Spotlight on Hematology: Two PVM Legends Headline Upcoming Purdue Veterinary Conference

Dr. Dennis DeNicola (left) and Dr. Fred Metzger (Photo by Michael Houtz, Penn State College of Agricultural Science)(right)
Dr. Dennis DeNicola (left) and Dr. Fred Metzger (right)

The 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference will bring together 73 expert speakers across 19 specialized tracks ranging from canine and feline hematology, to small animal oncology, to farm animal care, when it is held next month on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus. Hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine September 16-20, the conference is designed to spark innovation, sharpen skills, and connect veterinary professionals with leaders in the field.

Of special note is a pair of talks that will be given Thursday, September 18 by two Purdue legends in veterinary clinical pathology — Dr. Dennis DeNicola and Dr. Fred Metzger — who will deliver back-to-back sessions that have the potential to transform the way attendees approach veterinary diagnostics.

“Canine Hematology Secrets from the Laboratory Retrievers!” is the title of a session that will reveal how to make the most of advanced hematologic tools like reticulocyte hemoglobin, C-Reactive Protein, platelet indices, and AI-assisted blood morphology. Whether working in general practice or emergency medicine, attendees will gain valuable insights that can help save more canine patients.

“Feline Hematology Secrets from the Laboratory Retrievers!”
Feline clinical pathology is much different than clinical pathology in dogs and Drs. DeNicola and Metzger will explain why. Attendees will learn about the unique clinical pathology of cats and how to apply newer diagnostic tests effectively to save more feline patients.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Dennis DeNicola earned both his DVM and Ph.D. degrees from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 and 1981, respectively, and then served on the college’s faculty for 21 years. As a full professor, he directed the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Clinical Pathology Laboratory and educated veterinary students, interns, and residents. A prolific author, sought-after international speaker and award-winning educator who received the college’s Distinguished Alumnus Award as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award in Veterinary Clinical Pathology from the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Dr. DeNicola followed his Purdue career by serving as Chief Veterinary Educator at IDEXX before co-founding Laboratory Retrievers, LLC.

Dr. Fred Metzger earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1986 and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He serves as medical director of VCA Metzger Animal Hospital — a 94-member practice offering general, referral, and 24-hour emergency care. Recognized as a distinguished alumnus of both Purdue and Penn State, Dr. Metzger has coauthored leading texts in hematology and clinical pathology, and in 2022 co-founded Laboratory Retrievers, LLC alongside Dr. DeNicola and former Purdue Veterinary Medicine dean and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Alan Rebar.

(Dr. Fred Metzger Photo by Michael Houtz, Penn State College of Agricultural Science)

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

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, sincere gratitude is shared with Abby Props who is the Pathology Laboratory Supervisor in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

Student Landscape Project Benefits Animals at Purdue Veterinary Hospital

A student-led landscape redesign project has taken root at Purdue University, in the form of outdoor upgrades at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Originally developed by Mary Schultz, a graduating senior in the College of Agriculture’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture program, the project reimagined outdoor spaces used for animal recovery, training, and enrichment. This summer, the hospital implemented one of the recommendations, which involved replacing natural turf in an outdoor dog run with a new synthetic material.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Welcomes New Students

As the heat and long days of summer subsided and the start of a new school year approached, the sense of excitement and new beginnings pervaded Lynn Hall over the last couple of weeks with the arrival of Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s new DVM and Veterinary Technology students. The DVM students in the Class of 2029 participated in a week-long onboarding program that started Monday, August 18, while the Veterinary Technology students in the first and second years of the program were welcomed with an Ice Cream Social and orientation program at the start of the fall semester.

Approaching Purdue Veterinary Conference Mixes CE and Celebration in September

The start of a new academic year signals the approach of the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference and the last chance to get an early-bird discount on registration. The conference is scheduled for September 16-20 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and features a variety of specialized tracks as well as special events. Early bird registration ends September 1, and late fees will apply as of September 2.

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Names New Senior Director of Admissions and Student Success

A key Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff member who has played a vital role in admissions and recruitment will now serve as the new senior director of admissions and student success. Lori Stout has been promoted to the position and Dean Bret Marsh announced the appointment Tuesday, August 26.

Lecture Hall Murals by Acclaimed Artist Continue to Inspire Lynn Hall Visitors

Two murals by artist Harry Boone have been part of Lynn Hall’s large lecture hall for more than 20 years. Commissioned in 1998, the works continue to leave a lasting impression, and Boone recently returned to campus to see them again.