Nearly 1,100 Help Set the Pace in Veterinary Medicine at 2019 Purdue Veterinary Conference

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This year’s Purdue Veterinary Conference celebrated 60 years of Purdue Veterinary Medicine and 150 years of Giant Leaps at Purdue.  The annual conference attracted attendees from across the country September 17-21 on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.

The number of registrants totaled 1,091 and included 321 veterinarians; 218 veterinary technicians; 155 PVM faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti; 155 students; and 105 additional guests.

The sold-out Exhibit Hall in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom was staffed by 64 exhibitor representatives who networked with and provided opportunities for conference attendees to learn more about the latest products and services available to veterinary professionals.

Conference sessions were led by 69 speakers who offered 117 continuing education (CE) sessions.  Tracks included small animal, swine, ruminant, practice management and communication, equine, behavior, exotics, APHIS modules, emergency preparedness, and topics of interest to veterinary nurses.  Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops, one focusing on basic and advanced life support techniques and the other on proper laboratory sample preparation and shipping. 

In addition to the impressive line-up of continuing education sessions, the conference also featured special lectures on diversity in veterinary medicine and veterinary wellness, as well as the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture featuring wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist Sharon Deem, who is director of the Institute for Conservation Medicine at the Saint Louis Zoo.  She spoke on the topic, “Veterinary Medicine in the Age of the Anthropocene.”

The public also had a chance to participate in the conference by attending the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture Tuesday evening, September 17.  Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants and New York Times bestselling author, reviewed the ways in which dogs are capable of improving human life and how we can best encourage them to do so.  Jennifer shared the stage with “Robb,” a Canine Assistants trained service dog, who illustrated the remarkable ability that dogs have to provide needed assistance and comfort for people. 

This year’s conference also was filled with special events and activities that celebrated the college’s 60^th anniversary.  The Awards Celebration held Wednesday evening, September 18, honored twelve awardees, including several faculty members and distinguished alumni.  Additionally, the Meet Me @ the Mixer reception on Thursday evening, September 19, featured entertainment by a specialty group of the Purdue Musical Organizations’ Glee Club that provided a musical walk down memory lane as reunion classes were recognized and guests perused “PVM Through the Decades,” a special exhibit celebrating the college’s history. 

Bookending the conference were two other special events. The annual Indiana Animal Health Foundation / PVM Golf Outing Tuesday, September 17, offered a fun way for golf enthusiasts to raise funds for PVM student scholarships and activities. The Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog 5K fun run / walk on September 21 ended the week with a bang. A total of 209 runners and 74 dogs joined in the fun to help raise funds for two College of Veterinary Medicine programs: PetSafe, a community service that meets short-term housing needs of pets whose owners are temporarily unable to provide care; and Priority 4 Paws (P4P), which is a shelter animal mobile care unit providing surgical services free-of-charge to participating Indiana animal shelters.

The conference was made possible with the generous support of Elanco, Banfield Pet Hospital, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, IDEXX, Nutrena, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and THRIVE Affordable Vet Care.

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

New York Times Journalist Tells Story of Deadly Flu Pandemic at PVM’s Ideas Festival Event

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Gina Kolata, author of “Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918,” recounted key details of the 1918 flu pandemic during her talk addressing the topic, “What IF the Next Pandemic is Inevitable?” on September 23 in Loeb Playhouse.  Characterizing her book as a medical detective story, Kolata shared how the deadly 1918 flu strain affected young, healthy individuals and spread rapidly across the world.  It is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with the virus. Her remarks facilitated discussion of how research on the 1918 outbreak offers insights regarding the next potential pandemic.

The event was part of Purdue’s Ideas Festival, the centerpiece of Purdue’s Giant Leaps Sesquicentennial Campaign, which is a series of events that connect world-renowned speakers and Purdue expertise in a conversation on the most critical problems facing the world.

Kolata is a two-time runner-up for the Pulitzer prize for her writing at The New York Times, where she works as a science and medicine reporter.  The author of six books, Kolata is a graduate of the molecular biology program at M.I.T. and received her master’s in applied mathematics from the University of Maryland.

Following the talk, as a way of demonstrating first-hand the importance of vaccination in flu prevention, Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed; Dean Marion Underwood, of the College of Health and Human Sciences; and College of Pharmacy Dean Eric Barker all rolled up their sleeves and received their annual flu shots on stage.  Also that afternoon, a flu shot clinic was available in the foyer outside of Loeb Playhouse for faculty and staff who wanted to get a flu shot.

The focus then shifted to Lynn Hall for the remainder of the afternoon, as a panel of experts took up discussion of the topic, “The Current and Future Role of Vaccination in Global Health.”  The panel was moderated by Dr. Harm HogenEsch, Purdue Veterinary Medicine associate dean for research and professor of immunopathology.  Joining Kolata on the panel were Pamela M. Aaltonen, professor emeritus from the Purdue School of Nursing; Marifran Mattson, professor and head of Purdue’s Brian Lamb School of Communication; and Suresh Mittal, PVM distinguished professor of virology, and Ekramy Sayedahmed, post-doctoral research associate, both of the PVM Department of Comparative Pathobiology.  Prompted by questions from Dr. HogenEsch and audience members, the panelists engaged in a robust discussion about flu vaccines, pandemic outbreaks, vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination concerns, as well as communication strategies related to public health.  

A reception in the Lynn Hall Veterinary Medical Library concluded the day’s schedule, providing an opportunity for guests to meet and interact with Kolata and members of the panel.  

The College of Veterinary Medicine is focusing on the Ideas Festival’s theme of “Health, Longevity, and Quality of Life” during the month of September, which is the featured month at Purdue for celebrating PVM’s contributions to 150 Years of Giant Leaps.  The September 23 invited talk by Kolata was co-sponsored by PVM, the College of Health and Human Sciences’ Public Health Program, and the IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette.

Click here to watch a recording of Kolata’s talk.

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

Study Led by PVM Researchers Looks at If or How Service Dogs Help Children with Autism

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As the number of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise, so does the demand for a popular treatment – service dogs.  Yet, even though the number of service dogs being provided for children with autism is growing, there is a lack of scientific evidence on whether, or how, these dogs help. In addition, minimal research has explored how these dogs may help parents – who often face significant stress and challenges of their own. A group of Purdue Veterinary Medicine researchers is launching a new study this fall to find out.

The study, called the Purdue Canines for Autism Research Study, or Purdue CARES, is being led by Dr. Maggie O’Haire and graduate student Kerri Rodriguez from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond, in collaboration with the Purdue Autism Research Center, Arizona University, and Canine Companions for Independence. Funding includes an $85,000 grant from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute.

“With so many emerging complementary and integrative treatments for autism, it is critical to better understand how this increasingly popular practice affects children with autism and their families,” said Dr. O’Haire, who holds a faculty appointment as associate professor of human-animal interaction in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

Through this study, Dr. O’Haire and Rodriguez hope to address some of the gaps when it comes to treatment options for children diagnosed with autism. Right now, a lack of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of service dogs leaves more questions than answers.

“In the absence of this information, families and clinicians do not have an evidence base to draw upon to know what to expect,” Dr. O’Haire said. “There remains a critical need to empirically quantify the effects of autism service dogs, not only on clinically-relevant outcomes for children with autism, but also on caregiver and family functioning.”

One in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The study will focus on children diagnosed with autism who range from ages four to 17 and will compare the symptoms of children who currently have service dogs in the home and those who are on a waiting list for a service dog. Researchers also will assess participants’ cortisol levels, a biomarker involved in the stress response system, as well as reports of their sleep habits provided by their caregivers.

Up to 100 participants will be recruited from Canine Companions for Independence, one of the largest providers of assistance dogs in the United States. Service dogs provided by Canine Companions for Independence are purpose-bred Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Golden-Labrador crosses specifically trained for skills and tasks that help mitigate the child’s autism symptoms.

“We see the positive impact of Canine Companions’ assistance dogs on children with autism as early as the very first night with the dog,” said Paige Mazzoni, Canine Companions CEO. “The collaborative research study with Purdue on the effects of task-trained service dogs for these children and their families can help offer insight into innovative approaches to autism from a therapeutic and social perspective. This important national study is one of the first of its kind, and as leaders in the assistance dog industry, Canine Companions is uniquely positioned to make a study of this magnitude possible.”

The study also will evaluate the impact service dogs have on caregiver and family functioning through a caregiver report.

“We are excited to take a family-wide approach to studying how an autism service dog integrates into the home,” Rodriguez said. “Specifically, our innovative study will not only measure the effects that a service dog may have on child functioning, but also the parents’ functioning and overall family dynamics.”

The work aligns with Purdue’s Giant Leaps celebration, acknowledging 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.

More information about the study, including eligibility information and links for interested families and current participants, is available at the Purdue CARES website (www.PurdueCARES.org).

Writer(s): Abbey Nickle, Purdue News Service, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM’s United Way Campaign Starts Off with Food and Fun

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine got a jump-start on supporting the 2019 Purdue University United Way Campaign by hosting a Pre-kick-off event on Friday, September 6, five days before the University-wide campaign’s official launch on September 11. “This initiative is something that I continue to participate in because I truly believe in it,” said Andi Waibel, administrative assistant in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and senior chair of PVM’s United Way committee. “The College of Veterinary Medicine aims to raise $20,878 by November 20.”

Similar to previous years, PVM will host a variety of fundraising events in the coming weeks, including a PVM auction, to coincide with a campus-wide auction, and an Ice Cream Friday this afternoon, September 27. The auction will feature Colts merchandise, gift baskets, a golf and dinner package for four at the Lafayette Country Club, use of Dean Reed’s parking spot for specific dates, and much more!

“One of the biggest things that we are focusing on in this year’s campaign is raising the overall participation of PVM faculty, staff, and students in the United Way initiative by encouraging everyone to sign a pledge form,” Andi said. “The easiest way to do this is by opening the United Way page through the link on your ‘myPurdue’ account and selecting whether or not you wish to donate at this time.”

As part of the campaign kick-off, the PVM United Way team already has organized a corn hole tournament, hosted a special visit to Lynn Hall by Mitchell’s food truck, and arranged a POUND class, which combined cardio and strength training for a fun workout.  Today marks the first day of both PVM and Purdue auctions, which run until October 14.  Additionally, another special fundraising event at Lynn Hall – Pledge Princess Day – is planned for October 31.

To sign your pledge form, click here or contact Andi Waibel for further information. And plan to join your colleagues at the upcoming events in support of PVM’s United Way campaign!

And remember the Ice Cream Friday fundraiser this afternoon!

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Veterinary Teaching Hospital Staff Member Takes Office as Purdue’s CSSAC Chair

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Jeremy Wampler, pharmacy technician in the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, began his term as chair of the Purdue University Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (CSSAC) effective September 1.  A member of the committee since 2017, Jeremy serves as the chairperson for the committee’s 2019-2020 term and recently sat down for a Q&A session about his background and his plans for leading CSSAC. Jeremy described the hospital as “an amazing place to work,” and credited his supervisor with bringing the opportunity to get involved in CSSAC to his attention.  The interview was posted in the September 19 issue of the Purdue Today. Click here to read the interview.  Click here to learn more about CSSAC.

Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

What will the next 150 years bring for the College of Veterinary Medicine?

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The sesquicentennial celebration marks a time for Purdue to renew its commitment to growth, discovery and innovation. What giant leaps will the next 150 years bring as Purdue continues its drive to meet the world’s future challenges? In this monthly Purdue Today series, Purdue’s deans will share their thoughts on the future of their college over the next 150 years. The series continues with Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

What will the next 150 years bring for the College of Veterinary Medicine?

Writer(s): Willie Reed, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Can service dogs help children with autism?

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As the number of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise, so does the demand for a popular treatment – service dogs.

While the number of service dogs being provided for children with autism is growing, there is a lack of scientific evidence on whether, or how, these dogs help. In addition, minimal research has explored how these dogs may help parents – who often face significant stress and challenges of their own. A group of researchers at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is launching a new study this fall to find out. Read More or visit PurdueCARES.org for more information.

Writer(s): Abbey Nickel

Source: Purdue News Service

PU Prof Targets Hospital-Acquired Infection

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Among hospital-acquired infections, MRSA gets most of the attention, says a Purdue University researcher; this leaves the second most common hospital-acquired infection lurking in the shadows. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), similar to MRSA, is characterized by its antibiotic resistance, making it especially dangerous and difficult to treat. However, Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Microbiology Professor Dr. Mohamed Seleem aims to pull VRE from the shadows and battle the disease with increased speed.

Determined to swiftly find a new treatment for VRE, Seleem is taking a somewhat unique approach, using existing, repurposed drugs, rather than relying on antibiotics.  

Read more at Inside Indiana Business.

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

It’s Not Too Late to Register for the Purdue Veterinary Conference and Dog Jog

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Online registration may have closed for the Purdue Veterinary Conference, but you can still register over the phone or at walk-in registration in Stewart Center starting on Tuesday, September 17.  The annual conference, which features up to 26 hours of continuing education for attendees, includes tracks for small animal, food animal, equine, exotics, practice management, behavior, and topics of interest for veterinary nurses.    

Special lectures include:

• Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture, which is open to the public, on Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m.  The lecture will feature Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants and New York Times bestselling author. 
• Wellness Keynote luncheon on September 18 with Dr. Justine Lee, founder and CEO of VETgirl
• Diversity Keynote luncheon on September 19 with Dr. Katrice Albert, NCAA’s executive vice president of inclusion and human resources
• Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of ‘71 Lecture on Thursday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m., featuring Dr. Sharon Deem, a wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist from the Saint Louis Zoo

Learn more by visiting purdue.edu/vet/conference.  Register over the phone by calling Purdue Conferences at 866-515-0023.  All conference sessions and special events will be held on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.  The 2019 Purdue Veterinary Conference is sponsored by Elanco, Banfield Pet Hospital, Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the Indiana State Department of Health, Nutrena, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, IDEXX, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and THRIVE Affordable Vet Care.

The annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog 5K will round out the Purdue Veterinary Conference week on Saturday, September 21, and dog lovers in the community are encouraged to join with PVM alumni, faculty, staff, and students by lacing-up their running shoes to help raise money for the PetSafe Program and Priority 4 Paws.  Check-in and walk-in registration starts at 7:00 a.m. at Lynn Hall, and the race begins at 8:00 a.m.  Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.  For more information about the race and to register, go to purdue.edu/vet/dogjog.  

Writer(s): Andrea Brown | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Jack Oliver (PU DVM ’67)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn that alumnus Jack W. Oliver (PU DVM ’67), of West Point, Ind., died last Friday, September 6. He was 80.

Dr. Oliver was a member of the fifth class of veterinary students to graduate from Purdue.  Shortly after earning his DVM degree in 1967, he started the Town & Country Animal Hospital, a large and small animal practice near West Point. He also worked the Attica, Veedersburg, and Boone County Livestock Sale Barns, raised swine and cattle, and built and sold homes.  He closed his veterinary practice in September 2017.

A 4-H member in his youth, Dr. Oliver served as a 4-H leader for 10 years. His hobbies were livestock and skid-steer loaders, and he was a member of the West Point United Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held last evening, September 12, at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, Ind. Click here to view the complete obituary.

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