November 2011

The Theta chapter of Alpha Psi has pledged $1 million over the next 10 years benefitting the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. The $1 million gift will be used toward enhancing facilities.

The monies will help make possible three new classrooms in the educational wing addition that is currently under construction. The 150-seat lecture rooms will be accessible in January 2012. Construction of the new Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, opening in 2014, follows along with a food animal barn that is to be built adjacent to food animal research facilities. [news release]

A six-year-old yellow Labrador retriever that that stayed 34 days in intensive care is the Critical Care Case of the Year.

Atticus, the pet of Dr. Michael and Barbara Raines of Americus, Ga., came with other animals from across the Southeast on Nov. 6 to be honored during the annual Celebration of Life. Nurses and doctors selected these extraordinary cases from more than 1,500 animals treated in the past year by the Critical Care Program within the Small Animal Teaching Hospital. They gathered to share stories of survival and to present the Manny Morpeth Award for Case of the Year, named for the first recipient in 2002.

The purpose of the program is to welcome back some of the special animals and their owners who triumphed over adversity to survive despite overwhelming odds.

A veterinarian referred Atticus to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital after he diagnosed the dog with pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. “Atticus had gotten into the trash a few days before he came to Auburn and he had been showing signs of vomiting and lethargy,” said Clinical Instructor Adesola Odunayo, who presented the award.  “His veterinarian took him to surgery and diagnosed him with severe pancreatitis.”

While he was at Auburn, Atticus had many medical issues. “He had severe pneumonia and fluid building up in his chest, abdomen, and pancreas. His pancreas continued to be severely inflamed which ultimately started to affect the function of his liver,” said Dr. Odunayo.  Atticus required two additional surgeries and many critical treatments including intravenous antibiotics, intravenous fluids, a flushing of his abdomen, and intravenous nutrition.

“Atticus was loved by his many caretakers,” Dr. Odunayo said. “He beat the odds and was discharged on August 21. He has been doing great at home and is back to spending time with his other siblings.”

Dr. Ricardo Irizarry, who until recently served as a clinical instructor in critical care, played a large role in Atticus’ recovery.

Benjamin F. Ray, 53, of Waverly, an animal care attendant with the Scott-Ritchey Research Center, died of a massive heart attack on Nov. 20. Ben had worked with the center for over 25 years.

“Ben was such a kind person and a hard worker,” said Dr. Nancy Cox.” He went about his work quietly and without fanfare, always doing his part and more. He was not only an excellent caretaker in the dog colonies, he also was the person who made sure places the housekeeping services could not go – offices offices and laboratories – were swept and mopped so all of us would have a clean place to work. As most of you know, he lost his dear mother three weeks ago. That was very, very hard on Ben. In spite of that, he continued to do his work for the center without fail. He will be greatly missed.”

Scott-Ritchey is collecting contributions for Ben’ family – his children and grandchildren who were recently in town and returned for his services. If you would like to help with their travel expenses, please see Sherry Compton (comptsd@auburn.edu) in the Scott-Ritchey Research Center front office.

On Nov. 9 the college recognized outstanding research done by its veterinary and graduate students, interns, and residents. Throughout the day, podium and poster presentations were given as part of Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day. The keynote speaker, Dr. Elaine Ostrander, chief of the Cancer Genetics Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute of NIH, spoke on “How to Build a Dog: Genetics of Complex Traits.” Dr. Ostrander’s lab works in both human and canine genetics focusing on the genetics of complex disease traits, including cancer.

A banquet that evening featured the induction of new members into the honor society and awards for the poster and platform competitions. Epsilon Phi Zeta Chapter hosted the day’s activities. Dr. Stuart Price serves as chapter president.

The Facts about Communication in Veterinary Medicine

• February 2
• 6 – 8:30 p.m.
• Overton Auditorium

Veterinary faculty from Auburn and Tuskegee's veterinary programs, veterinary students, and veterinary practitioners from Alabama and west Georgia are invited to attend a free continuing ed event on Feb. 2 focusing on communication.

The interactive presentation outlines current knowledge regarding the importance of successful communication in veterinary medicine and core communication skills required of the veterinary professional. Tips for more successful communication in all areas of our lives including communication within the veterinary health care team, with clients, and in challenging situations will be provided.

Dr. Karen Cornell of the University of Georgia is the guest lecturer. A light snack will be provided from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Register by January 23 to participate and to receive 2 CE credit hours. Due to space limitations, on-site registration will not be available.

For information, call 844-2497 or register online.

Attending the CVM orientation session held Nov. 2 were: First row, Britaine Williams, animal care orderly (DCS), and Roderick Marshall, animal care orderly (DCS). Seated: Natalie Mills, admin support specialist (DCS); Kathryn Jones, research assistant (Admin); and Connie Beckwith, financial associate (DCS). Standing: Ursula Young, large animal/small animal technician (DCS); Jane Dowling, research assistant (Admin); Ashley Appleman large animal/small animal technician (DCS); Chad Maddox, canine instructor (AHPP); and Nicholas Wheeles, diagnostic imaging tech (DCS).

Every year the College of Veterinary Medicine is a major participant in the United Way of Lee County LIVE UNITED campaign. As a special incentive for contributions, two framed photographs of Tiger War Eagle VI were offered by Dr. Charles Hendrix. One photograph was to be given to a faculty/staff member who donated to the United Way campaign and one to a student. Gifts to the United Way of Lee County support 27 agencies that serve the local community. 

And the winners are…

Kristen Meadows, United Way of Lee County campaign manager drew the winning entry from the faculty/staff contributors selecting Acting Dean Calvin Johnson. Dr. Charlie Hendrix expresses his surprise!

A University of Alabama graduate who is a weapons tester at Redstone Arsenal (and pursuing his M.S. degree in rocket propulsion) approached the Southeastern Raptor Center regarding his online educational segments on YouTube. The Raptor Center partnered with Destin for a “Smarter Every Day” segment at Jordan-Hare Stadium during a morning practice to show how the eagles are trained. Watch the video here.

The Lee County Humane Society is selling its 2012 Best Friends Calendar sponsored by Delta Zeta Sorority.  Each full-color, 32-page calendar costs only $10, and all proceeds benefit the animals at the shelter.

More than 75 pets were entered into the voting contest to see which would be featured as the cover pet and pets of the month. All of the pets’ pictures are included in the calendar. The voting contest, entry fees, and ad sales raised more than $13,000.  Calendar sales will supplement this amount to generate funds for adoption programs at the Lee County Humane Society which aim to find homes for the more than 5,000 animals the society cares for each year.

Calendars are available at the shelter and at many local businesses and veterinary practices in the area.  

Acting Dean Calvin Johnson hosts the CVM holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. In the spirit of giving, the College of Veterinary Medicine is again assisting the Lee County Humane Society with their in-kind donation needs. The humane society provides many services by partnering with the cities of Auburn and Opelika, as well as Lee County, to house stray and unwanted animals. The society also provides adoptions services, educational programs, and community awareness. Look at the humane society’s needs list and bring your donation items to the CVM Holiday Party on Dec. 15. 

Special Video Premiere

Do you remember the Crystal Capers? Specifically Crystal Caper #9  where members our Animal Health and Performance Program helped find the crystal football, otherwise known as the Coaches’ Trophy? Rumor has it there is an outtake video from the day’s filming that will likely have a special showing during our holiday party. Come to the party.  It’s not to be missed!

From our oncology program to training bomb-sniffing dogs, the College of Veterinary was featured in a series of ads this season in Auburn Football Illustrated. Sponsored by the Development Office, “Champions On and Off the Field” depicts how students, alumni, and friends of the college are contributing to our community, nation, and world. The ads create awareness of the new Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital and the funding campaign Soar. [view the complete ad series here]