How Purdue is Addressing an Antibiotic Shortage

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — With a growing concern that the world is running out of antibiotics, Professor of Microbiology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Mohamed Seleem and his team are researching more than 4,000 approved drugs to test and see if any of them can more effectively treat antibiotic resistant infections.

On the latest episode of Full Steam Ahead: A Podcast About Purdue, FOX59’s Adam Bartels talks with Dr. Seleem about his continued research, the progress that’s been made, the need to find solutions sooner, rather than later and more.

Listen to the podcast at Full Steam Ahead Podcast Episode 28 – How Purdue is Addressing an Antibiotic Shortage

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

Purdue’s Veterinary Practice Management Program Offers Free Webinar November 8

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“Should We Buy That New X-Ray Machine? – And Other Questions That Keep Us Up At Night” – that’s the title of a free webinar being presented by the Veterinary Practice Management Program Friday, November 8, at noon.  The event is part of a webinar series conducted by VPMP – the premier veterinary practice management education program taught by Krannert School of Management faculty.

Consider this hypothetical scenario: the practice manager, Terri, at the fictional Corgis Only Veterinary Clinic has a problem: how to justify the purchase of a new x-ray machine to her practice owners. Can you relate to Terri? Professor Amanda Thompson, entrepreneur-in-residence, will walk webinar viewers through all the aspects of the decision-making process of a capital expense, including identifying the funding needed, estimating the return on investment, and preparing a recommendation to practice owners.

Professor Thompson earned her MBA and MS/PhD in finance from Purdue University.  She has taught undergraduate and MBA courses at Purdue and the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill in topics such as finance for general managers, venture capital, corporate valuation, financial policy, and capital budgeting. Her expertise is in identifying, communicating, and estimating the value proposition of a business idea from a financial and strategic perspective.

One-hour of continuing education credit is available upon request.  Click here to register for the free webinar.

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

Coppoc One Health Lecture to Focus on Zoonotic Spillover

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The sixth annual Coppoc One Health Lecture at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will feature Dr. Raina Plowright, an infectious disease ecologist, epidemiologist, and wildlife veterinarian.  Her talk will focus on the concept of pathogen spillover and will take place Thursday, November 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Lynn Hall, Room 1136. The event is free and open to the public — no registration is required.  A light reception will follow the lecture.

The presentation is entitled, “Pathogen Spillover: Lessons Learned from Emerging Bat Viruses.” According to Dr. Plowright, viruses that originate in bats may be the most notorious for spilling over from wildlife into domestic animals and humans. Understanding how these infections filter through ecological systems to cause disease in humans is of great importance to public health.

Dr. Plowright is an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Montana State University. She received an Australian Fulbright Fellowship and earned a Master of Science in epidemiology and doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis. She previously worked as a veterinarian on five continents and was a David H. Smith Fellow in Conservation Research at the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Plowright’s research focuses on the dynamics of zoonoses in wildlife, the conservation implications of diseases in wildlife, the transmissions of pathogens across species barriers, and the links between environmental change and disease emergence. Her group focuses on bat pathogens including Hendra virus, rabies virus, and the fungal pathogen causing white nose syndrome. Dr. Plowright uses interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the dynamics of disease systems that connect human and animal populations.

The Coppoc One Health Lecture is held in honor of Dr. Gordon Coppoc, a Purdue professor emeritus of veterinary pharmacology, and his wife, Harriet. A longtime PVM faculty member and former head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Coppoc also served as director of the Indiana University School of Medicine — West Lafayette and associate dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine.  He retired in December 2014.

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

Global Wildlife Medicine Course to Provide Unique CE Opportunity

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In response to Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s successful 60^th Anniversary international continuing education trip in 2019, the College will offer another continuing education course in Belize and Guatemala focusing on wildlife medicine and conservation next year.  PVM is again partnering with the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic / Wildlife Institute and ARCAS Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center to take veterinary medicine global for lifelong learning March 7-14, 2020.

The course curriculum, which will teach best practices for wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, and conservation, offers participants the unique opportunity to earn continuing education credits while working with a wide variety of wildlife species in Latin America.  The co-founder of Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic, Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, as well as Drs. Fernando Martinez and Alejandro Morales from ARCAS Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Petén, Guatemala, will teach the course.  

Outside of the classroom, participants will be able to enjoy traditional Belizean cuisine, learn about the region’s environment and landscape on a birding expedition, and experience a guided tour of the historic Yax-Ha Mayan ruins.  They also will have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the Latin American culture while abroad.

There is no need for previous wildlife experience to participate!  If you are looking for a unique adventure with other veterinary professionals, consider this global continuing education course.  But, limited spots are available, so don’t delay!  Click here for more information and to register. 

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

Make Safety a Priority with Halloween Pet Tips

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With costumes and candy galore, Halloween is one of the most fun nights of the year for kids and adults alike! In all this excitement, it is easy to forget that our pets can be confused and scared by all the festivities. To keep them as safe and comfortable as possible, Purdue Veterinary Medicine and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have some tips for you to ensure your pets’ well-being.

To make these tips easy to remember, AAHA recommends paying attention to animals’ F.E.A.R. (food, environment, attire, and recovery):

Food

It is common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but did you know about Xylitol? A common sugar substitute found in gum, candy, and baked goods, Xylitol is toxic to small animals because of the rush of insulin it causes, leading to very low blood sugar. To be safe, keep all candy and sweets far out of reach of your pets.

Environment

On Halloween, the incessant ringing of the doorbell, visitors in strange costumes, and the door constantly opening and closing, can cause a lot of stress to your pet. A good way to combat this would be to leave your pet in a closed room with their favorite treats and some toys. When it comes to Halloween decorations, make sure to keep them out of reach of animals and keep a close eye on things when they are playing near them. Dr. Suma Rao, clinical assistant professor with PVM’s Small Animal Primary Care, notes that Halloween displays may have moldy pumpkin and corn which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, one should keep glow sticks away from pets.  The glow material inside is non-toxic to pets, but tastes awful, and causes excessive drooling, vomiting, and pawing at the mouth.

Attire

Dr. Rao recommends forgoing any costumes with chewable pieces, toxic paints or dyes, and rubber bands or other elastic items. “It is better to just dress pets up in cute bandanas or nothing at all than to have to rush your pet to the emergency room because of a costume-related injury,” Dr. Rao said.

Recovery

“Permanently ID your pets with a microchip so you can find them in case they run out of the house while opening and closing doors during trick or treating,” Dr. Rao advised, adding that it is also wise to have a reflective collar and a plan in case they do get lost.

“Halloween can be a happy and safe one for ALL family members by being aware of potential hidden dangers in your household and neighborhood,” Dr. Rao said. “By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and happy Halloween!”

If your pet does get sick or injured, Purdue’s Animal Emergency Service is available 24/7 year-round.

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

Annual IAHF/PVM Golf Outing Generates More than $6K in Support of PVM Students and Programs

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The final figure has been tallied for proceeds from the 2019 Indiana Animal Health Foundation (IAHF) / Purdue Veterinary Medicine Golf Outing that raised funds for PVM student scholarships and activities.  Held at Coyote Crossing in West Lafayette Tuesday, September 17, the outing marked the beginning of the 2019 Purdue Veterinary Conference.

The event attracted nearly 50 golf enthusiasts for an afternoon of friendly competition to raise money for the IAHF.  Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Executive Director Lisa Perius said the golf outing netted $6,300.  Dr. Jim Weisman, PVM assistant dean for academic affairs, said those funds in turn are directed toward their sponsorship of Boiler Vet Camp scholarships as well as providing some veterinary student scholarships.

Event participants included veterinary professionals and corporate representatives who came together for a day of golfing in the form of a modified Florida Scramble tournament.  The success of the outing was due in part to the support of a variety of event sponsors.  Companies, individuals, and veterinary practices sponsored nearly all of the 18 holes for the tournament.

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

Students Hear Update on New Building Plans during State of the College Address

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed took time to provide veterinary students with a recap of developments in the past year during his annual State of the College address Wednesday, October 16, in Lynn 1136.  After emphasizing events that marked the College’s 60^th Anniversary, Dean Reed shared architect’s renderings of the new Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  The drawings showed the proposed exterior elevations for the new Small Animal, Equine, and Farm Animal Hospital structures that will be constructed east of the existing Lynn Hall, along the new Williams Street extension.  Dean Reed explained that plans call for breaking ground in the spring of 2020, completing the construction by December 2021, and moving in during the first part of 2022.  The $108 million project is funded with a $73 million state appropriation as well as Purdue University funds and private donations.  The College is in the process of raising $8.1 million to support construction of the new facilities. 

Dean Reed also discussed points of pride for the College, including the continued number 1 ranking for the Veterinary Nursing Program.  He also noted the growth in admissions applications, which numbered in excess of 1,670 for the upcoming academic year.  Other information shared by Dean Reed included new faculty appointments and the success of fundraising initiatives, including the College’s participation in the University’s recently completed Ever True campaign.  The College raised a total of $54,483,724, exceeding its original goal of $40 million. 

The dean’s annual State of the College address has become a tradition organized each year by SAVMA Purdue.

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

Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program’s Paige Allen to Receive National FFA Award

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Congratulations to Paige Allen, MS, RVT, assistant director of academic advising and recruiting for Purdue’s top-ranked Veterinary Nursing Program, who will receive a special award at the upcoming 92^nd National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. 

The National FFA Organization seeks to improve the lives of youth through agricultural education. Paige will receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, which recognizes those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members of the National FFA Organization’s board of directors approved the nomination.

Paige will be recognized during an onstage ceremony Friday, November 1.  She will receive a certificate and medal and her name will be permanently recorded with all other past recipients of the award.  

The National FFA Convention and Expo will be held October 30 through November 2, with events and programming scheduled at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The annual event attracts nearly 70,000 attendees and more than 400 exhibiting companies.  The National FFA Organization boasts more than 700,000 student members belonging to over 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers, and premier professionals in many career fields.

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

Pets Draw a Crowd at PVM’s Homecoming Booth

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A flurry of special events and activities last weekend marked the culmination of Purdue University’s 150 Years of Giant Leaps campaign, and Purdue Veterinary Medicine played a role in the celebration.  PVM was on display for Purdue alumni, football fans, and community residents in the “Tent Row” that was part of the family-friendly celebration on the Purdue Mall Saturday morning, October 12, before the kick-off to the Purdue Homecoming football game against Maryland.

Small Animal Primary Care Wellness Clinician Lori Corriveau (PU DVM ’99) and her students, Julie Mosher and Carolyn Ellis, both of the DVM Class of 2020, were on-hand at the PVM booth to answer visitors’ pet health questions and provide them with treats for cats and dogs. They also shared information about the importance of flea and tick preventives. Booth activities included a “Wheel of Tick” trivia game, and a “Tick Toss” game, as well as photo-ops with Carmela, the canine companion of Dr. Paulo Gomes, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, and Baby Kitty, Dr. Corriveau’s cat.

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

Gratitude Abounds During Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine takes great pride in educating the entire veterinary team, and veterinary nurses are a big part of that team! To show its support and gratitude, the College held a week-long celebration of Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week with a different menu each day.

“PVM faculty, staff, and students are appreciative of one another every day, but this week provided a special opportunity for everyone to reflect on all the things that veterinary nurses do for our college and hospital, and to say thank you,” said Dean Willie Reed.  Some creative energy went into the process of coining unique names for each of the special events this week.  Veterinary nurses enjoyed mingling with colleagues and getting some well-deserved treats at:

• The Pasta-tively Amazing Veterinary Nurses Lunch on Monday, October 14, sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories
• You Make Us Butter Breakfast for Veterinary Nurses on Tuesday, October 15
• Thank You Dairy Much Afternoon Break and Snacks for Veterinary Nurses on Wednesday, October 16
• Taco ‘Bout Awesome Veterinary Nurses Lunch on Thursday, October 17
• A Dozen Thanks Continental Breakfast for Veterinary Nurses this morning, Friday, October 18

Additionally, all of the veterinary nurses were entered into a daily prize drawing for gift cards and gift baskets, and individuals were recognized by their colleagues on PVM social media throughout the week.  Special thanks to the planning committee members who organized the week’s activities:  Megan Brashear, CVT, VTS (ECC); Lauren Bruce; Tami Lind, RVT, VTS (ECC); Brandi Maxie, RVT; Pam Phegley, RVT; Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLAT; Donna Tudor, RT; and Eric Zamora-Moran, MBA, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia).

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