Research Contributions   Areas of special clinical interest and research: Clinical interests are those areas where Small Animal Teaching Hospital faculty members have a particular interest in a disease, its diagnosis and treatment.  Research is defined as “a careful or diligent search” or studious inquiry or examination aimed at the discovery and interpretation of new knowledge.   Thus, research is important to the advancement of veterinary medical knowledge and the improved methods of diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases.  When they are not on the clinic floor, Small Animal Teaching Hospital faculty are involved in many areas of research - both in basic science and in applied research.  Below are listed some of the research areas at Small Animal Teaching Hospital faculty.  Remember, patients of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital are NEVER involved in research projects without approval of the client and the Auburn University Animal Care and Use Committee.    Dermatology Emergency & Critical Care General Surgery Clinical interests: Cardiothoracic surgery Feline renal transplantation  Surgical treatment of tracheal collapse - spiral ring prothesis Research interests:  Vascular and microvascular surgery - prosthetic grafts Canine renal transplantation Internal Medicine Neurology Oncology Gene therapy of osteosarcoma Chemotherapy trials Hemangiosarcoma diagnostics Radiation therapy Ophthalmology Clinical interests Intraocular surgery Corneal surgery Corneal ulcers Eyelid reconstruction Feline herpes keratitis Research areas:  Corneal diseases and surgery Keratoconjuntivitis sicca Conjunctivitis in the dog Ocular Pharmacology Orthopedic Surgery Anterior (cranial) cruciate ligments [ACL] injuries / tears Arthroscopic surgery Joint (Hip) Replacement