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Lethal ingestion

Diagnostic Lab analyzes blue-green algae in recent dog deaths.
Where are the waters contaminated?

First-year orientation

Three-day session introduces students to veterinary studies.
*LIFELINES VIDEO FEATURE
Why did the students build cardboard towers?

Targeting a cure for lung cancer

Dr. Masaaki Tamura searches for patient-friendly treatment.
What techniques is his lab working on?

CVM to hold human-animal bond conference

Equine Field Service goes to the rodeo

CVM teams up at Sunset Zoo to provide chimp’s annual physical

Dr. Knewtson receives alumni award at CVC reception

Cat Town offers good food and fellowship for alumni and friends

APHIS announces participation deadline for accreditation program

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Dr. Chandrasekar Raman, Post Doctoral Fellow, Anatomy and Physiology

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Warning signs have been showing up during the summer of 2011. Several lakes and ponds in Kansas have been reporting contamination from toxic blue-green algae. Recently, three dogs were fatally poisoned from exposure to the algae at Milford Lake. A fourth-dog survived after treatment at the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, but will require further monitoring and special care.

Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae may bloom in fresh water where environmental conditions make it possible for these organisms to grow and replicate rapidly. Conditions that are typically associated with blue-green algae blooms include warm weather, lots of sunlight, and the presence of nutrients in the water, which are often associated with agricultural run-off.

Dr. Deon van der Merwe, assistant professor and head of the toxicology section in the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, warned, “Any time you have an algae bloom, you have a potential for poisoning, which happened with these dogs. Two of them were admitted to the intensive care unit at the teaching hospital.” Unfortunately, both of these dogs died despite aggressive attempts to treat them.

Another dog that was brought to the emergency room at the teaching hospital was more fortunate. Dr. Nicole Smee, small animal internal medicine resident, attended the case the morning after the dog had been admitted.

“All these dogs presented with acute liver failure, so we tried to manage them supportively to give them enough time to let their liver recover from that initial injury,” Dr. Smee said. “The dog that survived received three units of plasma to help replace the clotting factors and proteins that were lost as well as a fourth whole blood transfusion. We told the owners every day that her prognosis was guarded, and that we didn’t know what the long-term effects on the liver would be. We’re hoping she’ll have enough liver function so she won’t be on medication the rest of her life.”

According to Dr. Gordon Andrews the senior pathologist handling the case, extremely severe liver necrosis was seen microscopically at post mortem examinations of tissues from all three dogs that died. Necrosis of liver cells is a typical consequence of ingesting water that contains toxins produced by a type of blue-green algae called Microcystis.

“Animals that ingest contaminated water typically develop vomiting and diarrhea within the first few hours following exposure,” Dr. van der Merwe said. “It attacks the liver so quickly and dramatically. If the dose is high like it was in these dogs, the patient will probably die in spite of treatment.”

Dr. van der Merwe explained how blue-green algae presents a threat to human health as well as to animals.

“Some types of blue-green algae produce neurotoxins that can lead to muscle spasms, convulsions, weakness and paralysis,” Dr. van der Merwe said. “Death can occur due to paralysis of the muscles used for breathing. People who are exposed to contaminated water while swimming, boating or skiing often develop skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms.”

On Monday, Aug. 29, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a blue-green algae warning for the Tuttle Pond State Park. Dr. van der Merwe went to the river pond Tuesday and took samples of the water for analysis.

“The signs of blue-green algae in water may include changes in color, or the appearance of a scum (usually green, but occasionally brown or red) at the water surface or at the downwind shore,” Dr. van der Merwe said. “If such changes in water are noticed, ingestion of the water by people or animals should be avoided until the source of the changes had been determined.”

Water samples for blue-green algae identification can be submitted to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. When collecting a water sample, the laboratory recommends using gloves to prevent skin contact. Collect about 20 fluid ounces (500 ml) in a clean, leak-proof container, and include any visible scum. Keep the sample refrigerated (not frozen). Samples should be shipped to the laboratory in an insulated box with a cold pack. For more information, please contact the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at 866-512-5650.

Samples from Dr. Deon van der Merwe's lab are positive for Microcystis, a toxic type of blue-green algae found at Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek River Pond in Kansas.

Ali Mahdi, Ph.D. student in toxicology, takes water samples at the River Pond at Tuttle Creek State Park, near Manhattan.

Dr. Nicole Smee, fourth-year student Dustin Schmid and Dr. Lionel Sebbag teamed up to treat Bella, after she was exposed to blue-green algae at Milford Lake. Bella was brought to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital about a day after swimming in the contaminated water.

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The class of 2015 has had a constructive beginning to the new school year. During a three-day orientation, the incoming students built towers and participated in several activities designed to introduce class members to the College of Veterinary Medicine and to each other.

See the video below to learn more about the orientation activities.

Dr. Wally Cash walks students through a practice class session during orientation. This allows students to get acquainted with new technology.

Video produced by Joseph Chapes and Kent Nelson, technology coordinators from
Veterinary Medical Continuing Education.

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	Dr. Masaaki Tamura has been researching several different cancer treatments. “This is very exciting because our own immune system can prevent cancer growth,” he said.

A Kansas State University professor is trying to create a patient-friendly treatment to help the more than 220,000 people who are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Dr. Masaaki Tamura, associate professor of anatomy and physiology, and his research team are working on several projects that use nanoparticles to treat and directly target the “bull’s-eye”: cancer cells.

It’s estimated 156,940 people will die from lung-related cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer-related deaths are higher than the next three common cancer-related deaths combined: colon, breast and pancreatic cancers.

Given lung cancer’s high mortality rate, Dr. Tamura has focused his research on peptide nanoparticle-based gene therapy, which is the process of treating diseases by introducing therapeutic genes. His research team is collaborating with University of Kansas researchers to develop a way to treat cancer other than current chemotherapy practices.

“We want to generate a safe patient-friendly therapy,” Dr. Tamura said.

Cancer develops from our own bodies, Dr. Tamura said, which makes it very difficult for traditional chemotherapy to distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells. As a result, chemotherapy often kills both cancer cells and healthy cells, which is why patients often experience whole body reactions to treatment, such as hair loss, diarrhea and vomiting. If the chemotherapy treatment damages intestines, it often has fatal consequences for patients.

Dr. Tamura has found the potential for safer therapy in cationic peptide nanoparticles. This small peptide helps transfer an important gene called angiotensin II type 2 receptor, which helps to maintain cardiovascular tissue. By attaching this receptor gene to peptide nanoparticles, Dr. Tamura hopes to create a form of treatment that can directly target cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.

“The peptide itself is a very safe material and it has no harmful effects,” said Dr. Tamura, who is one of the first researchers to use the peptide for cancer treatment. “The gene is actually already expressed in our body -- everybody has this gene.”

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	Dr. Christen Skaer, Wichita veterinarian and DVM 1999, gathers medical supplies during an emergency response training exercise held that the 2011 Annual Conference for Veterinarians. Dr. Skaer is one of the presenters during the upcoming CE conference on natural disasters and animals.

Sixty-two percent – nearly two-thirds of U.S. households – includes an animal.

And, while pets are part of the family, they’re not always part of the family’s emergency management plan, said Dr. Ronnie Elmore, associate dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.

When disaster strikes, a beloved pet can easily become separated from its family, said Dr. Elmore, who is teaming with animal scientists, veterinary medical, family life professionals, extension educators, emergency management specialists and survivors, including one who can literally “bark” from experience, to offer a free one-day seminar titled: “Natural Disasters: What about the Animals?”

The 2011 Human-Animal Bond Conference is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The session will be held in Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union on the Manhattan, Kan., campus, and will also be simulcast at the K-State Olathe (Kan.) campus and webcast at http://ome.ksu.edu/webcast/human-animal-bond/.

While no one plans to have an emergency or for such separations to occur, Elmore noted that, in the ’93 flood in Manhattan, about 160 small animals and family pets were displaced and sheltered at K-State’s veterinary school until homes could be found.

A number of horses and larger animals also were sheltered during the disaster, he said.

The Sept. 24 seminar is being presented without charge, and will provide information about natural disasters and how to protect animals during such events.

Animal owners, public safety personnel, such as police, fire fighters, health care providers, emergency management, staff of pet-related organizations, Extension educators and University staff and students are encouraged to attend. The seminar includes a continental breakfast and gathering time, with the program beginning at 8:30 a.m.:

* Opening remarks from Gary Pierzynski, interim dean, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, and interim director, K-State Research and Extension.

* Welcome/Introduction by Emily Lehning, assistant vice president, New Student Services, and Kansas State Book Network Committee member.

* Book Review: “Zeitoun,” by Dave Eggers will be reviewed by Greg Eiselein, professor and distinguished teaching scholar in the English Department at K-State. The book focuses on the plight of residents of New Orleans and animals during Hurricane Katrina, and is required reading for incoming freshmen at Kansas State University this year.

* “First Hand Account of Handling Animals Following Katrina,” presented by Dr. Joseph Taboada, associate dean for student and academic affairs, and a professor of small animal internal medicine at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

* “Invisible Pet Owners: Lessons Learned from Katrina,” presented by Lisa Greenhill, associate executive director for Institutional Research and Diversity for the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC),Washington, D.C. 

Following a break for lunch (on your own), the conference will resume with:

* “Lessons Learned Following the Greensburg, Kan., Tornado,” presented by Dr. Christen L. Skaer, a 1999 graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Skaer has practiced small animal medicine in Wichita for 11 years, and has advanced training in veterinary disaster management, serves as the director of the Sedgwick County and Kansas State Animal Response Teams, and manages the Kansas Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps. 

* “Personal Experience at Greensburg,” presented by Pam Muntz, Greensburg resident and K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences educator in Kiowa County. Muntz’ Cocker Spaniel rode out the tornado in a wire kennel as the home around her was destroyed, and now provides life lessons for the family.

* “How to be Prepared,” presented by Dr. Christen L. Skaer.

* Concluding remarks will be presented by Ralph Richardson, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University.

To attend in Manhattan: Space is limited in Forum Hall, which is on the lower level of K-State’s Student Union at 17th and Anderson Avenue. Registration is requested to ensure conference materials and refreshments. Register online, at www.vet.ksu.edu/CE/Conference.htm; or by downloading a registration form and mailing it to the address on the form. The deadline for registration in Manhattan is Sept. 16. 

More information about the conference also is available at K-State Research and Extension offices throughout the state, and by calling 785-532-5773.  Parking is available for $1.50 per hour in the parking garage attached to the Union. Campus lots do not require a parking permit on weekends.

To attend via simulcast at K-State Olathe: The simulcast of the Human-Animal Bond Conference at  K-State Olathe (22201 College Boulevard, Olathe) is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is not required; 120 seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking is available.

Dr. Sheila Dodson, a 1999 graduate of K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and owner of a veterinary practice in Lenexa, Kan., will serve as an on-site moderator and be available to lead discussions during the breaks. Dr. John Pascarella, associate dean of K-State Olathe, noted that there will be an opportunity to relay guest’s questions to speakers in Manhattan. For more information, call 913-307-7313.

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KSU VMTH Equine Field Service attended the Dodge City rodeo on Aug. 2-8, where the students helped provide emergency services and toured the sale barn. Pictured left to right: Andra Long, Kristin Britton, Janelle Scott, Dr. David Ripple, DVM 1972, and Dr. Chris Blevins.

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	Fourth-year student, Ashley Smit, performs dentistry on Hasusa, one of Sunset Zoo’s chimpanzees, as part of her Exotic Animal Medicine clinical rotation. Photo courtesy of Sunset Zoo.

A female chimpanzee’s reproductive difficulties were the focus of a routine veterinarian visit at the Sunset Zoo. Dr. Bonnie Catterson, a local OB/GYN, and cardiologist Dr. Annika Linde, joined faculty and students from K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine on Sept. 1 to examine Hasusa, Sunset’s 19-year-old female chimpanzee, as part of her routine physical. Led by Dr. James W. Carpenter, K-State’s professor of zoological medicine, the students were part of the university’s fourth-year clinical rotations in exotic animal, wildlife and zoo animal medicine class that supports veterinarian care to Sunset’s 250-plus animal residents.

“As a nationally accredited zoo, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our animal residents,” said Scott Shoemaker, zoo director. “Our partnership with K-State has been crucial to our ability to do this and it’s exciting that we are shaping the next generation of zoo veterinarians.”

The examination went well and Hasusa is now fully alert in her exhibit. For the safety of both the animal and medical professionals, Hasusa was anesthetized for the entire examination; standard protocol when completing veterinarian procedures on larger, exotic animals. In addition to receiving the normal check-up, Dr. Catterson collected a variety of samples to help determine why Hasusa is struggling to carry pregnancies to full-term. 

Sunset Zoo’s partnership with Dr. Carpenter and K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine dates back to 1989. Under Dr. Carpenter’s guidance and assistance from several veterinarians, students spend a three-week rotation at the zoo, gaining experience in the care of exotic animal species. Nationally-recognized zoo veterinarians with roots to Sunset Zoo can be found throughout the country, including Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino, Oklahoma City Zoo’s director of veterinary services, who is overseeing the care of Sunset Zoo’s former chimpanzee baby Siri.

“We are continually grateful for the efforts of Dr. Carpenter and the students at K-State. Our animals and staff benefit daily from their excellent animal care,” said Brian Davoren, zoo curator. 

To stay up-to-date with all things WILD, friend the zoo on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Sunset Zoo is located at 2333 Oak Street near the Manhattan High School West Campus. Home to more than 250 animals, Sunset Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and committed to inspiring conservation of our natural world.

Order your '150 Year of Kansas Beef' commemorative book!

"150 Years of Kansas Beef" celebrates the people and institutions that have made Kansas beef what it is today. The historical and photograph-rich book takes readers through the hardships, changes, and triumphs of the Kansas beef industry over the last century and a half.

The book can be ordered online at www.vet.k-state.edu/features/beef.htm.

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	Dr. Richard Knewtson

Dr. Richard Knewtson, Iola, Kan., is the recipient of the 2011 Alumni Recognition presented during the annual Central Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, Mo., held Aug. 27.

Dr. Knewtson earned his DVM in 1968 from K-State. After graduation, he went to work as a staff veterinarian at the Van Der Loo Animal Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. After working at the animal hospital for three years, he became owner of the Iola Animal Clinic in 1971. He still operates that practice today.

“The award is in recognition of time and effort devoted to advancing the profession of veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Knewtson. “Veterinary medicine has been good to me and I have always tried to be good to veterinary medicine by contributing something back along the way. We are all indebted for our professional training and those mentors who have influenced our professional careers.”

“It’s a real pleasure to recognize Dr. Knewtson for a career that has been so dedicated to animal health in the state of Kansas,” said Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “He has been not only an active leader in his community, but an exceptional leader in the state. At a time when rural veterinarians are becoming a rare commodity, Dr. Knewtson stands out as a great role model and inspiration for our students.”

Dr. Knewtson holds memberships to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA). He held several leadership positions in the KVMA including: SE KVMA district trustee; KVMA trustee-at-large, vice president, president-elect and president. He is currently president of the KVMA Educational Foundation and chair of the KVMA’s Public Relations and State Fair committee. For his career achievements, he was awarded the KVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 2007 and the President’s Award in 1999.

Dr. Knewston and his wife, Janice, have three children: Michelle, Stacey and Trent.

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Alumni and friends visit prior to the football game vs. Eastern Kentucky.

Cat Town is made possible through private donations and corporate sponsors.

CVM development officers Christie Gabel and Joe Booe cook up burgers and brats at the CVM's Cat Town tent. Development staff wore aprons for the event, emblazoned with the phrase, "Lunch is on us, Scholarships are on you." Private philanthropic support helps provide scholarship dollars for veterinary students, thanks to those who support the college.

Join us at Cat Town at these upcoming games. Meals are served two hours prior to kick off. The College of Veterinary Medicine tent will be located in Cat Town between Frank Myers Field and Bramlage Coliseum.

Sat., Sept. 17 - Kent State, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 1 - Baylor TBA

Sat., Oct. 8 - Missouri TBA

Sat., Oct. 29 - Oklahoma TBA

Sat., Nov. 12 - Texas A&M TBA

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Dr. Chandrasekar Raman, Post Doctoral Fellow, Anatomy and Physiology

Hometown: Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu (India)

Family Information: My wife is planning on doing a master’s degree, and my parents and in-laws are in Tiruchirappalli.

Pets: I would love to have one.

What is your favorite quote? “Small truth has words which are clear, great truth has great silence.” – Rabindranath Tagore

What is your favorite restaurant? I like to order biriyani from the Anjappa Restaurant in India.

What is something you look forward to at the beginning of the day? Pleasant morning — smiling wife with a cup of tea.

What do you find most exciting about starting a new school year? It reminds me of my school days.

If you could have a vacation home, where it would it be? The Taj Mahal, because it is a symbol of love.

What will you remember most about Summer 2011? It was super hot.

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Creative people have been inspired by animals for many years. Painters, sculptors, craft makers and other artists have depicted animals in various art forms. The Animals in Society Collection at the Veterinary Medical Library has collected books that show examples of how animal influence artistic endeavors. One of our books, “Story in a Picture Animals in Art ” (ND1380 .R53 1993 AIS) explains various animal works of art from the cave paintings of 15,000 B. C. to modern depictions by Pablo Picasso. Some books in our collection such as “The Art of the Horse” (N7668 .H6 F34 1995 AIS) or “Impressionist Cats & Dogs” (ND1380 .R75 2003 AIS) feature the paintings of specific species, while other books depict art that has been inspired by animals.

For the beginning artist, we have several books that show how to draw animals. Some examples of these are “1-2-3-Draw Dogs” (NC783.8 .D48 2008 AIS), “We Imagine We Draw Animals” (NC780 .D5313 1997 AIS), and “How to Draw Cartoon Baby Animals” (NC1764.8 .A54 H38 2000 AIS). We also have a DVD, “Animal Art Doodle! Drawing Animals” (NC780 .A55 2008 AIS), which is a step-by-step introduction to sketching animals.

If working with fabrics or fiber is a person’s artistic interest, we have several books on knitting. “Knitting with Dog Hair” (TT825 .C78 1997 AIS) shows the mechanics of collecting, preparing and using all the dog hair that can be obtained from some breeds of dogs. If that is too challenging, then examples of how to knit dog garments is shown in “Men Who Knit & the Dogs Who Love Them” (TT825 .M62 2007 AIS). Other fiber art, such as quilting, is shown in several of our books, including “Making Animal Quilts” (TT835 .S625 1986 AIS) and “It’s Quilting Cats and Dogs” (TT835 .A535 2010 AIS). We have other books related to these topics in our Animals in Society Collection and would be happy to help you with your animals and the arts interests.

Please visit the Veterinary Medical Library Web site: www.vet.k-state.edu/depts/library/ for help on this and other subjects.

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The cover of the Aug. 15 issue of JAVMA is by Dr. Nick Schroeder, DVM 2002. JAVMA notes Dr. Schroeder drew inspiration for “In Flight II” (18 in by 24 in: graphite) from a photograph of an Arabian mare. He completed the piece in 1999, probably when he was a student at K-State. Dr. Schroeder grew up outside Elkhorn, Neb., where he would go on to following in his mother’s footsteps as a pencil artist. He typically depicts wildlife or draws portraits, and his work has been exhibited in Omaha. Dr. Schroeder is the staff cardiologist at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida in Cooper City.

Congratulations to Tonya Collop, DVM 2007, Shelby Hayden, DVM 2002, Candace Jacobson, DVM 2007, Kendra Rock, DVM 2002, and Justin Voge, DVM 2008! They became board certified theriogenologists in August. There were only 18 people who became board certified.

Dr. Judy Klimek, presented at the meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists at Cornell University on Aug. 6-8. Her two topics were: “Using a course message board to promote active learning and practical application of content in a veterinary anatomy course” and “Using group exams to enhance learning in gross anatomy.”