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College of Veterinary Medicine Advance Newsletter

How These Scientists’ Work Will Improve Health and Save Lives Around the World

Last month the Hollywood movie Contagion showed the fear, devastation, and social chaos caused by a fast-spreading, airborne virus for which there is no cure. While the pandemic in the film is fictional, the newly emerging disease—Nipah virus—is not. » More ...

Education Innovators: WSU’s Commitment to Training the Country’s Best Veterinarians

Students in a room with a volunteer client.
“Here’s what I’ll do,” said long-time client John Vanderhorn to the student working in a veterinary clinic. The doctor was out of the office for a few minutes and Mr. Vanderhorn needed medicine for his cow. But the doctor had said nothing about it to the student. “Since the doc didn’t leave a note, I’ll just go back there and get the medicine myself,” said Mr. Vanderhorn. “That way you won’t be responsible. I’ll even sign something.” In a calm voice, Angela*, who is really a second year WSU veterinary student, says she will look again for a note. She then comes out of the room to consult with her small group of classmates and veterinarian coach as the simulation goes into a time out to give the student a chance to regroup and refocus. » More ...

Radiation Treatments Give A Golden Retriever Happy Years

In the summer of 2008, while fishing near Juneau, Alaska, Dave and Eddylee Scott found a lump on the top of their 7-year old Golden Retriever’s head. They made a quick call back home to their veterinarian, Dr. Lance Campbell (’99 DVM), who advised them to take "Cassie" to a clinic in Juneau and have the lump removed. The Southeast Alaska Animal Medical Center removed the tumor—a benign multilobular tumor of the bone—but within 3 weeks the tumor returned. » More ...

WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences Joins the College of Veterinary Medicine

Standing in the lab looking at a document with students in lab coats behind them..
For the past seven years Dr. Mike Konkel, professor in the School for Molecular Biosciences, and Dr. Doug Call, professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, have been working together to find answers about how to better control some of the most serious disease causing bacteria found in our food supply. “I believe the best work comes from collaboration,” said Dr. Konkel. “The key for us is we complement each other well. We have overlapping interests, but different expertise and are willing to be flexible and accommodate each other. That’s what makes a collaboration like ours last for so many years.” » More ...

How Virtual Reality is Changing Veterinary Medicine

Drs. Fransson and Watkins looking at a screen.
In a small, windowless room, four veterinarians simultaneously tie sutures, biopsy a liver, and perform minimally invasive abdominal surgery. No, this is not a typical operating room. It is a veterinary laparoscopic training laboratory—the first of its kind in the nation. » More ...

Cancer Treatment Saves Police Service Dog

In early 2007, Corporal Tim Baulkham of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, knew something wasn't right with his partner. Police Service Dog "Jack," a black lab and 7-year veteran on the force, had been losing weight and fur, and was not his usual energetic self. After a visit to a local veterinarian, Jack was referred to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. An MRI revealed what appeared to be a very large pituitary tumor. » More ...