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

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

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