CUMMINGS SCHOOL REVIEW
Message from the Dean
The 2024 Review marks an important transition at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. A review looks back at our accomplishments and signals what is to come. You will find stories highlighting faculty, staff, and student accomplishments and introducing new people. We are introducing a new D.V.M. curriculum this fall and expanding our D.V.M. class size to 150 students. This will require a significant investment in people, programs, and infrastructure that will transform Cummings School. The infusion of new ideas and expertise keeps us growing and moving forward.
Through landmark research, our faculty continues to advance animal and human health in a changing world while inspiring the next generation of veterinarians and One Health scientists. To support these research efforts, we have accepted six new Ph.D. students for the fall of 2024, bringing us to 13 Ph.D. students, the largest group in over 10 years.
State-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge surgeries, and innovative treatments in our hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories continue to help 100,000 animals and their owners each year. Tufts Wildlife Clinic celebrated 40 years of work and service to our region this past year. And we continue our efforts to reduce barriers to care for many owners, working in our community and collaborating with many local governments and agencies.
Investing in our future to support society’s veterinary medicine needs is at the heart of our Strategic Vision 2030. Inside, you will read how our stakeholders and friends are investing in our faculty, student financial aid, research, outreach programs, and critical clinical infrastructure and equipment. We are extremely grateful for these investments and the trust in our programs.
Please enjoy the stories, and thank you for your support.
Alastair Cribb, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Dean
Henry and Lois Foster Professor
COVER PHOTO: Rea Samuels, Client Services Coordinator at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals, encourages Oliver, a 5-year-old pit bull, with treats during his chemotherapy session.
FRONT
Photo: Jeff Poole
Launching a New D.V.M. Curriculum
ONE OF THE FOUR PILLARS
guiding Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine’s Strategic Vision 2030 is Exceptional Education:
Cummings School will be a dynamic learning environment providing accessible education that prepares students and advanced trainees to collectively have a profound impact in veterinary medicine and One Health.
When considering how to achieve this goal, our faculty recognized that, as the veterinary profession and our world continue to evolve, an updated D.V.M. curriculum, along with other changes and enhancements in our program, was required to best serve our students and, through them, society.
Creating a new curriculum is challenging. We wanted to build on the strengths of our existing curriculum, incorporate advances in pedagogy, ensure an inclusive, accessible program, and capitalize on the unique aspects of our region and our history.
Across the first three years, the new program will challenge students to
develop clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills early on, employing these thematic threads: Foundations of Health and Disease; Clinical Relevance; Clinical Skills and Communication; Diversity and Professional Perspectives; Veterinary Medicine, Animals, and Society; and Research Relevance.
Additionally, rewarding extracurricular activities—including community outreach, international experiences, experiential selectives, and research opportunities—will continue as part of the broader D.V.M. programming. Students will learn and develop the extensive competencies necessary to pursue the range of careers available through veterinary medicine and a foundational veterinary sciences education.
During the 15 months of clinical and practical rotations, students receive primary care experience in companion animals, including zoological companion animals, large animals, and wildlife; advanced rotations in diverse veterinary specialties; exploration of spectrum of care concepts; and extensive elective time that allows students to build their program.
Award-Winning Students
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
Veterinary Student Research Fellowship
Eleanor Kharasch, V25
Courtney Wallner, V25
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and the Zoetis Foundation
Veterinary Student Scholarship Program
Janelle Answer, V26
Claire Armstrong, V25
Rabia Javaid, V25
Cassaundra Lang, V25
Hyo Rhim Lee, V26
Aria Stewart, V26
Massle Thach, V26
American Kennel Club®
Veterinary Outreach Scholarships
Dr. Diana Chan, V24
Dr. Jamie Wells, A20, V24
Eleanor Kharasch (left) and Courtney Wallner.
Dr. Diana Chan received an AKC® Scholarship for the third consecutive year. She is pictured with her late dog, Alice.
Dr. Jamie Wells earned an AKC Scholarship for conducting research on brachycephalic dogs and their respiratory issues.
Exceptional Education
Aria Stewart presented her project, “Development and Optimization of a Human Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) Specific PCR Assay for Use in New World Primates,” at Cummings School’s Veterinary Research Day.
American Veterinary Medicine Association
Annual Animal Welfare and Assessment Contest—Veterinary
First place, individual live scenario assessment
Sara Pantel, A15, VG21, V26
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
Compassionate Care Scholarship
Aria Stewart, VG20, V26
Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship
Michelle Mounier, V26
Sara Pantel.
Photos: Alonso Nichols, Diana Chan, Riley Burke, Hannah Herrgesell, Jeff Poole
PetSmart Charities
Steve Marton Veterinary Student Scholarship
Dr. Hannah McCarthy, V24
Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE)
Dr. Hannah McCarthy relaxes at home with one of her seven pets.
Valerie Bates Humanitarian Award, Dr. Diana Chan, V24.
Dr. George P. Faddoul Award, Dr. Elise Westervelt, V24.
Frank Zak, D.V.M., Food Animal Medicine Award, Dr. Rebecca Tirabassi, V24.
Dr. Four Foot/Dr. Two Foot Scholarship, Dr. Caitlyn Splaine, V24.
E. and S. Windsor Scholarship, Dr. Claire Brunner, V24.
A Public Health Advocate
MEERA GATLIN, D.V.M, V16, MG16 (M.P.H.), director of Cummings School’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health (D.V.M./M.P.H.) dual-degree program, sees the opportunities for students who couple a D.V.M. with an M.P.H. degree. “I think it opens up a lot more doors … whether you’re going into industry, government, academia, or even into clinical practice, internships and residencies, and board certification,” shares Gatlin.
“ What I love about public health is you start to extrapolate a better understanding of health and science from an individual level to a population. As veterinarians, we think about how we go from an individual animal to human and animal populations. We make, then show the world, the connections that we’ve made. That’s what this program is about.”
Photos: Cassaundra Lang, Jeff Poole, Hannah McCarthy
Dr. Meera Gatlin.
Ready to Launch
GRADUATES OF THE Master of Science in Conservation
Medicine (MCM) program assume myriad roles to tackle urgent environmental issues across the globe through a One Health approach. Stephanie Brinez, VG21, is conserving urban bat populations in Miami, a position she landed as a result of an externship. Epidemiologist Madison Evans, VG20, assisted residents through the COVID-19 pandemic with the Delaware Division of Public Health. And Paula Castaño, VG12, helps to restore ecosystems on the Galapagos Islands.
In addition to finishing a yearlong, self-directed case study project for the program, where skills are applied on a topic of interest, students also complete an immersive externship at a location of their choice, helping to gain experience, make connections, and possibly chart a course for their future.
“Tackling world problems, with an understanding that the health of animals, humans, and the environment are all connected, intrigued me,” shares Susana Gonzalez, VG22.
Nicole St. Clair Knobloch, VG24 (MCM), collects seal scat on Cape Cod for disease research during her externship through Cummings School’s Runstadler Lab.
Exploring the Possibilities
PH.D. STUDENT VICTORIA PRIMAVERA is studying COVID19 and tuberculosis in Tufts New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (RBL) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine while pursuing her degree.
“Cummings School was one of the few places that offered opportunities to continue Animal Biosafety Level 3 work,” says Primavera. Thrilled to dive into research under the co-mentorship of Drs. Saul Tzipori and Amanda Martinot, much of Primavera’s work to date has been centered on the validation of mouse and hamster models for COVID-19, as well as the optimization of virology and immunological assays.
Primavera is eager to delve deeper into her research while she decides what path to take after earning her degree. “I am hoping to start digging into the impact of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, like site-specific tissue-resident memory cells and how the mucosa spatially dictates immunological response to vaccination, therapeutics, and disease,” she explains. T-cells, a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes, help one’s immune system fight germs and provide protection from disease.
Ph.D. student Victoria Primavera.
Photos: Miriam Boronczyk, Lisa Sette
MAPPing a Bright Future
THE MASTER OF Science in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program is one of a kind. Other programs may study animals through a theoretical or academic lens, but no other program is based at a veterinary school and focuses on improving animal policy.
MAPP graduates find many career paths by which to help animals and people. Some pursue law school, a Ph.D., or veterinary medicine, but most graduates work at animal shelters, animal and environmental protection nonprofits, university offices that enforce regulatory compliance in the use of lab animals, and government.
“The MAPP program originated as part of an effort to professionalize the field of animal advocacy. Being at a veterinary school, the program is science-focused and places its students within a community dedicated to helping animals,” says Emily McCobb, D.V.M., DACVAA, V00, VG02.
a crocodile leather shoe confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents.
Photos: Malaya Franden, Jeff Poole
Helene Flittie, VG23 (MAPP) (left), and Becca White, VG23 (MAPP), are pictured with
Commencement 2024
THIRTEEN STUDENTS EARNED a Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy, 20 received an M.S. in Conservation Medicine, and seven secured an M.S. in Infectious Disease and Global Health. Lauren K. Borkenhagen was the recipient of a Doctor of Philosophy, 91 students earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, four received dual D.V.M./Master of Science in Laboratory Animal Medicine, three received dual D.V.M./Master of Public Health degrees, and four students secured a postgraduate certificate in International Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Rebecca Sawyer Tirabassi, V24, was selected by her peers to give the D.V.M. class address. “Class of 2024— we made it! This class is generous with their time and knowledge. If one of us was going to graduate, we all were going to graduate,” said Tirabassi.
Lois Wetmore, D.V.M., S.D., DACVAA, gave the D.V.M. faculty address. She noted three things that have sustained her over the past 40 years in veterinary medicine—be curious, do kind things for others, and forgive yourself. “Being curious means you are full of possibility,” she said. “It makes you a better listener, helps you let go of implicit bias that we all struggle with, and helps you be a better learner. It changes how you think and practice and makes you confident.”
New Professor Emerita Angeline Warner, D.V.M., D.Sc., DACVIM, reflects on her career and time at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Master’s students line up for a photo at Cummings School’s 42nd Commencement.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Reflections from the Class of 2024
“I am so grateful to have spent the last four years at Cummings School. It was my dream school, and it really was like a dream. The faculty and staff are exceptional, and I thank them for the doctor I am becoming. Our campus in Grafton will hold a special place in my heart.”
—Dr. Kaitlin Amara, V24
“One of my favorite memories was with Dr. Jennifer Grady, V12, at Tufts at Tech. I was spaying a 10-year-old bulldog mix that also needed a mass removal. Dr. Grady told me she felt confident in my skills and let me spay the dog on my own while she and another student worked on the mass removal. I felt so empowered and supported after performing that surgery. I have since carried that sense of confidence with me for the rest of my rotations.”
—Dr. Jacqueline Guezille, V24
“I’m so grateful to the loon necropsy community created by Dr. Mark Pokras, V84, and the anesthesia community led by Dr. Lois Wetmore. They are two of the most welcoming and encouraging faculty, and I owe my successes in veterinary school to them.”
—Dr. Jillian Hojsak, V24
“My vet school experience would not have been the same without Dr. David Lee-Parritz, V83. He is a fantastic mentor and professor and is so incredibly supportive. I know I will stay in contact with him far beyond vet school and can always count on him.”
—Dr. Hannah Prutchi, V24
“I’m grateful to Dr. Melissa Mazan, V93, for her support with my thesis and for her strong mentorship. I am glad to have participated in on-campus research, and it is incredibly meaningful to now have that research published. I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Mazan’s guidance and encouragement.”
Dr. Tyler-Jane Robins, V24
“I have learned how much support you need to succeed in veterinary medicine and have found overwhelming support here. The education I have obtained at Cummings School makes me confident that I will make a positive impact in the veterinary community.”
—Dr. Kyle Rogers, V24
“My favorite experience at Cummings School was working at Tufts at Tech. It was my very first clinical rotation, and it was where I started to feel like a doctor. Seeing my first real patients on my own, performing surgery, and communicating with owners as the primary clinician were exciting and invaluable experiences that gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in the rest of my clinical year and beyond.”
—Dr. Katherine Wagner, V24
Photos: Jeff Poole
Dr. Carlos Pinto Named Inaugural Dorrance H. Hamilton Professor in Applied Reproductive Medicine
“THERIOGENOLOGY, AN ANIMAL reproductive medicine specialty, has numerous applications and different goals depending on the type of animal and its purpose,” says Carlos Pinto, Med.Vet., Ph.D., DACT, newly installed Dorrance H. Hamilton Professor in Applied Reproductive Medicine and chair of the Department of Ambulatory Medicine and Theriogenology.
Pinto is committed to continuing the work of Dorrance H. Hamilton, the philanthropist for whom his professorship is named and founder of the Swiss Village Farm Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the genetics of rare and endangered breeds of cattle and small ruminants by cryopreserving sperm and embryos, blood, and other tissues. “She was a visionary,” he says.
“One of our goals is to strategize with the researchers at the Smithsonian to continue the vision that Ms. Hamilton had when she provided resources for this project,” says Pinto. “One approach would be to utilize some of these samples to repopulate these rare breeds or to monitor their populations and make sure they don’t risk becoming extinct.”
In his role as department chair, Pinto is working with the faculty to ensure they have support to fulfill their missions in clinical work, teaching duties, and research goals. He will also teach courses in reproductive medicine
and apply his specialized skills to aid advanced assisted reproduction, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and other advanced embryo technologies.
“Teaching is dear to my heart,” he says. “It’s what keeps the profession advancing. When I see someone becoming a competent veterinarian or see some of them go further and choose a specialty or become researchers, I think that’s so rewarding.”
Pinto hopes to inspire more veterinary students to join the specialty of theriogenology, or animal reproductive medicine, which is an important part of successful animal conservation, a healthy food supply, and more.
Dr. Carlos Pinto, Chair, Department of Ambulatory Medicine and Theriogenology.
Dr. Cheryl London Named Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors
CHERYL
LONDON, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM (Oncology), V90, Anne Engen and Dusty Professor in Comparative Oncology and associate dean for research and graduate education, has been named a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors.
London has ongoing collaborations as well as several projects with industry partners that include immunooncology studies in the setting of osteosarcoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and soft tissue sarcoma that involve spontaneous cancer in dogs. London studies novel strategies aimed at altering the tumor microenvironment and utilizing unique small molecule and immunotherapy combinations.
Photos: Jeff Poole
Dr. Cheryl London, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education.
Welcoming New Faculty
ATTRACTING
VETERINARY SCHOLARS and practitioners who can engage and inspire our students ensures that future Cummings School graduates are prepared to enter the profession ready for anything. Faculty expertise also elevates client care and problem-solving research. Meet our newest faculty.
Dr. Julia Berger.
Dr. Adrienne Haley.
Dr. Noa Berlin, VR21.
Dr. Yi-Pin Lin.
Dr. Celina Morimoto.
Dr. Miriam Talaat, VR06.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Ali Williams, Stephan Salon, Thiago Muller, Lois Wetmore, Morgan Coley, Valerie Slimskey
Dr. Emily Brinker.
Dr. Jackie Lee Graber.
Dr. Laurence Sawyer, V99.
Dr. Fabio Rosa.
Dr. Alice Levy.
Dr. Ekele Ikpegbu.
Dr. India Napier, V20.
Around Campus
1. Adel Molnar, CVT, M.S., a veterinary technician at Tufts Wildlife Clinic, tends to a Canada goose patient.
2. Dr. Lawrence Sawyer, V99, led students and staff at Cummings School’s Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic to spay and neuter a booming feral cat population this past spring. Patients also received a thorough examination and vaccinations.
3. For more than 30 years, Cummings School’s Adventures in Veterinary Medicine program has connected middle and high school students with veterinary students and faculty to build mentoring relationships and encourage the next wave of veterinary professionals.
4. Students present their summer research projects during Veterinary Research Day.
5. Dr. Melissa Mazan, V93, and students sitting outside the Agnes Varis Campus Center discuss a large animal case.
6. Dr. David Hernke, V08, leads students from Tufts Veterinary Field Service on a working visit to Fairholm Farm in Woodstock, Connecticut, to learn about the care of dairy cows.
7. Staff and students at Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic examine a cat by ultrasound.
8. Tufts University comfort dog Hayley and her handler, Tufts University Police Officer Jessica Brandon, visited Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals for a checkup with Dean Alastair Cribb and D.V.M. student Victoria Perez, V26.
Photos: Jeff Poole
Tufts Wildlife Clinic Turns 40
THIS PAST YEAR, Maureen Murray, D.V.M., DABVP, V03, director of Tufts Wildlife Clinic and the Gabriel and Valerie Schmergel Term Director in Wildlife Medicine, stood outside the Shalin Liu Healing Cage preparing to release a juvenile peregrine falcon back into the wild.
For Murray, the excitement of releasing an animal never gets old. As she watched the young bird fly off, she reflected on how far the clinic has come since it started 40 years ago.
The idea began in 1983 with Albert M. Jonas, D.V.M., founding dean of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, who wanted to launch a wildlife clinic. In addition to Murray, leadership has included founding director Charles Sedgewick, D.V.M.; Mark Pokras, D.V.M.,
V84 (1995–2008); and Florina Tseng, D.V.M. (2008–2020).
The clinic, located in the Bernice Barbour Wildlife Medicine Building since 2001, is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a regional facility for the care of federally threatened and endangered species.
Over the years, the clinic has treated and rehabilitated many different types of animals while publishing groundbreaking research and teaching the next generation of veterinary professionals. Cummings School is unique among veterinary schools in being the only one with a required rotation in wildlife medicine for all fourthyear students.
Dr. Maureen Murray and Tufts Wildlife Clinic staff examine a bear cub that was treated for a fracture of her right femur after being hit by a car.
“The level of care provided by Tufts Wildlife Clinic is made possible in large part due to the generous support of donors like Shalin Liu, who recently committed to establishing the Shalin Liu Professorship in Wildlife Medicine,” says Alastair Cribb, D.V.M., Ph.D., FCAHS, dean of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “We are grateful for her philanthropy over the years, and we want to take this occasion to acknowledge the important contributions of our many generous donors.”
In 1986, the Wildlife Clinic treated 522 patients. In 2019, the clinic treated 4,410 patients—to date, the most patients ever in a year. The growth is due in part to a greater public awareness of the clinic as a resource. The clinic has long relied on volunteer support, and the volunteer program has grown into a robust opportunity for community members to participate in the clinic’s many responsibilities, such as feeding animals and cleaning enclosures.
According to Murray, “The clinic’s work on behalf of wildlife over the past 40 years would not have been possible without donors, volunteers, collaborators, and all the caring people who have taken time out of their day to transport an animal in need of help to us. We’re looking forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.”
Dr. Maureen Murray prepares to release a juvenile peregrine falcon back into the wild.
Study First to Find Exposure to Neurotoxic Rodenticide Bromethalin in Birds of Prey
Tufts Wildlife Clinic Director Dr. Maureen Murray has been researching rodenticide exposure in birds of prey for years. Her new research shows that, in addition to anticoagulant rodenticides, another type of rodent poison can bioaccumulate in hawks and owls.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Whitney Stiehler
SheVax+ Project Provides African Women Farmers with Access to Livestock Vaccines
ABOUT 400 MILLION WOMEN globally keep livestock as a source of income. Each year, millions of women suffer financial losses when livestock diseases infect their animals. Yet some of these diseases, such as Newcastle disease (NCD) in chickens and Rift Valley fever (RVF) in goats, sheep, and cows, are preventable with vaccines.
The problem, according to Hellen Amuguni, Ph.D., VG11, associate professor at Cummings School, has to do with gender disparities and limited access to animal health information and livestock vaccines.
Access to veterinary vaccines has been shown to improve both human and animal health through more productive livestock, better livelihoods for women, and improved well-being and food security for their families. But in some countries, cultural gender roles and power dynamics
mean that women are less likely than men to get access to vaccines.
Amuguni is one of the principal investigators of the SheVax+ action research project, “Hearing Their Voices, Action Research to Support Women’s Agency and Empowerment in Livestock Vaccine Distribution, Delivery, and Use,” that aims to empower African women smallholder livestock farmers and help them benefit from livestock vaccines as entrepreneurs and livestock owners. The SheVax+ project spans Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where 75% to 90% of small-scale poultry farmers are women, whose livestock is frequently decimated by NCD and RVF.
“One of our biggest focuses was empowering rural women and creating a group of allies who can provide support to ensure the project is sustainable,” says Amuguni. “We
Women smallholder farmers with their poultry in rural Africa.
worked with the local women and community leaders and moved the project into their hands in such a way that even when we are leaving, the project is not ending. We created a system and a network—including government regulators, vaccine distributors, veterinarians, and agrovet owners—that will support our women smallholder farmers and animal health service providers (AHSPs) going forward.”
SheVax+ represents a collaboration between Tufts University and Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) together with their implementing institutions: Makerere University, University of Nairobi, and University of Rwanda. It is funded by the Livestock Vaccine Innovation Fund, a partnership between Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Global Affairs Canada, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In the end line analysis, 80% of the women smallholder livestock farmers in SheVax+ communities have been able to vaccinate their chickens against NCD. More than 70% of rural communities can now access AHSPs. There is an increase in access to goat vaccines from less than 10% to more than 50%. SheVax+ has been able to elevate the AHSPs into entrepreneurs with incomes between $50 and $300 a month.
Learn more.
Research Success 2019–2024
881
Faculty Publications
597
Grants Received
$103.9M
Total Awards
Photo:
Reinventing the Classic Animal Model
SCIENTISTS WHO STUDY human disease processes often go to great lengths to find an ideal animal model that recapitulates natural disease. Working with vector-borne diseases adds another challenge because the vector, in this case a tick, creates a unique environment during transmission that may affect disease development.
Andrea Varela-Stokes, D.V.M., Ph.D., V01, chair of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, and co-investigator and spouse John Stokes, director of the Flow Cytometry Shared Resources, recently published “Evaluating the Clinical and Immune Responses to Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in the Guinea Pig-Tick-Rickettsia System” in the Immunology section of Current Protocols e584, Volume 2.
“Our ideal goal is to change the paradigm of using the mouse as the primary model for this disease. Some of the research conducted over the last two to three decades using the mouse model did not necessarily provide data that’s really reflective of natural infections in humans,” shares Stokes.
Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes and John Stokes have published 15 papers together. They are currently studying the disease process in spotted fever rickettsiosis.
Breakthrough Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Cats
IN 2017, ORLA Mahony, M.V.B., DACVIM (SAIM) DECVIM, associate clinical professor, designed a project with her residents as a research opportunity through a proof-of-concept study to use sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to treat diabetes in cats. “We wanted to see if this SGLT2 inhibitor could lower blood glucose in diabetic cats,” says Mahony. “No research had been done with diabetes. The study, conducted with five cats, demonstrated that it lowered their glucose very effectively.” This work, “Evaluation of Bexagliflozin in Cats with Poorly Regulated Diabetes Mellitus” was published in the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research in January 2022.
Around the same time, a large clinical study was designed, aligned with the procedures necessary to seek approval of SGLT2 inhibitor treatments from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has since approved two new SGLT2 inhibitors, which are now available for treatment.
Mahony thinks it is fair to say that this is a game changer in the treatment of cats with diabetes, which is estimated to affect 0.5% to 1% of the feline population.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Stacy Johnson
Dr. Orla Mahony.
Treating Opioid Use Disorder
DECLARED A PUBLIC health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2017, the opioid crisis has led to an exponential increase in the number of individuals living with opioid use disorder.
Elizabeth Byrnes, Ph.D., professor and associate chair of Cummings School’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, is collaborating with Tufts University School of Medicine’s Emmanuel N. Pothos, Ph.D. and Northeastern University’s Barbara Waszczak, Ph.D. to advance a novel gene therapy to treat opioid use disorder. The trio has been awarded a $6.7 million joint grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Learn more.
“We’re trying to develop a nonopioid treatment that decreases drug craving because the current treatments for opioid use disorder, like methadone or suboxone, replace one opioid drug with another,” shares Byrnes.
Elizabeth Byrnes.
Human-Animal Interaction Advocate
MEGAN MUELLER, PH.D., A08, AG10, AG13, a developmental scientist, co-director of Tufts Initiative for Human-Animal Interaction (TIHAI), and associate professor, learned about the power of humananimal relationships while pursuing a Ph.D. in child study and human development.
Mueller’s next research project, supported by a significant fiveyear grant (RO1) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will be to analyze how pet dogs can support teenagers with social anxiety. The study aims to help teens develop positive lifelong habits instead of the more negative ways of coping, such as substance abuse or overuse of social media.
“Social anxiety is the most prevalent anxiety disorder and typically begins during the teenage years. We’re looking at how a pet dog can help teenagers cope with their anxiety in more productive ways,” says Mueller.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Paul Rutherford
Megan Mueller.
A New Way to Fight an Aggressive Cancer in Dogs
HEMANGIOSARCOMA IS A cancer of the cells that line blood vessels. It is a common and aggressive type of cancer that can appear in almost any breed of dog.
Heather Gardner, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM (Oncology), GBS20, studies ways to use liquid biopsy techniques to identify markers in a blood sample to detect and monitor tumors. Now, she’s applying that technique to hemangiosarcoma.
“Cells in the body, whether normal or cancerous, release tiny little snippets of DNA into circulation,” explains Gardner. “Researchers know the cancer cells have mutations in certain genes that you don’t see in normal cells. We’ll use that to try and identify whether DNA is being released into the bloodstream from cancer cells and to accurately identify the presence of small amounts of cancer.”
In addition to doing this research for the benefit of dogs, Gardner is also hoping some of the knowledge they learn can be applied to help people. In humans, this type of cancer is called angiosarcoma, but it’s much rarer in people than hemangiosarcoma is in dogs, which makes the human version harder to study.
“This time around, we’re trying to answer very specific and challenging questions with the liquid biopsy technique,” says Gardner. “We have continuously been working to find ways to improve it in a translational way that not only benefits our patients, but also hopefully can provide information to optimize approaches for a variety of cancers in people as well.”
Photo: Jake Belcher
Dr. Heather Gardner.
Cummings School Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory • Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Hospital for Large Animals • Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic
Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic • Tufts Veterinary Field Service • Tufts Wildlife Clinic
100,933
TOTAL PATIENTS CARED FOR IN FY23
30,095
8,572
1,468
1,607
3,811
3,372
48,685
166
2,276
961
Advanced CT Scanner Brings New Capabilities
A NEW COMPUTED tomography (CT) scanner has been installed at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
The scanner serves patients at Hospital for Large Animals and Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals. The new Canon Aquilion Exceed LB™ with Qalibra™ system is the only CT scanner of its kind in New England.
The scanner offers high-resolution imaging, with 160 0.5 mm-thick slices to view small structures and a large bore to accommodate horses. This updated technology enables faster imaging of patients from the smallest guinea pig to large horses. It also comes with enhanced software to improve imaging of the cardiovascular system.
While small animal patients will continue to be imaged on the usual bed, the Qalibra™ sliding gantry system moves the CT up and down in a pit to allow imaging of the lower leg, foot, head, and upper neck of sedated
horses—avoiding the need for general anesthesia. Anesthetized horses are maintained at ground level and the scanner moves over the patient, allowing a scan that is higher on the pelvic limbs and lower on the neck.
“The CT scanner establishes Cummings School as the leading diagnostic imaging center in the Northeast, greatly expanding our clinical services and research capabilities, and decreasing the risk for our equine and small animal communities.”
–Dean Alastair Cribb
Hospital veterinarians and staff learn about the new CT Scanner with a teaching horse.
Facilitating Accessible Pet Care
IN 2007, A group of students at Cummings School—led by Karen Alroy, V12, MG12 (M.P.H.), A05—started exploring the idea of conducting clinics to provide vaccines to local pets. Working with the school’s administration and the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, the group secured a grant and held its first clinic in the fall of 2008.
Today, that student initiative has become part of the co-curriculum at Cummings School. The clinics are a weekly opportunity for public and subsidized housing residents from Worcester Housing Authority and other housing agencies in Grafton and Holden to receive free health screenings and vaccinations for their pets. Overall, some 500 patients are seen annually via weekly site visits.
The program is headquartered in Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic, where staff maintain client medical records and can collaborate with colleagues at Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic. Care is provided by Cummings School’s team, consisting of volunteer veterinarians, a rotating intern, a veterinary technician, an outreach coordinator, nine second-year D.V.M. students, and a volunteer translator. The team provides physical exams, preventative care, and simple grooming, such as nail trims.
A grant from The Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare® enabled Cummings School to hire a community programs coordinator, create a paid leadership position for a student coordinator, and provide stipends to veterinarians participating in the clinics.
Emily McCobb, D.V.M., DACVAA, VG02, V00, who is now at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, led the program for years. She strongly believes
Dr. Katie Shaffert, V23, a small animal rotating intern, and veterinary student Christian Lugo-Fraga, V26, assess a small dog during a veterinary outreach clinic.
in the value of bringing these services directly to where they are needed. “Visiting people where they are, seeing where they live, and learning what they may be dealing with really impacts students, their understanding of a situation, and their compassion,” McCobb contends. “It helps them to cater a treatment recommendation that is feasible for the owner and make sure the owner can administer the treatment plan properly to care for their pet.”
Watch the video.
Photos: Jeff Poole
Trauma Expert
THE EMERGENCY AND Critical Care (ECC) department at Cummings School’s Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals is one of only five facilities worldwide certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care’s Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) as a Level I Veterinary Trauma Center (VTC).
“We have a highly developed ECC program,” says Armelle deLaforcade, D.V.M., DACVECC, V97, ECC medical director and associate professor. “We have had animals come in so severely injured that you wonder if they would have survived anywhere else. With a well-established, very proactive team and many resources available, we treat trauma 24/7.”
Through the dedicated work of a team of ECC clinicians and support staff and a commitment to serving all trauma patients with the best care, Foster Hospital for Small Animals
is one of only two VTCs to maintain its Level I status for over 10 years.
In addition to providing trauma patient care, members of the Trauma Center Network provide leadership in education and research. VTCs must enter each trauma case into a “Red Cap Registry” to contribute to ongoing education and research.
deLaforcade shares that Foster Hospital for Small Animals is a resource for clinical research in hemorrhage or hemorrhagic shock because it tends to treat more severely affected animals. “For example, there have been several studies funded by the Department of Defense in which they were looking to better understand an aspect of hemorrhagic shock in both humans and military working dogs,” she says. “Our involvement was requested because we tend to enroll more cases. We participate in a lot of interesting studies that way.”
Dr. Armelle deLaforcade.
Veterinary Student Pioneer
DR. ALISSA JAGIELSKI, V24, is the first graduate of Worcester Technical High School’s veterinary assistant program to earn a D.V.M. from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Jagielski feels that she got a head start from her Worcester Tech, volunteer, and vet tech experiences, explaining, “I had a foundational knowledge, and my vet school education built upon that.”
Greg Wolfus, D.V.M., V98, director of Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic, notes, “Alissa is paving the road for others to continue their education and training to become a veterinarian.”
“Following my Tufts at Tech experience, I’m focused on community medicine and affordable care,” Jagielski says. “There is a shelter medicine specialty, so that may also be a part of my future.”
AVECCTN Specialty Technician of the Year
THE ACADEMY OF Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN) named Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals’ Carolyn Tai, CVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM), the 2023 Specialty Technician of the Year. This award recognizes an AVECCTN member who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine, demonstrated extraordinary leadership, or impacted the field of veterinary technology through exceptional teaching and involvement.
Carolyn Tai.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Cassie Munroe
Dr. Alissa Jagielski performs a procedure during a lab at Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/ Neuter Clinic.
Collaborating on an Innovative New Surgery for Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure
THE CARDIOLOGY TEAM at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals collaborated with colleagues from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to perform an innovative new surgery—transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of mitral valve (TEER)—for dogs with congestive heart failure. Rabbit, a 12-year-old mixed-breed terrier rescue dog, was the first case here.
“The vast majority of cases of congestive heart failure are treated with medical management. This helps dogs feel better, but it’s not treating the underlying disease,” says Emily Karlin, D.V.M., DACVIM (Cardiology), V08. “TEER surgery helps fix the issue. Within a week, an ultrasound showed that Rabbit’s heart was already smaller in size.”
Cummings School’s team has since performed 15 TEER surgeries on dogs. While TEER surgery does have some inherent risks, in most cases dogs recover well, breathing better without coughing and gaining back strength.
“This is a really novel procedure that has the potential to help a lot of pets,” adds Dr. Rebecca Reader, an anesthesiologist. “We keep honing and perfecting the technique. It was a big group effort by the cardiology, anesthesiology, and surgery teams.”
Rabbit is a 12-year-old mixedbreed terrier rescue dog.
Following successful treatment of a dermatological issue, 14-year-old feline Lionel returns to Foster Hospital for a follow-up appointment.
From Despair to Elation
WHEN LIONEL, A 14-YEAR-OLD BLACK CAT, presented to Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals, his owners had come to terms with an extremely difficult decision and did not want him to suffer any longer. Lionel had long endured skin outbreaks on his face and jaw. Diet changes and medications were unsuccessful.
After examining Lionel and gathering his history, Armelle deLaforcade, D.V.M., DACVECC, V97, medical director of Foster Hospital for Small Animal’s Emergency and Critical Care unit, felt that he may have a chance with the proper care and be able to avoid euthanasia. Lionel’s owners agreed, and both Dermatology and Ophthalmology Services were consulted.
deLaforcade estimates that Foster Hospital sees nearly 100 animals each month for euthanasia. “It’s a difficult situation, because one of the things I feel strongly about, and I teach our students, is that when people have made a decision that they’re ready for end-of-life care, you shouldn’t try that hard to talk them out of it. They’re ready. But Lionel was not a typical client.”
In this case, Lionel was diagnosed with feline atopic syndrome or skin allergies. This resolved initially with oral glucocorticoid, flea and tick control, antiseptic wipes, and an antibiotic. Once the condition was in remission, the treatment included continuing flea control and oral cyclosporine as anti-allergic treatment. Lionel happily went home and responded well to treatment. His owners followed the plan and noticed improvement immediately.
Photos: Jeff Poole, Lisa Steindler
Saving Stella Through Diagnostic Imaging
STELLA, A 13-YEAR-OLD mini-dachshund/Chihuahua mix, showed a loss of appetite and an elevated white blood cell count that had progressed over 10 days to labored breathing and the development of a lump on her side. An x-ray by her vet showed Stella had swallowed a skewer. Once at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals, the Diagnostic Imaging team set to work. Stella didn’t seem fazed by the skewer, but surgeons determined it needed to be removed. A week after the surgery, Stella was feeling great.
Diagnostic imaging was a key component to the success of Stella’s case. “We are renowned for maintaining research programs that advance state-of-the-art knowledge in our profession, from clinical ultrasound in small animals to MRI in equines for diagnosis of tendon diseases. Our faculty and staff share a common desire to collaboratively teach new generations of students and radiologists the art of imaging as a critical diagnostic tool to improve the lives of our patients,” shares Mauricio Solano, M.V., DACVR, associate professor.
Photos: Megan Heil, Emily Schlake, Jeff Poole
Stella, a mini-dachshund/Chihuahua mix, is prepped for a CT scan.
Extraordinary Clinical Care
Helping Thumper
A 5-YEAR-OLD HOLLAND lop house rabbit, Thumper, presented at the Emergency and Critical Care unit at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals in distress and was quickly diagnosed with a gastric obstruction. Thumper was severely blowing his coat (shedding) regularly and had ingested too much hair, causing a blockage.
After passing an orogastric tube a few times to alleviate the distension, his blood work was concerning. “He wasn’t perfusing,” says Dr. Emily Schlake, a specialty intern in the zoological companion animal medicine service. “When this occurs in rabbits, the stomach gets so large that it blocks the blood flow to the back half of the body. They get cold, and their kidneys are not getting the blood flow needed for survival.”
Thumper, a 5-year-old Holland lop rabbit, was treated for a severe gastric obstruction.
With treatment over the next few days, Thumper improved quickly and was back to his normal self and able to return home. “If anything, he’s even better than when he went in,” shares Thumper’s owner, Debbie Mazejka. “He’s been so energetic. It was amazing to see how much the hospital staff cared about Thumper. They worked so well together.”
Over the past year and a half, Cummings School rebuilt its anatomic pathology team and restarted services with an exceptional group of four board-certified anatomic pathologists including (from left) Dr. Cornelia Peterson, Dr. Emily Brinker, Dr. Fabio Brum Rosa, and Dr. Gisela MartinezRomero (section head). Also pictured is Dr. Andrea VarelaStokes, V01, chair of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
From the Archives
Hospital for Large Animals, circa 1990s. Veterinarians and staff perform a standing sedation fetlock arthroscopy to remove a bone chip from a thoroughbred racehorse. Dr. Carl Kirker-Head (kneeling on left) assists with the scope.
Photo: Unknown creator (Office of Communications and Marketing records. Photograph and Publicity files, 1861-2016. Vet School Large Animal Hospital, 1983-2000. UA252.003.013.00039. Tufts Archival Research Center, Medford, MA.)
Alumni and Friends
Paws for Applause.
Save-the-Date
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Alumni Comeback at Cummings School’s Annual Open House Saturday, October 5, 2024
Tufts University Veterinary Alumni Association (TUVAA) Fall Meeting Thursday, October 24, 2024
Cummings School Career Fair Saturday, November 2, 2024
#TuftsGivingTuesday Tuesday, December 3, 2024 go.tufts.edu/vetgivingtuesday24
Alumni Reception at VMX (Veterinary Meeting & Expo), Orlando, FL Saturday, January 25, 2025
Alumni Reception at WVC (Western Veterinary Conference), Las Vegas, NV Monday, March 3, 2025
Photo: Dan McHugh
Dr. Mariah Lancaster, V17 2023–2024 AVMA Congressional Fellow
“To make a difference, you can either advise the decisionmakers or become a decisionmaker yourself. Veterinarians— and all scientists—have unique insights and perspectives. Our expertise is critical to public policy, and I believe it’s our moral imperative and civic duty to use it for the betterment of our communities and the entire country.”
Dr. Gail Mason, V85, VR89 Compassionate practitioner
“The best thing about Tufts was that there was not just a single way to do things.
Learning from faculty who came from various backgrounds, I got just what I wanted.”
Dr. Mariah Lancaster is serving as an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Congressional Fellow in the office of U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.).
Dr. Gail Mason performs an endoscopy with assistance from vet tech Kathi L. Smith.
Alumni in the Community
Dr. Marie-Claude Blais, an expert in veterinary hematology, with 3-yearold Dalmatian, Tokyo.
Dr. Marie-Claude Blais, VR08, Professor and director, University of Montreal Blood Bank
“I came to [Cummings School] with a love for transfusion medicine, and even though I was just a resident they were happy to learn from me and change things that they were doing. From the start, I was respected for my knowledge and fortunate to find people there willing to listen to my ideas and implement them. This inspired me to continue learning.”
Photos: Joshua Abraham, Raye Taylor, Christophe Dubé, Perian Phillips
Esther Lam, VG19 (MAPP)
Veterinary student, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Before entering veterinary school, Esther Lam, a 2019 graduate of the M.S. in Animals and Public Policy program (MAPP), co-drafted a bill for Guam with the office of Sen. Sabina Perez (D-Guam) titled the Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety (PAWS) Act. The act was unanimously passed by the Guam legislature in December 2020 and signed into law in January 2021. “I never imagined myself doing any policy work,” shares Lam, “so it felt wonderful to be a part of such a significant contribution to animal welfare in Guam.”
Esther Lam is pursuing a D.V.M. at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Marisa DeMeo, VG17 (MS-IDGH)
Scientist, Sherlock Biosciences
“Cummings School’s M.S. in Infectious Disease & Global Health (MS-IDGH) program honed in and sharpened several important professional skills for me. In scientific-based work, I am consistently using my presentation, analytical, critical thinking, and laboratory skills,” says Marisa Demeo, VG17, crediting the program with teaching her highly transferable wet lab skills, and preparing her for her current role through class presentations and scientific writing assignments.
Buckley, VG19 (MCM)
One Health research coordinator, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
A study of fishers from New Hampshire and Vermont, led by Jackie Buckley, VG19 (MCM), was published by Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in October 2023. The project, titled “High Prevalence of Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure in New England Fishers,” revealed that nearly all the animals in the study were exposed to rodenticides. “Published papers are a tangible accomplishment for universities. I wanted to complete it so future students may be able to get funding to do this,” says Buckley.
Photos: Sherlock Biosciences, Abbot, Dan Socie
Jackie
Marisa DeMeo develops diagnostic tests for Sherlock Biosciences.
Jackie Buckley gathers tissue samples from rats in Chicago to survey for zoonotic disease.
Celebrating Life and Love with a Gift to Cummings School’s Hospital for Large Animals
THE BEAUTY AND majesty of horses was a shared passion for Nady Rampelbergh-Peters and her husband, Dr. Richard Peters, of West Newbury, Massachusetts. When their horses required specialized care, they relied on the expertise of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine’s Hospital for Large Animals. Rampelbergh-Peters and her horse Nero were decorated world champions in Western dressage, a sport that relies on fluid communication between horse and rider. Rampelbergh-Peters’ leadership helped Western dressage take root and grow in New England. “She used to say, ‘This is what I live for,’” Peters recalls.
Rampelbergh-Peters’ unexpected passing in 2023 was a profound loss to those she left behind. Part of his grieving process, says Peters, is realizing that “I still have a purpose, which is to build her legacy.” In her memory, Peters made a gift to support the Hospital for Large Animals and name the Nady Rampelbergh-Peters Ward. He and Rampelbergh-Peters have also provided for Cummings School in their estate plans, and their bequest will further their support of the hospital.
“Knowing that some of our resources will help Cummings School and these beautiful animals is incredibly meaningful,” he says. The gift reflects RampelberghPeters’ dedication to animals, her love of learning, and “her generosity and compassion.” For Peters, it also brings a sense of peace. “I’ve been able to create something beautiful—something that she and I are doing together.”
Your gift assures Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine will continue to heal animals, help humans, and change lives. Thank you.
vet.tufts.edu/give
Photo: Richard Peters
Nady Rampelbergh-Peters rides Nero.
Photo: Jeff Poole