CVM Pegasus Press

FALL 2016

M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y • C O L L E G E O F V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C I N E

PROTECTING HERD HEALTH FIELD TEACHING

course, in much of Mississippi, there are likely interactions between these conditions and those factors associated with poverty, which is leading to investigations of overall health disparities in human populations.

In addition to being a point of pride for the College, our diagnostic laboratory system is a key player in the CVM’s approach to One Health. Thirteen members of our faculty are located either at the main reference and poultry laboratories in the Jackson area or at the aquatic laboratory in Stoneville in the Mississippi Delta. All four MSU-CVM laboratories support Mississippi’s agricultural industries, with responsibilities ranging from assuring compliance with export regulations to protecting livestock, poultry, and aquatic species, while also monitoring zoonotic disease and public health concerns.

Maintaining relevant research programs is absolutely critical to a college of veterinary medicine’s mission to society. In addition to environmental toxicology, faculty members are investigating One Health topics which include food security and zoonotic infections such as influenza. In addition, our translational research benefits human disease research by studying similar diseases that occur naturally in horses, farm animals, and pets.

DEAN DR. KENT HOBLET

Many of us have been introduced to and involved in the One Health initiative. One Health is a worldwide strategy that advocates the expansion of interdisciplinary collaborations in all aspects of healthcare for humans, animals, and the environment. Essentially, it is all that occurs at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

We know that veterinarians are on the front lines of researching diseases that affect both animals and humans. But it truly is more complex in that we are positioned at a crossroads, truly an intersection of animal, environmental, and human health. You will read stories in this issue about human schizophrenia research and how it relates back to animal health and parasitology. You will also learn about how the human-animal bond has evolved so much that specific services are offered to veterinarians to keep them supported as they help pet owners through very tough end-of-life situations with their pets. One Health is a part of all that we do as part of the veterinary profession.

Many may not expect this research in a veterinary college, but MSUCVM is a leader in studying the effects of environmental toxins on animal and human health. Originally, the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, led by Dr. Jan Chambers, studied the health effects of legacy pesticides in the Mississippi Delta. More recently, scientists in the Center have been investigating the effects of environmental toxins on the incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurological conditions, such as schizophrenia, in humans. Of

Sharing diagnostic and therapeutic equipment represents a method by which health needs might be met in rural communities. The CVM’s Veterinary Specialty Center in Starkville enables us to have use of a high-end 3 tesla MRI, a 64-slice CT, and a linear accelerator to provide veterinary care that would not otherwise be economically possible. At the same time, our use of this expensive equipment for pets enables the fixed costs to be spread over more cases than would be possible if the equipment were used only for human patients.

For example, we are performing nearly 300 MRI examinations on canine patients each year. The radiology team has been researching spectroscopy – a technique which helps neurosurgeons understand the makeup of brain mass growths before making a determination on whether or not to do surgery. Knowing the makeup of a brain tumor ahead of time can be lifesaving to the patient, and this research easily translates to human medicine.

Building solid programs at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health provides great opportunities to improve the well-being of both human and animal populations. Because of the inherent synergism of such an approach, relatively small investments have the potential for large paybacks. There is ample evidence to indicate that the CVM has been a good steward of resources and an excellent investment for Mississippi’s economic growth. Going forward, the College is poised to be both an active participant, as well as a leader, in promoting One Health research and application.

Dr. Kent Hoblet

Dean & Professor | CVM Office of the Dean (662) 325 - 1131

M I S SI S SI PPI STAT E U N I V E R SI T Y • C O LLEG E O F V E TER I NAR Y M EDI CI N E Pegasus Press is published three times each year by the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

DR. KENT HOBLET

DR. STEPHEN PRUETT

Dean

Department Head Basic Sciences

DR. RON MCLAUGHLIN Associate Dean

DR. LANNY PACE

Administration

Executive Director Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory System

DR. MARK LAWRENCE Associate Dean

KAREN TEMPLETON

Research & Graduate Studies

Editor

DR. JACK SMITH Academic Affairs

HANNAH SCARBOROUGH & SARAH PRATER Graphic Designers

DR. RICHARD MEIRING

TOM THOMPSON

Assistant Dean

Photographer

Associate Dean

Admissions & Student Affairs

JIMMY KIGHT

Direct suggestions, requests,

Director

comments, and story ideas to:

Development

KATIE TIMMERMAN Communications Coordinator

KATIE TIMMERMAN (662) 325-0465 katie.timmerman@msstate.edu

MELISSA MONTGOMERY Advancement Coordinator

DR. JOEY BURT

www.cvm.msstate.edu www.facebook.com/msucvm Twitter: @MSUCVM1

Director Animal Health Center

DR. ANDREW MACKIN

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterinary status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interim Department Head Clinical Sciences

DR. BILL EPPERSON Department Head Pathobiology & Population Medicine

COVER PHOTOS Front: Dr. Amelia Woolums and third year student Courtney Griffin monitor the health of a calf.

Back: Hill’s Pet Nutrition and SCAVMA sponsored a 5K run to benefit the Homeward Bound Project.

SHELTER MEDICINE UPDATE p. 14

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES p. 4 TRAINING SCIENTISTS TO WRITE p. 7

ONE HEALTH AT WORK p. 1

PROTECTING HERD HEALTH p. 18

ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY p. 6 GOODBYE FROM THE TRACTOR SEAT p. 2

PARASITE’S LINK TO SCHIZOPHRENIA p. 10

PUTS ONE HEALTH TO WORK When Lacie Harris was searching “far and wide” for a college major, she could not have imagined that she would one day work at the prestigious St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She graduated from Horn Lake High School and headed straight to Mississippi State University, and she said it was her academic advisor who suggested she try the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Technology program.

The MSU-CVM four-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary medical technology began in the fall of 2010. The college established the program to address the national shortage of veterinary technologists and to provide the highest standard of health care to animals and the public.

MSU-CVM’s veterinary technology program is one of only three in the nation associated with a college of veterinary medicine.

Educating veterinary technologists alongside veterinary students benefits all those involved.

“The students in our program have access to all of the latest veterinary medical tools and technology,” said Dr. Allison Gardner, director of the VMT program. “For instance, they are using the most up-to-date rehabilitation tools, and they also get to work with boarded specialists. It’s a really unique experience.”

What is also unique about the program is that some of its graduates are gravitating to One Health related careers. The One Health initiative is an international movement to forge inclusive collaborations between physicians, osteopathic physicians, veterinarians, dentists, nurses and other scientific-health and environmentally related disciplines.

as clinical pathology, hematology, and anatomical pathology. They learn great laboratory and sample collection skills.”

During the senior year, VMT students have the opportunity to spend a week at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and/or a week at the University Medical Center. At the medical center, they have the opportunity to use more advanced diagnostic equipment and to work with several disease models.

Harris took the opportunity during her senior year to explore an externship.

“I also took advantage of the opportunity to do an externship at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. It provided me with great experience,” she said. “I hope other veterinary technology students will take advantage of the externship opportunity because it gives them a chance to explore their interests.” Harris’s new position sparked pride and enthusiasm throughout the college.

“I think it is pretty incredible that our graduates are working on issues that are of primary concern in about every part of the world,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, MSU-CVM Dean. “We are proud that Lacie is at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and that the team she is a part of is working hard to find ways to detect and treat pediatric cancer.”

As Harris reflects on her education, it is the relationships that she values as highly as the experience.

“My favorite part of the program is the life-long friends that I have made,” she said. “And of course, the clinical experience. I love that I’m using anesthesia, heart monitoring, and murine handling techniques I learned at MSU-CVM. This has all been very exciting.”

Harris, a newly trained animal health technician, found herself walking into her new job at a human health hospital.

For more information about the VMT program, go to http://www.cvm.msstate.edu.

“I’m a research technologist in the St. Jude’s Department of Immunology,” she said. “I work in the department chair, Dr. Green’s, laboratory, on a team to study the immune system and learn the mechanisms of immunotherapy, and how it can be improved and developed into new systems.”

BY KAREN TEMPLE TON

Harris plays a key role in a team trying to understand how different carcinogens effect tumor formation.

Gardner said MSU-CVM veterinary technology students get the educational exposure necessary to get jobs such as Harris’s.

“The program’s disease management courses along with pathology classes cover both zoonotic diseases as well as diseases that present and share many of the same characteristics in both humans and animals,” she said.

“Our students participate in multiple laboratory-based courses such

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Well Wishes For Our Friend In The Tractor Seat As our readers know, Dr. A. Wayne Groce, professor emeritus, has kept us all informed and entertained with his “From the Tractor Seat” column over the years. Dr. Groce has officially retired and will not be submitting the column as a regular part of our publication. So in this issue, we are filling the space with the memories, antidotes, and pure inspiration that Dr. Groce has shared and instilled in his many years with our college.

Dr. Groce, here’s to you! You will always have a seat on our tractor.

Thank you for your service and dedication, and remember; you are always a part of the MSU-CVM family.

Two months after I started working for Dr. Groce in Field Services, I went with him and three vet students to Parchman Prison to provide health care to the resident horses and dogs. On the way home, we stopped and ate pizza at one of the few restaurants in the area, and Dr. Groce regaled us with tales of previous Parchman visits. I excused myself to go to the restroom, and when I came back to my seat, there was a small dessert pizza with a single lighted candle in my place. I can’t remember if there was singing, but this very thoughtful gesture on my first birthday away from my hometown made a big impression on me. The world needs more people like you, Dr. Groce.

Terri Snead MSU-CVM Population Medicine Technician

Dr. Groce has always been someone I could count on when I need help.

Although he may come across as gruff in some cases, he always works as hard as he can to help everyone he can. I remember him saying almost every midmorning “My cold cereal is done run out,” which was our signal it was time for a coffee break or lunch! All the best in retirement, and I would like to reserve the right to call you when I need advice on ruminant nutritional problems.

Dr. Sherrill Fleming MSU-CVM Associate Professor, Food Animal Medicine

When I was interviewing for the position at MSU-CVM, I was provided copies of the Pegasus Press, and it gave me the best background on the college. I learned so much reading through them and when I learned it was Dr. Groce who managed their publication, I knew he was someone who could help me become familiar with the college and with the practitioners in the state. Dr. Groce took me to more than 100 practices in Mississippi, and I was constantly struck by how much he knew about each one and how well they knew him. Dr. Groce helped me establish myself at MSU-CVM, and I like to think that he is one of the pillars of knowledge on which this wonderful institution is built. He is and always will be an integral part of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kent Hoblet MSU-CVM Dean

Dr. Wayne Groce participated in teaching Feed formulation to the 4 junior faculty from Makerere University who were visiting MSU as part of faculty exchange funded by USAID Capacity building in Integrated Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses project in East Africa. These faculty were very appreciative of the expertise & time commitment Dr. Groce put into training them.

Dr. Margaret Khaitsa MSU-CVM, Pathobiology and Population Medicine

I have a little story about Dr. Groce that I remember very well. We used to have a teaching cow named Nellie, and she was a one-eye Jersey with no udder. One day while she was in the clinic, a student left the head gate unlatched. Well, Nellie decided to take a little trip to the equine/ bovine nurses station and stick her head in to say hello to Dr. Groce and one of the students. I just happened to walk by and noticed that Nellie was visiting with them, and decided I had better get her and return her to her stall. The expression on his face when that cow stuck her head in the door was priceless. We had a good laugh and then a short class on how to properly latch a head gate. I really did like working with him, and you always knew where you stood with him.

Mike Bassett MSU-CVM LARAC Manager

Dr. Groce guided me for three years on how to best strategize and produce stories for Pegasus Press magazine. I know many remember his veterinary work here the most, but I will always think of his careful editing and attention to detail. He taught me a lot about the different departments and how to best get responses under tight deadlines.

Personally, I remember returning home after my dad’s funeral to find a card from Dr. Groce delivered to me. I will never, ever forget the sincerity and kindness in his note. His words arrived to me at a time I needed them most and for that, I’m most grateful. Thank you, sir.

Karen Templeton MSU-CVM Director of Outreach

Dr. Groce was a mentor to me when he didn’t have to be. He taught me more than just veterinary skills and medicine; he taught me life skills as well. He was really a softie under his strict demeanor. I feel privileged to know him.

Dr. Danielle Mannis MSU-CVM Class of 1991

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

I was born and raised in the same southeastern Arkansas county as Dr. Groce, and he has been my hero for as long as I can remember. The thing I learned from Dr. Groce is that the toughest of old birds can have the biggest of hearts. I first saw that when we remembered the life of Dr. Tom Randolph at a CVM ceremony, and many years later when I stepped out of the church from my own father’s funeral and there stood Dr. Wayne Groce to give me a hug of support. I have tons of great stories of tails chewed and colorful vocabulary but will always be grateful for and treasure the influence he had on me and our college in regard to professionalism and how to do what is right. Thank you, Dr. Groce, you are the best of the best!

Dr. Rod Christmas MSU-CVM Class of 1993

One of my favorite remembrances was when Dr. Groce was in the process of demonstrating how to avoid (outrun) a rather nasty-tempered bovine trailing him by inches down the runway on the south side of the eastern part of the Large Animal clinic area. He was doing a very good impression of one of those white-clad participants in the infamous Pamplona Bull Run held in Spain each year . . ..only thing was he wasn’t a volunteer. His rather hastily made plan was to duck into the oncoming door to the left and into the cul-de-sac in the stall area. He forgot one important detail: Minutes earlier he had previously stationed a clinical student at that door and told her to push as hard as she could against it until they got the bovine under control and into a stall. This was to prevent the animal from just bumping against the door and taking a detour. Anyway, he managed to gain a little distance, but finding the door not opening, beats on the door and the student, thinking it was the patient, pushed back even harder lest she hear the fury of Dr. Groce if she failed in her duty station. Being the quick thinker he is, he ditched the door exit strategy and amazingly scaled the wall to safety. I had the honor of portraying Dr. Groce in a video made for the student skits for that year, red coveralls included.

Dr. Jesse Brown

MSU-CVM Class of 1999 and employee 1978-1992

“Sir, yes sir!” ...my thoughts every time I saw Dr. A. Wayne Groce holding court somewhere at the CVM. Congratulations on a great career and thank you for setting such a wonderful example of professionalism for all of us.

Dr. Brad Krohn MSU-CVM Class of 1999

I actually had no experience with large animals, but I really did enjoy the Field Services Large Animal Rotation. What I did not enjoy was the early morning wake-up times to head out to the farms. I was not then, and have never become a morning person. I remember Dr. Groce would find that funny, and for one out-of-town trip, we had to meet at the bay to load up around 4 a.m. I remember Dr. Groce strolling through with a smirk of a smile and very brightly saying, “Good morning, Dana!”

With a very sleepy smile, I replied back, “Morning, Dr. Groce.” A lot of students were intimidated by Dr. Groce, but I found him to have a dry humor, willing to teach those who wanted to learn, a professional work ethic which not only included your appearance but that of your vehicles (we washed a lot of trucks that rotation), and the safety of his students.

Although I did not enjoy the early mornings, I enjoyed the rotation so much that I took it again my senior year.

Dr. Dana Elizabeth Kent MSU-CVM Class of 1991

Dr. Groce was my large animal professor in 1994-95. We were both from totally different worlds. He was raised on a Southern farm, and I was raised in a Northeastern city. He had a reputation for being “tough” and I had a passion for being “thorough”. Needless to say, my ignorance did not amuse him, and his style intimidated me. I would have thought Dr. Groce would be the last person to help me, but when I was in a small animal rotation, a local farmer called about a dog in heat that he didn’t want bred. I asked all the small animal clinicians for advice, but was not getting what I needed. Being “thorough,” I put in a call to the large animal theriogenologist, Dr. Groce. He did not snub me. I explained my predicament (or rather the predicament of the K-9 owner), and he was more than forthcoming in helping me. It was clear to me then, as it is now, that a doctor is a doctor regardless of specialty, and if Dr. Groce could help, he would. All I can say is that he gave me advice that I gave to the owner, and the owner was very happy with us. I’ll never forget the warm spot this left in my heart. Don’t judge the exterior paint job, judge the motor. To this day, I consider Dr. Wayne Groce a friend who will always be welcome in my home. I still don’t know a cow from a heifer, but I’ll never forget the professional help I received. And when Dr. Groce found me giving my Jersey cow a bath, he probably rolled his eyes and wrote me off, but he still helped me in my time of need. May God bless you and yours always.

Dr. Sandy Thomas MSU-CVM Class of 1995

Dr. Groce has an incredibly dry wit with a Southern spin that just adds a richness to everything. Coming from Hawaii, I was thrown into a completely different culture that was still somehow familiar. I appreciated Dr. Groce’s pearls of wisdom. He was the kind of instructor that would go the extra mile to make sure you were successful, but only if you took the initiative to show sincere interest. Safety was utmost, and Dr. Groce drove that home on a daily basis. The same held true for professionalism, integrity, and the duty to uphold our profession and the support of animal industry, as well as all the hard working farmers and ranchers that put food on our plates. Dr. Groce, you may have questioned the future of the veterinary profession as we passed through your rotations, but please know your efforts and teachings were not unnoticed. Thank you for your wisdom and perspective on industry, medicine, the profession, and life in general. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Dr. Kim Kozuma MSU-CVM Class of 1994

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BY KAREN TEMPLE TON Her office is dimly lit, quiet, and calming.

Her demeanor is open, friendly, and warm; and her files are full of research publications on what veterinary students are facing.

While not a veterinarian herself, Dr. Christy Monaghan has immersed herself in understanding the veterinary college curriculum, schedules, testing, expectations, and also what graduates face as clinicians. She is the first on-site clinical psychologist available at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and in just a few years, her impact has been profound.

Monaghan came on staff after faculty and administration became more aware of the lack of easy access students had to a licensed psychologist. With their classes, laboratories, and rotation schedules, getting on main campus and to mental health services was challenging. Providing Monaghan’s services in the building has made mental health and well-being a known priority for students.

Monaghan, who earned her doctorate at the University of Southern Mississippi, works for MSU’s Counseling Services but is assigned to the veterinary college to address and help solve issues specific to veterinary and veterinary technology students. Monaghan provides individual therapy, psychological diagnostics, overall mental health and self-harm assessments among other muchneeded services.

Monaghan had a private practice in Florida for many years, focusing on licensed clinical

and forensic psychology. She returned to her Mississippi home in 2013 and became the MSU-CVM psychologist in October 2014. Because of the high number of appointments booked with students, from consultations to individual therapy, she asked her clinical graduate assistant, Chelsey Hess-Holden to join the team. Monaghan knew that Hess-Holden’s license in marriage and family therapy and professional training made her a good fit with the student population at MSU-CVM. Students can make appointments to see either Monaghan or Hess-Holden for free, private, confidential services.

Hess-Holden sees MSU-CVM students and their significant others to help them navigate the complexities involved in maintaining a good relationship and also meeting the demands of a competitive professional program.

“This is a highly intelligent, self-selected group very focused on perfectionism,” Hess-Holden said. “These traits are the same across all veterinary colleges, and there’s a wealth of literature and research that helps us understand where we can be most effective in supporting them.”

Monaghan said in addition to helping students with individual psychological, relationship, and academic issues, the services also promote a sense of well-being for the entire student body.

“We help them overcome test anxiety, learn state-of-the-art stress management

techniques and coping skills, maximize their study skills, and effectively problem-solve relationship issues they may experience in and outside of the classroom,” she said.

“There are issues specific to this group, and we stay informed so that we can help them navigate through challenges.”

One such issue is a phenomenon called “compassion fatigue” experienced by some who work with animals and people in distress, causing secondary trauma for the caregiver. This is something veterinarians can be faced with when working through difficult, emotional, and stressful cases with patients. “Compassion fatigue can manifest itself in many different ways,” Monaghan said. “Some common experienced clinical symptoms include emotional blunting, fatigue, social avoidance, emotional vulnerability, self-esteem deficits, and an increase in substance use as an attempted way to self-medicate. There can also be symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety, which can lead in some cases to thoughts or plans for self-harm. Therefore, we as clinicians want to do as much education and preventive intervention as possible.”

Monaghan and Hess-Holden work together to normalize mental health and have helped students feel more comfortable with sharing their feelings surrounding their stress and concerns.

“Working with issues like compassion fatigue is part of a larger picture,” HessHolden said. “It is a preventive and

Dr. Christy Monaghan (left photo) and Chelsey Hess-Holden (right photo) provide interpersonal communications training to MSU-CVM students.

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

educational approach that involves teaching work, life balance, resilience and how to provide constant self-care.”

Veterinarians have not historically dealt with these challenges in the same way they do now, and MSU-CVM’s counselors realize that.

“The human-animal bond has evolved significantly over the years and so the loss of a pet can often result in much greater emotion and stress than it once did,” Hess-Holden said. “It is trying for veterinarians to be faced with so much grief on a daily basis.”

Hess-Holden and Monaghan are not only seeing students for private appointments, but also educating them in group settings. They hold communications workshops helping DVM, Ph.D., and veterinary technology students learn core communication skills to help them better interact with their peers, clients, faculty and others. They also help them with professional development skills better preparing them for interviewing and the workplace.

“Stress is an issue that isn’t isolated to just a few people, so we hold group meditational practices and also teach stress management techniques,” Monaghan said. “We also have a wellness development program for house officers, and Chelsey holds a preventative relational workshop for DVM students.”

The concern for students’ mental health and well-being is shared at a national level, and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education has added it to the accreditation standards.

“We want our students to be successful and to also know how supported they are,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, MSU-CVM Dean. “Knowing that our philosophy on counseling support is shared at a national level is helpful. We are pleased that our students can rely on CVM counseling services. There is just a lot more pressure out there than when many of us

were coming through veterinary school and starting our careers. I believe it is our job to prepare our students for it.”

Monaghan and her growing team are doing just that. She will be adding another graduate student to the staff to help address the growing demand for counseling and training.

“Veterinary medicine is made up of a high achieving group compounded with increasingly competitive expectations,” Monaghan said. “We work with faculty to help them understand each new population of students. We also find out from faculty and administration how we can best support the programs.”

As the field evolves and as more students compete for spots at MSU-CVM, the support grows. MSU-CVM counseling services is poised to help students meet challenges and recognize their abilities.

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MSU-CVM’s annual Research Day gives veterinary students and faculty the chance to showcase their accomplishments in research for the year as they present it to their professors and peers.

“Research Day gives students valuable experience in presenting and defending their research results, and it allows the exchange of ideas between MSU-CVM researchers,” said Dr. Mark Lawrence, associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies. “Students received feedback and suggestions to improve, and faculty were informed of ongoing research projects in the college.”

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Dr. Paul Buckmaster, comparative medicine and neurology professor with Stanford University School of Medicine, who highlighted One Health initiatives with his presentation: “Lessons from Mouse, Rat, and Sea Lion Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.”

Presentations demonstrated the breadth of MSU-CVM research focus areas and winners included:

SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE ORAL PRESENTATIONS

1st

Alexis Thompson - Evaluation of Refractometry to Detect Failed Transfer of Passive Immunity in Neonatal Beef Calves

2nd

Nancy Gavron - Refining Approaches to Assess Microbiota and Low-Profile Pathogens in the Tick Vector, Amblyomma maculatum

3rd

Sarah Middlebrooks - T. Gondii Infection and Nurr1-null Heterozygous Genotype Affect Spatial Learning

GRADUATE STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS

1st

Liesel Schneider - Prevalence of EHEC-7 on Hides of Market Beef Cattle at Slaughter

2nd

Kristina Hubbard - Analysis of Risk Factors for an Outbreak of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Stocker Cattle

3rd

Preeti Muire - Natural Killer (NK) Cell Specific Genes Elucidate NK Cell Distribution in the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Tissues of RAG1-/- Mutant Zebrafish

GRADUATE STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Mark Lawrence, Liesel Schneider,

1st

Jung Keun “Kevin” Lee - Rickettsia parkeri and “Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae” Tropism in Tissues of Experimentally Infected Amblyomma mactulatum (Gulf Coast tick)

2nd

Afzaal Mohammed - Long-Term Effects of Juvenile Exposure to Delta (9)- Tetrahydrocannabinol on Anxiety and Social Behavior in Adolescent Rats: A Childhood Exposure Scenario

3rd

Juyeun Lee - Transcriptome Analysis of Functional CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T cells and CD8+CD25+ suppressive T cells Induced by Superantigens

Dr. Mark Lawrence, Afzaal Mohammed and Juyeun Lee

and Preeti Muire EARNING RESPECT

BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS 6 Kristina Hubbard

Dr. Mark Lawrence and Alexis Thompson

MSU - CVM TRAINING SCIENTISTS TO WRITE Scientists study dangerous disease-causing bacteria, viruses that affect livestock populations, and ways to improve health. The topics they work on are complex and difficult for the general population to understand, but they are also relevant and life-changing. While their research can be excellent by many standards, it also only evolves if they can write about it.

“I had never written an involved manuscript before this class,” said Ph.D. student Adef Kordon. “As part of the course, I finished a paper, and we expect that it will be published later this year. Now, I am working on my second paper, and it is not taking as much time because Dr. Karsi taught us the key points of writing a paper and how it should be organized.”

But, can scientists write? The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is ensuring that they can.

Just like scientific research, the writing in Karsi’s course is approached in a thoughtful and organized way.

Dr. Attila Karsi, the MSU-CVM associate professor in the Department of Basic Sciences, offers Scientific Writing (CVM 8973) to Ph.D. students at the college. His aim is to equip students with the basics of science writing so that they can produce research proposals and manuscripts carrying their research to the next level.

“We work on manuscripts and proposals section-by-section, but the adviser review is expected to be done from the beginning at each deadline,” Karsi said.

“The end result of this course is not just a grade,” Karsi said.

“Students are expected to have a proposal or manuscript ready for submission.”

Karsi described the course as a collaborative teaching opportunity, as the students’ advisers are involved in the process.

“I provide lectures and instruction, and the students begin to build their projects,” Karsi said. “Then, they work with their advisers to revise and develop further. Later, the students present the adviser feedback in the class, which helps the whole group see how each manuscript and proposal evolves through the process.”

The class also includes an expert faculty panel for group discussion and a mock faculty review panel for evaluation of the students’ projects.

Basic Sciences department head Dr. Stephen Pruett is pleased with how the course fuels research for the college.

“Something very clear and tangible is resulting from this course, and that is great for our students,” Pruett said. “This is not an easy course because the final product is a publishable paper or research grant, so it is a lot of work for the students. And that work is worth it as they achieve a major goal fairly early in their doctoral training.”

The students realize the importance of the experience gained in the course.

“This class is not just theory, what I gained is very practical and useful,” said Minhui Guan, a Ph.D. student who took the course early in her graduate education. “I had a research proposal developed through this course and had an abstract ready for a poster session this November. I’m grateful for what I’ve gained.”

The class is offered every spring and has space for 10 students.

“The panel feedback is instrumental,” Karsi said. “It mimics a committee of grant and manuscript reviewers. There need to be suggestions, edits, and questions to improve the work to the point that it stands up as very concise, effective, and understandable to a large group.”

Karsi described the course as “high-pressure,” as it requires weekly deadlines and reviews.

“The course is rated extremely high by students,” Pruett said. “I know more are going to want to participate, and that is a win for all of us.”

BY KAREN TEMPLE TON

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MEET THE FACULTY JULI GUNTER, DVM, MS, DACVD Assistant Clinical Professor Department of Clinical Sciences

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT MSU-CVM? I joined the faculty at MSU-CVM after finishing my dermatology Juli Gunter, residency in 2000, and was on faculty for 4 years. I left at that time for a 4-year period. Fortunately, I was able to return to the veterinary school in the summer of 2008, and have been on faculty since that time. I was raised a MSU bulldog in Mississippi and am proud to be a bulldog and to work at this great university!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT A VETERINARY COLLEGE? My favorite parts are teaching the students about dermatology and watching them learn and having the ability to work with and learn from other specialties housed in the veterinary school. At this time, my role at the MSU-CVM is teaching through clinical cases in the third and fourth years of their time at the school. I love seeing how much the students learn and develop clinical skills between their third and fourth years.

WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING INTEREST? Teaching by seeing cases is what I love. Dermatologic cases can be very frustrating for veterinarians and for owners. I enjoy helping students learn how to approach a case in a systematic manner by skin lesion identification to help with differentials, and to use the history and examination to determine what the underlying skin condition most likely is.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS MSU-CVM AND ITS STUDENTS APART? I believe our students become strong clinicians by the time of graduation because of the 2-year clinical experience. They have much flexibility in planning their fourth year. This enables them to focus on where they want to take their veterinary career; each person can plan his or her schedule to support their areas of interest. They are able to see different clinics and/or schools during externship experiences, which can help them decide where they may want to start practicing after graduation.

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

LESYA PINCHUK, MD, PH.D. Associate Professor Department of Basic Sciences

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT MSU-CVM? I am originally from Ukraine and received my medical degree

DVM, MS, DACVD in pediatrics from Kyiv Medical University and my Ph.D. in

immunogenetics/medical sciences from the Institute of Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia. I joined the faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU after completion of my extensive postdoctoral research training in human and non-human primate immunology in the Department of Immunology and Regional Primate Research Center, University of Washington in Seattle, and human molecular genetics at Benaroya Research Center, also in Seattle.

WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING INTEREST? I enjoy teaching graduate, dual degree and professional students.

I also teach immunology (professional and split level professional/ graduate curricula) and advanced immunology (graduate curriculum). I have served on all major MSU-CVM Committees such as Curriculum Committee, Graduate Advisory Committee and Admissions Committee with the last one being the most time consuming, but also the most enjoyable and rewarding.

I am a strong supporter of “One Health-One Immunology” approach: apply the knowledge of basic immunology research into the complexity of diseases caused by or prevented via innate or adaptive immunity mechanisms in humans and animals.

My favorite quote to use on the first day of teaching: “Pediatrics is the closest area of human medicine to veterinary medicine.” 1) Most of my patients did not talk, 2) age-related differences like differences between the species (compare a newborn with a teen – different species ), and 3) the toughest clients are mothers.

DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC RESEARCH ON WHICH YOU ARE FOCUSED? Dendritic cells, their development from monocytes, maturation, pathogen antigen presentation, and interactions with T and B cells are the predominant research targets in most of my postdoctoral and faculty publications. My most recent project is “Antigen presenting cells in catfish and their roles in immunity to bacterial pathogens, and a collaborative research project” (Dr. Karsi, PI, Dr. Pinchuk, Co-PI ), funded by two USDA competitive grants.

NEW FACULTY HAN

GRISSETT

The Basic Sciences faculty welcomed Dr. Lei Han on board as an assistant research professor. Most recently a post-doctorate associate at Rutgers University, Han is interested in developing novel models and algorithms for machine learning and data mining. Han earned his Ph.D. at Peking University and was a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of computer sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Dr. Gretchen Grissett, an assistant clinical professor, has become part of the Pathology and Population Medicine faculty team. Grissett has been a clinical instructor at MSUCVM for the last two years, and prior to that completed a food animal medicine and surgery residency at Kansas State University while also earning her master’s degree there.

She completed her DVM at MSU-CVM in 2010.

MARQUARDT

SULLIVANT

Dr. Taya M. Marquardt joined the Clinical Sciences faculty as an assistant clinical professor. She was previously an oncology resident with the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was an intern and clinical instructor in oncology at MSU-CVM until 2011. She completed a rotating small animal internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte, NC. Marquardt earned her DVM at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Alyssa Sullivant is now on the Clinical Sciences faculty as an assistant professor of research after completing her small animal internal medicine rotation and oncology specialty internship the college. Prior to her residency and internship, she was an associate veterinarian at the Desoto County Animal Clinic in Southaven, Miss. She earned her DVM in 2008 from MSU-CVM, and is completing her master’s degree at the college.

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

MCLEMORE

Clea McLemore has been an MSU-CVM Information Technology Consultant for almost 3 years. She loves being able to make a difference in small ways and says there can be many learning curves encountered when working with an array of hardware and software systems that continue to grow at such a rapid pace. She feels that although this type of setting can be challenging, it offers an environment which encourages one to stay abreast of new technologies and discover ways to better serve the CVM family, and “herein lies the reward.”

Clea has two daughters and a dog named Roscoe. She enjoys traveling with friends and family, writing poetry and attempting DIY projects she finds on Pinterest.

TATE

Natoya Tate has worked at MSU-CVM for just over a year, and is an Assistant Academic Affairs Manager. She most enjoys interacting with students, being their liaison to administration, and watching them grow as professionals.

She says that oddly enough, some of her best days are when things go wrong but then by the end of the work day, all fires are extinguished and she feels like she has truly accomplished something. She has been married to Marion Tate for ten years, and together they have five children: Kayla (20), Kaylin (15), Caden (12), Marion (10), and Mariya (7). They also have a 5-year-old Pit bull named LadyCat. In her spare time, she enjoys photography as “there is something amazing about seeing things through the lens of a camera.”

PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016

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CVM RESEARCHERS EXPLORE

PARASITE’S LINK TO SCHIZOPHRENIA While the parasite Toxoplasma gondii might be familiar to some, the disease schizophrenia will perhaps strike a more familiar chord with a greater number of people. The connection between the two, however, is of particular interest to Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members Dr. Jeffrey Eells and Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes.

“It has been known for many years that schizophrenia is caused by both genetic factors and environmental factors,” said Dr. Stephen Pruett, professor and department head of MSU-CVM’s Department of Basic Sciences. “But the nature of the environmental exposures that could contribute to this condition are mostly unknown.”

Eells, a neuroscientist, and Varela-Stokes, a veterinary parasitologist along with laboratory technician Dr. Shirley Guo-Ross, are carefully studying what connection there might be between the T. gondiiparasite and schizophrenia.

“There is an approximately 60 percent genetic risk and 40 percent environmental risk in being diagnosed with schizophrenia,” Eells said. “Understanding the role that the environment plays in this disease can hopefully help with earlier prevention and diagnosis of the disease.”

It is the unknown environmental factors, such as the

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parasite T. gondii, and the role they play in the development of schizophrenia, that Eells has been researching and collaborating on to better understand.

T. gondii is a protozoan parasite that only reproduces in cats. Exposure through contact with cat feces is the primary means of transmission, and the parasite can live in the environment for six to eight months.

Exposure to the parasite, however, can also occur with contact with soil contaminated with cat feces. This increases the likelihood of infection for food animals and humans that come into contact with plants that have been growing in the contaminated soil. This is how the parasite can contaminate meats, fruits, and vegetables.

“It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of individuals in the United States have been infected with the T. gondii parasite,” Eells said. “Most people do not know they are infected, because it does not necessarily result in any symptoms or resulting diagnosis. However, it is suspected to cause an increased risk for schizophrenia, as well as having the potential to affect personality and cognitive function in people.”

Research on the role that the T. gondii parasite plays in the development of schizophrenia has farreaching implications for the health of both humans and animals. There are ways to reduce exposure to the parasite in humans and animals. Eells suggested washing fruits and vegetables, cooking raw meat to the appropriate temperature, and pregnant women forgoing emptying

EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

the litter box. Further research might result in stronger warnings, however, since the parasite’s effect seems to be most worrisome in pregnant women and young children, important times of brain development.

“If the initial findings from the lab of Dr. Eells are confirmed, this may indicate that women who are pregnant need to be even more careful about possible exposure to Toxoplasma, particularly if they have a family history indicating a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia,” Pruett said.

These results will help scientists understand how a specific environmental factor can contribute to the disease of schizophrenia.

The collaborative research being done

by Eells and Varela-Stokes illustrates the importance of One Health in practice, as it highlights the necessity of collaboration in reaching conclusions that have important implications for the future diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.

Students at Mississippi State University are also involved in One Health research, and Dr. Eells’s laboratory provided one such opportunity to interested undergraduate students this past summer. Ciarra Smith, a sophomore biochemistry major at Mississippi State University, worked with Eells on his schizophrenia research. Smith was also awarded first place for her research in the category of Biological Sciences and Engineering at the 2016 Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Additionally, Sara Middlebrooks, a first year DVM student provided an oral presentation on some of the research findings.

B Y K AT I E T I M M E R M A N

“ There is an approximately 60 percent genetic risk and 40 percent environmental risk in being diagnosed with schizophrenia,” DR. JEFFERY EELLS PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016

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NATE MOSELEY C L A S S OF 2 006 A native of Moselle, MS., Dr. Nate Moseley has been busy finding his niche in veterinary medicine ever since his graduation from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine ten years ago. He finds joy in serving his local community, state, and of course, his family. His current role of serving as president of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association reflects this joy of serving others.

Prior to pursuing his DVM degree at MSU-CVM, Moseley was employed for 3 years as a technician at Petal Animal Clinic in Petal, MS. Moseley is currently the co-owner of Petal Animal Clinic, as well as Animal Medical Center in Hattiesburg. He has a special interest in ultrasound, and enjoys the opportunity to practice veterinary medicine at both clinics.

Another interest of Moseley’s that others might not know about is his interest in training police and military canines. He is part owner of Hub City Canine Consultants, based out of Hattiesburg.

“I also work part-time as a K9 deputy for the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department,” Moseley said. “I have one patrol/narcotics K9 as well as two bloodhounds that are used for search and rescue purposes.”

Looking back on his time at MSU-CVM, Moseley can point to quite a few individuals who influenced the path that he now walks today.

“Basically every faculty member played some part in shaping the type of practitioner I am today. I really am grateful to them all,” Moseley said. “Drs. Ron McLaughlin, Margaret Kern, Andy Shores, Erica Munsell, and Andrew Mackin were a few of the ones who made a particularly big impact during my time at MSU-CVM.” He credits MSU-CVM with preparing him well for the fulfilling career he has found in veterinary medicine.

“My best memories were the lifelong friends I made with the students and faculty members,” he said. “I also appreciated the hands-on training and early clinical opportunities that allow students to come out ready to practice veterinary medicine and also have the ability to communicate well with their clients.”

Moseley has some practical advice for recent graduates looking to pursue a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine for themselves.

“Don’t be afraid of hard work, dream big, and love God and people,” he said.

Moseley is married to Tracy, his wife of 15 years. They have two children, Natalie and Nathan, as well as a posse of animals that includes dogs, cats, cattle, and a horse.

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

DIANE DONALDSON C L A S S OF 198 5 It is not every day that someone is able to combine their love for veterinary medicine and service to one’s country into a rewarding career path, but Dr. Diane Donaldson found a way to do exactly that.

Donaldson initially began her career as an Environmental Health Officer with the United States Air Force after she graduated in 1985 with her DVM degree from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“From 1985 until 2008, I had a dual career,” Donaldson said. “Upon graduation, I was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force as an Environmental Health Officer, a position that eventually became known as a Public Health Officer.”

As a full-time military member, she worked part-time as a veterinarian. Upon moving back to Meridian in 1991, she served as a member of the 186th ARW, Mississippi Air National Guard, until she retired from the service in 2008. As a full-time veterinarian, she worked as a traditional guardsman.

“I was blessed to simultaneously have two careers that were so different but wonderful in their own way,” Donaldson said.

As one of the first few classes to graduate from MSU-CVM, Donaldson reflects on her time at MSU-CVM as one full of wonderful experiences and great memories.

“At that time we had such a small class size (29),” Donaldson said. “We shared a lot of experiences that made us close like family.”

Experiences such as hands-on learning when traveling to farms for field work and playing intramural sports when not in class, were fun, memorable times that Donaldson recalled. She also has fond memories of clinicians and faculty members who left lasting impressions on her, shaping her knowledge about a career in veterinary medicine.

“I was so very fortunate that Dr. J. Gregg Boring took my classmate, Dr. Keith Merritt, and me under his wing during our first year of vet school,” Donaldson said. “I could never thank him enough for all that he did for us and the life lessons he taught us.”

She also remembers Dr. Mike Willard imparting a base of knowledge to her that she has drawn upon throughout her entire career in veterinary medicine.

Donaldson considers technology and the availability of information to be some of the most fascinating transformations in veterinary medicine she has witnessed since graduation.

“The advancement of ‘in-house’ diagnostic equipment such as laboratory, ultrasound, and digital radiography has made a world of difference to help guide us in our diagnosis and treatment of our patients,” she said.

As a seasoned doctor of veterinary medicine, Donaldson has a few words of wisdom to recent graduates in the field. She notes that veterinary medicine is a career path that can be very rewarding, but also very stressful at times. There are challenges with managing patients, as well as client communication. She advises new graduates to work hard, rely on their knowledge and experience, and to do their best every day to make the best decisions for both patients and clients.

Donaldson is a small animal practitioner and co-owner of TillNewell Animal Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. She also has a secondary interest in wildlife rehabilitation. She is married to her husband of twenty-nine years, Tim, and they have a house full of animals.

B Y K AT I E T I M M E R M A N

B Y K AT I E T I M M E R M A N PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016

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CREATING A BETTER WORLD THROUGH SHELTER MEDICINE Animal shelters throughout the United States care for six to eight million dogs and cats each year. These animals are often stressed, injured or ill. These factors greatly impact adoption and cause significant issues in shelters. In recent years, expectations for quality care of animals in shelters have greatly increased. The need for veterinarians trained specifically in shelter medicine to promote the highest standards of care for shelter animals, serve as consultants, conduct research, and train others is being met through Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Shelter Medicine Program.

One of the most sought-after elective rotations within the DVM curriculum, the Shelter Medicine Elective provides veterinary students with the opportunity to work on one of two mobile veterinary clinics that visit Mississippi shelters 3-4 days each week.

The program offers 125 slots to interested students. Since not all veterinary colleges offer shelter medicine programs, the program accepts externs. Typically, at least one student participates in an externship each month, and they come from all over the world.

MSU-CVM’s Shelter Medicine Program is often used as a model for other universities working to expand their own shelter medicine program and mobile units. Dr. Kimberly Woodruff, assistant clinical professor, director and service chief of the Shelter Medicine Program indicated that MSU’s program is unique from other programs in many ways.

“Having two mobile units allows us to keep an efficient schedule and stay on track to collaborate with 20 shelters,” Woodruff said.

“The program prepares students to hit the ground running when they start their careers. Our students increase their surgery and diagnostic skills while on this rotation, and because of their involvement in the program, they gain so much experience in the skills relevant to major problems in animal shelters, including: infectious disease prevention and management, basic principles

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

of epidemiology, behavioral wellness, shelter design as it relates to the prevention and management of disease and behavioral problems, and development and implementation of spay/ neuter strategies. Students are exposed to policy and legal issues that affect shelter veterinarians and principles of pet management in disaster response.”

As graduates become shelter-medicine educated professionals, they fan out across the country and bring their skills to new communities, further improving the lives of homeless animals by providing exemplary care and service. Beyond training students within the shelter walls, the program aims to instill in veterinary students a sense of urgency and obligation, driven by compassion to give back to their communities. By serving as expert community resources on animal policy issues for vulnerable populations, MSUCVM graduates help create the best opportunity for pets to live long, healthy lives.

MSU clinicians are researching how many animals are in shelters and how many are euthanized each year. “Obtaining accurate statistical data about pets in the United States isn’t easy,” Woodruff said. “Most of the information is based on estimates derived from surveys.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 7.6 million animals enter shelters around the United States each year, 2.7 million of which are euthanized and only 10 percent of animals entering shelters are spayed or neutered.

Another unique aspect of the program is the way in which it addresses un-adopted pets in shelters. Pet overpopulation is a problem within most southern states, but northern states do not typically have the same problem.

The Homeward Bound Project, a component of the MSU-CVM

Shelter Medicine Program, started in 2007 with three Mississippi State University veterinary students, noticed the imbalance between the large supply of adoptable dogs in the South and the high demand in the Northeast. They set to work creating the first successful transport program developed, maintained, and operated by students at a veterinary college. Their mission was to take adoptable puppies and young adult dogs from overcrowded shelters in the South, and transport them to adoption guaranteed shelters in the Northeast, where there is a high demand for adoptable dogs. Today, the Homeward Bound Project is still run by veterinary students and continues to send deserving dogs to their forever homes with a chance for a better life.

Creating a better world for pets is possible with the support of generous gifts from private supporters. In addition, the program has received grants from PetSmart Charities, AKC-Companion Animal Recovery, HSUS, and ASPCA. Marcia Lane established the Marcia Lane Endowed Chair in Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare, to help forge collaborative relationships with animal sheltering organizations throughout the state.

Dr. Phil Bushby, retired Marcia Lane Endowed Chair in Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare, continues to help the program by seeking grants, working with potential donors, and inspiring MSU students to help raise money to keep the program moving forward.

“Funding is needed to provide students with surgical skills and help us work to resolve the homeless animal issue in our communities,” said Jimmy Kight, director of development. “The cost of running the program is over $600,000 each year, and this figure doesn’t include non-typical expenses such as the replacement of trucks to pull the mobile units. The impact that the Shelter Medicine Program has on CVM students, the community, and shelter animals is immeasurable.

There are many opportunities to get involved at all levels.”

TO BECOME INVOLVED, CONTACT JIMMY AT (662) 325-5893 OR JKIGHT@FOUNDATION.MSSTATE.EDU Your gift of time, financial support, or simply just helping spread word of the program will make a great impact.

BY MELISSA MONTGOMERY

PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016 PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016

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It has been just over 2 years since I joined the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and yet still daily, I am genuinely struck by the experiences the institution provides to all who attend or visit. You can walk into any classroom, laboratory, or patient exam room and see first-hand our students getting a premier educational experience.

Quite frankly, they are learning from the best.

SUPPORT MSU-CVM

What is truly unique is what they also receive outside of the regular instruction time. With faculty and staff support, DVM and veterinary technology students are seeking out opportunities to volunteer and engage in the community. They are reaching out to schools, animal shelters, military bases, child development centers and more to find ways they can use veterinary medical skills and animals to provide services to those in need. Just to name a few of these initiatives: students are providing hands-on learning opportunities to children in Boys and Girls programs, they are providing school supplies to children of domestic violence survivors, they have developed a

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rehabilitation program for retired military dogs, and they are finding new ways to get abandoned animals into forever homes.

Our students are learning how to take the initiative to tackle community issues and what that provides is unparalleled.

As you’ll learn in the story here about the Shelter Medicine Program, through community engagement, DVM students are gaining expertise in surgical skills and at the same time, learning to manage pet overpopulation issues. This will, no doubt, make them better practitioners as they can stand up to be the leaders the public expects community veterinarians to be. Veterinary technology students are learning basic animal husbandry skills to ensure they are ready to become integral parts of veterinary practices in the state, but they are also spending time in animal shelters to provide grooming and basic care to improve the health and appearance of animals in need of adoption. Through this, they learn about communicating with shelter teams, and get first-hand knowledge of community shelter needs.

There are a number of ways to support the CVM’s efforts. You may want to consider making an annual gift or creating an endowment.

ANNUAL GIFTS are crucial to the CVM because they provide ongoing support for the college, individual departments, research programs, academic programs, and student support services. Your annual contributions provide critical assistance and ensure that we maintain quality programs and a high level of excellence. Your gift can be designated to support any of the CVM’s needs and can be used immediately to make a difference.

ENDOWMENTS to the CVM help to provide a resource for generations to come. Your contribution is held in perpetuity, the principal is invested, and only the income from the investment is spent, allowing your legacy to continue for years.

Endowments may be named for the donor or in honor of another person of the donor’s choosing.

EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Faculty are educating future veterinary professionals and community leaders and we are proud of that. To keep these programs such as Homeward Bound, Vets for Vets, and the Shelter Medicine Club successful, we need to provide financial support. Once again, our students have stepped up to the plate and done an excellent job in fundraising. From selling apparel to collecting used t-shirts to make cat hammocks for shelters, the students are taking it into their own hands to make a real difference. I invite you to learn ways you can help these rising leaders. You will surely find a program that aligns with your passions and interests – from large animal rescue to veterinary college exposure programs, we have it all. Please never underestimate the difference you can make by partnering with our students in supporting these opportunities. Please contact me any time to discuss how you can be involved in our growth.

Jimmy Kight

Director of Development

For more information on annual and endowed funds and how to become involved in efforts at the CVM, please contact the Office of Development staff.

JIMMY KIGHT CVM Director of Development

(662) 325-5893 | jkight@foundation.msstate.edu

MELISSA MONTGOMERY Advancement Coordinator (662) 325-5170 | mmontgomery@cvm.msstate.edu

MAKE A DONATION!

GRANTS AWARDED 6/1/2016 – 9/13/2016 EXTERNAL GRANTS

INTERNAL GRANTS FY17

Patricia Gaunt (PI) – Elanco Animal Health – A Randomized, Negatively Controlled Laboratory Study to Determine the Effective Dose of Hemicell HT-L (beta Mannanase) when Administered in Feed to Catfish -- $58,012

Cyprianna Swiderski (PI), Jacquelyn Bowswer (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Determining the Role of HCN4 Receptors in a Severe, Neutrophilic Asthmatic Phenotype -- $6,200

Lester Khoo (PI), Patricia Gaunt (Co-PI), Matthew Griffin (Co-PI) – USDA ARS --Catfish Health Initiative -- $382,453

Jeffrey Eells (PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Mesocortical and Mesoaccumbens Dopamine Neuron Function and Gene Regulation -- $7,805

Wes Baumgartner (PI), Mark Lawrence (Co-PI) – Ralco Nutrition, Inc. – Training in Disease Recognition in Shrimp and Basic Diagnostics -- $2,184

Betsy Swanson (PI), Allison Kenzig (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Evaluation of Poliglecaprone 25 and Polydioxanone Suture for Cystotomy Closure in a Cystitis Model in Rats -- $8,000

Amelia Woolums (PI) – Bayer Healthcare LLC, Animal Health Division – Service Agreement to Provide Input on Bay 98, Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody Cattle Projects. $4,500

Attila Karsi (PI), Hossam Abdelhamed (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Characterization of Novel Virulence Factors in Listeria Monocytogenes -- $10,000

Kimberly Woodruff (PI) – Pet Leadership Council – Pet Leadership Council Shelter Census -- $54,834

John Thomason (PI), Bindu Nanduri (Co-PI), Andrew Mackin (CoPI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Proteomic Analysis of Erythrocyte Storage Lesions in Units of Stored Canine Packed Red Blood Cells -- $10,000

Patricia Gaunt (PI) – Merck Animal Health – Determination of the strain, dose and administration route of Aeromonas hydrophila to Catfish for a challenge, a pilot study. -- $24,885 Larry Hanson (PI), Mark Lawrence (Co-PI) – Ralco Nutrition, Inc. – Determination of Essential Oils Effects Against White Spot Syndrome Virus Infectivity and AHPND –Causing Strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- $6,678 Henry Wan (PI) – USDA APHIS – Risk Assessment of Emerging AvianOrigin Swine Influenza Viruses -- $125,400

Russell Carr (PI), Bindu Nanduri (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Determining the Changes in Gene Expression Responsible for Altered Social Behavior in Adolescent Rats Exposed Developmentally to Compounds that alter function of the Endocannabinoid System.

-- $10,000 Attila Karsi (PI), Hossam Abdelhamed (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Development of an Edwardsiella Ictaluri Hfq Mutant as a Potential Live Vaccine Strain -- $10,000

Janice Chambers (PI) – National Institute of Health – Brainpenetrating Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators for Several Organophosphates – Year 3 supplement -- $866,375

Matt Griffin (PI), David Wise (Co-PI), Terry Greenway (Co-PI), Lester Khoo (Co-PI), Chuck Mischke (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Biological Control of Proliferative Gill Disease in Catfish Aquaculture -- $10,000.

James Ryan Butler (Co-PI), Avery Cooley (Co-PI), Andrew Claude (Co-PI) – National Institute of Health – Development of an Osteochondral Xenograft for Articular Cartilage Repair -- $33,733

Larry Hanson (PI), Lora Petrie-Hanson (Co-PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – Potential of Botulinum Neurotoxin E to Compromise Channel Catfish Phagocyte Function -- $10,000

George Howell (PI) – National Institute of Health – Effects of Organochlorine Pesticide Exposure on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes -- $435,046

Lora Petrie-Hanson (PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – The Role of Macrophages in Innate Immune System Memory of Teleost -$10,000

Linda Detwiler (PI) – USDA APHIS – National Public Veterinary Careers Internship/Externship Program 2016/2017 -- $110,000

Lesya Pinchuk (PI) – MSU CVM ORGS – T Cell-mediated Immune Responses to Live Attenuated Edwardsiella ictaluri Vaccines in Channel Catfish -- $10,000

Janice Chambers (PI) – FMC Corporation – Metabolism of Malathion/Malaoxon and Dimethoate/Omethoate by Human and Rat Hepatic Microsomes -- $115,000

BY KAREN TEMPLE TON PEGASUS PRESS | FALL 2016

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this conference, I met up with Dr. David Smith, now the Hall-Davis Professor of Beef Cattle Health and Reproduction at MSU-CVM, who was at the time working at the University of Nebraska. We started to discuss this problem of respiratory disease in calves before weaning.”

When cattle producers and farmers are seeking solutions to address the difficult health concerns in their producers’ herds, they often turn to Dr. Amelia Woolums, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine professor, for her expertise and advice.

Woolums’s experience in large animal medicine, particularly with cattle, have made her a valuable resource to those throughout the United States who seek answers to health concerns with their herds.

The problem of respiratory disease in calves before weaning, sometimes called “summer pneumonia,” is an impactful one, especially in the West, where cattle producers tend to have large herds. Woolums and Smith and their collaborators have found that certain management practices that lead to calves being grouped closely together can be associated with summer pneumonia. One such practice is estrus synchronization of the mother cows.

An internship opportunity at Kansas State University immediately following her graduation from Purdue University proved to be especially impactful for Woolums. It was an experience that ignited her interest in working with large animal medicine and set her on a path to focus her work and research interests specifically on solving primary health problems for cattle producers. A subsequent residency in large animal internal medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatchewan, where she conducted a study on bovine respiratory syncytial virus, further confirmed that her research interests and desires were to work with large animals.

“When cows are treated for synchronization, calves have to be separated temporarily in their own group, which may increase the spread of respiratory viruses and bacteria among the calves,” Woolums said.

Woolums’s work has taken her from the West coast to East coast, giving her experience working with cattle producers and farmers to help solve herd health problems in different geographic locations.

She recalls a particular American Association of Bovine Practitioners Conference in which an informal gathering ensued, primarily of researchers and veterinarians in private practice, and the topic of immune respiratory issues in calves was raised.

“One veterinarian in particular asked why calves out on pasture with their mothers during the summer get respiratory disease. And I found that to be a fascinating question,” Woolums said. “Soon after

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

When many calves are born at the same time, it can be a costly and time-consuming problem for cattle producers, and solutions to it can provide benefits to both animals and cattle producers.

Woolums described this process as one that is similar to day care.

Day care often brings young children in close proximity to one another, opening up opportunities for sickness to pass quickly from one child to another. Similarly, young calves brought in close proximity to one another provided a fertile ground for infection to spread.

Estrus synchronization may also contribute to summer pneumonia outbreaks because it leads to many calves being born over a relatively short period of time; thus they all reach the age of susceptibility to pneumonia at the same time.

Woolums joined the faculty at MSU-CVM in July 2015. Prior to coming to MSU-CVM, Woolums was on faculty at the University

of Georgia for more than fifteen years, where she first gained experience working with cattle in the Southeastern part of the United States.

“There are notable differences between cattle producers and farmers in the West and those in the Southeast region,” Woolums said. “In the Southeast, farms and herds tend to be much smaller than those in the West. Thus, these farms have different needs compared to ones in the West.”

Dr. Bill Epperson, head of the MSU-CVM Pathobiology and Population Medicine Department noted that Woolums’s research focuses on primary health problems for cattle producers, a problem that he says is particularly relevant to the Southeastern United States.

“We have a quality cadre of epidemiologists and Dr. Woolums compliments those skills by bringing microbiology and medicine into the picture,” Epperson said.

Woolums’s has also enjoyed the opportunity to incorporate veterinary students at MSU-CVM into her research in the hopes that they, too, will catch the excitement that she shares working with cattle.

“Students have two main opportunities for exposure to my work and research interests. One is through the Summer Research Experience program here, and the other is through their food animal rotation during their third year as a veterinary student,” Woolums said.

Three students worked under Woolums for their 2016 Summer Research Experience program. Students working with Woolums for this program were exposed to the expertise the she holds in the areas of infectious disease and immunology in cattle, and they also gained valuable research and presentation skills.

“Dr. Woolums is a magnet for students and it is great that so many students want to do summer research projects with her,” Epperson said. “Undoubtedly, she makes it rewarding and fun, and even a little exciting.”

B Y K AT I E T I M M E R M A N

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BY KAREN TEMPLE TON When George Gomez of Stamford, Connecticut returned home from his U.S. Marine Corps deployment in Iraq, he felt out of place and restless. As the case with many U.S. military personnel, he was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and desperately needed to find a road to recovery.

On a Mississippi road, more than 1,000 miles away, a puppy, later named Dollie, was abandoned with her siblings. They were covered with fleas and ticks, malnourished, and left with a pile of dog food and no real hope of survival.

Sheila Clifton, a regular volunteer for Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Homeward Bound Project, found the litter of puppies and immediately got them the care they needed.

She also contacted the logistical director for Homeward Bound, Terri Snead, and they made plans to get the puppies healthy and transported to homes.

The Homeward Bound Project began when three MSU veterinary students noticed an imbalance between the large supply of adoptable dogs in the South and a continuing high demand in the Northeast. They went on to create the first successful transport program developed, maintained and operated by veterinary students. The program takes adoptable puppies and young adult dogs from overcrowded southern shelters and transports them to adoption-guaranteed shelters in Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York. The shelter directors choose animals based on photos and descriptions emailed by Homeward Bound.

“Dollie was scheduled to be transported with her siblings, but a skin lesion eliminated her from being eligible, so I took her home to foster her until she was ready,” said Snead, who is also an MSU-CVM food animal veterinary technician. “The plan was to get her healthy and then she’d go north to soon be adopted.”

Snead cared for Dollie, ensured her veterinary care, and continued to socialize her.

“A friend of mine who kept Dollie for a short time while I traveled told me, ‘you know, this is your dog, Terri,’” Snead said. “And I really loved Dollie, but I just had a nagging feeling that there was something else in the cards for her.”

In Connecticut, Gomez was going to regular appointments at the Veteran’s Affairs office near his home and one day noticed a “Pets for Vets” flyer hanging in the lobby.

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EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

“I decided to reach out to them,” he said. “I had just tried to adopt a dog a few weeks earlier, but the owner’s son decided to keep the dog.

I was so bummed. I saw the flyer as a sign.”

Pets for Vets places adoptable, well-socialized animals with veterans, many of them suffering from P.T.S.D. The program receives dogs from local shelters, one of which is Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue – a shelter to which Homeward Bound transports puppies for adoption.

“Just before Dollie was scheduled to go to Connecticut, the director at ROAR told me they wanted to evaluate her for possible adoption through Pets for Vets,” Snead said. “I knew she’d be perfect for the program. She was a great age – in between puppy and adult. And she comes close to being the perfect dog. She is tail-wagging, friendly, active, non-reactive to other dogs and situations, and isn’t needy.”

Allyson Dotson, director of ROAR, said it was immediately clear that Dollie was the perfect fit for Gomez.

“After meeting Dollie and assessing her temperament we decided that she could go into the Pets for Vets foster program to prepare her for adoption,” Dotson said. “Dollie just learned so quickly and so well that the foster family made a quick determination that she could be placed with George and his family.”

Dollie was presented to Gomez and his family and they renamed her Trinity.

“There were no adjustments for any of us, she just quickly became part of the family,” Gomez said.

Gomez and his family live in an apartment in downtown Stamford and Trinity accompanies him during most of his day. She stays calm despite the noise of traffic and people around her and provides the companionship that keeps Gomez feeling well-adjusted and confident.

“Her compassion and loyalty to me is so rewarding, and so therapeutic,” he said. “When I feel an episode coming on that makes me feel like I want to burst because I’m annoyed or upset, she comes up to me and her eyes, her innocence calms me. I’ll just lay with her on the floor and it’s just so soothing.”

Gomez said Trinity’s compassion has improved his quality of life significantly and he is helping encourage other veterans to enroll in the Pets for Vets Program.

When I feel an episode that makes me feel like I want to burst because I’m annoyed or upset, she comes up to me and her eyes, her innocence calms me. I’ll just lay with her on the floor and it’s just so soothing.

“I am thankful for what the Marine Corps provided me – I grew as a man and learned so much about myself,” he said. “My deployment changed me for the better, but also, for the worse.

P.T.S.D. has made it so difficult to cope, but with Trinity, I’m getting such a better grip on it.”

“Long before Sheila Clifton found Homeward Bound, she was picking up discarded puppies and providing them veterinary care and placing them in homes. She paid for all of it out of her own pocket,” Snead said. “I’m thankful she found Dollie and that we could work together to bring the best possible outcome. If I had to pick one word to describe Dollie it would be just as I describe Sheila – kind.”

While Dollie, now Trinity, was abandoned on the side of the road in Mississippi, Gomez felt halted and helpless on his path in Connecticut. But through generosity and teamwork, their roads eventually led to each other.

Photo: Pictured at a “Stand for the Troops” recent event are (left to right) Tony Cataldo, who fostered Trinity before her adoption, Allyson Dotson ROAR director, Gomez and his wife Claudia with their daughter Genesis. (Photo submitted)

Snead credits the kindness of volunteers, like Clifton, for helping not only homeless pets, but also people like Gomez.

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MSU - CVM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NEW ASSOCIATE DEAN

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DR. JACK D. SMITH

February 4 - 8 The North American Veterinary Conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Alumni event will be on February 7 at 7 p.m., location TBD.

February 9 - 11 The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting at the Mill Conference Center in Starkville, Miss. Contact (662) 323-5057.

March 31 - April 1 MSU-CVM Annual Open House. March 31 is open for pre-registered school groups and the entire community is welcome on April 1.

Contact (662) 325-0465.

June 1 - 3 Vet Camp – Day Session, for 13-17 year-olds.

Contact (662) 325-0465.

June 7 - 11 Vet Camp – Overnight Session, for 15-17 yearolds. Contact (662) 325-0465.

EARNING RESPECT BY EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

A Mississippi State alumnus is the new associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Jack D. Smith, a board-certified theriogenologist, joined the MSU-CVM faculty in 2002 as a theriogenology resident and became an assistant professor two years later. In 2010, he was named director of clinical education.

Smith received a DVM degree from MSU in 1999. Prior to returning to the land-grant institution, he worked in private clinical practice in Georgia.

“Dr. Smith provides exemplary teaching, student success assessment and administration at our college,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, college dean.

“His expertise in assessment and curriculum was instrumental in our 2014 Council on Education accreditation process.”

Under Smith’s leadership, Mississippi’s only veterinary medical education program has implemented new student-outcomes assessment measures. In his new role, he is responsible for oversight and management of areas ranging from student recruitment to outcome-assessment data reporting of all veterinary graduates.

“Dr. Smith shows exceptional knowledge in student testing, advisement and veterinary college financial aid matters,” Hoblet said.

“His vision for the college and understanding of the important and nuanced layers of veterinary medical education makes him ideally suited for this leadership position.”

Smith has extensive experience on the CVM curriculum committee that works to introduce new courses and alter existing ones, all with the goal of keeping student training ahead of the professional curve in veterinary medicine education.

In addition to being selected for the campus Office of Research and Economic Development’s Fred Tom Mitchell Faculty Leadership Program, he is a past participant of the Association of American Veterinary Colleges of Veterinary Medicine’s Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Smith was elected secretary for the American College of Theriogenologists, as well as to the board of directors for the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association.

BY KAREN TEMPLE TON

CVM NOTES STUDENT NEWS

NEWS FACULT Y & STAFF NEWS

Second year DVM student Robert Stenger was awarded a 2016 American Embryo Transfer Association student scholarship to participate in their 2016 annual convention.

Drs. Kimberly Woodruff (DVM, MSU 2005) and Cooper Brookshire (DVM, MSU 2010) are new diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

Kayla Alexander, first year DVM student, was named a Morris Animal Foundation 2016 Veterinary Scholar. The scholarship will go toward her research project: an investigation to further develop the understanding of the physiological effects of the immunosuppressive agent, mycophenolate mofetil, as implicated in the treatment of common canine immune-mediated disorders.

Dr. Lane Johnson (DVM, MSU 2011) is now a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiology and Analgesia.

2 LT in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and second year DVM student Kelly McCormick was recommissioned at the college this summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network was selected to receive the Abraham Lincoln Honor Award from the Secretary of Agriculture. Dr. Lanny Pace was on the NAHLN’s Coordinating Council at the time of nomination and was invited to Washington, D.C. to join the team in receiving the award.

Steve Dezell, a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Toxicology program studying with MSU-CVM’s Dr. Jan Chambers, was promoted from Air Force Major to Lieutenant Colonel. The ceremony took place at MSU-CVM and was officiated by Colonel Nathan Johnson, a Ph.D. graduate in Environmental Toxicology.

Dr. Jung Keun Lee, Dr. Jim Cooley, and graduate student Thomas Rosser published an article “Pulmonary embolization of immature Fascioloides magna causing fatal hemothorax confirmed by molecular technique in a heifer in the United States” that was featured as the cover article in the September 2016 issue of the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.

ALUMNI NEWS

NOTE TO ALUMNI:

Drs. Chase (DVM 2010) and Angela (DVM 2011) Atwood, along with daughter Addison (3), welcomed their second baby girl on February 7, 2016, Eleanor Grace (Ellie Grace) Atwood.

Dr. Rivka Shoulson (DVM 2007) achieved diplomate status with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Dr. Shoulson is the Associate Director for the Institute of Comparative Medicine at Columbia University.

Please send us your news! If you would like to share announcements such as new positions, new titles, marriages, births, deaths, or awards, please let us know. You can send your news to Katie Timmerman at katie.timmerman@msstate.edu.

Another place to keep up with your fellow graduates: On Facebook! www.facebook.com/alumnimsucvm

Dr. Tori Hall (DVM 2014) is an Epidemic Intelligence Officer with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. She will be stationed with the Minnesota Department of Health for two years in St. Paul Minnesota.

She will be focused on foodborne, waterborne, vectorborne, and zoonotic diseases.

Dr. Max Whitmire Davison (DVM 2010) married Hanna Wilson on July 9, 2016. Dr. Davidson is owner of Rolling Hills Animal Clinic in Pontotoc, Miss.

OBITUARY Dr. Linda Pote, retired professor and parasitologist, passed away on September 26, 2016 in her home in Starkville. The family has asked that any memorials be made to The Hannah Pote Fund through Trinity Presbyterian Church in Starkville.

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