MSU dog rescue program achieves fundraising goal

STARKVILLE, Miss.--What began in 2007 as a small student effort at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine now is a highly organized program that has saved more than 3,200 dogs in Mississippi.
Now, thanks to the kindness of donors and a $26,000 grant from the ASPCA®, the university program is reaching a new level of success.
The Homeward Bound Project of Mississippi began when MSU veterinary students Megan Caulfield, Krista Gazzola, and Amy White 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. more...

Young researchers study reproductive challenges

By Linda Breazeale
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Their classmates may be taking the summer off, but two undergraduate students at Mississippi State University are spending long hours in a laboratory conducting studies that would challenge seasoned researchers.

Their supervisor, Erdogan Memili, is not surprised. He nominated Alexis Parisi and Kate Thompson for National Science Foundation research programs for elite undergraduates.

“Students like Alexis and Kate, with their motivation for research, will be pioneers in science,” said Memili, an associate professor in animal and dairy science. “They will help shape the way scientists address issues in reproduction.”  more...

MSU researchers study role of platelets in canine cancer

By Karen Templeton
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A group of veterinarians at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is working to better understand cancer in dogs, work that will likely also advance knowledge of human cancer.
MSU scientists said there is little difference between cancerous tumors found in dogs and humans, and the opportunity to help both human and canine patients is growing.
“The answers may be in blood platelets. We have a lot to gain by looking at platelets and how they influence cancer and healing,” said Dr. Camillo Bulla, assistant professor in the college’s Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine. “The platelet is very small, but it gives us a large picture. We hope to be able to find a tumor much sooner by taking a series of blood samples to look at platelet contents.”

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Vet camp offers experience for high school students

By Kaitlyn Byrne
MSU Office of Ag Communications

Students interested in veterinary school had an opportunity to get an inside look at the profession during the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Camp.
During the recent three-day camp, 13- to 16-year-olds attended labs taught by MSU College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and participated in hands-on workshops.
Brandi Van Ormer, director of communications for the college, said the camp strives to give students a realistic picture of what it is like to be a veterinary student.
“Typically, we show them both the large and small animal side of things, from horses and cows to cats and dogs,” Van Ormer said. “Campers get to do swabs and examine them under the microscope, practice basic suturing techniques, make dental molds and so much more. It’s all interactive.” "read more"...

Travel with pets requires planning

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications

JACKSON -- Whether families head to the local park or an out-of-town destination, veterinarians advise them this summer to take steps to ensure pets stay safe and healthy as they travel.
Dr. Joey Burt, assistant clinical professor and director of the Animal Health Center at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said before setting out on any trip, pet owners should make sure their pets are comfortable with riding in an automobile. Burt suggested taking pets on short trips to gauge their tolerance. more...

Research program shows students diverse careers

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When veterinarian Dr. Alicia Olivier arrives for work every day, she isn’t greeted by wagging tails and nervous meows. Instead, she spends her days behind a microscope to help better understand disease processes and therapy development.
Olivier is a member of a diverse set of veterinary scientists who conduct a variety of biomedical research that impacts animal and human health. more...

CVM and Palmer Home partner to protect horses

By Karen Templeton
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

COLUMBUS – Regular eye exams are an integral part of animal health maintenance, so the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is providing free eye screening to service animals throughout the month of May.
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and animal health company Merial host the National Service Dog Eye Exam every May. Veterinary ophthalmologists, including MSU’s Dr. Caroline Betbeze, donate their time and resources to provide free, sight-saving eye exams to eligible service animals.
But dogs are not the only service animals that rely on healthy vision.
“Soon after we announced our participation in this event, we had nine horses signed up,” Betbeze said. “I was pleased to learn that these horses are part of Palmer Home for Children’s therapeutic riding program. Palmer Home is close to MSU. Examining the horses is not only good for their health, but also provides a learning opportunity for our students.” more...