end. I am so grateful for my education and consider myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity.”

And her favorite memory, as she prepares “There were no coherent thoughts,” says Fry. to graduate? “I’m still trying to process it. It is such an honor “There are too many favorite memories to and I feel so incredibly grateful. I hope I am able pick one. It’s pretty amazing to look back and to represent my school and this profession well.” realize how far my classmates and I have come,” The award was established in honor of she says. “I would advise any future veterinary the first dean of OSU’s College of Veterinary student to work hard without being too hard Medicine (then Oklahoma A&M School of on yourself. Help each other out and try to Veterinary Medicine). Faculty members and maintain a good attitude. classmates vote for the honoree, whose selec“I just want to thank the OSU Vet Med faculty tion is based on high academic achievement, and my classmates. My experience at OSU has leadership and outstanding clinical proficiency. been wonderful overall, and it’s hard to believe

“I found zoology and biomedical sciences interesting, and I also enjoy medicine, so becoming a veterinarian fit,” she says. “There wasn’t a special event or person that helped

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Whitney leaves OSU to begin a small animal rotating internship at Tufts University’s veterinary hospital with plans to probably pursue a residency in internal medicine.

VETERINARY MEDICAL RESEARCH SCHOLARS Rhoden worked with the NCVP on a numHerrin’s research involved collaborative work to characterize a novel Ehrlichia sp. in ber of different parasitology projects, including horses and determine equine tick burdens. He authoring recommendations for the Companis now completing graduate school in OSU’s ion Animal Parasite Council on Mesocestoicombined DVM/Ph.D. program under Lit- des spp., and is now pursuing an internship This accomplishment is based on the stu- tle’s mentorship, investigating the geographic in small animal medicine and surgery at Texas dents’ publications and contributions to orig- expansion of Borrelia burgdoferi in North A&M University. Dr. Quinci Layman was mentored by inal research conducted while in veterinary America. school. Velasquez recently published ground-break- Anthony Confer, DVM, MS, Ph.D., DACVP, Drs. Brian Herrin, Luisa Velasquez and ing research documenting increased preva- Regents Professor and Walter Sitlington Heather Rhoden studied under Susan Little, lence of heartworm by antigen testing in canine Endowed Chair for Food Animal Research. She DVM, Ph.D., DACVM (Parasit), OSU Regents samples after heat treatment, and recently conducted a retrospective study of 99 equine Professor, Krull-Ewing Chair in Veterinary Par- accepted a position as an associate veterinar- disease cases associated with infection with various Actinobacillus bacteria. Those data were asitology and co-director of the National Cen- ian in Owasso, Okla. recently published in the Journal of Veterinary ter for Veterinary Parasitology. Diagnostic Investigation. Layman has entered a pathology resident/Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University.

Four of the five students who attained a Research Scholar transcript designation at the 2014 Oklahoma State University commencement ceremonies were veterinary students from OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

DERINDA BLAKENEY / CVHS

Brian Herrin (from left), Luisa Velasquez, Dr. Susan Little, Heather Rhoden, Dr. Anthony Confer and Quinci Layman. The graduating veterinary students are wearing their purple honor cords in recognition of their research accomplishments.

2014 Oklahoma State University

CLASS OF 2014

Congratulations, Class of 2014! GENESSEE PHOTO

IN MAY, THE CENTER FOR VETERINARY HEALTH SCIENCES GRADUATED THE CLASS OF 2014 WITH 90 MEMBERS.

GENESSEE PHOTO

Welcome, Class of 2018

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CLASS OF 1964

50 years later â&#x20AC;Ś CLASS OF 1964 REUNITES IN STILLWATER BY DERINDA BLAKENEY

When the members of the Class of 1964 graduated with their DVM degree, they numbered 34, with 31 men and three women. In May 2014, 19 of the 29 living class members returned to Stillwater to celebrate the last 50 years. Here are brief summaries of their varied careers as OSU Cowboy veterinarians. GENESEE PHOTO

CLASS OF 1964 From left, in front: Drs. Kenneth Sims, Lemuel Halterman, Richard Burchinal, Jan Smith and John Freeman. Back row, from left: Drs. Keith Martin, Laurin Patton, Charles Seagren and Jim Brandt.

GENESEE PHOTO

CLASS OF 1964 From left, in front: Drs. Terry Beals, Ben Baker, Richard Allen, Gary Tran and Sandra Wilson. Back row, from left: Drs. Gloyd Miller, Marvin Adams, Clarence Moreton, Roy Pool and Deorsey McGruder. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

CLASS OF 1964

MAR VIN M. ADAMS purchased the Henryetta (Okla.) Veterinary Hospital less than two years after starting his career there. He practiced there for 34 years and retired to raise cattle. In 2001, he and his wife, Donna, sold their farm and moved to Lake Bob Sandlin in Pittsburg, Texas, where they spend three seasons. During the summer, they stay at their mountain place in Pagosa Springs, Colo., where Marvin loves to fly fish for trout.

JAMES H. BRANDT moved to Sarasota, Fla., and eventually lived in Nokomis, Fla. He was very active in the community and in organized veterinary medicine, both at the local and national levels. He has received many awards including the 2013 AVMA Award, an OSU Distinguished Alumni Award (2006), the Florida Distinguished Service Award (2003) and Florida Veterinarian of the Year (1993). He is one of three Oklahoma State veterinary graduates to serve as AVMA president and chairman of the AVMA executive board.

RICHARD E. ALLEN joined a small animal practice in North Little Rock, Ark., while the owner ran for state office. When the owner RICHARD G. BURCHINA fulfilled his didn’t win, Dr. Allen was out of a job. He leased military obligation with two years in the Army a clinic, then built his own three years later. He Veterinary Corps. After his discharge, he pracand his wife, Doretta, have worked at the practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Shetice together for 17 years and are toying with boygan, Wis., for 42 years before retiring. He the idea of retirement. In his spare time, Rich- was active in professional organizations and his ard is restoring a 1964 Austin Healey 3000 community. In retirement, Dr. Burchina and his wife, Liz, have traveled throughout North sports car. America and as far away as Germany to pursue his interest in riding trains. BEN H. BAKER worked in Oklahoma for two years before moving to Fort Smith, Ark. He worked for another veterinarian for one year JOHN I. FREEMAN, MPH , entered the before building his own practice, where he Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health worked until he retired in 2010. He has been Service. In 1966, he became the state public active in locally organized veterinary medicine, health veterinarian for North Carolina, servin their community, and in keeping his class- ing until 1984. From 1984 until he retired in 1996, Dr. Freeman served as chief of the envimates connected. ronmental section. He was very active in state and national organized veterinary medicine. TERRY L. BEALS worked in private pracHe is one of three OSU veterinary graduates tice briefly in Hollis, Okla., before working with to serve as AVMA president and chairman of the animal disease eradication arm of the USDA the AVMA executive board. stationed in Muskogee, Okla. He was heavily involved in the eradication of hog cholera, brucellosis and tuberculosis in the western U.S. JAMES F. GEHRING, DVM , went home Starting in 1990, Dr. Beals served as the state vet- to Arkansas after graduation. In May 1966, he erinarian of Texas for 10 years. He returned to was in the Army and assigned to the 4th MedOklahoma for three more years with the USDA ical Detachment in Saigon, Da Nang and Qui before retiring in 2005. Nhon, Vietnam. His responsibilities included taking care of scout and sentry dogs. After the Army, in addition to his two practices, Dr. Gehring became the Arkansas State Racing Commission veterinarian at Southland Greyhound Park in West Memphis. After 27 years, he retired as commission veterinarian but is still active in his private practices and with his herd of British White Park cattle.

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LEMUEL G. HALTERMAN, DVM , began his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service attached to the veterinary epidemiology section of the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta. After four years, he moved to a small animal practice in Ohio. By 1971, he and his family settled in Hagerstown, Md., where he started his own practice enjoying surgery — especially orthopedics — and mentoring young veterinarians. He retired in 2003 and enjoys traveling with his wife, LeeAnne, and spending time with family and grandchildren. J O S E P H S . H AY D E N , D V M , joined Ralston Purina in St. Louis, Mo., in 1964 working in the pathology diagnostic laboratory and as a dairy specialist. In 1968, he became production manager of Kleen Leen Swine Corp., a subsidiary of Purina, covering Indiana and Iowa. He also served as chairman of the Swine Genetics Board. In 1976, he was promoted to animal health manager for research and development and served as president of the American Association of Industrial Veterinarians in 1984. Retiring in 1990, he and wife Betty Lou now live near Dallas, enjoying their children and grandchildren. KEITH O. MARTIN, DVM , practiced for five years in Oklahoma in a primarily large animal practice. He wanted a mixed-animal practice and moved to Cabot, Ark., to pursue that dream. He still lives in Cabot and says he has had a very satisfying, rewarding professional career and wouldn’t change a thing. J A M E S C . M c C O Y, D V M , practiced in Milan, Tenn., before moving to Buckhannon, W.Va., to work as a veterinarian for the government. After six years, he decided to build his own clinic, which he ran for 35 years. He still does relief work for the veterinarian who bought his clinic. Throughout his career, McCoy was active in his community. In retirement, he and his wife, Joyce, enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.

DEORSEY E. M c GRUDER JR., DVM , took a job in a large animal clinic at the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine for one year. After passing the Texas boards, he opened Southern Oaks Animal Clinic in May 1966, becoming the first African-American veterinarian to practice in Dallas. He was appointed to the Texas Racing Commission-Greyhound Section following Dr. Demarious Frey (OSU CVM 1963) and served from 1993-1999. Throughout his 47 years in practice, he mentored many young people who were interested in veterinary medicine. In 2013, Dr. McGruder retired. He and his wife, Vera, are looking forward to traveling, spending time with grandchildren, resting and gardening. G L O Y D R . M I L L E R , D V M , began his career in a mixed-animal practice in Warner, Okla., with limited veterinary equipment and a few fabricated pieces to help get the job done. By 1966, his business was 10 percent small animal and 90 percent large animal. In 1972, he built a new building on the south side of Muskogee, Okla., and started a new venture that was mostly small animal medicine. In 1976, he hired OSU graduate Tim Synar, DVM, who became a partner in 1978. They continue practicing today. He and his wife, Dessa, enjoy their grandchildren. Dr. Miller also raises Angus cattle and quarter horses.

L A U R I N L . PAT T O N , D V M , returned CHARLES R. SEAGREN, DVM , joined to Ada, Okla., where he entered a mixed-an- Meriweather Veterinary Supply in Miller, S.D., imal practice as the fifth veterinarian. He and became a partner in 1966. He worked worked in and owned 1/3 interest in that prac- there until 1993. Both Dr. Seagren and his wife, tice until selling it in 1975. He then worked Pat, were active in the community. Wanting a at East Central University and Robert S. Kerr change of pace after 29 years, he accepted a posiGround Water Lab for the EPA from 1976 to tion as South Dakota’s assistant state veterinar1982. In December 1981, he and his wife, Vir- ian and moved to Pierre, S.D. After retiring in ginia, opened Arlington Animal Clinic, a small 2006 and losing his wife to multiple sclerosis animal practice in Ada. He continues as part- in 2008, he moved to Oakland, Neb., in 2011 to be closer to family. ner in that practice today. ROY R. POOL, DVM, PH.D. , spent his career excelling in pathology, attributing much of his success to Dr. Roger Panciera, emeritus professor, and others at OSU. His love of pathology has taken him to the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, IDEXX Veterinary Laboratories, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell CVM, Mississippi State CVM and finally to Texas A&M CVM, where he works today. His work on the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disease in horses earned him the International Pegasus Equine Research Award (1991), the first anatomic pathologist to receive it. He has also received the 2013 TAMU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Clinical Service Award and the 2013 Alumni Achievement Award from the UC Davis, among many other honors.

V I C K I R . R O B E R T S O N , D V M , practices at the Airport Veterinary Hospital in Palm began his career serving two years in the Springs, Calif. She is licensed to practice in both Army Veterinary Corps. He then operated a California and New Mexico. Throughout her solo mixed-animal practice in the Fort Smith, career, she has been involved in organized vetArk., area for 40 years. He was very active in erinary medicine serving in leadership posithe Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association tions nationally and locally. Her honors include (program chair in 1997, president-elect in 1998, Outstanding Young Woman of America (1966), president in 1999, 12 years as a trustee of the National Registry of Prominent Americans Arkansas VMA). In 2001, he was named the (1970) and Community Leaders of America Arkansas Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Moreton (1971), to name a few. has also been active in the Fort Smith Area Veterinary Medical Association and in numerous civic organizations. CLARENCE M. MORETON, DVM,

KENNETH J. SIMS, DVM , was drafted and served as an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps in Louisville, Ky. He and his wife, Carolyn, had a second child who needed pediatric heart surgery, so the family stayed in Louisville to access the children’s hospital there. Dr. Sims joined a practice and later bought it. He was very active in organized medicine serving on Kentucky’s Board of Veterinary Medicine and as an AVMA delegate. Carolyn Sims also served more than 40 years in local, state, AVMA and international auxiliaries. During his career, Dr. Sims has been part of the Cayman Veterinary Practice (1974-2004) and the Turks & Caicos practice (1984-2010). J A N M . S M I T H , D V M , worked at and then purchased Alpine Veterinary Clinic in Alpine, Texas. In 1968, she built a new hospital with both large and small animal facilities. She was honored as the Women’s Veterinary Medical Association’s Graduating Senior, Texas Small Business Association Businessman of the Year, Who’s Who at OSU and more. In 1982, she sold her practice to do relief work and bought a small Texas ranch. In 2003, she sold the ranch and retired, moving to Canon City, Colo., where she works odd jobs. In 2013, she had some major health issues and hopes the future holds more traveling and camping. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

L A R R Y J . S WA N G O , D V M , P H . D . ,

served two years in the Army Veterinary Corps at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, involved in research on viral canine diseases. In 1966, he attended Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, earning a doctorate in virology. In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of Washington School of Medicine, teaching and continuing his research. In 1972, he joined the faculty at Auburn University CVM to teach, continue his viral diseases research and provide diagnostic support. In 2000, he retired from Auburn as professor emeritus of pathobiology. GARY MINH TRAN, DVM,

was born Tran Quang Minh in Chau Doc, South Vietnam. He earned his OSU DVM degree under the U.S. Agency for International Development Leadership Training Program. In 1964, he returned to Vietnam, working first at the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Science and later held other governmental positions with increasing responsibility. In 1975, he and his family left Saigon. He spent a year at OSU and then joined the practice of classmate Dr. Ken Sims. After 10 years, he bought Small Animal Emergency Medicine, a night clinic in Louisville, Ky., and still works there today. In 1990, he started teaching Kentucky children in kindergarten through high school math and English reading education using a Japanese learning system. DALE TURNER, DVM , first worked for the USDA doing poultry inspection in Jasper, Texas. On weekends, he worked for a veterinarian in Alexandria, La., and eventually ran his own practice there. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosis while in the Air Force, he knew his days as a veterinarian were numbered. He loved practicing veterinary medicine. In the early 1980s, he lost his driving privileges because of the RP and in 1985, he retired. Dr. Turner then devoted his time volunteering in the community and working for the Louisiana Veterinary State Board, being honored as Veterinarian of the Year in 1993. He passed away in 2012.

[INFORMATION PROVIDED BY HIS WIDOW, JAN TURNER]

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

SANDRA B. WILSON, DVM, was married to Jerry Wilson, DVM (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;62), and the two veterinarians left Stillwater in 1964 to practice in Dublin, Va. A year later, they moved to Warrenton, Va., where Jerry was veterinary supervisor for the state of Virginia and Sandra did relief work. In 1967, Sandra opened a solo small animal practice. The couple purchased a farm and spent 18 years raising two girls and Arabian horses. In 1994, Jerry died of a sudden heart attack. In 1998, Sandra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 2000, she bought a farm in Elizabethtown, N.C., moved there and retired.

The Class of 1964 faithfully gathers frequently, thanks to class representative DR. BEN BAKER and his wife KAREN . You can usually count on seeing a fine representation of the class at the AVMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual convention!

JOHN DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Ranking Alumni When the Class of 1964 returned to Stillwater to celebrate its 50-year reunion in 2014, two classmates took the opportunity to take a historic photo with another alumnus. Drs. John Freeman (from left), James Brandt and Joe Howell have all served as American Veterinary Medical Association president and executive board chairman during their careers. Both Freeman and Brandt are from the Class of 1964, while Howell was in the Class of 1972. They are the only OSU alumni to serve as AVMA presidents.

REUNITED Many classes at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences tend to be closer than a typical graduating class, and that closeness doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end with the diplomas. Even decades later, members of various classes continue to gather at Oklahoma State University to celebrate their years together and their lives since. REUNION PHOTOS / GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Class of 1953

From left: Drs. John Walker, Roger Panciera and Robert Williams

Class of 1958

Seated, from left: Drs. Rex Every, Louis Heavner, Donald Crickett, Tommy Byrd and Kermit Minton Standing, from left: Drs. Jack Peterson, Thomas Lathan and Lawrence Erwin CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

Class of 1968

Above, seated, from left: Drs. Eugene Simon and Gerald Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mealey. Standing, from left: Drs. Thomas Latta, Danny Denham, Daniel Merkey, Mike McCreight and John Howard. At right, seated, from left: Gene Frie, Adrienne Ruby, Keith Hand and Ken Isom. Standing, from left: Drs. Henry Randazzo, Richard Killough, Mike Thomas and John Hamil.

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Class of 1973

Seated, from left: Drs. Kris Meyerer, Leroy Howell, Aaron Tallent, Anne Morris, Diana Loeffler and Charles Qualls Standing, from left: Drs. Tim Bredlow, Gary France, Charles Freeman, Gerald Gibson, Richard Templeton and Melinda Thiesing (widow of class member Charles Watterson)

Class of 1983

Seated from left: Drs. Stephen Hopkins, Janet Weaver, Beverly Osteen, Jean Graff, Kenneth Kirlin and Tad Shadid Standing from left: Drs. David VonTungeln, David Henderson, Michael Sealock, Jonathan Shepherd, Ronald Eby and David Orton CONTINUES 2014 Oklahoma State University

Class of 1993

From left: Drs. Cynthia Lazenby, Jory Harvey and Tammy Minton

Class of 1998

Dr. Sallee Dixson

Class of 2008

From left: Drs. Heath Hayden, Andria Coker, Sara Gresham-Rowland and Levi Dykes

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

IN MEMORIAM

We honor those who have served the profession, our distinguished colleagues and friends. Dr. Cason was a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He was the current secretary and Past Worshipful Master of the Wagoner Masonic Lodge No. 98, an A certificate holder and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. In his spare time, he enjoyed walking, reading, OSU sports, golfing, water skiing and crossword puzzles. DR. JOHN H. BARTON

DR. WILLIAM CARSON

Dr. John H. Barton, of Waxhaw, N.C., died from complications with Parkinson’s disease on Aug. 14, 2013. He was 79.

Dr. William J. Carson, 82, of Miami, Fla. died Sept. 3, 2013. He was 82.

He was born in Charlotte, N.C., and was in the first graduating class (1952) at North Mecklenburg High School. He served as student body president and received many awards for his participation in FFA, including as chapter president. He studied pre-veterinary medicine at North Carolina State University and earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1959.

Born in Orange, N.J., his family moved to the Panama Canal Zone when he was 7 years old. He graduated from Balboa High School there. He earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1955.

He is survived by his wife, Glynda Cason, a daughter, Amanda Baker and her husband, Toby, of Guthrie, Okla., a son, Buck Cason of Wagoner, two sisters, two brothers and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly. Memorial gifts may be made to the Okay United Methodist Church (Building Fund), P.O. Box 147, Okay, OK 74446.

Following graduation, Dr. Carson served for two SOURCE: WAGONER TRIBUNE years in the Air Force, stationed in Del Rio, Texas. He then worked for the Department of Agriculture for two years in Beltsville, Md. In 1959, he and his wife moved to Miami, where he began JOHN CATHEY Dr. Barton served two years in the U.S. Army working with Charlie Bild until 1978. For the next Veterinary Corps after graduation. He worked 35 years, he practiced with Bild Animal Hospital, John Cathey, former development ambassador for the veterinary center, died Dec. 7, in the research lab at Fort Detrick in Freder- caring for the animals of South Florida. ick, Md., won awards on the pistol team as a Dr. Carson was preceded in death by his son, 2013. The Stillwater resident was 83. designated sharp shooter and earned the rank Steven. He is survived by his wife Katherine; Born in Bearden, Ark., he earned a bachelor’s of captain. son, William J. Carson III and his wife, Michele; degree in marketing from OSU. He was in ROTC Following his honorable discharge, Dr. Bar- daughter, Stephanie and her husband, Andrew and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. In 1954, he went to work for Conoco, ton opened Barton-Francis Veterinary Clinic. Baumann; and five grandchildren. In 1964, he opened a second clinic, Archdale Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane living in several cities during his 25-year career. Animal Hospital. He also established the first Society of Broward County, Wayne Huzienga In 1982, he retired from Conoco and started a emergency veterinary clinic in Charlotte. Dr. Shelter, 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, second career with the OSU Foundation. Barton retired in 1994. FL 33312; or the Oklahoma State University At the Foundation, Mr. Cathey was assigned to He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Freda College of Veterinary Medicine, checks made the veterinary center when Dr. Joe Alexander Holton Barton; three children, Dr. John H. Bar- payable to OSU Foundation with College of was the dean. He played a significant role in ton Jr. and wife Betsy of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Veterinary Medicine in the memo line, 308 obtaining the funds for many endowed chairs. His wife, Nancy, retired from OSU after serving Susan George and husband Dr. Barry George McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078. in the veterinary center’s library. His son Jeff of Waxhaw, and Becky Addesso and hus- SOURCE: MIAMI HERALD also served as a development officer for the band Rich of Raleigh, N.C.; seven grandchilveterinary center, working for the Foundation dren; and three brothers, Paul, Thomas and from 2007 to 2010. Charles Barton. DR. DAVID CASON Mr. Cathey is survived by his wife of 54 years, Memorial donations may be made to the Levine Nancy; sons Mark and his wife, Melinda Cathey and Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, David Cason, DVM, of Wagoner, Okla., died of Cottage Grove, Minn., Jeff and his wife, Anita 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. Aug. 7, 2014. He was 59. Cathey of Carrollton, Texas; Brian and his wife, SOURCE: CHARLOTTE (N.C.) OBSERVER Born in Omaha, Neb., he lived in Okay, Okla., Cindi Cathey of Broken Arrow, Okla.; daughand Wagoner all of his life. He graduated from ter Cindy and her husband, John Bankston of Okay High School and earned his DVM degree Cypress, Texas, nine grandchildren and many from Oklahoma State University in 1981. relatives and friends. Dr. Cason and his wife, Glynda, owned and Memorial gifts may be made to the John B. and operated his veterinary clinic, Cason Ani- Nancy S. Cathey Endowed Scholarship payable mal Hospital in Wagoner. Many have been to the OSU Foundation, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwatouched by the love and care he showed to ter, OK 74076, with the scholarship name in their animals. the memo line. SOURCE: FAMILY AND FRIENDS CONTINUES 2014 Oklahoma State University

IN MEMORIAM

degree from OSU in 1957 and went on to serve as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1957 to 1959. He earned a Ph.D. in virology from Cornell University in 1962.

DR. THOMAS COFFIN Dr. Thomas Coffin of Idabel, Okla., died Dec. 29, 2013, in Dallas. He was 72. Born in Enid, Okla., he graduated from Waukomis High School in 1959. He married Lynda Semrad in 1964 and earned his DVM degree from OSU the next year. Following graduation, Dr. Coffin served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. In 1968, he joined Dr. Lawrence Valentine (OSU CVM ’52) at the Idabel Veterinary Clinic. In 1981, he opened the Coffin Animal Hospital, where he practiced until his 2006 retirement. Dr. Coffin served on the American Veterinary Medical Association and the McCurtain County Fair boards and was president of the McCurtain County Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Idabel and a Bible enthusiast, collecting and studying many Bible translations. He enjoyed gardening, camping and raising show sheep with his daughters and granddaughters. Dr. Coffin also coached summer league girls’ softball for many years. His family always came first. Dr. Coffin is survived by his wife, Lynda, and three daughters: Dayla Marie Sparks and her husband Ronny of Texarkana, Texas; Myndi Lee Bolen and her husband Brent of Idabel; and Ember Ashley Verkuehlen and her husband Dan of Fargo, N.D.; five grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends. Memorial gifts may be made to Wee Care, 110 E. Main St., Idabel, OK 74745.

Marion is survived by her husband, Donald F. Copley; two daughters, Cynthia Fleagle and Danielle Copley; and two grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to the Oklahoma State In 1963, Dr. Coggins began five years of infec- University Foundation with Marion P. Copley tious disease research in Kenya with the U.S. Memorial Scholarship noted in the memo line, Department of Agriculture, focusing on the 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074. SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON POST African swine fever virus. When he returned to Cornell in 1968, he used that knowledge to study equine infectious anemia, a viral disease for which there is no vaccine and no cure. An DR. JAMES COUNTRYMAN infected horse may not show symptoms for an extended period and can infect other horses James A. Countryman, DVM, of Guymon, if it’s not isolated. Okla., died June 10, 2013, in Elkhart, Kan. He He created a method that quickly and effec- was 79. Born in Raton, N.M., he earned his tively checks for EIA antibodies in the horse’s DVM degree from Oklahoma State in 1960. blood. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dr. Countryman is survived by his wife and best approved the test in 1973 and adopted it as friend, Dorothy; two daughters, Carol Kutteh, the Coggins Test. The test is often required by M.D., of Germantown, Tenn., and Maria Tillinghorse shows and to transport horses across hast of Monument, Colo.; a son, Mark Counstate lines. Some states require a negative Cog- tryman of Cypress, Texas; an adopted son Jon gins Test before a horse can be sold. Lyles of Pittsburg, Pa.; and eight grandchildren. In 1980, Dr. Coggins, one of the founding Memorial contributions may be made to the administrators of the NCSU School of Veteri- Trinity Lutheran Church, Dr. James A. Counnary Medicine, was appointed as the first head tryman Honorary Fund at Oklahoma Panhanof what was then the school’s Department of dle State University Foundation, or Cal Farley’s Microbiology, Pathology and Parasitology. Boys Ranch in care of Henson-Novak Funeral He was a member of the American Veteri- Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942. nary Medical Association, American Associ- SOURCE: AMARILLO (TEXAS) GLOBE-NEWS ation of Equine Practitioners, the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases, U.S. Livestock Association and Sigma Xi. In 1978, he received the OSU College of Veterinary Medi- DR. LILLI DECKER cine Distinguished Alumnus Award. Lilli S. Decker, DVM, 51, of Nesconset, N.Y., Dr. Coggins is survived by his wife, Betty; five died Nov. 8, 2013. She earned her DVM children, Dwain Coggins of Saratoga, Calif.; degree from Oklahoma State in 1997. Brenda Newman and Ken Coggins, both of Cary, N.C.; Linda Jones of Ware Shoals, S.C.; In preparation of the veterinary center’s 60th and Bill Coggins of Holly Springs, N.C.; and 11 anniversary in 2008, Dr. Decker submitted the winning logo design for the center’s year-long grandchildren. celebration. SOURCES: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND THE NEWS AND OBSERVER

SOURCE: TRIBUTES.COM

SOURCE: THE ENID NEWS AND EAGLE

DR. MARION COPLEY GENESEE PHOTO

Dr. Marion Pamela Copley, of Manassas, Va., died Jan. 21, 2014, after a 16-year fight with breast cancer. She was 66. Born in Huntington, N.Y., she graduated from Port Jefferson (N.Y.) High School and Hofstra University with a degree in biology. She earned a Master’s Degree in Animal Husbandry and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1977 from Oklahoma State.

DR. LEROY COGGINS Dr. Leroy Coggins of Cary, N.C., died Dec. 30, 2013. He was 81. He was born in Thomasville, N.C., and earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy sciences from North Carolina State University. He earned his DVM

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Dr. Copley worked in the Toxicology Department of the Environmental Protection Agency for 30 years, authoring a number of articles in her field and receiving numerous awards before retiring in 2012. She was actively involved in the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and the Temple Choir as well as other musical groups.

DR. RUSSELL DONATHAN Dr. Russell Leroy Donathan of Glenpool, Okla., died Nov. 1, 2011. He was 77. Married to Audrey Gayle Meyers while in school, he earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1959. He began practicing in Checotah, Okla., but soon took over a practice in Okmulgee, Okla., where he stayed for 42 years before retiring in 2001.

Widowed at a young age with three daughters, Dr. Donathan married Shirley Ann Salmon and together they had a daughter and a son. In addition to his veterinary practice, the couple ran a western store on Main Street and rented out several homes in Okmulgee. In 1990, they moved to Glenpool, where Dr. Donathan opened a satellite veterinary clinic, working in Okmulgee in the morning and in Glenpool in the afternoon. Dr. Donathan was a self-taught painter and sculptor, proficient in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, wrote prose and poetry, taught himself to read and write Greek, and was an outstanding biblical scholar. He was an active longtime member of the Second Baptist Church in Okmulgee serving in many leadership capacities. He was a master mason associated with several lodges and a life member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives and two daughters. Dr. Donathan is survived by his children, Phyllis Renee Wilmon and her husband, Michael, of Tahlequah, Okla.; Kelli Dawn Donathan and her husband, Kenneth Johnson, of Glenpool; Dr. Russell E. Donathan and his wife, Cynthia, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; seven grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.

From 1981 to 1992, Dr. Faulkner served as associate dean of research at OSU’s veterinary center and assistant director of the Oklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station at OSU. In addition, he served at different points as interim head of the Department of Pathology, interim head of the Department of Physiology and interim director of the Oklahoma Animal DR. JOHN GAMBARDELLA SR. Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. He retired as John Mathew Gambardella Sr., DVM, of Branprofessor emeritus in 1992. ford, Conn., died May 31, 2014. He was 92. After leaving OSU, he moved to Poteau, Okla., Born in New Haven, Conn., he graduated from and consulted for the Kerr Foundation on Hill House High School in 1939 and attended disease surveillance programs, improving Collegiate Preparatory School in 1940. In 1941, reproductive efficiency in beef herds and sus- he entered the University of Tennessee to tainable ranching programs. study pre-veterinary medicine. Dr. Faulkner is survived by his second wife, He left college at the outbreak of World War II Margot Faulkner of Clairesville; sons Chad and to join the American Army Air Corps as an avihis wife, Dana Faulkner of Wildwood, Colo., ation cadet. Although he was too short to be a Kurt and his wife, Denise Faulkner of Fort Col- pilot, he became an expert bombardier-navilins, Colo., Earl Faulkner of Windsor, Colo., Ron gator, mastering the Norden Bombsight, which and his wife, Louise Faulkner of Parker, Colo.; subsequently earned him two Purple Hearts. daughter Vickie Keen of Cameron, Texas; 11 Stationed in Kunming, China, he was a memgrandchildren and two great-grandchildren. ber of the Flying Tigers. After he and his crew SOURCE: HESLOP FUNERAL HOME AND FRIENDS bailed out of their B24 Bomber over southwest China, John packed up the parachute that had saved his life and mailed it to his then-fiancée, Nina Rose Ardito. She made her wedding gown from that chute and subsequently all seven of their children were baptized in a christening gown made from a piece of that chute.

Memorial donations may be made to your home of worship; the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 2406, Edmond, OK 73083; the Sand Springs Home, P.O. Box 278, Sand Springs, OK 74063; Serenity Hospice, P.O. Box 265, Langley, OK 74350; Goodwill Industries, 316 S. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma DR. ROBERT FIELDS City, OK 73108; or the charity of your choice. SOURCE: JERRY DONATHAN, FACEBOOK PAGE IN A POST TO THE PILGRIMDr. Robert “Bob” Fields, of Wister, Okla., ROCK MASONIC LODGE 522 A.F. & A.M. IN TULSA, OKLA. died April 2, 2014, in Poteau, Okla. He was 60.

After the war, he finished his undergraduate degree and earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1953 as part of the third class to graduate from then Oklahoma A&M College. For the next two years, Dr. Gambardella interned with Dr. James Armstrong in Cranston, R.I. In 1955, he opened his first veterinary practice on Main Street in East Haven, Conn. In 1959, he oversaw the construction of his East Shore Animal Hospital in Branford, Conn. It was the first animal hospital of its kind in the state. In 1972, East Shore Animal Hospital became the Born in McAlester, Okla., he graduated from first veterinary hospital to be certified by the Red Oak (Okla.) High School. He went on to national American Animal Hospital Associaearn his DVM degree from OSU in 1978. Dr. tion. Dr. Gambardella practiced for 44 years Fields owned Okie Blue Sky Cattle Co. and being both general practitioner and veterinary Southeast Animal Health and Hardware in surgeon for his patients. Wister. Having played sports, Dr. Gambardella was Dr. Fields was preceded in death by his father, involved in local booster and gridiron clubs. He James Fields, and a son, Brad Fields. was the first Oakley Tiger to receive the East He is survived by his wife, Donna Fields; chil- Shore Sandlot League’s annual Golden Footdren, Bryan and his wife Erin Fields of Poteau, ball Award. In 2005, he was inducted into the Okla., and Beth and her husband Adam Phillips Branford Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife, DR. LLOYD FAULKNER of Wister; mother, Elsie Mae Fields of Red Oak; Nina, participated in competitive international Lloyd C. Faulkner, DVM, Ph.D., DACT, of St. three brothers; six grandchildren and numer- style amateur ballroom dancing. Active in the Clairesville, Ohio, died Dec. 20, 2013. He ous other relatives and friends. North Eastern Chapter of the American Amawas 87. Memorial donations may be made to the Brad teur Ballroom Dance Association (USABDA), Born in Longmont, Colo., he served in the U.S. Fields Memorial Scholarship by contacting he helped launch 23 chapters of the USABDA, Navy during World War II. He earned his DVM Kathy Quirk at Carl Albert State College Foun- many on college campuses. He was active in Lions Club, Animal Haven and Branford Chamdegree in 1952 from Colorado State Univer- dation, 1507 S. McKenna, Poteau, OK 74953. ber of Commerce. He received the United Way sity and his Ph.D. in 1963 from Cornell Univer- SOURCE: GRACE MANOR FUNERAL HOME Gold Award. He also received the Gold Plaque sity. Dr. Faulkner was a founding diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

IN MEMORIAM

of Appreciation from Tufts University for his efforts in establishing New England’s first regional school of veterinary medicine. Dr. Gambardella is survived by Nina, his wife of nearly 69 years; six children, Dr. Paul Gambardella (Susan) of Ramsey, N.J.; Andrea Gambardella (Marc Montefusco) of Spring Valley, N.Y.; Mary Gambardella of New York City; Jack Gambardella (Isabel Lane) of Westbrook, Conn.; Mark Gambardella (Cassandra Xiao Xue Wang) of New York City; and Nina Gambardella of Montclair, N.J.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The couple’s eldest daughter, Lydia, died in 1958.

of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Newcomer spent time in Hungary, England, France and Scotland. He was a member of the American Physiological Society and received many honors and accolades throughout his Memorial contributions may be made to the career in fields of endocrinology, physiology American Diabetes Association at www.diabeand veterinary medicine. tes.org/donate or to the Veterinary Medicine General Memorial Fund at Oklahoma State Uni- Dr. Newcomer is survived by two daughters, Barversity. Checks may be made payable to and bara McLaughlin and Nancy Baurer and her husmailed to OSU Foundation, P.O. Box 1749, Still- band, Hal; son, James Newcomer and his wife, Lori; six grandchildren and seven great-grandwater, OK 74076. children. His wife, Juanita, died in 2012. SOURCE: PALMER MARLER FUNERAL HOME Mr. McLaughlin is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Melissa and her husband, Philip Morse of Glencoe, Okla.; two grandchildren, siblings and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Life Center Adult Day Service, 411 W. Mathews, Stillwater, OK 74075 or the OSU Foundation’s Richard Newcomer Children of Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076. The scholarship fund was named after Dr. Newcomer’s late son.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the St. Mary Building Fund, 731 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 or to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. SOURCE: NEW HAVEN (CONN.) REGISTER

SOURCE: STILLWATER NEWSPRESS

DR. W. STANLEY NEWCOMER Dr. W. Stanley Newcomer died April 15, 2014, in Stillwater. He was 94. Born in Turbotville, Pa., to Bessie L. (Jarrett) Newcomer and Ocean D. Newcomer, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1941, a master’s degree from CorJAMES MCLAUGHLIN nell University in 1942, and a doctorate from DR. WILLARD M. POUNDS SR. Cornell University in 1948. James “Jim” Irvin McLaughlin, of Stillwater, Two days shy of his 88th birthday, Dr. died March 4, 2014. He was 70. He served in the 9th Station Hospital Division of Willard M. Pounds Sr. died April 1, 2012. The Born in Guthrie, Okla., he grew up in Orlando, the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War New Orleans native and Northshore resident Okla., and graduated from Orlando High II, spending time in India, Burma and Okinawa. earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma School. He attended OSU, where he was a He married Juanita Senyard in Oak Park, Ill., in A&M in 1953. member of the ROTC, before transferring 1946 and moved to Stillwater in 1950. He was to Central State University in Edmond, Okla., a professor in the Department of Physiologi- After he graduated from New Orleans’ Fortier High School, he went to Louisiana State Uniwhere he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1971. cal Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medi- versity. While at LSU, he enlisted in the Army In 1974, Mr. McLaughlin married Dorothy Jo cine from 1950 to 1982, then moved to zoology and was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant. Fansler in Perry, Okla., where they lived before for three years before retiring. During World War II, he commanded a platoon moving to Stillwater in 1991. He worked various Dr. Newcomer was known at the College of in the 63rd Infantry Division. After the war, he jobs including at Bestyet Grocery, as a Noble Veterinary Medicine for his research on thyroid returned to LSU to finish his bachelor’s degree County sheriff’s deputy, at Ditch Witch and in function in birds. The National Science Founda- in animal science before coming to OSU. the oil field. He is best known among faculty, tion and the U.S. National Academy of Science staff and students for the 20 years he spent as both supported his research. In its exchange He returned to New Orleans to open Pounds a custodial foreman at OSU’s veterinary center program for cooperative research, the Hungar- Veterinary Hospital, where he practiced veterinary medicine for 28 years. He was a member before retiring May 1, 2008. ian Academy of Science sponsored four visits of the American Veterinary Medical AssociaAlumni remember him as being a positive and by Dr. Newcomer to the University of Veteri- tion and a past president of the Louisiana Vetencouraging individual and bringing candy nary Science in Budapest. As a result, he was erinary Medical Association. presented the Hutyra Medal by the rector of during late-night study sessions. Dr. Pounds was also a 32nd degree Freemathe university in 1981. In his spare time, Mr. McLaughlin loved car son and a deacon at the First Baptist Church shows and was a member of the Cimarron Later in his career, Dr. Newcomer was one of in New Orleans. After retiring, he moved to Starlite Cruisers Car Club in Perkins, Okla. He three faculty members to receive a Sarkeys McComb, Miss., then to Covington, La. bled orange right down to the OSU orange Foundation Fellowship, to study thyrotrotruck he drove and loved to share stories and pin-releasing hormones at the New England He is survived by three sons, Milton and wife Gayle Pounds, Alan and wife Cyd Pounds, and pictures about Pistol Pete, a.k.a. Frank Eaton. Medical Center in Boston. He loved watching his granddaughters play He also served on a committee chaired by Dr. Jerry and wife Bayne Pounds; eight grandsports and was an avid OSU sports fan. He Wendell Krull that was instrumental in creating children; five great-grandchildren; and a siswas a member and former officer of the Payne a graduate degree program at OSU’s College ter, Peggy Teel. Dr. Pounds’ wife of 60 years, Dimple Dee Pounds, died in 2004. County Historical Society. 98

C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Memorial contributions may be made to the 1995 retirement. The next five years, he sold Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, which Dr. mobile veterinary clinics nationwide for Dodand Mrs. Pounds supported for many years, at gen Industries. PO Box 4196, Street, Monroe, LA 71211. Very active in the Fort Dodge community, Dr. SOURCE: E.J. FIELDING FUNERAL HOME Ryan held memberships and leadership positions in numerous civic organizations. A founding member of the Fort Dodge Dragoons, he GENESEE PHOTO was instrumental in starting the Frontier Days celebration in 1974 and led it for 30 years. He also served in leadership roles with the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from OSU in 1956. After practicing veterinary medicine for three years in Iowa, he decided to return to college and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1962. Dr. Stephenson practiced general medicine in Spearman, Texas, and Perryton for several years. He was one of the founders of Ochiltree General Hospital in Perryton.

Dr. Stephenson decided to specialize in radiology and attended the University of Professionally, Dr. Ryan was equally involved. Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, He received the Meritorious Service Award and becoming board certified in 1972. He practhe Veterinarian of the Year Award from the ticed radiology in many small towns in the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. He was president of the American Veterinary Exhib- Texas panhandle. itors’ Association, a member of the Public Dr. Stephenson loved farming, ranching and Relations Committee of the American Equine spending time with his family and friends. DR. JOE BILLS REYNOLDS II Practitioners Association and co-founder of He also enjoyed traveling around the world Joe Bills Reynolds II, DVM, of Oklahoma City the American Veterinary History Society. attending continuing education trainings. At died Aug. 4, 2014. He was 41. An owner and breeder of American paint age 78, he wrote and published Zoonoses, a Born in Oklahoma City, he earned his DVM horses, he served on the board of the Amer- book about human illnesses caused by condegree from Oklahoma State University in 2001. ican Paint Horse Association in Fort Worth, tact with animals. In 2002, he completed a rotating internship at Texas, and co-founded the Iowa Paint Horse His survivors include his daughters, Sara Black, Kansas State University followed by a small ani- Association. He also served as the Iowa group’s Valencia Muniz, Alison Stephenson and Meridmal surgery internship at the Dallas Veterinary president for three terms. ith Stephenson, all of Amarillo, and Elise Heil of Surgery Center in 2003. From 2003 to 2006, Idaho; stepdaughter, Tracy Nelson of Amarillo; Dr. Reynolds completed a small animal surgi- He was a member of the Oklahoma State Uni- son, the Rev. Dr. Douglas Stephenson of New cal residency at the University of Pennsylvania. versity Alumni Association, Harvest Baptist Zealand; 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandChurch, Fort Dodge Crime Stoppers, Daybreak He was known as an extraordinary veterinary Rotary, the American Legion and many more children. His son officiated at his funeral service. surgeon. He loved his children and enjoyed organizations. Throughout his life, Dr. Ryan Dr. Stephenson was preceded in death by an hunting and fishing. experienced life as a cowboy on ranches in infant daughter, Diana Sue Stephenson, and a son, Robert Dudley Stephenson III. He is survived by his wife, Dana McCaffrey three states, a rodeo bronc rider, rodeo clown, Reynolds; two sons, Jake and Jayden; one sheepherder, lumberjack and a horse farrier as Memorial gifts may be made payable to the Oklahoma State University Foundation, 400 S. brother and three sisters; eight nieces and well as a veterinarian. nephews; and many other family and friends. Dr. Ryan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074 with a notation Joyce; children, Bill IV and his wife, Denise, of in the memo line reading Veterinary Medicine SOURCE: THE OKLAHOMAN Milwaukee, Michael and his wife, Jennifer, of Student Support Fund #28-85500. SOURCE: ALLOBITS.COM Indianapolis, Sharon and her husband, Richard Ng of Los Angeles, and Erin and her husband, Johnny Walton of Florence, Miss.; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Three children, Gregory, Sheila and Timberly, preceded him in death. SOURCE: FUNERAL INNOVATIONS

DR. BILL RYAN Dr. William (Bill) Emmett Ryan III, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, died Aug. 12, 2013, at the Friendship Haven Health Center. He was 86.

DR. LOUIS STUBBS SR.

Born in Midland, Texas, he served in the U.S. Army before earning his DVM degree with the first graduating class from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma A&M College in 1951. DR. ROBERT STEPHENSON He practiced in Midland, Boise City, Okla., and Duncan, Okla. In 1961, Dr. Ryan became the director of advertising and communications at Fort Dodge Laboratories, serving until his

Dr. Robert Dudley “R.D.” Stephenson Jr., of Amarillo, Texas, died Aug. 11, 2013. He was 80. Born in Shattuck, Okla., he graduated from Perryton (Texas) High School and earned his

Dr. Louis Dale Stubbs Sr., of De Queen, Ark., died Oct. 17, 2013, following a brief struggle with cancer. He was 85. Born in De Queen, he graduated from De Queen High School. He served 12 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of chief petty officer. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War; during Korea, he was stationed in the Philippines. CONTINUES

2014 Oklahoma State University

IN MEMORIAM

Following his military service, he earned a bachelor’s and a DVM degree from OSU, graduating from veterinary college in 1957. Dr. Stubbs continued his post-doctoral studies at the University of San Diego, Texas A&M University and the University of Arkansas. He practiced veterinary medicine for 10 years in four Arkansas cities before going to work as a research consultant for drug companies Merck Sharp & Dhome and Naremco Inc. For two years, he was director of clinical research for Biotoxicological Research Associates in Ohio. He worked as a supervisory veterinary medical officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nearly 45 years and served as an equal employment opportunity counselor there for six years.

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for two years, earn- FBO Carter Hinson Thomason, care of Steve ing the Army Commendation Medal for Merito- Streeter, 4111 S. Darlington, Suite 120, Tulsa, rious Service. In 1973, he and his family moved OK 74135. to Ponca City, where he built Taylor Veterinary SOURCE: G MEREDITH FUNERAL HOME Clinic. After 40 years of practice and serving as president of Taylor-Oldfield Veterinary Clinic Inc., Dr. Taylor retired due to his health.

Dr. Taylor also enjoyed cattle ranching with his sons in Osage, Kay and Noble counties, attending OSU athletic events with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the American, Oklahoma and North Central Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Associations, and Kay County and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Associations. He was also active in his community, coaching, working with FFA DR. LARRY WOLLARD and more. Dr. Stubbs was very active in community and professional organizations. He was a member He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Larry Wollard, DVM, 66 of Broken Arrow, of the Geneva Missionary Baptist Church and Ryan and his wife Amanda Taylor of Tulsa, Okla., passed away at home on May 30, a member and past president of De Queen Okla., and Robb Taylor of Perkins, Okla.; five 2013. Born in St. Louis, Mo., he was adopted Chapter of Rotary International and a 32nd grandchildren; and numerous relatives and and raised by Marvin and Alieen Wollard. degree Mason (Scottish Rite). He served friends. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Dr. Wollard was a veteran of the United States on many boards and commissions includ- OSU Foundation, 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, Navy having served during the Viet Nam War. ing Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association, OK 74604 with Dr. James Gary Taylor MemoIn 1971 he married Carolin Phares at the OakAmerican Veterinary Medical Association, rial Scholarship in the memo line. land Naval Hospital. National Association of Federal Veterinarians SOURCE: GRACE MEMORIAL CHAPEL (past president) and Southeastern Oklahoma He earned his bachelor degree and DVM State University Curriculum Advisory Board. degree from Oklahoma State University. After earning his veterinary medicine degree in 1981, GENESEE PHOTO Surviving are his wife of almost 46 years, Dr. Wollard soon joined the 71st Street Animal Sharon Ann Fuller Stubbs; children, Louis Hospital in Broken Arrow where he worked Stubbs Jr. and his wife, Sandra, Kenneth and until he retired in April 2013. his wife, Linda Stubbs, Kevin and his wife, Genevieve Stubbs, Kimberly and her husband, Kevin Nance, and Charissa and her husband, Stan Womack; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Larry was a practical joker. He enjoyed woodworking, remodeling, traveling and cars. He was a member of the Oklahoma Kit Car Club.

SOURCE: CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME

DR. NILES THOMASON Dr. Niles Thomason, of Eagle, Colo., died unexpectedly Dec. 25, 2013, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Ill. He was 31. A native of Tulsa, Okla., he married Tiffany Lyn Hinson in 2004. In 2007, he earned his DVM degree from OSU.

DR. JAMES GARY TAYLOR

For the past seven years, Dr. Thomason worked as a veterinarian for Castle Peak Vet Service in Eagle. He enjoyed snowboarding, hiking and attending concerts.

Dr. Thomason is survived by his wife, Tiffany; his 2-year-old son, Carter Hinson Thomason; sister, Corrie Phillips; parents, Johnny and Teresa Thomason of Tulsa; grandparents, John Born in Harrisburg, Ark., he studied at the UniThomason and Janet Clee, both of Tulsa; and versity of Arkansas in Fayetteville and earned in-laws, Coach Barry and Angie Hinson of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from OSU. Carbondale. In 1969, he earned his DVM degree from OSU. Memorial donations may be made to the Following graduation, he moved to Harrison, trust account for Carter Hinson Thomason. Ark., and joined Boone County Veterinary Clinic Checks may be made to Fidelity Investments for one year. He then served as a captain in the Dr. James Gary Taylor of Ponca City, Okla., died Jan. 6, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

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C e n t e r f o r Ve t e r i n a r y H e a l t h S c i e n c e s

Dr. Wollard is survived by his wife, Carolin Wollard of Broken Arrow; daughter, Carla Wollard (Young Jin Sung) of Broken Arrow; son, Chris Wollard of Tulsa, Okla.; siblings and other friends and family. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the SPCA, 2910 Mohawk Boulevard, Tulsa, OK 74110. SOURCE: BROKEN ARROW LEDGER

PAUL WEST PAUL / CVHS WEST / CVHS

Vets’ Vets’Pets Pets

Brody Brody and Paetyn and Paetyn bleed bleed OSUOSU orange orange like their like their parents, parents, veterinary veterinary medicine medicine alumni alumni Drs.Drs. John John and Lyndi and Lyndi Gilliam Gilliam . .

CHICKENS CHICKENS ANDAND MORE MORE MAKE MAKE UP GILLIAMS’ UP GILLIAMS’ MENAGERIE MENAGERIE JohnJohn and Lyndi and Lyndi Gilliam Gilliam met met theirtheir freshman freshman year year at OSU. at OSU. TheyThey married married TheyThey havehave 35 chickens 35 chickens of different of different breeds breeds — 20 —adults, 20 adults, ninenine chicks chicks fourfour yearsyears laterlater — one — one weekweek before before theythey started started at OSU’s at OSU’s veterinary veterinary that that hatched hatched in their in their daughter’s daughter’s schoolroom schoolroom and and six baby six baby chicks chicks theythey college. college. TheyThey earned earned theirtheir DVM DVM degrees degrees in 2001. in 2001. purchased. purchased. Daily, Daily, theythey collect collect 1½ dozen 1½ dozen freshfresh eggseggs withwith the help the help of 4-yearof 4-yearold Paetyn old Paetyn and and 2-year-old 2-year-old Brody. Brody. The The eggseggs come come in green in green and and blue,blue, darkdark Today, Today, Dr. John Dr. John teaches teaches ambulatory ambulatory foodfood animal animal medicine medicine and and Dr. Dr. brown brown and and lightlight brown brown as well as well as the as familiar the familiar white. white. Lyndi Lyndi teaches teaches equine equine internal internal medicine medicine at OSU’s at OSU’s Veterinary Veterinary Medical Medical Hospital. Hospital. At home, At home, the Gilliams the Gilliams raiseraise chickens. chickens.

In addition In addition to chickens, to chickens, the Gilliams the Gilliams are the are proud the proud owners owners of one of one donkey, donkey, threethree dogs,dogs, threethree horses, horses, two two goatsgoats and and threethree cats.cats.

Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences 308 McElroy Hall Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-2011

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D STILLWATER, OK PERMIT NO. 191

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