CVM News

May 5, 2026

Caps off to the CVM’s Blood Bank donor canines

As is the case with many commencement ceremonies, the graduates really wanted to get to the after party. Molly tried on multiple occasions to wriggle out of the blue mortarboard atop her head, while Wiley enthusiastically sought out onlookers for hugs. Gumbo sat upright and dignified, patiently posing for photos. And Stella? Stella just wanted a cookie.

Feb 12, 2026

Tiny puppy, big heart: Blondie’s second chance receives boost from Auburn University donors

Blondie, a 2-month-old Shetland Sheepdog puppy, recently came to Auburn University’s Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital with a common but serious congenital heart defect — patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). If left untreated, the condition can significantly shorten a dog’s lifespan. Thanks to the work of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Cardiology Service team and the generosity of Auburn University Tiger Giving Day donors, Blondie should live a long, healthy and happy life.

Oct 29, 2025

Going the distance: HumaneVMA scholarship represents milestone on Johnson’s professional journey

In each of the last two years, Johnson, a veterinary assistant in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s shelter medicine program, laced up her running shoes to help raise money for Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty animal shelter. She tackled the Chicago Half Marathon in 2024 (her first 13.1-mile race) and chased it with her first 26.2-mile test of endurance at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Sep 4, 2025

Paws and applause: Celebrating Blood Bank donor dogs

There were no speakers at the commencement ceremony, but the graduates let out yawns every so often. Harley Ball and Edith Kendall, wearing blue graduation caps, occasionally sniffed the air and fidgeted while posing for photos to commemorate their special occasion. The two Dobermans marked their “graduation” from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Blood Bank program after years of life-saving service.

Apr 10, 2025

Cardiologist performs innovative new surgery

Samantha Sampson’s deep love for Hashbrown started in the wee hours of the night as she formula-fed the tiny orange kitten. She did her best to keep the baby and his brother, Tater Tot, nurtured.

Feb 26, 2025

Healing hearts both near and far

In the run-up to Valentine’s Day this year, Auburn University Associate Professor Randolph L. Winter found himself mending a small but life-threatening hole in the heart of a two-month-old puppy.

Feb 1, 2023

National Pet Dental Health Month

Dental health is an important part of our companion animal’s overall health and wellness. Approximately 70 - 80 percent of dogs and cats exhibit signs of dental disease by the age of 3.

Feb 10, 2020

Neo’s “New” Chance

When the operators of Sweet Home Doberman Rescue in Enterprise, Ala., recently rescued a young male puppy with a problem, they knew exactly who to call. Neo, a Doberman puppy, was found as a stray and turned into an animal shelter before ending up at Sweet Home. Once there, it was discovered he had a […]

Jan 23, 2020

Veterinarian offers information and tips on Feline Leukemia virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recently updated its guidelines on Feline Leukemia virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus, both serious infectious diseases in cats. Dr. Diane Delmain of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers information on prevention, symptoms and vaccinations. What is Feline Leukemia virus and what are the symptoms? The name, Feline Leukemia […]

Sep 23, 2019

Bergquist Named ASV Director-Elect

Dr. Brendan Bergquist, DVM, who joined the Auburn CVM faculty in June 2019 as assistant clinical professor of shelter medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences, has been named a Director-Elect of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. He will officially begin his three-year term as a director in January 2020. The ASV is the professional […]

Dec 17, 2018

Family receives holiday miracle with dog’s successful skull tumor surgery

If at the heart of every miracle is transformation of a hopeless situation, then the Vinson family of Phenix City, Alabama, received their miracle with the successful skull tumor surgery for their dog, Scooby. The 1-year-old Great Dane mix underwent surgery Dec. 10 at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Bailey Small Animal Teaching […]

Oct 30, 2018

Auburn University Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New Educational Complex in Gulf Shores

In a move that strengthens the educational and economic development resources for the citizens of South Alabama and the Gulf Coast, Auburn University launched a new educational complex in Gulf Shores Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the facility. The centerpiece of the 24,000-square-foot complex will be the Auburn Veterinary Specialists – Gulf […]

Oct 11, 2018

Auburn Veterinary Medicine, UAB part of joint NIH study of glioma brain cancer

People and animals suffering from the deadliest form of brain cancer are undergoing similar treatment in an NIH-funded clinical trial through the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and two other currently enrolled Southeastern veterinary programs. Veterinarians and human medical doctors are collaborating on an NIH-funded clinical trial in which […]

Sep 11, 2018

Veterinary Faculty Teaching Science of Radiology through Art

There may be nothing more important to a veterinary radiologist than developing visual skills in order to make determinations about a medical issue an animal may have. To teach veterinary students how to hone their visual skills, Rachel Moon, DVM, an assistant clinical professor of radiology in the Department of Clinical Sciences in Auburn University’s […]

Aug 30, 2018

Theriogenology Program Receives Resident Support from AKC

For a third time since its association with the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Health Foundation and the Theriogenology Foundation have funded a residency program in companion animal theriogenology. In a recent announcement, the AKC has awarded a $100,000 grant to support a third residency in Auburn’s theriogenology […]

Jun 6, 2018

Auburn Veterinary Dermatology Resident Places in NAVDF Research Awards for Dual Presentations

Dr. Karen Ho, a third-year dermatology resident at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from Weston, Wisconsin, placed nationally in two categories for her research presentations at the recent North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum, or NAVDF, held in Maui, Hawaii. Conference presentations of their research are a requirement for veterinary dermatology residents by the time […]

May 3, 2018

Veterinary Teaching Hospital Ranked No. 1 Among Peers by Veterinarians

The Auburn University Veterinary Teaching Hospital has been ranked No. 1 in the nation among academic veterinary teaching hospitals, according to results from a national benchmarking firm. The independent survey of 26 academic teaching hospitals across the U.S., provided results and rankings for the teaching hospital, a division of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This […]

Apr 3, 2018

Treatment Gives Rescue Dog, Jasmine, a New Lease on Life

Severely injured dogs who are abandoned and left to fend for themselves have little chance of survival, much less a chance to enjoy a positive quality of life. But Jasmine has been given a new lease on life, thanks to her rescuers and treatment and care received at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. […]

Apr 3, 2018

Oncology Conducting Clinical Trial on New Melanoma Drug

Dogs, like their human companions, can be susceptible to skin cancer, and the Oncology Service at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine could use the help of man’s best friend in launching a clinical trial to test a new melanoma treatment drug. “This study is designed to test a new drug that may be useful […]

Feb 28, 2018

Chihuahua Undergoes Successful Heart Procedure as CVM’s Smallest Patient

Small patients are nothing new for Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine, but a recent case is believed to be its smallest one to date to undergo Patent Ductus Arteriosus, or PDA, surgery. The owner and tiny dog flew a long way, more than 2,600 miles, to have the procedure performed. Weighing less than two pounds, […]

Feb 5, 2018

Dog Receives Good Prognosis for Recovery Following Near-Fatal Fire Injury

A big dog with an even larger will to live has been given a good prognosis for recovery and a healthy life following a near fatal house fire in early January. Adler, a four-year-old German Shepherd, owned by Brad and Shannon Mullins of Alexander City, made regional news when first responders pulled him from their […]

Aug 22, 2017

Successful Medical Procedure Returns Chester the Duck to a Normal Lake-Living Lifestyle

It is not every day that surgeons and clinicians perform a medical procedure on a pet duck at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, but in the case of Chester, a 1-year-old white domestic neighborhood duck from Newnan, Ga., their work successfully returned the webbed-footed wonder to a normal lake-living lifestyle. Known as “Chester Schulz” […]

Jul 27, 2017

Veterinary Technician Natalie Royer: 33 Years of Service to the College

When Natalie Royer joined the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983, she was one of only three veterinary technicians in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. When she retires at the end of the month, she will have been one of nearly 40. It is difficult – if not impossible – to calculate the number of hours […]

Jun 15, 2017

No Reported Cases of Canine Influenza; Auburn Veterinarians Recommend Caution

While there have been no reports of canine influenza in Alabama, other Southeastern states are seeing cases, and Auburn College of Veterinary faculty want animal owners to be aware of symptoms of the disease and act quickly. Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee have seen cases of H3N2, the same viral strain identified in a March 2015 […]