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June 2016 - Vol. 11, No. 6

Top Stories

Teaming up on a new patent

Protein discovery leads to treatments for infections caused by Fusobacterium

Drs. Sanjeev Narayanan, T.G. Nagaraja and M.M. Chengappa

A U.S. patent was recently awarded for technology created by researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. Drs. Sanjeev Narayanan, Amit Kumar, T.G. Nagaraja and M.M. Chengappa collaborated to develop compositions and methods for treating infections caused by Fusobacterium that is well-known in veterinary medicine for causing liver abscesses in cattle and sheep. Fusobacterium has also been identified as a human pathogen.


Fourth-year student Jenni Wright wins prestigious equine scholarship

Fourth-year student Jenni WrightThe American Quarter Horse Association recently announced that Jenni Wright, Hope, Kansas, now beginning her fourth year, was one of two national recipients of the Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship. This scholarship was created by the owner of Coyote Rock Ranch, Penny Knight of Hillsboro, Oregon, and is administered by the American Quarter Horse Foundation. The scholarship awards $75,000 each to two fourth-year veterinary students who intend to pursue a career in an equine-focused veterinary practice upon graduation.

Video Feature

Commencement 2016

Legendary head football coach Bill Snyder delivers the commencement address to the 2016 graduates, plus each received their hood and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. If you were unable to attend, here's a chance to see the ceremony in this month's video feature.

CEEZAD Researchers Advance MERS Testing Effort in Jordan

Camels in Jordan (CEEZAD)Two scientists from the Center of Excellence For Emerging Zoonotic and Animal Diseases (CEEZAD) at Kansas State University have just returned from a week-long visit to Jordan where they worked with a team from the NIH and local veterinarians on identifying and fighting cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Dr. Juergen Richt, director of CEEZAD, and Chester McDowell, a CEEZAD research assistant, worked with scientists from the NIH and faculty in veterinary medicine from the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) on the project, which focused on identifying the MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels.

More Headlines

CVM honors Drs. Elizabeth Davis and Steven L. Stockham with teaching and service awards

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University recently presented two distinguished faculty awards during its annual honors banquet in May to Drs. Elizabeth Davis and Steven L. Stockham.

Dr. Jeni Nezerka receives Bayer Excellence in Communication Award

Bayer HealthCare LLC Animal Health recently announced that Dr. Jeni Nezerka, Kansas City, Missouri, a 2016 graduate, was the Kansas State University recipient of a Bayer Excellence in Communication Award (BECA). Twenty-seven veterinary schools participated in the 2016 competition that presented a total of $70,000 in scholarship awards.

Kansas State University advances research and education outreach to address fatigued cattle syndrome

By Marisa Larson, KSU Foundation

Two Kansas State University beef cattle researchers are developing a prevention program for fatigued cattle syndrome. The syndrome, which has the potential to cause mobility issues in feedlot cattle stressed during the end of the feeding period, was identified through research at the university in 2014 that was funded by a grant from Merck Animal Health.

VHC Clinical Trials - CT Westie

CVM begins new Strategic Planning initiative

The College of Veterinary Medicine announces a new strategic planning initiative. We are seeking your input to help us develop a new vision for our college by responding to a special survey that will help direct our resources and define our priorities for the next three years. What does the future of veterinary education, animal health, teaching, research and service look like? Where do we need to be? Your participation and thoughtful opinions can help make our college the elite institution that it should be.

Strategic Planning

K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute provides online resource for upcoming Veterinary Feed Directive changes

Producers can learn at the time most convenient for them

Striving to provide the most up-to-date information on upcoming changes in regulations related to the Veterinary Feed Directive, the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) at Kansas State University is offering a new online resource – for free.

Dr. Landa Marion-Colvin receives preceptor of the year award from KU's School of Pharmacy

Dr. Landa Colvin-Marion, director of pharmacy in the Veterinary Health Center at K-State, was recently honored during the School of Pharmacy hooding and awards ceremony at the University of Kansas.

VHC Clinical Trials

International Programs launches 'Veterinarians around the world' photo competition

Photo contest logoThe CVM's office of International Programs announces the launch of the "Veterinarians around the world" photo competition. The theme for the competition is international veterinary medicine. Entries should capture efforts to improve animal health, public health or wildlife/ecosystem health; food security (sustainable production systems); food safety; capacity building; animal welfare; or biological threat reduction. Any other subjects relating to international veterinary medicine will also be considered.

Regular features

Alumni Events and Continuing Education

VMAA logo The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association presents its annual alumni recognition awards at the 78th Annual Conference for Veterinarians and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association presents its annual awards the next day at the conference. Find out who this year's winners are below.

Pet Friendly License Plate program in Kansas

The College of Veterinary Medicine has a new way to support shelter medicine in Kansas. The Pet Friendly license plate is available to Kansas residents statewide by visiting your local Kansas county treasurer's office.

VHC Clinical Trials

News Ticker

More activities and accomplishments in the College of Veterinary Medicine:

Dr. Chris Blevins arranged for a group of senior veterinary students to attend the Exploring Sand Hills trail ride in Hutchinson, Kansas. Dr. Michelle Tucker, equine intern, took the group of students to provide veterinary care.

Dr. Brad Crauer received the Faculty Pet Tribute Award for demonstrating excellence in compassion, sensitivity, and empathy while caring for patients. The award is determined by a vote of the senior class.

Drs. Julie Andrie and Chelsea Davis received the House Officer Pet Tribute Awards acknowledging excellence in teaching, clinical service, clinical proficiency and professionalism.

Kathy Shike received the Veterinary Technician Pet Tribute Award for demonstrating excellence in compassion, sensitivity and empathy while caring for patients. These awards were determined by a vote of the senior class.

Dr. Jason Grady coordinated the State FFA Veterinary Science Contest. He had assistance from Dr. Tucker Avra, along with 4th year veterinary students: Allison Goldberg, Sam Schimming, Jade Johnston, Lyndsay Morgan and Stephanie Rainbolt. The contest was held in Weber Arena in conjunction with the State FFA contest. There were 216 contestants from 59 high schools competing. In April, each team was given two scenarios that they had to research and prepare a 3-7 minute video that was judged based upon presentation, creativity, and proper procedure. The rest of the contest consisted of a math practicum, identification of veterinary equipment, breeds, and parasites, a general knowledge exam, a business invoice to properly fill out based upon information provided to them, and a series of examinations on veterinary knowledge.

Dr. Liz Santschi, equine surgeon, was appointed to be on hand in case of emergencies and assisted with physical exams throughout the week at the Kentucky Derby.

Dr. Mike Apley presented at the Center for Food Integrity Meeting in Chicago. Topic: Antibiotic use in food animals. He participated at the Antibiotic Resistance Planning meeting in Columbus, Ohio. He was also featured in the JAVMA journal for “Adjusting to reduced drug access, use - Swine Veterinarians face adjustments in disease management, treatment.”

Dr. Greg Grauer presented at the Sonoma County Veterinary Medical Association in Santa Rosa, California. Title: “Early diagnosis, staging, and management of CKD.”

Dr. Jim Carpenter taught Veterinary Technology students at Brown Mackie College in Salina. He taught the students about clinical skills used in reptile and avian medicine. Dr. Carpenter also reports his name was pulled from a hat in the fall to have dinner with President Kirk Schulz and his wife Noel, and two other couples on May 10. The drawing was from a list of all those who contributed to the All-University Campaign.

Dr. Laura Armbrust  and Dr. Shawna Jo Cikanek

Dr. Carpenter said, "It was one of the most memorable and enjoyable evenings that we have ever participated in. They had an open bar, incredibly great food cooked by a chef, and it was great fun. Dr. Schulz, Noel, and General Myers were incredibly hospitable and personable. Great fun. When Gen. Myers was informed by Terry (my wife) that her father (now 95 years old) had served in the air force in WW II in New Guinea (flying a P39), he offered to write him a personal letter when he returned to DC. Wonderful! And it will be a great thrill for my father in law to receive a letter from a 4-star General! I had the honor of toasting President Schulz for his service to KSU. Later we sang happy birthday to Kirk because his birthday was the next day (May 11)."

On April 3, 2016, an Exotic Companion Mammal Symposium was held at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The conference was organized by and sponsored by Oxbow Animal Health, Murdock, Nebraska. Dr. James W. Carpenter and Ashley McCowan were the local hosts and organizers. More than 90 veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary students attended. Speakers included Drs. Natalie Antinoff (Keynote Speaker; Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston), Micah Kohles (Oxbow), James W. Carpenter, and David Eshar.

Susan Rose will have a solo art show during the Month of July in Topeka at NexLynx’s Gallery of Arts that will have an opening reception during Topeka’s First Friday Art Walk on July 1st. Attached is an image of one of my new landscapes that will be in that show, “Shared Delights” oil, 18 x24. Location information: http://www.galleryofarts.org/

Class of 2016 gives ultrasound units to VHC

Dr. Laura Armbrust  and Dr. Shawna Jo Cikanek

Dr. Laura Armbrust and Dr. Shawna Jo Cikanek, 2016 class president, demonstrate one of two new ultrasound units on Charlie. The units were a gift from the class of 2016.

Dr. Laura Armbrust  and Dr. Shawna Jo Cikanek

Dr. Cikanek said, "On behalf of the class of 2016, thank you for all the time and effort you have put forth to help shape us into competent, independent young doctors. Take care, everyone!"

Congratulations Class of 2017 on your new white coats

White Coat Ceremony

The 16th Annual White Coat ceremony was held this month as well as the Senior Awards Banquet. Both events were held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Ellen Lowery was the speaker at the White Coat ceremony and Hills Pet Nutrition donated $10K.

Celebrating its first anniversary, College of Veterinary Medicine's Mobile Surgery Unit on the roll and saving pets' lives

Shelter Medicine staff with kittens

Staff of Kansas State University's Shelter Medicine Mobile Surgery Unit with some of their feline patients.

A little over a year after first hitting the road, Kansas State University's Shelter Medicine Mobile Surgery Unit has performed around 3,500 surgeries, helped a dozen animal shelters save on veterinary care costs and has drawn attention to the plight of homeless animals.

The Mobile Surgery Unit took its maiden trip on May 9, 2015, with the College of Veterinary Medicine's Dr. Brad Crauer, clinical assistant professor of clinical sciences; three fourth-year veterinary students; and a veterinary technician along to spay and neuter unowned pets at an area shelter. Students spend two weeks on the mobile unit rotation, providing surgery and veterinary care at no cost to participating shelters.

The Mobile Surgery Unit spent 218 days on the road in its first year. For each trip, students packed and loaded the 32-foot trailer — which sports the university's Powercat logo, word mark and slogan "Future Vets Helping Future Pets" — with supplies for the day. The students use the up to two hours in travel time to reach participating shelters for classes and lectures to improve their knowledge of shelter medicine, procedures and the unique aspects of working with unowned animals.

Once the unit arrives at the shelter, the students perform surgeries under the guidance of Dr. Crauer and Ron Orchard, a licensed veterinary technician. They also tour the facilities and have consultations with shelter managers before returning home, only to start again the next day.

The Mobile Surgery Unit regularly visited 12 area shelters within a two-hour radius of Manhattan over the past year. The experience exposes students to each shelters' unique processes and challenges, Dr. Crauer said.

"By the end of the rotation, we hope the students have gained a greater knowledge and appreciation for shelter medicine and use that to make a difference in the communities they become a part of after graduation," Dr. Crauer said.

"The impact of this program for students is truly remarkable," said Kyla Krissek, shelter medicine intern. "Not only do we have the opportunity to strengthen our surgical skills, but more importantly, we learn about different shelter missions, the obstacles shelters face every day, and how we as veterinarians can become advocates for homeless animals in our communities."

Students are not the only beneficiaries. Veterinary care, especially spays and neuters, make up a large portion of a shelter's operating expense. Since the students perform surgery at no cost, shelters are saving between $50-$175 per animal, a significant savings when considering hundreds of animals, Dr. Crauer said. Shelters also have the advantage of regular professional consultations from Dr. Crauer and his team.

For Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, the regular visits by the Mobile Surgery Unit made a big difference in the shelter's viability.

"The partnership with K-State was tremendous for us," said Melissa Reed, executive director. "I don't have data to prove it, but I do think that if we had not had that relationship with K-State, we would not be here today."

The program has already expanded to include not only shelter pets, but also stray cats in a trap, neuter and release initiatives. Dr. Crauer says the unit's spay and neuter services help prevent unwanted pregnancies in cats.

"The success of the program and its impact on the students, shelters and the pets in communities across central Kansas has been amazing," Dr. Crauer said. "We expect the shelter medicine program to continue to grow and do even more in the coming year."

The Mobile Surgery Unit is supported by private gifts and a grant from PetSmart Charities. To help support the unit, contact the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University by calling Kristin Loving at 785-532-4046.

New Arrivals/Recent Departures

Lifelines is published each month by the Marketing and Communications Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The editor is Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu.

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