Christmas decorations pose threats to animals

By Dr. Walter Mullen
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Pet owners need to realize that Christmas decorations attract more than human eyes during the holidays, and many of those items can pose hazards to curious animals.
Holiday plants…When new plants are brought into the home, they can interest a mischievous pet. Unfortunately, some festive holiday plants can poison pets.
Several common holiday plants that are toxic to pets are poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies... read more

Holidays bring extra issues for pet owners

By Dr. Joel D. Ray Jr.
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As gifts, travel companions or left-behind loved ones, pets need special attention by responsible owners during the holidays to ensure their long-term health and happiness.  Read More...

Holidays increase food risks for pets

By Dr. Joel D. Ray Jr.
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The holiday season is a fun time for family and friends to celebrate, but it is also a time when pet owners should be aware of holiday dangers for dogs, cats and other beloved pets.  Read more...

Veterinary care extends beyond medical needs

By Linda Breazeale
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People expect veterinarians to offer quality care to their pets, but they may be surprised to discover the depth of the doctors’ concern for animals and their owners.
Dr. Joey Burt is chief of community veterinary services with Mississippi State University’s Animal Health Center. Beginning when he was in private practice in Ohio, he has felt an emotional connection with pet owners when they lost pets.  Read More...

Beef Quality Assurance Certification Meeting-Postponed - Jan 2011

 The BQA meeting for Thursday, December 9, 2010, has been postponed until January 2011.   More details to follow. 

Next BQA Certification meeting:
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010
West Point Stockyards
Clay County
Meal 6:00pm Program 6:30pm

PDF announcement

The BQA meeting for Thursday, December 9, 2010, has been postponed until January 2011.   More details to follow. 

Retired military dog visits CVM for care

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Lex, a U.S. Marine Corps bomb-sniffing dog who lost his handler in Iraq, is getting help facing the challenges of aging with war injuries.
Lex was injured in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Fallujah that killed his handler, Cpl. Dustin Lee of Quitman. Lee’s parents, Jerome and Rachel Lee, adopted Lex when he was granted retirement from duty.  Read More...

Veterinarians serve the country in the military

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While it may not be an obvious choice, many veterinarians follow a career path that takes them into the military...  read more

Human Animal Bond Lecture Series 2010

The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted at the Wise center, The Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series which celebrated the special relationship that exists between humans and animals. It seeks to explore the human-animal bond in all its facets and raise awareness that the bond includes companion animals, production animals, wildlife and more.  We are mindful of the interdependence that exists between humans and animals and seek to educate, enlighten and entertain through the lecture series.  Event link.
SPONSORED BY NESTLÉ PURINA

Human Animal Bond Art Contest Winners:

 L to R)-Ayla Alford; Abigail Leonard;Maggie Burnett; Torin Hamilton; Tracey Singer; Bidhi Kasu; Bija Kasu; Marley Roberson; Jaylon Ashford; Linda Arnoldus

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Jeremy Brown as CVM's November Employee of the Month.  Jeremy is an IT Consultant with Computer Services.

Speaker at MSU to address human, wildlife coexistence

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The headline speaker for the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series will help participants envision a world where humans and wildlife can better coexist.

Dr. Michael Hutchins, director and CEO of The Wildlife Society, will give his keynote address, “Adventures at the Human-Wildlife Interface,” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the CVM auditorium on MSU’s main campus.  Read More...

MSMS, MSU partnership fuels student discovery

STARKVILLE, Miss.--An innovative partnership between Mississippi State University and the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science is fueling student discovery in a wide range of academic disciplines. Read More...

National Veterinary Technician Week

In honor of National Veterinary Technician Week, a group photo was taken and a reception was given for all the veterinary technical assistance CVM receives.  (From left to right-1st row)  Ginny Powell-BS,  Maggie Horner-CVT, Derek Moore,  Tonya Graham-CVTS-BS,  Stacy Taylor-CVT, (2nd row) Alicia Dufor-CVT-BS,  Terri Snead-CVT-BS,  Dana Cooper, CVT,  Linda Jackson (3rd row)  Ruby Carter-Smith-CVT-CCRP,  Nancy Pounds-CVT, LeeAnn Smith-CVT,  Leslie Reed-CVT,  Tara LaCoss, CVT-MS,  Emily Childers-CVT,  Lisa Chrestman-CVT,  Jamie Walker-CVT  (4th row)  Elliot Benford-CVT, Joyce Billow,  Lisa Conner,  Shandon Gifford,  Patricia Gill,  Becky Harrison,  Lisa Littrell,  Colleen Myers,  Matt Raby. (not pictured Mary Maggie) 

Thank you for your service to CVM! 

 Read more on National Veterinary Technician Week 
"Hands-on-Healing"

MSU vet tech program preps students for careers

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s new veterinary medical technology program is preparing students for a dynamic field full of career options. read more...

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue
Awareness Course
October 30-31, 2010
Central Mississippi Research and Education Center
Raymond, MS

 PDF: Course Information and Registration Form

Pet Calendar Contest!

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2014 is putting together a calendar with pictures of YOUR pets! Any and all types of animals are welcome!
Just submit a quality photo of your pet along with your name, your pet’s name, their favorite treat, and a $2.00 entry fee. Submission Deadline: November 1st, 2010. Pictures that go with each month are preferred (snowy pictures for January, costumes for October). Professional photos will not be accepted without reprint/copyright permission from the photographer. Winners will be featured on their own calendar page and will receive a free calendar! Runners-up will be included in a photo collage as part of the calendar.

Don’t have a pet? Don’t worry! The calendars will be available for sale in time to buy for holiday gifts! All proceeds go to MSU-CVM class of 2014.

To submit a picture or preorder a calendar before 11-01-10:
Email pictures to:  msucvm2014@gmail.com

Or mail them to:
    MSU CVM Class of 2014 Calendar Contest
    c/o Lauren Bright
    PO Box 6100
    Mississippi State, MS 39762

Note: Please include a check of $2 per picture, written out to MSU-CVM Class of 2014. When emailing a picture, please mail a check via US postal service.

CVM Envoys

CVM Envoys for 2010-11

First row, left to right: Samantha Vitale, Amy West, Hope Burge, Kristin Fine and Sheila Connolly
2nd row, left to right: Desiree Cooley, Jenny Sowell, Angie Clark, Ryan Detwiler, Aimee Daniel, Steven Davison and Matt Friend

Applications, admissions up at veterinary college

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The number of non-Mississippians applying to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has more than doubled in three years as the total number of applications continues to grow, defying a national trend.  read more...

Our People Profile: Regina Brotherton

Regina Brotherton came to Mississippi State earlier this year to help start a veterinary medical technology program at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. And, she hopes to accomplish more...Read more

MSU veterinary student earns top research honor

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A veterinary student at Mississippi State University doing grant-funded research on the immune system of dogs received the highest award given for her presentation in an international competition.

Claire Fellman, a fourth-year MSU College of Veterinary Medicine student from Ocean Springs,  Read more...

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Chele Whitehead  for receiving Employee of the Month for September.

CVM department head to review federal grants

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A department head in Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been selected to review research grants for the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Stephen Pruett, head of CVM’s Department of Basic Sciences, is one of a select group of scientists serving as members of NIH’s Innate Immunity and Inflammation Study Section. Members are selected for their achievements in their discipline, research accomplishments and publications in scientific journals.  Read more...

Our People-Shane Burgess

Dr. Shane Burgess is featured in MSU's "Our People"

Shane Burgess has received accolades for his research primarily in agricultural genomics. However, if you talk to him about some of his favorite research, he might surprise you.
Burgess embraces his administrative roles as an associate dean in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and as director of two MSU Institutes (the Institute for Digital Biology and Life Science and Biotechnology Institute). Read more...

MSU vet students travel, volunteer

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – While many people spent their summer vacations relaxing on the beach, a group of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine students traveled to Central America to help animals in need.

In June, Katie Cooley, Brolin Evans, Brittany Fisher, Kellie Horton and Stephanie Starling, all second-year CVM students, participated in a Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures, or VIDA, veterinary mission trip.  Read more...

Research Day

Dr. James Fox, Professor and Director, Division of Comparative Medicine, MassachusettsInstitute of Technology was the keynote speaker for the CVM Research Day onJuly 22nd.  Dr. Fox spoke in the Wise Center auditoriumon "Research Opportunities in Comparative Medicine."

Research Day began in the Wise Center auditorium at 8:00am with research presentations by CVM summer fellow students and graduate students. Also, graduate and some DVM students presented their poster.
  
The MSU-CVM student winners of the 2010 CVM Research Day awards are: First place veterinary student presentation - Courtney Bowers, First place graduate student oral presentation - Ting Zhang, First place graduate student poster presentation - Claire Fellman.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Alicia Dufour for receiving July's Employee of the Month.

Prepare to respond if dogs encounter snakes

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Many pet dogs encounter venomous snakes during the hot summer months, but tragic consequences can be avoided when owners know what to do when their dogs get bitten.
“More dogs and snakes are out in warmer summer months, creating a situation where they will encounter each other,” said Dr. Kari Lunsford, assistant professor with Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dogs, curious by nature, agitate snakes and can end up getting bitten.”
Lunsford said pet owners need to take these situations seriously.
“Any snake bite needs to be treated as a life-threatening emergency,” she said. “Puncture wounds may be hard to find, but swelling is obvious and should be treated as a possible snake bite.”  Read More...

CVM pet care research can help human health

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Researchers at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine investigate diseases and wellness strategies to improve pets’ lives, but many of their discoveries may ultimately advance human health care, too.

The college’s Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Program presents opportunities for veterinary staff to develop centers of excellence in specialty fields. It also prepares the next generation of clinicians, practitioners and researchers for careers on the frontiers of medicine and science. Advancements made in pet care are win-win situations for the veterinary profession and the public. Read more...

Animal Planet Visits CVM and Cedar Hill

Animal Planet visited the CVM recently to film a segment for a series called "Must Love Cats" to be aired later on this year.  (Production team members: John Fulton – Must Love Cats host, Don Baret – Field Producer, Conor Olmsted – Production Assistant and Jeremy Burns - local audio.)

For more images go to our facebook.

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our new employee of the month for June.

Mr. Charlie Johnston - Animal Technician - CVM LARAC who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for JUNE 2010.

Congratulations Charlie!!!!

Animal health at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - Just like a human is wheeled to an exam room, so is a horse at the Mississippi State University Vet School.
A team helps get the sedated animal loaded on to a mobile unit that houses at MRI machine for large animals.
Once inside, just like a human, the animal's vital signs are monitored and the exam begins.
Dr. Sarah Sampson, with MSU Veterinary Medicine, said, "An MRI is able to evaluate both soft tissue and bone structures within the foot or any other part of the limb. And it can actually do a better job imaging bone and soft tissue than any other imaging that we have." Read more and or watch the video...

MRI machine helps vets pinpoint equine lameness

By Linda Breazeale
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Veterinarians at Mississippi State University now have access to a magnetic resonance imaging unit that can help pinpoint the source of lameness in horses.
MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine has entered into an agreement with MREquine, an Idaho company that has developed the first-of-its-kind mobile veterinary imaging coach for horses. The 1.5 tesla MRI unit can image body parts up to 18 centimeters in diameter, which includes a horse’s feet, fetlock, cannon bone, carpus (knee) and hock. The majority of horse lameness issues are in these areas.  Read More...

Top MSU professor assumes new role with Delta Health Alliance

STARKVILLE, Miss.--A veteran Mississippi State faculty member with an international recognition for research now will have a key position with an organization working to improve health in the Mississippi Delta.
Janice Chambers, one of the university's William L. Giles Distinguished Professors, is becoming research director for Delta Health Alliance, a non-profit collaboration of state institutions and agencies.
She retains a half-time appointment as professor of basic sciences in MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, where she long has directed the Center for Environmental Health Sciences.
Read More....

Philip Robinson-Fulbright Scholar from Northern Ireland

For years, Philip Robinson has been fascinated by the history of Irish people migrating to the southern United States. As a Fulbright Scholar from Northern Ireland visiting at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, he became a temporary migrant himself, expanding his professional knowledge while satisfying some of his historical curiosity.  Read more...

Employee of the Month

Ms. Jennifer (Jenny) Burns - Central Sterile Aide - CVM Clinical Sciences who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for APRIL 2010.  Congratulations Jenny!!!!

Flowood partnership helps veterinary care

FLOWOOD -- Private practice veterinarians are partnering with Mississippi State University to provide around-the-clock emergency care and referral services for critical cases in the Jackson area.
The Animal Emergency and Referral Center at 1009 Treetops Boulevard in Flowood opened on March 17. From 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays, the center’s veterinarian and three veterinary technicians handle critical surgery, orthopedic and neurological cases that are referred to them from practicing veterinarians. No elective surgeries, primary care or routine treatments are provided.
During times when a typical private practice would not be open -- evenings, weekends and holidays -- the center is staffed by four local veterinarians.  Read More...

Open House Scheduled for April 9-10

CVM's Annual Open House will be April 9-10, 2010. During this time each year our building is open to every age group. At Open House you can experience live animal demonstrations and view numerous student exhibits. Admission is free. Pre-registration especially for groups, is strongly recommended.

To schedule tours please call (662) 325-1103.

For more information click here

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our new employee of the month.  Ms. Heather Peavy - Medical Technologist III - CVM PPM who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for March 2010.

Radio Interview with Jody Ray on the PAWS program

Dr. Jody Ray is interviewed by Amy Taylor on Farm and Family radio about the PAWS program.

Play interview...

MSU researcher combines computers, biology to track flu

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University researcher has found that biology and computer science make the perfect combination for tracking animal flu viruses.
Henry Wan is an assistant professor in systems biology at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has years of experience studying flu viruses. While doing graduate work in China, Wan became the first scientist to isolate the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Soon after this discovery, highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreaks occurred in poultry in Asia, Europe and Africa. More than 440 confirmed human cases across 15 countries were also caused by this virus. About 60 percent of them were fatal.
Read more...

Minority mentoring program to encourage scientific pursuits

Patti Drapala MSU
Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University is working to reach underserved communities through a new mentoring program that encourages minority students to pursue veterinary medicine and graduate degrees in the biological sciences. 
MSU received a grant from the National Science Foundation to collaborate with three of the state’s historically black institutions of higher learning: Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and Tougaloo College. The enrollment, location and historical background of these institutions present an opportunity to recruit minority students for graduate programs.

“These institutions have outstanding undergraduate students who are highly motivated and the type of students we want to see in our veterinary and graduate programs,” said Dr. Stephen Pruett, head of the Department of Basic Sciences at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.  

Read More....

Columbus family learns to handle pet’s diabetes

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Diabetes can be difficult to manage in animals, but one Columbus family learned to master the task with help from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
When their pet dog Abby developed the disease four years ago, Terry and Dale Brewer were willing to do whatever possible to keep her happy and healthy. They knew their 12-year-old daughter, Sara, wanted that, too. That is why the family set out on a four-year journey with the staff of the college’s Animal Health Center to manage Abby’s Type 1 diabetes.  Read More...

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our new employee of the month. Ms. Terri Snead  - Population Medicine Technician - CVM PPM who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for February 2010.  Congratulations Terri!!!!

More than 400 Animals Rescued from Mississippi Shelter

In Clarksdale, MS, over 400 animals were found living in space designed for 60. A team from MSU-CVM led by Dr. Phil Bushby provided essential medical aid and worked with several organizatons offering critical support in the rescue and temporary housing of the animals.

 Article on the ASPCA web site... Read More

MSU adds well-bred stallion to paddock

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Horse owners can look to Mississippi State University for their mares’ reproductive services from quality studs including a new, top-pedigree thoroughbred stallion.

West Coast businessman Neal Jones donated Big Train A’ Comin, a 3-year-old bay stallion. He is the son of Giant’s Causeway, the 1997 European Horse of the Year, and Snowfire, also a past winner in European races. His arrival comes more than a year after MSU lost its top stallion, Minister Slew, to a catastrophic leg injury during a severe thunderstorm. Read More...

Animals, humans benefit from charitable donations

By Linda Breazeale 
MSU Ag Communications
Mississippi State - Charitable gifts to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offer comfort and hope to those who cherish all kinds of animals.
Susan Kuykendall, an administrative assistant in the CVM’s clinical sciences department, oversees the Fund for CARE, which stands for Companion Animals Require Excellence. The fund was created several years ago to help fill in the gaps between state appropriations and needs at the veterinary college.
“Many people use the CARE fund to memorialize pets or friends who loved animals. It is also common for people to make donations in honor of a veterinarian who is special to them,” Kuykendall said. “Donations come in all sizes, from very small to large, and are used to buy equipment that will help with animal care and educational needs of future veterinarians.  Read More...

To download Fund for Care brochure,  click here.

Animals need protection when temperatures drop

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE –Although many pets and livestock grow heavy winter coats and have thick foot padding, they still need human protection when temperatures drop.
Animal specialists at Mississippi State University have tips that pet owners and livestock producers can follow to keep their animals healthy and comfortable in extremely cold weather.
Dogs and cats, particularly those that live inside but often venture outdoors, are vulnerable when weather turns cold. They often need additional food and fresh water to maintain their body heat. Large dogs bred for cold weather, such as huskies and Samoyeds, can tolerate extremely cold temperatures if already acclimated to outside weather. Smaller-sized pets, such as Chihuahuas, cannot.  Read More...