Keep Your Pets Safe on “Howloween” by Being Mindful of the F.E.A.R. Factor

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Writer(s): Lauren Bruce | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Professor Collaborates on Research Team Developing Alternative Treatment for MRSA Infections

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Purdue University researchers are testing whether a simple light-emitting diode array that is safe to use on human skin can be used to inactivate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Here the light shines above a 96-well plate in a bio-safety hood. (Purdue Research Foundation photo/John Underwood)

Dr. Mohamed Seleem, professor of microbiology in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, is part of a research team that is testing whether a light-active version of heme, the molecule responsible for transporting oxygen in blood circulation, may help people infected with MRSA.  The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, as one of about a dozen antibiotic “superbugs” that pose an enormous threat to human health.

The research was published recently in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Infectious Diseases. The discovery aligns with Purdue’s Giant Leaps celebration, recognizing the University’s global advancements made in health, longevity, and quality of life as part of Purdue’s 150th anniversary. This is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebration’s Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.

“MRSA infections can cause severe problems for patients recovering from surgery,” said Dr. Alexander Wei, a professor of chemistry in the College of Science who is leading the research team. “The challenge that we face is that MRSA responds poorly to multiple antibiotics. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy offers a promising alternative for combating MRSA in infected wounds.”

WHO has listed MRSA as one of six ‘high priority’ pathogens with an imminent threat to public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 80,461 people in the United States suffer severe MRSA infections a year and 11,285 die.

Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, involves a compound known as a photosensitizer, which can be activated by visible light to kill diseased cells or bacteria. PDT is a clinically proven method for fighting cancer but has not yet been developed for treating MRSA infections.

The photosensitizer developed at Purdue is called Ga-PpIX, and is an analog of heme.  Ana Morales-de-Echegaray, the lead graduate research assistant on the project at the time, discovered that Ga-PpIX could be gobbled up by MRSA strains within seconds, leading to their rapid inactivation using a simple light-emitting diode (LED) array that is safe to use on human skin.

“Our discovery is part of a convergence on campus to develop drugs and get them to people in need as quickly as possible,” Dr. Wei said.  Dr. Wei and Dr. Seleem are collaborating as they work closely with the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery to determine if this kind of treatment could work for animals and with other types of skin infection.

The technology is patented through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, and the researchers are looking for partners to continue developing practical applications for the discovery.  Click here to view a complete news release.

Writer(s): Zeina Kayyali, zmkayyali@prf.org; | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Upcoming Continuing Education Programs to Bring Experts to Lynn Hall

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Dr. Endre Sós

During the next three weeks, three separate Lifelong Learning events will bring experts on a range of topics to Lynn Hall for lectures and workshops.  First up is the Medicine of Mammalian & Avian Species Symposium this weekend, October 27-28.  The program will feature a keynote lecture by Dr. Endre Sós, lead veterinarian at the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden in Hungary.  A total of 85 people are registered for the symposium.  Click here to view the program.

Dr. Jeff Bender

The following week, Dr. Jeff Bender, professor in the School of Public Health and an adjunct professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, will give the 5^th Annual Coppoc One Health Lecture on the topic, “Antimicrobial Stewardship and One Health.”  The talk is free and open to the public, and begins at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, November 1, in Lynn 1136.

Then, the College of Veterinary Medicine will host the inaugural David Van Sickle Musculoskeletal Days November 9-10.  The conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, a world-renowned equine orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine and osteoarthritis researcher from Colorado State University (CSU).  Dr. McIlwraith completed a residency in large animal surgery at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and then earned his PhD at Purdue under the guidance of Dr. David Van Sickle, a long-time Purdue Veterinary Medicine professor of veterinary anatomy, in whose memory the conference is named.

Dr. Wayne McIlwraith

The deadline for early bird registration for the David Van Sickle Musculoskeletal Days has been extended, and students may register for free.  The first day of the conference will take the form of a traditional research day for people in academia, research, and industry.  The second day (Saturday, November 10) will feature a program that is open to the public with a focus on orthopedic health and how people, horses, and pets with osteoarthritis can have a good quality of life.  Click here for more information and click here to register.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Family Program Series to “Focus” on Tiny Cameras Used for Surgery

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Dr. Micha Simons pauses for a photo with PVM Family Program Series participants ready to “scrub-in” at a previous event.

The second PVM Family Program Series presentation of the fall semester features Dr. Micha Simons, clinical assistant professor of small animal surgery in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who will display the tiny camera equipment used to perform minimally invasive surgery.  The talk entitled, “Let’s Take a Peek,” is scheduled for next Thursday, November 1, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Lynn 1136.

The PVM Family Program Series is designed for families with young children who are interested in learning more about the veterinary profession. The programs are geared toward children in grades K-4, but older children are welcome to attend. The series takes place from October-December and March-April.

The presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.  If you plan on attending, please email the Office of Engagement at pvmengaged@purdue.edu to sign-up.  All that is needed is your name, how many children are attending, and their ages. Children in attendance will receive a giveaway.

Click here to learn more about the PVM Family Program Series.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Every Day Star Award Program Recognizes VTH Employees for Hard Work and Compassionate Care

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With the Every Day Star Award Program, Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff have a new way to recognize Veterinary Teaching Hospital employees for a job well done. Developed and administered by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital administrative office, the award program is designed to promote internal recognition for hard work, dedication, and professionalism.

PVM faculty and staff who wish to recognize a VTH employee can fill out this form (also linked on the Intranet under “Quick Links” and in the bi-weekly VTH Doses newsletter). A copy of the award document is sent not only to the employee, but also to the employee’s direct supervisor.

“Our goal with this program is to promote a positive culture of recognition in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital allowing anyone the opportunity to recognize individuals within the hospital.  Additionally, it will ensure managers are aware of the positive feedback within their team,” said Veterinary Teaching Hospital Director Duncan Hockley. “We are already very pleased with the feedback and the utilization of this program. Congratulations to our awardees for going out of their way to help their colleagues, patients, and clients.”

Every Day Star Award winners are listed in VTH Doses, the bi-weekly internal newsletter for hospital employees. The award program began this summer and has already been adopted as a way of recognizing coworkers at the VTH. The initial awardees have been recognized for friendliness, attention to detail, thoughtfulness with challenging clients, mentorship, and more. Know someone that deserves a big thank you? Send them an Every Day Star Award!

Writer(s): Lauren Bruce | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Rick L. “Doc” Rodgers (PU DVM ’76)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened by the loss of alumnus Rick L. “Doc” Rodgers (PU DVM ’76), of Knightsville, Ind., who died unexpectedly October 12 at the St. Vincent Clay Hospital emergency room. He was 68.  After earning both his undergraduate and DVM degrees at Purdue University in 1972 and 1976, respectively, Dr. Rodgers began his veterinary career in Terre Haute, Ind., before opening his own veterinary clinic in 1978 in Clay County.  An avid fan of Purdue sports, Dr. Rodgers also enjoyed taking his sons on annual fishing trips to Canada, and was active in his community, where he served as president of the Clay County Board of Health.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Clay County Community Foundation, 200 S. 8th St., Terre Haute, Ind. 47807.  A note of condolence may be posted at: www.lawson-millerchapel.com.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM “Flips” for Veterinary Nurses during Appreciation Week

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine celebrates veterinary nurses during Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week with a pancake breakfast Tuesday, October 16.

Pam Phegley, Purdue Veterinary Nursing clinical rotation coordinator and distance learning instructional technologist, flips the flapjacks at a pancake breakfast as part of Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine celebrated Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week with a variety of activities this week (October 14 – 20), including the ever-popular annual pancake breakfast served by the Veterinary Nursing Program staff.  Veterinary nurses filled Lynn G155 for the event Tuesday morning, October 16.  The event honors veterinary nursing course instructors, clinical instructors, and veterinary teaching hospital veterinary technicians. Pam Phegley and Josh Clark served up pancakes of all shapes and sizes to the special guests, with the help and support of the other Veterinary Nursing Program staff members. A new addition to this year’s breakfast was the debut of a video featuring the Lip Sync Battle competition among Veterinary Teaching Hospital sections.

On Wednesday, October 17, the Purdue Veterinary Technology Student Association (PVTSA) hosted a student lunch and learn sponsored by Noah’s Animal Hospital. The theme of the talk was the Veterinary Nurse’s Role in Emergency Medicine.

PVM’s veterinary nurses were treated to afternoon snacks Thursday, October 18, as part of Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week.

Then on Thursday afternoon, October 18, the College provided tasty treats, including ice cream novelties and popcorn for all PVM veterinary nurses. The event was well attended and showed the camaraderie among veterinary nurses as they mingled. The Lip Sync Battle competition video also was available to be viewed.  Afterword, the winner of the battle was determined by the Veterinary Nursing Program staff with Small Animal Internal Medicine crowned this year’s winner with honorable mentions going to Dermatology and Small Animal Surgery.

Today, October 19, veterinary nurses are “paying it forward” to other support staff throughout the College. Organized by PVTSA, the effort involves veterinary nurses presenting baked treats to support staff in many departments as a thank you for their help and support.

The annual Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week recognizes veterinary nurses/technicians for their contributions in pet healthcare. This year’s theme is “Advancing Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Technology,” focusing on the diversity experienced and the animals treated in the veterinary field.  The national appreciation week is organized by NAVTA with support from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

If you have not done so already, there’s still time to thank a veterinary nurse during this year’s Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week!

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Dean Reed Gives “State of the College” Address to PVM Students

Dean Willie Reed shares news and information about Purdue Veterinary Medicine during his “State of the College” address for students Wednesday, October 17, in Lynn 1136.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine students gathered in Lynn 1136 Wednesday, October 17, for a lunchtime “State of the College” presentation by Dean Willie Reed.  The students filled the lecture hall for the talk sponsored by SAVMA Purdue.  Dean Reed reviewed the College’s mission and vision statements from the strategic plan and shared news and updates, including information about the recent accreditation site visit and new admissions figures showing that the College has received 1,468 applications for next year’s incoming class.  The Dean also reported on record research funding, which topped $12 million for the College during the most recent fiscal year.  And he shared an update on private giving to the College, which has exceeded the goal of $40 million set as the College’s part of Purdue University’s Ever True campaign to raise $2.019 billion by 2019, the year of the University’s sesquicentennial.  To date, the University has raised $2.048 billion.

The dean concluded by talking about plans for the College’s 60^th Anniversary in 2019.  He said a number of special events and activities have been organized by the College’s 60^th Anniversary planning committee, chaired by Dr. Jim Weisman (PU DVM ‘97), assistant dean for student affairs, beginning with an official kick-off event to be held in conjunction with the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association annual meeting in Indianapolis March 1.  Click here to see the 60^th Anniversary website.  Dean Reed encouraged all students to participate.

Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Atlanta TV Station Tells Story of PVM Comparative Oncology Research

A news team from Atlanta’s WSB-TV, an ABC-affiliate TV station, visited the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital recently to report on the game-changing possibilities of clinical trials involving naturally occurring cancer in dogs. In the feature story broadcast October 11 and made available online, Anchor/Reporter Tom Regan described research led by Dr. Deborah Knapp, Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology and director of the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program (PCOP).  The story explained how comparative oncology research in dogs holds promise for speeding up the development of cancer-fighting drugs.

“The cancer that dogs spontaneously develop is much more similar to the human condition than experimentally induced tumors in laboratory animals,” said Dr. Knapp, who, together with her PCOP colleagues, conducts research that compares cancers in dogs to cancers in humans to develop new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.  “Comparative oncology means studying cancer across species, so you can learn something from one species that applies to another,” Dr. Knapp explained in the WSB-TV report.  The story went on to show how, in clinical trials at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs with naturally occurring cancers are given new treatments to attack tumors.

Several long-term clients and canine patients were featured in the story, including Ward Witt and Blue, Laurie and Bob Hoffman and Dexter, and Brenda and David Schisler and their dog, Mini Lee. The pet owners credit Dr. Knapp with saving their dogs’ lives, and describe how they find meaning in participating in a study with larger implications for cancer research to benefit dogs and humans.  Click here to view the complete feature story.

Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Upcoming PVM Conference on Osteoarthritis Honors Memory of Professor Emeritus David Van Sickle

Osteoarthritis will be the focus of the inaugural David Van Sickle Musculoskeletal Days, which will be hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine November 9 – 10.  Osteoarthritis is the most common orthopedic disease in man and animals.  Named in memory of Purdue Veterinary Medicine Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Anatomy David Van Sickle, the conference will feature a traditional research day on Friday and a special educational day on Saturday that is open to the public.

Dr. Van Sickle was known as a gifted teacher and musculoskeletal researcher and a pioneer in collaborative research with orthopedic device companies.  During his Purdue tenure, he served on the faculty of both the College of Veterinary Medicine and the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette.  He also was the head of the College’s Department of Anatomy before a departmental merger formed the Department of Basic Medical Sciences.  Dr. Van Sickle retired in 2004.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, a world-renowned regenerative medicine and osteoarthritis researcher and an internationally acclaimed equine orthopedic surgeon who obtained his training as an equine surgeon and researcher at Purdue, and completed his PhD under the guidance of Dr. Van Sickle.  Dr. McIlwraith went on to a distinguished career as a faculty member at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CSU).  He holds the title of University Distinguished Professor, the highest honor given to CSU faculty, and is the founding director of the Orthopaedic Research Center.  A past-president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. McIlwraith is a recognized leader in the field of equine orthopedic research and surgery and consults worldwide as a specialist in equine surgery.

Osteoarthritis, in the U.S. alone, affects more than 30 million adults and is the major indication for joint replacements. In 2013, osteoarthritis was the second most costly health condition treated at U.S. hospitals.  In dogs, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting roughly a quarter of the canine population.

The David Van Sickle Musculoskeletal Days will begin Friday, November 9, with a research day for musculoskeletal academia, researchers, industry professionals, and students interested in the science of osteoarthritis.  The program for the following day, Saturday, November 10, is open to the public and will focus on orthopedic health and how people, horses and pets with osteoarthritis can have a good quality of life.  Experts will show the anatomy and function of joints, compare osteoarthritis in man and animals, and talk about the role of stem cells, nutrition, and physical therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis.  The afternoon agenda will feature three tracks with presentations by canine/feline, equine, and human orthopedists on the management of the early, middle, and late stages of osteoarthritis.  The Saturday program will be held in Lynn Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

General registration for the conference is $35 and student/military registration is $20 before October 26.  A $10 late fee applies after October 26 and online registration closes on November 7.  Click here for more information.  Click here to register.

Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu