Equine Ophthal Service Enhanced

COLLEGE STATION, TX – The “eyes” have it, especially when it comes to horses and Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

The Texas A&M CVM is now the only place in the southwest United States that is equipped with the necessary technology to perform the delicate operation necessary to remove cataracts from a horse’s eye.

Horses have a special place in our society. They are not only beloved as pets, but they are also considered high performance athletes and workers. When a horse’s vision is suddenly diminished with cataracts, they are unable to function properly, and can even develop problems with the other eye.

“Horses that work whether it is in the pasture, the arena, the racetrack, or the polo field, have a great need to be able to see well in order to do what they were trained to do,” said Dr. Millichamp. “A horse that can’t see is at risk for injuring itself or others. With the new equipment recently added to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital combined with the expertise we have on staff, we are now able to treat these large animals safely and successfully, and we are the only place in the state that can do so.”

It is estimated that between five and seven percent of horses are affected by some form of lens opacity with otherwise clinically normal eyes. The only recourse many horse owners have is to take the horse out of service, or take the horse in for treatment. In this case, the only treatment is surgery.

Until now, cataract surgery was primarily reserved for dogs and human beings. The incision required was large and led to an increased risk for postoperative complications. A new procedure developed at Texas A&M by veterinarians Dr. Joan Dziezyc and Dr. Nick Millichamp called phacofragmentation uses much smaller corneal incisions allowing for greater control and minimizing the postoperative inflammation.

Over the past two years, CVM veterinarians treated 12 horses for cataracts, and that number is expected to continue to increase.

Texas A&M CVM is home to two board certified veterinary ophthalmologists. According to Millichamp, there are only a handful of other places that are able to perform similar procedures in Florida, Ohio, and Michigan.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

Dr. Theresa Fossum Recognition

Dr. Theresa Fossum and Tiger

COLLEGE STATION, TX – Dr. Theresa Fossum, surgeon with the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Recognition such as this, by ones peers, is truly an honor,” said Fossum. “I am thrilled to receive this award from the Ohio State University, an institution for which I hold great respect.”

Fossum currently holds the Tom and Joan Read Chair in Veterinary Surgery, and is the director of cardiothoracic surgery and biomedical devices for the Michael E. DeBakey Institute at the Texas A&M CVM. Her work in treating cardiac disease in animals, and the testing of new technology and therapeutic agents has improved the quality of life for many of her patients while providing data that aids in the development for treatment of cardiac disease in humans.

“Dr. Fossum has distinguished herself by pursuing excellence throughout her career,” said Dr. Rustin Moore, Chair of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “She truly epitomizes the ‘triple threat’ academician, as she is an accomplished scientist, gifted clinician and skilled educator. We are proud that Dr. Fossum is an alumnus of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine where she completed her small animal surgical residency and Master of Science degree in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.”

Arriving at Texas A&M in July 1987 as an assistant professor, Fossum received her tenure in 1993 as an associate professor. She was named Chief of Surgery in 1996 and was honored as a Wiley Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. Her work in device testing has led to the establishment of the Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies in 2007, a division of Texas A&M University, which she will assume leadership of upon commencement of operations.

“Dr. Theresa Fossum’s efforts in veterinary cardiology and preclinical studies have earned her an international reputation for excellence,” said H. Richard Adams, dean of veterinary medicine. “Her contributions to veterinary medicine, both in and out of the surgical suite, have made a lasting impact on not only our college, but also the veterinary profession. We are very proud of her recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus, and look forward to her continued accomplishments.”

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

Pet Food Recall Information

COLLEGE STATION, TX – Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences veterinarians have been monitoring the developments of the recent recall of pet food.

“Pets are an important part of our lives and of our society,” said Dr. H. Richard Adams, Carl B. King Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “As clinicians and researchers, we are always concerned when events have detrimental effects on animal health.”

Preliminary investigations have indicated a rodenticide called aminopterin may be involved in the contamination of the pet food. This toxin appears to have been applied to wheat that Menu Foods (the manufacturer of the pet food) received from China. Aminopterin has not been permitted for use in the United States since the 1950s when it was used as a cancer chemotherapeutic.

“Studies are limited on the effects aminopterin can have on animals larger than rodents,” said Dr. Murl Bailey, Diplomate – ABVT and veterinary toxicologist at Texas A&M. “We need to continue to monitor the ongoing investigation into the contaminated food until we know for sure we have arrived at a complete answer.”

Owners that are concerned about the health of their pets should check their pet food against the recall list. If it is recalled, stop feeding it immediately. If there is a change in the pet’s behavior, it should be taken to the veterinarian for a precautionary exam.

“One of the positive things that will come out of this,” added Bailey, “is that more people are going to be much more ready to take their pets to the veterinarian when they suspect something is wrong instead of waiting. Pet owners will also become more involved in their pets’ health, and that’s a good thing.”

For more information on the pet food recall, go to www.fda.gov.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

The Importance of Supplements for Your Pets

Little dog maltese and black and white cat eating food from a bo

We all want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. In order to achieve this, we take them for their annual veterinary appointments, make sure they get plenty of exercise and feed them the best pet food we can afford. Some of us even go so far as to give our pets vitamins or supplements to add an extra degree of protection. But are these supplements necessary?

“Healthy animals with complete and balanced diets should not need supplements and therefore, they are not necessarily recommended,” states Dr. John Bauer, Professor of Small Animal Medicine & Faculty of Nutrition at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Just as a healthy diet should provide people with their essential vitamins and nutrients, the same is true for our pets.

“Pet food companies use a vitamin pre-mix for the particular species to which it is marketed,” says Bauer. “For this reason a good quality food should already meet the nutritional needs of your pet.”

If you formulate your own pet food at home, there are easy and affordable options to make sure your pet is getting these vitamins as well.

“When I formulate home diets for patients I have the owner add a human multi-vitamin,” explains Bauer. “The amount will vary based on the size and breed of your dog so if you are formulating your own diet make sure to check with your veterinarian before for dosage guidelines.”

While most pets do not require an additional vitamin for general health, Bauer does add that there is the rare exception.

“One example I can think of is vitamin C production in cats and dogs. Under normal conditions both cats and dogs can produce their own vitamin C,” notes Bauer. “However, under times of stress it has been found that they may not make enough and may need to be supplemented.”

Bauer explains that the problem with supplements in general is that although we know what the minimal recommended amounts are, there is little scientific data regarding what the “optimal” level of a particular nutrient is. Therefore it is difficult to address whether supplements beyond the recommended allowance are of additional benefit for normal healthy pets.

“While I wouldn’t suggest throwing a lot of vitamins at healthy pets, there are a few that are commonly prescribed by veterinarians because there is some evidence that they have positive effects,” states Bauer. “These supplements, namely glucosamine, fish oil and antioxidants, may have a place in consultation with a veterinarian, but there is no proof they will be effective in preventing ailments in a healthy animal.”

Although extra vitamins may not be proven to cure or prevent disease in a healthy animal, because there is some evidence that a few may either put off or lessen the effects of some ailments in pets there are owners who may want to give them just in case.

“While supplements can add up monetarily, it is possible that they might save you some vet bills in the long run by slowing down the effects of some subclinical problems,” advises Bauer.

It’s important to remember however, that there is a safe upper-limit to any vitamin so if an owner wants to supplement their pet’s diet they need to consult with a veterinarian.

“The difference between a food and a poison is the dosage,” explains Bauer. “Safety is always subjective based on the individual so it’s imperative that you check with your veterinarian and you can even consult with the supplement manufacturer.”

As pet owners we want what is best for our animals and while it’s impossible to say right now if supplements will help, it’s safe to say that they will not hurt if they are within the guidelines prescribed by your veterinarian. Because of this lack of absolute proof and the fact that these supplements can be costly, it’s up to every pet owner to weigh the facts and decide what’s best for their furry family member.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

Copy Cat: First Cloned Cat Produces 3 Kittens

COLLEGE STATION – CC, the world’s first cloned cat, may not have nine lives, but she has produced three kittens whose lives already are unique.

Copy Cat KittensCC, short for Copy Cat, was born Dec. 22, 2001 and became the first-ever cloned cat by a team of Texas A&M; University researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. She has since lived with Duane Kraemer, a veterinary medicine professor who helped clone her, and his wife Shirley in nearby Bryan.

The couple, cat fanciers all of their lives, successfully mated CC with Smokey, like CC a tabby but with different markings. The three kittens were born almost exactly three months ago.

Although not the first cloned cat to have a litter of kittens, CC is believed to be the first in Texas to give birth. Of her three kittens, two bear a very similar resemblance to her while the third is identical to the gray color of Smokey, the dad.

“CC has always been a perfectly normal cat and her kittens are just that way, too,” Duane Kraemer says.

“We purchased Smokey for the specific purpose of mating him with CC. We’ve been monitoring their health and all of them are fine, just like CC has been for the past five years.”

“CC was always a very playful kitten and her babies have a similar type of personality,” Shirley Kraemer adds.

“They are as cute as kittens can be, just healthy and normal cats. We’ll never part with them. They will always remain with us or other family members.”

Texas A&M; has cloned more species than any institution in the world. Since 1999 researchers have cloned cattle, swine, goats, horses, a deer and a cat.

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Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

Veterinary Medicine Names New Assistant Dean

COLLEGE STATION, November 9, 2006 -Dr. F. H. “Skip” Landis, Director of Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University, has been named the new assistant dean for biomedical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The responsibilities of the assistant dean for biomedical sciences begin with facilitating the academic opportunities for nearly 2000 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students.

Landis and his staff help students register, advise the students on courses, and oversee that students are meeting degree requirements and are prepared for graduation.

“I appreciate the confidence Dean Adams has placed in me,” Landis said. “I look forward to working with our students to grow our program over the next several years. It will be my challenge to position our undergraduate program as the premier feeder program to all of the medical arts programs in the state, and to ensure that our graduate program is the recognized leader in the area of biomedical sciences in the years to come.”

Landis, returned to Aggieland seven years ago to assume the role as director of the biomedical science program after serving as a financial advisor at Tarlton State University.  Prior to his time in Stephenville, Landis served as a financial aid advisor and assistant area coordinator for the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.

A Fort Worth native and graduate of Southwest High School, Landis received his bachelor’s in wildlife and fisheries science from Texas A&M in 1982.  He also received his master’s in education (1984) and doctorate in education administration (1992) from Texas A&M.

“The assistant dean of biomedical sciences will be an important role as we commit the college to educating the brightest students,” said H. Richard Adams, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “We appreciate the direction that Skip has taken biomedical sciences, and we expect great things to come from a great program.”

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc – (979) 862-2675
Cell – (979) 739-5718

First Set of Triplets Born at Wildlife Center

FawnsDr. Alice Blue-McLendon feeds DebbieDeer and an ostrich
White-tailed deer triplets Sandy, Debbie, and Gavi with Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon

Dewey, the first cloned white-tail deer born in the world, is the proud father of triplet female fawns born on June 21 at Texas A&M University’s Wildlife and Exotic Animal Center.

Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences were hoping to study whether Dewey’s large antlers would be inherited by his male offspring. “Dewey may be deficient in gametes containing the Y chromosome!” says Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon with a chuckle.

Sandy, Debbie and Gavi are the first set of triplets ever born at the Center, according to Blue-McLendon who oversees the care of the animals. Researchers will just have to wait for the next round of Dewey’s offspring in hopes of a male.

The Winnie Carter Wildlife Center serves as a teaching facility for introducing students to the management, handling, behavior, and veterinary care of exotic and wildlife species.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of CVMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu; 979-862-4216

Veterinary Medicine Names New Associate Dean

COLLEGE STATION, July 18, 2006 – Dr. Kenita Rogers, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, has been named the college’s new associate dean for professional programs.

Dr. Kenita RogersRogers brings over 23 years of service to the college in various positions, including her current responsibilities as associate department head and co-chief of the Medicine Section in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and holds dual board certification in Oncology and Internal Medicine.

Rogers’ appointment is effective immediately, however, she will continue her clinical commitments until another oncologist is hired. The responsibilities of the associate dean for professional programs are extensive and involve everything related to the professional veterinary student from admission to graduation, said Rogers.

This position was held until recently by Dr. Deborah Kochevar, who has been named dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

“Dr. Kochevar left behind a great legacy of advocacy for both faculty and students, and I hope to continue that tradition in a very active way. This is a fantastic opportunity at an exciting time, and I look forward to working with the outstanding students, staff and faculty of this college,” she said.

Rogers received her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in Animal Science in 1979, her DVM degree from Louisiana State University in 1982 and in 1986 she received her master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M.

She has received numerous teaching awards and honors including the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award in 1989; The Association of Former Students College-Level Distinguished Teaching Award in 1991, 1997 and 2003; the college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital Clinical Service Award in 1998 and 2004; and the West Virginia University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.

Rogers is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Cancer Society. She has published 53 refereed journal articles in a number of prestigious veterinary publications, and has authored numerous non-refereed publications, proceedings and book chapters.

“The associate dean for professional programs is a critically important role for the entire college. We express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Rogers for accepting this key post and its important set of responsibilities,” said H. Richard Adams, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Give Something Back to Veterinary Medicine, Speaker Tells Graduates

COLLEGE STATION, May 11, 2006 – Guy Sheppard, president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, urged veterinary medicine graduates to find ways to give back to their chosen profession and to remember the great responsibilities they have as animal care providers during Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences commencement ceremonies Thursday in Rudder Auditorium.

Guy SheppardSheppard, who earned his DVM degree from Texas A&M in 1978 and has his own practice in San Angelo, told the 125 new Aggie veterinarians to “be sure and give back to others.

“I know that each of you has been beneficiaries of one or more mentors and encouragers. You could not have entered or completed the veterinary educational process without mentors. Please remember this when young people dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine approach you. And remember that you are always a role model to someone. You may never know who is watching and emulating you, but someone is taking notice of you. Live your life so as not to disappoint an impressionable young person.”

Sheppard also urged graduates to get fully involved in their profession through service activities and volunteer work.

“As Dr. Elbert Hutchins, executive director of the TVMA, is fond of saying, ‘You have now been handed a profession that you did nothing to create. It was done for you by dedicated veterinarians who have gone before you.’ It is our duty to make sure that we are able to hand off a profession to those who enter after us that is at least as good or better than that which we were handed.”

Sheppard added that the new veterinarians cannot hand off an “improved profession to your successors by simply viewing veterinary medicine as an occupation and a means to pay your bills. You have to see it as an heirloom, something to be treasured, protected and perfected, and it requires much effort to preserve.”

Sheppard reminded the graduates that they had some help getting their hard-earned veterinary medicine degrees.

“You did not get here by yourself,” he said, “and you will not progress very far with a ‘Lone Ranger’ mentality. You are surrounded by people who have given you all kinds of support including encouragement, love, inspiration, the freedom to seek your dreams, financial support and academic and technical support.

“Tell them ‘thank you’ with your words and actions, and don’t forget to say it often throughout your life. People love to hear these words, and if you say them often, you will also get to hear them in return.”

The veterinary medicine graduation was one of five – plus a commissioning ceremony for the Corps of Cadets – Texas A&M will hold Thursday through Saturday, with more than 5,500 students receiving degrees and approximately 40,000 family members expected to attend the ceremonies.

Canine Kidney Research Continues Thanks To Contributors

COLLEGE STATION, May 8, 2006 – The Canine Hereditary Nephritis Research Project, now in its 14th year at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has been possible due to the generosity of its founding contributors. The college recently honored Vera Stewart of Dallas, Addi Pittman of Alice, and Laura and Danny Weaver of Navasota at a luncheon to recognize their special contributions to this ongoing research enterprise.

 

Laura and Danny Weaver receive special thanks and a plaque from Dr. George Lees and Dean H. Richard Adams. Vera Stewart is recognized with a plaque from Dr. George Lees and Dean H. Richard Adams. Addi Pittman receives a plaque for her dedication to the project from Dr. George Lees and Dean H. Richard Adams.
One primary goal of the research is focused on identifying the mutation that leads to the juvenile-onset of chronic kidney failure in English Cocker Spaniels. In recent months, Dr. Keith Murphy’s Canine Genetics Laboratory at the college discovered the genetic cause of this disease which has led to the development of a test for genetic carriers of the trait that breeders of English Cocker Spaniels can use to eliminate it from the breed.

Dr. George Lees, research project coordinator, along with Dr. H. Richard Adams, dean of the college, Dr. Oscar “Bubba” Woytek, senior development officer, and Dr. Sandee Hartsfield, department head of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, hosted the luncheon and presented each of the honorees with a plaque. “The canine hereditary research project would never have existed, much less become successful, without the gifts and assistance so generously provided by the honorees,” said Dr. Lees.

Ms. Vera Stewart was cited for being the founding contributor for the English Cocker Spaniel Kidney Disease Research Project. “Ms. Stewart gave us our first monetary donations and two of the first dogs we studied,” Lees said. “If it were not for her, we would never have begun.”

Ms. Addi Pittman was recognized for her extraordinary dedication as the leading proponent for the English Cocker Spaniel Kidney Disease Research Project. Ms. Pittman has been the chairperson for the Health Education Committee for the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America (ECSCA) throughout the 14-year period, according to Lees. “She first arranged for me to present the plan for the research project to the ESCA at its National Specialty Show in Frederick, Maryland, in May 1993,” said Lees. “Addi’s unflagging advocacy of the project has been a key element in maintaining the club’s commitment to the project of the years. Overall, the ECSA and its members and friends have provided us with approximately $188,000 in monetary support.”

Laura and Danny Weaver were cited for being the founding contributors for the Canine Hereditary Nephritis Project. “In the summer of 1993, they brought us the first dog with the X-linked form of the disease that we now study,” explained Lees. “The Weaver family’s contributions permitted us to establish the canine HN research colony at the university in 1997. To date, we have raised a few more than 500 dogs in this colony, which as been supported by three National Institute of Health (NIH) grants.”

“This research project is an extraordinarily unique program in that it originated from a single canine clinical patient diagnosed by Dr. Lees, and through his subsequent diligence and teamwork with other faculty and staff, developed a major research project supported by the National Institutes of Health,” said Dean Adams. “What a tremendous accomplishment this is.”