Vet Gazette

Dr. Terri Clark, second from left, attended the commissioning ceremony of graduating senior Makensie Anderson, third from right.

Captain Terri Clark, Chief Veterinarian for the U.S. Public Health Service was the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony on June 16th in OSU’s LaSells Stewart Center. Captain Clark encouraged the graduates of 2013 to explore the wide array of opportunities in veterinary medicine, including public health.

Prior to graduation, Dr. Clark attended the commissioning ceremony for graduating senior Makensie Anderson who will be stationed in Fort Hood, Texas on active duty in the Army Veterinary Corps. Anderson will be caring for military working dogs, ceremonial horses and mules, soldier’s pets, and Fort Hood shelter animals. “I hope to be a good veterinarian and a good soldier,” she says.

Taffy helps Lionel Snyder open her Thank You gift.

As a referral hospital, OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital sees a large number of emergency cases and that means blood transfusions are often needed. In the large animal hospital, the go-to horse for blood donations is Taffy.

Taffy is a 1,600 pound draft horse with a mellow attitude and a heart of gold. Because of her size and good health, she is able to give a lot of blood without feeling any effects. “She doesn’t mind a bit,” says farm manager Lionel Snyder. “And she has a blood-type that works with many horses.”

In early June, Barbara Ellison had to rush her mare Corey to OSU vet hospital when post-partum bleeding could not be stemmed. By the time she arrived, Dr. Melissa Esser had hooked up Taffy and acquired enough blood to start an immediate transfusion.

An ultrasound revealed that Corey had suffered vaginal tearing. The bleeding was stopped and she was put on antibiotics and IV fluid. “She was bleeding out and Taffy saved her,” says Ellison. Corey recovered and is doing fine.

To show her appreciation, Ellison and the staff of Wild Turkey Farms in Wilsonville, brought Taffy her very own bag of wild berry horse treats. According to Snyder, Taffy really, really likes to eat so it was the perfect gift.

Lena DeTar has accepted the first CVM Residency in Shelter Medicine. The residency is a partnership between the College and the Oregon Humane Society and will enable DeTar to pursue a Master’s in Comparative Health Sciences while working on clinical rotation at the OHS Animal Medical Learning Center and on specialty rotation at the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

DeTar has three years of experience as staff veterinarian at the Arizona Humane Society and the Humane Society of Utah, as well as a long-standing interest in shelter medicine.

Supported by a $150,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund, the residency requires extensive participation in national shelter medicine networks including training, continuing education, and development activities. DeTar will also be completing a research project in shelter medicine.

Maddie’s Fund is a family foundation endowed by the founder of Wordkay and PeopleSoft, Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl,  with the goal of achieving a no-kill nation by providing solutions to the most challenging issues facing the animal welfare community.

Dr. Marilyn Waters presents Kimberly Bruce with the Class of 1997 scholarship. The award, which continues to be supported by members of the class of ’97, is given to a student who has actively promoted the College and the profession of veterinary medicine.

The annual Student Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to recognize the many dedicated, high-achieving students who attend the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. It is also a great way for the students to meet and thank the generous donors who provide their scholarships.

At this year’s ceremony on May 30th, Dean Cyril Clarke welcomed 200+ parents, friends, faculty, students and donors, while Associate Dean Sue Tornquist acted as master of ceremonies. More than $250,000 in scholarships were awarded.

View slideshow.

Rama, a 30-year-old Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo, has tested positive for tuberculosis, the first ever instance of the disease in the zoo’s herd.

The zoo routinely tests all its elephants for TB by taking an annual trunk culture as part of its comprehensive health program and in compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.

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