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

Indiana FFA Names PVM’s Julia Wickard as One of Five New Board Members

Executive Director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and Constituent Liaison Julia Wickard is one of five newly named members of the Indiana FFA Foundation board of directors. The appointments took effect July 1.

Alumnus and Oncology Specialist Dr. Christopher Fulkerson Appointed as Associate Dean for Purdue Veterinary Hospitals

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret D. Marsh, DVM, has named Dr. Christopher Fulkerson as Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chief Veterinary Officer for the Purdue Veterinary Hospitals. The appointment was announced July 1, the same day that Dr. Fulkerson’s promotion to full Clinical Professor of Veterinary Medical Oncology took effect.

“Paws Up” for the ADDL Accessioning and Molecular Teams – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we express our sincere gratitude to our ADDL Accessioning and Molecular Teams (and cross trained individuals).

PVM Dean Bret Marsh Shares College Update with Swine Producers and Industry Partners at Major Swine Event in Indianapolis

Swine Health was the focus of a significant event recently at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis as swine industry partners and swine producers gathered for the National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) and Summer Type Conference (STC). The event was held at the end of June in the Fall Creek Pavillion and included a Swine Health Briefing that featured swine industry and veterinary medicine leaders including Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, who also had an opportunity to provide an update on the College of Veterinary Medicine.

2026 Annual Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and PVH Interns

On Monday, June 29, 2026, more than 100 faculty and staff from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital gathered at Thomas Duncan Hall for the 2026 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. This annual event provides a great opportunity to honor and celebrate the contributions of the residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.

New Administrative Assistant Joins PVM Office of Student Success

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes Charity Holden as the new administrative assistant in the Office of Student Success.

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

This week we are highlighting Scott Fix who is the Lead Facilities Manager in the Department of Veterinary Administration.

Remembering Zeus: A Legacy of Loyalty and Love

We continue our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital by sharing the story of a beloved dog named Zeus. For Amy Fitzsimmons-Blaising, Zeus wasn’t just a dog, he was her spirit animal and best friend. A proud Giant Schnauzer bred in Bedford, Indiana, Zeus had been the heart of Amy’s home for 11 unforgettable years. Then, in October 2024, Zeus’s health challenges began, when he started coughing and showing signs that looked like seizures. After rushing him to a local veterinary urgent care facility, Amy learned he was in congestive heart failure, and she turned to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for help.

PVM Scholar Receives Purdue WGHI Pilot Grant Aimed at Advancing Women’s Health

Purdue University’s Women’s Global Health Institute (WGHI) has announced six pilot research grant awards aimed at solving critical problems in women’s health and quality of life, and one of recipients is Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member Viju Vijayan Pillai. Dr. Pillai is assistant professor of anatomic pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

The universal socket set of vaccines: Innovative technology heralds more effective, more efficient vaccines

You fight fire with fire. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine vaccine expert Suresh Mittal fights viruses with viruses. Using innovative techniques, Dr. Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, develops novel vaccines for viral infections including avian influenza.