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

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative.

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session. The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference. The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.