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Magazine for the Alumni & Friends of The Royal (Dick)
Issue Number 23 Spring 2010
School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh
DICK vet
news
VET SCHOOL
ON TV
INSIDE Nobel Prize-winning alumnus visits p4 | Elisabeth Svendsen Honorary Degree p5
New Exotics Training Centre p13 | Feline-friendly innovations p16
Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports the Dick Vet News
Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 NEWS 3
CONTENTS Message from Vet School on TV
head of school Members of staff at the Small and Large Animal Hospitals have found themselves
in the limelight with the airing of a five part, fly-on-the-wall documentary series
called simply “Vet School”.
3 Welcome to our May edition of the Dick Vet
John Keen who was featured in the News. You will have seen from the cover
‘Vet School’ series. page that the School has been featured
in a new television series on STV (Scottish
FEATURES Television), “Vet School”, which goes behind
the scenes to follow the stories of our staff
musicians take to the stage 26 and students, along with our patients and
their owners. Those of you who do not
Our man in africa 27 receive STV can view the series on Scottish
Television’s website, STV Player (http://
a view from outside 28
player.stv.tv/) This has been a wonderful
opportunity for us to showcase to the public
REGULARS the work that Dick Vet clinicians are doing
in our excellent facilities, such as the Equine
News 3
Hospital and the Hospital for Small Animals,
Staff News 11 which were completed in the late nineties
under the leadership of Professor Richard
Clinic News 13 Halliwell.
We have also had confirmation that
research News 18 Beechgrove Garden on BBC Scotland will
Student News 21 participate in creating a new garden next to
the Hospital for Small Animals. The project, Vet Jo Hedley treats a swan.
Alumni news 29 which has evolved into a collaborative
activity with the Edinburgh College of Art, We are delighted that Dr Billy Karesh will The series, made by STV (Scottish and even came to the Christmas party.” to Langhill Farm to get some shots with
Editor-in-Chief Elaine Watson the Scottish Agricultural College, The Royal join us on October 8th to deliver this year’s Television), focuses on the Small and Series Producer, Richard Higson, cows,” he continues. “After a while we
Editor Neil Wilson Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Balfour Charnock Bradley Lecture. Billy is Vice- Large Animal Hospitals following the agrees that it was a very positive realised they had surrounded us, so we
Editorial Services provided by Beatty, has been driven forward with President of the Global Health Programme stories of staff, patients and their owners, partnership: “It was amazing having picked up our things and very slowly
Stephanie Brickman PR characteristic energy and enthusiasm by one of the Wildlife Conservation Society, based making compelling viewing. access to all the cases coming in. There started edging towards the gate, seconds
Cover Image Paul Dodds of our Development Board members, client at the Bronx Zoo in New York. He is a According to Ronnie Soutar, Director was a huge array of animals and owners later we were running at full pelt carrying
Caroline Freedman. popular international speaker on ‘One World, of Veterinary Services, approaches had every day and they, and the vets, were the camera!”
If you have any ideas or feedback Fundraising for the new teaching One Health’, and leads projects in over 50 been made to film in this way before, but brilliant. It was a real privilege to follow “There’s some wonderful footage,”
for the Dick Vet News email facility and for the clinics continues apace countries in the developing world. Please had never gone ahead. However, the STV the process right through from arriving to agrees Ronnie Soutar. “There was this
Neil.Wilson@ed.ac.uk with, most recently, the MacRobert Trust make a note of this date in your diaries and team were co-operative and flexible and, leaving - everyone is so hugely qualified, one little dog, a papillon, who just wanted
The Royal (Dick) School confirming a gift towards video technology email neil.wilson@ed.ac.uk if you would like following detailed discussions, became the Vet School really gets the cream of the to bite everyone and it was very hard to
of Veterinary Studies to fund a “Virtual Post-Mortem Room”. This to join us in Edinburgh for this event. the first film crew to be given access to all crop staff-wise.” get the muzzle on. Then there was the
The University of Edinburgh adds to the growing numbers of gifts and In this issue we have news of some of the areas. “Our aim was to show the wide range nerve-wracking process of trying to treat
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre pledged support from other Trusts and many activities that our staff, students, alumni “We didn’t want something that of cases treated by the School and we a crocodile at Five Sisters Zoo in West
Midlothian individuals, alongside Class Gifts from alumni and clients are engaged in, and I do hope would get in the way of the day-to-day worked closely with staff throughout the Lothian.”
EH25 9RG and students. Our Development Board, you enjoy sharing some of your time with us functioning of the Hospitals. It was really process to make sure we were getting The series is broadcast on TV this
Scotland chaired by George Gunn, met in March and as you read this edition. As always, news, important that staff and students were things right.” Spring and is available to view online at
t: +44 (0)131 650 6407 we had a very constructive meeting, with articles and comments are welcomed as we able to go about their normal business.” However the filming was not without its http://player.stv.tv/.
a number of the Board members giving look forward to our next edition in November. Ronnie continues: “Naturally some people difficult moments. Says Richard: “There
examples of their leadership in different were nervous before the filming, but we were tragedies as well as animals being n The Dick Vet will be back on TV
While we are grateful for the support areas. This will be an activity which continues met with the producer and he explained saved, there was one horse with a bad later this year when BBC Scotland’s
of our advertisers, the appearance of to grow in our School, as in many others it was really just two teams of two people stomach condition and it became clear Beechgrove Garden create a garden
products in this publication does not across the globe, and we are very fortunate and that we would soon forget they that it wasn’t going to make it and that at the back of the Hospital for Small
imply endorsement by the School. to have excellent help with this both within the were there. It turned out to be a good was really sad.” Animals.
School and throughout the wider University. Professor Elaine Watson partnership, they really got into the team “There was also a time we went down
4 NEWS Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 NEWS 5
Peter Doherty VISITS SCHOOL Donkey welfare
Nobel Prize-winner gives inspirational talk.
On 25th February Nobel Prize-winning always an interesting reception, often with community who have a solid science
pioneer honoured
alumnus immunologist Peter Doherty students as well as faculty members.” training and are used to dealing with Honorary degree for Dr Elisabeth Svendsen.
visited the Royal (Dick) School of He made it very clear how important evidence-based reality. It’s important
Veterinary Studies to address staff and it is that young vets consider science to put those views forward when,
students. Edinburgh was the fourth vet careers. for example, discussing issues like
school he had visited in as many days,
but it was particularly special as he did
“People who train in veterinary science
and medicine can end up doing a lot
vaccination or serving on local community
bodies.” For the love
his PhD in Edinburgh in 1970, before
embarking on his Nobel Prize-winning
research on how T cells recognise their
of different things, from stock-broking,
through politics, to acupuncture, to
university administration to being top
Some 60 people attended the talk,
which was held at the Easter Bush
Veterinary Centre. The guest list included
of donkeys
target antigens in combination with research scientists,” he said. “We tend to students, staff and also some old friends Elisabeth Svendsen was brought
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) make decisions concerning career paths and colleagues who remembered up in Yorkshire, trained as a
proteins. very early: sometimes our ideas change, Professor Doherty’s days in Edinburgh. teacher and taught for a short time
The speaking tour was funded by The and it’s useful to have other possibilities He was presented with a hip flask by the before becoming a successful
Wellcome Trust’s Veterinary Research in mind.” Dean, who in turn received a copy of his businesswoman and eventually
Scheme, which aims to inspire vets “Also, even if we remain in practice, book, “The Beginner’s Guide to Winning a Director of Thorn Electrical
to explore careers in science. Jacqui vets are among the few people in the the Nobel Prize”, for the library. Industries.
Matthews, Moredun Professor of Her love of donkeys dates back
Veterinary Immunobiology, and the Dean to her childhood and in 1966 she
and Head of School Professor Elaine decided to establish a donkey stud
Watson took time before the lecture to in the grounds of the family’s hotel in
tell Professor Doherty about Edinburgh’s Devon. Looking for breeding stock
Research Track initiative, which is similar she visited a local market where the
to the Wellcome Trust scheme. Our state of a pen of donkeys was so
Research Track began in 2008 and has shocking it changed her life forever
been highly successful in getting young giving her a deep passion for
vets interested in scientific research. donkey welfare.
There have been 50 summer scholars By 1972 she had founded the
since 2008 and an increasing number of Donkey Sanctuary in order to
students doing intercalated degrees. The Principal, Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen and Professor Elaine Watson. provide for the 38 donkeys she
Jacqui Matthews told the Dick Vet had in her care. Shortly afterwards
News that Professor Doherty was an ideal Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, best known for her thought these honours were in the past for she discovered she had been left a
choice as a role model for students. “He pioneering work at the Donkey Sanctuary me.” legacy, which turned out to be 204
graduated as a vet in Australia. He was was awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris “The day itself was perfect, they looked donkeys! With the purchase of more
then a research scientist at Moredun and Causa by The University of Edinburgh on after us so well,” she continues. “I was also land and farms the Sanctuary grew.
did a PhD at the University of Edinburgh Wednesday 25th November. extremely delighted because as I was sitting It now cares for over 12,000 donkeys
after which he launched himself into basic In her laureation address, the Dean and at the front of the platform waiting for my and is a major funder of research
immunology back in his native Australia,” Head of School, Professor Elaine Watson turn I saw one of my vets, Alex Thiemann, into donkey health and welfare.
she explained. “His research had a huge said: “Dr Svendsen, or Dr S as she is receiving her Masters. I didn’t know it was Recognition of the appalling
impact.” affectionately known, is one of the most going to be then and it really made my day. plight of donkeys in developing
The Dick Vet News caught up with Prof extraordinary people I have ever had the Quite a few of our vets are from the Dick countries resulted in Dr Svendsen
Doherty once he had returned to Australia privilege to get to know.” Vet and I’m also very proud to be on the founding the International Donkey
and asked him how he had enjoyed his The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the Development Board for the School.” Protection Trust to provide
tour. world’s most successful animal charities For health reasons Dr Svendsen no professional advice, training and
“We went to all seven vet schools and in addition to the Sanctuary, The longer travels as widely as in the past, but support on donkey welfare.
and ended with a dinner at the House Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and her influence continues to be felt all over the Since 1989 the Elisabeth
of Lords, then a Wellcome Foundation Donkeys was founded in 1989 to provide world. “We work world-wide for donkeys Svendsen Trust for Children and
symposium,” he explained. “The trip was riding therapy for children with special now,” she explains. “We have projects going Donkeys has been providing riding
a bit exhausting and I felt something like needs and disabilities. on in India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico and therapy for children with special
a parrot giving the same lecture over and Speaking of her honorary degree, Dr we’re lecturing all over the world, including needs and disabilities.
over, but I enjoyed meeting with bright, Svendsen said: “I was very honoured, I’m China where they have a lot of donkeys.”
young students afterwards and there was Professors Jacqui Matthews, Peter Doherty and Elaine Watson. semi-retired and over 80 years old and I
6 NEWS Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 NEWS 7
Princess Royal visits Zoonotic disease focus
Tricia Hart reports on a special day at The Roslin Institute.
The Princess Royal’s November visit, her genomes for chickens, pigs, sheep
for EU Vet Week
first since the Institute was incorporated and cattle with a view to understanding Alessandro Seguino and Arvind Mahajan report on the highly
into the Dick Vet in 2008, began with a disease better. Next she learned
warm welcome from the Principal of the about pioneering work involving the successful 2009 European Veterinary Week.
The University of Edinburgh, Professor manipulation of genes to help chickens
Sir Timothy O’Shea. The Princess was resist infectious diseases, which have a Four enthusiastic 5th year students took role played by veterinarians in Europe, in strict cooperation that is needed between
then introduced to The Roslin Institute’s devastating effect on chicken populations. on EU Vet Week as part of their Veterinary particular safeguarding the health of vets and food business operators to
Director, Professor David Hume, who took During the visit Professor Hume was Public Health (VPH) rotation. Iain Senior, farmed animals, as well as human health produce safe food and so ensure the
her on a tour of the Institute during which pleased to be able to share the Institute’s Ann Signorella, Kate Stephenson and through safe food and the prevention of highest standards of protection of public
she met researchers and learned more plans to move to the £60 million building Katherine Surguine were directly involved zoonoses. Many vet schools in the UK health.
about the ground-breaking research that opposite the Dick Vet’s new teaching in delivering the main objectives of the and in Europe celebrated EU Vet Week. The event was met with overwhelming
is being carried out there. building at the Easter Bush Campus. project and set up a permanent stand at The students also visited St. David's interest not only from the vet students but
The Princess, who is Patron of The Professor Hume said of the visit, “It has The Princess Royal is welcomed by Professor Sir the upper level canteen, aimed at fellow High School in Dalkeith to promote the also from medics and school children.
Timothy O'Shea.
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, been wonderful to show Princess Anne students, with posters and other visual importance of the role of the veterinary Following this initiative, other events with
then went on to the ARK Genomics round The Roslin Institute and we hope aids promoting the role of veterinarians in profession, the importance of animal a similar theme have been planned to
facility where the Institute’s researchers to repeat the honour in the future as we VPH. welfare and the hygienic way to handle popularise veterinary science in schools
have been involved in international expand the new Easter Bush Campus.” The students were working closely with animals among the school children. and to bring the veterinary and medical
collaborations to sequence and analyse the staff members promoting the event In addition to this they visited the professionals together to promote the
– Susan Rhind, Alex Seguino, Arvind Medical School at Little France where concept of “Animals + Humans = One
Mahajan, Ruth Zadoks, Mark Bronsvoort they organised a stand with posters and Health”.
and Lorna Hume. actively engaged the medical students on EU Veterinary Week 2010 is to take on
NEW BUILDINGS FOR THE BUSH EU Veterinary Week, created by the
European Commission in collaboration
with the Federation of Veterinarians of
the “One Health – One Medicine” concept
and the importance of zoonotic diseases.
Lastly, there was a visit to an abattoir
the theme “Identification and traceability
along the food chain”. Laura Wilant (4th
year student) has been nominated to
Despite the snowy weather of the New Year, the new building project continues apace, Europe (FVE), highlights the important to promote within the food industry the represent R(D)SVS in Brussels.
writes Dr Tudor Jones.
The programme of works to construct the
new school building, being conducted by
Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd, continues
Outside the new building a footpath
and cycle path have been installed to
provide a safe walking and cycling route
one health in hong kong
on time despite the difficulties posed to and from the campus. The paths join
by the persistent bad weather between the north and south ends of Easter Bush
December and February, in particular for Farm Road and will be open for public use
the rendering. Balfour Beatty Construction at all times. Improvements to the junction
remain confident that the building will between Easter Bush Farm Road and
be completed on schedule at the end of Seafield Moor Road took place in April
October 2010. 2010 resulting in better and safer traffic
The outer envelope of the building is flows at this junction.
now complete and weather-tight so the Last but not least the William Dick
contractor is able to progress with the statue, carved in 1883 and located in
internal fit-out of the more complex areas the William Dick Room in the EBVC main
on the ground floor such as the post- building was moved with great care to
mortem suite, anatomy dissection room his new home in the atrium of the new
and teaching laboratories. veterinary school building on 24th March
The building programme will be followed 2010. This is the third time that the statue
by a 12-16 week fit-out period. This is when has been moved - the first time from
the audio-visual and IT installations will Clyde Street to Summerhall in 1916 and a
take place along with the commissioning second time from Summerhall to Easter In December 2009, The Dean and Head of School, Professor Elaine Watson was invited to Hong Kong’s City University for a
of the building management system, which Bush in 2000. “One Health International Workshop”, the first of its kind, organised in association with the World Veterinary Association.
controls heating and ventilation throughout Professor Watson (pictured above fifth from left) gave a talk entitled “One Health – The Edinburgh Experience”.
The William Dick statue moves to its new home. the building.
NEW
Clinical Dick Vet News Spring 2010 NEWS 9
Reseearch
Research
RAISING FUNDS
Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Canine is clinically proven to
FROM GREENLAND
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to BARCELONA
Lady clients have been getting sporty to help the
Hospital for Small Animals. DRAWING fOR
INSTRUCTION
The School made a major
contribution to this Talbot Rice
Gallery exhibition.
Examining the role of drawing
in academic contexts past and
present, “Drawing for Instruction”
ran for a month at the University of
Edinburgh’s Talbot Rice Gallery to
some critical acclaim. The
R(D)SVS contributed one of the
Fiona Davidson, her dog Zena and vet Nick Bommer Rebecca Stewart with her dog Bracken, vet Donald
oldest groups of drawings, a
along with the ECG Monitor she funded. Yool and the defibrillator she funded. collection of studies of horse
anatomy by Charles Landseer, older
brother of Edwin (Monarch of the
Glen). The Scotsman newspaper
described his work as “exquisite and
A peer-reviewed study has shown that feeding j/d to dogs with occasionally gruesome, his pencil a
osteoarthritis allows veterinarians to lower the carprofen dosage scalpel which pulls aside flesh and
by up to 25%1 whilst still effectively managing osteoarthritis. studies the workings of muscles.”
Another Dick Vet contribution was
Only j/d is clinically proven to reduce cartilage degradation2. a collection of diagrams on cloth
painted by Vet School staff in the
19th century, used to demonstrate
Integrate j/d™ into your osteoarthritis the structure of subcutaneous
management regimen and see the tissue.
Stevie Matthews at the finish line in Greenland.
difference in as little as 21 days**3,4,5
Also available:
j/d Canine Mini for Stevie Matthews, a local government my preferred distance is 100 miles.” in October. Fiona, who works for NHS
small breed dogs worker, ran a full marathon in Greenland The run in Greenland took her Scotland, raised the funds in memory of
last year. Her involvement with the Dick Vet across the Kangerlussuaq Ice Cap. She her German Shepherd dog, Kayla, who
began back in 1995 when her American reminisces: “There was a thick covering sadly passed away after a long illness.
Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with of snow that was hard packed but it was Fiona came 100th out of 122 women with a
Hodgkins Disease. very easy to run on. We all had little spikes time of 13:57:26 and raised enough money
“Jimmy Simpson and the team at on our shoes and thermal underwear. to buy the Hospital an ECG Monitor.
the hospital were so wonderful and It was -15 degrees centigrade but was And finally, well done to Rebecca
they bought us another year of life,” a very dry cold and so actually quite Stewart, who ran the Great North Run
explains Stevie. “We were overwhelmed favourable with sunshine and no wind.” raising funds to buy a defibrillator.
and decided we’d be Friends and Stevie hopes to run again for the
Clinical Nutrition to Improve Quality of Life™ we have supported it ever since.” Dick Vet in New Zealand next year. n If you would like to support the
And Stevie, who is 60 next birthday, Congratulations also go to Fiona School please visit www.vet.ed.ac.uk/
For more information, contact your Hill’s Territory Manager or call Hill’s free helpline on 0800 282 438 or 1-800 626002 (ROI)
is no stranger to adventure: “I’ve done a Davidson, who has raised money for fundraising, call David Rider on
References
1. Fritsch D, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. A multicenter study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil 4. Fritsch D, Final Report, 10-10-08. lot of adventure running. I’ve run on all the Hospital for Small Animals by doing 0131 650 8833 or e-mail David.Rider@
omega 3-fatty acids on the Carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2010, in press.
2. Caterson B, Little CB, Cramp J et al. Eicosapaentanoate supplementation abrogates canine articular cartilage
5. Sparkes A, Allen TA, Fritsch D, and Hahn KA. Effective dietary management of spontaneous appendicular
osteoarthritis in cats. Unpublished.
seven continents and the North Pole and the “Ironman Triathalon” near Barcelona ed.ac.uk for further details.
degradation in "in vitro" explant culture systems. In Proceedings Hill's European Symposium on Osteoarthritis and * Study conducted on dogs.
Joint Health, 2005; 14-19.
** 28 days for cats.
3. Fritsch D, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. Dose-titration effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids in osteoarthritic dogs.
Unpublished.
vets’ no.1 choice
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www.hillspetmobility.co.uk www.hillspetmobility.ie ™Trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. ©2010 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
10 NEWS NEW
Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 STAFF NEWS 11
Helps reduce plaque and tartar
through clinically proven ‘tooth-
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A concise
veterinarian-exclusive
range that meets the
Supports healthy weight needs of your practice
with clinically proven levels of
L-carnitine and high levels of fibre and your clients
Dr Catriona Bell.
“Driving Licence”
Helps maintain a healthy urinary tract
through controlled levels of minerals and pH NURSING SUCCESSES
Congratulations go to Veterinary
for student vets
Nurses Claire Ramsay and Susan
Campbell (nee Hammer) who have
both successfully passed their
Nursing Diploma exams.
Helps to promote healthy skin & coat
with omega-6 fatty acids A new online learning tool is set to help students Gemma Bruce has also passed
her portfolio and written exams.
prepare for “the real world”. Aileen Brown, Clinical Services
Features unique Co-ordinator said: “Carrying out
monodirectional Dr Catriona Bell of the Veterinary Teaching Dr Bell said: “We know that EMS nurse training is an important aspect
Supports healthy digestive tract natural fibre
with soluble and insoluble fibre mix technology Organisation has created a new online placements are incredibly valuable of work of the Hospital for Small
learning tool to prepare vet students for learning opportunities for our students, Animals and we hope to become
CLINIC extramural studies (EMS) placements. It and want to optimise them for both more involved with this in the future
PROVALLY resembles a driving theory test and was students and the vets who kindly as the structure of veterinary nurse
B E N E F EN created by Dr Bell in collaboration with Dr provide them. Simple solutions, such training evolves.”
ITS
Sarah Baillie and Tierney Kinnison of the as modifying their body language, can
Exclusive to veterinarians, new Hill’s™ Science Plan™ VetEssentials,
Royal Veterinary College, with design by make a huge difference to how interested
with unique nutrition technology, addresses the essential health
Andrew Cavers from the E-learning Unit at and enthusiastic students appear. This in ONCOLOGY PRIZE
needs of pets, offering:
the Dick Vet. turn often influences how much they are
At the European Oncology Meeting
• A concise range of 9 easy to manage products The “EMS Driving Licence” is full of allowed to do during a placement.”
in Turin in March 2010, resident
tips and checklists of things to do, things
• Veterinary-exclusive range helping to keep clients loyal to your practice Shasta Lynch was awarded the
to avoid and things to remember. It also www.vet.ed.ac.uk/ems_driving_licence
Wim Misdorp prize for overall best
Contact your Hill’s Territory Manager today. has a handy FAQ section with advice on
research abstract for her work on the
www.hillspet.co.uk/vetessentials | www.hillspet.co.ie/vetessentials issues such as confidentiality and other
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12 NEWS Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 CLINIC NEWS 13
A FIRST for Exotics
Once a day or The Dick Vet has created the UK’s first specialist training
twice a day.* facility for veterinary students.
The Hospital for Small Animals has
opened an exotic animal teaching facility,
where students can learn about the best
way to care for exotic animals.
The unit houses a range of animals,
including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters,
chinchillas, rats, lizards, snakes and
tortoises. Students will also learn about
the correct environment to keep these
exotic pets and their dietary requirements.
Animal handling classes are held to
compliment the taught course. One-to-
one sessions will be available for students
who have phobias about snakes or rats to
help them overcome their fears.
Students will also be able to carry
out supervised placements, which are
compulsory for a veterinary degree, at the
new unit.
Gidona Goodman, Lecturer in Exotic
Animal and Wildlife Medicine, said:
“Students do not often get much
exposure to handling exotic animals until
they start treating them under supervision
in clinics in their final year. However,
exotic pets are on the increase and this
unit will mean that students will be much
better equipped to handle such animals.
Giving students this experience early on
is important as it provides them with the The facility will give students valuable training to treat a range of exotic animals.
Whatever it takes to get her back skills and confidence to treat animals with
a variety of problems.” pet rabbits in the UK, making them the dogs. About 100,000 households have
to her playful self.
It is estimated that there are 1.4 million third most popular pet after cats and snakes and 80,000 homes have pet rats.
Felima z ole 2.5 mg an d 5 mg tabl e ts can be combined in nine dose combinations to
‘fine tune’ the treatment of hyperthyroid cats. Felimazole offers you all the flexibility you need to Lectures for the Public
provide the daily dose that your hyperthyroid patients require.
For the first time Veterinary Services have understanding cats entitled “It’s all about Director of Veterinary Services Ronnie
presented lectures for the general public on me”. These were followed by a lecture Soutar said: “The lecture series has been
Felimazole. Because no two cats are the same.
®
preventative health care for animals. on horses entitled “Why the long face?” really popular. It's allowed us a great
The four lectures, funded by money presented by equine specialist Matt Hanks opportunity to give something back to the
donated to the University, were held and the series concluded with Victoria public, educating them about how best to
throughout the Spring and have focused on Macklin’s talk “It shouldn’t happen to a care for their animals."
*For optimal efficacy, the starting dose for Felimazole should be 2.5 mg twice daily. Felimazole contains thiamazole. UK: POM–V IE: POM some of the most popular pets and animals. dog.” “We are delighted that so many people
Further information is available on request from: Dechra Veterinary Products, Cartmel Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TB. The series opened with Brigitte The events were free and held on the took the time to come along and hopefully
Tel: +44 (0)1743 441632. Fax: +44 (0)1743 462111. www.dechra-eu.com
Reusch speaking about rabbits, followed central area campus of the University of they will be able to use these tips on
Dechra Veterinary Products is a trading division of Dechra Ltd. Registered Office: Dechra House, Jamage Industrial Estate, Talke Pits, Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire ST7 1XW. Registered in England No 4513124.
by Danièlle Gunn-Moore’s lecture on Edinburgh. Some 350 people attended. preventative health care at home.”
14 clinic news Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 clinic news 15
Tracheal
Resection
Champion Graf’s carriage
driving career was saved
by an innovative tracheal
resection.
Graf was a driving horse that had
competed at a very high level and was
otherwise a picture of health until one day
he suddenly began making an abnormal
respiratory noise and was unable to
exercise. His owner’s veterinary surgeon,
Malcolm Stewart of Wilson and Partners
in Fife referred him to the Equine Hospital
where it was discovered that he had
suffered a serious injury to his trachea.
Says Prof Padraic Dixon, Professor of
Equine Surgery: “We believe that he must
have had a kick on his trachea or had run Image courtesy of Carriage Driving Magazine www.dickyjim.co.uk.
into a fixed object, thus breaking some
tracheal rings. The injury had later caused examinations showed that there was so being damaged during the surgery and so
scarring of the tracheal airway so that it much damage to one of the tracheal rings he also had to have his larynx wired open
ended up about 20% of the size it should and much adjacent scarring that we would (“tieback procedure”). Thankfully both
have been.” have to fully remove that ring and then operations were successful and Graf is
“Therefore he was able to breathe rejoin the trachea together.” now national champion again. Such is the
comfortably at rest but during exercise, This unusual and difficult procedure rarity of this case, it is being submitted to a
when the airflow increases by 60 times, his was successfully carried out but Graf still journal for publication.
trachea just could not cope,” he continues. was not out of the woods. The scarring
“Our radiographic and endoscopic led to the nerve that innervates the larynx
Clinical The Clinical Laboratory of the Veterinary
Pathology Unit (VPU) at Easter Bush
work of all the staff that this has been
possible”.
Laboratory Veterinary Centre has recently been
approved by the European College of
The Clinical Pathology Service
consists of Elspeth Milne as Senior
obtains Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) Clinical Pathologist, her two Residents
European to allow training of clinical pathology
residents for the ECVCP examination.
Helena Ferreira and Pia Formisano
and Laboratory Managers Yvonne
Rekindle the warmth of friendship College of The approval process is rigorous to
ensure that only laboratories with the best
Crawford and Neil MacIntyre and their
teams of technical staff, although all
Atopic dermatitis can disrupt even the best relationships. You can restore their closeness when Veterinary management of quality, personnel, health the VPU staff make a contribution.
you prescribe Atopica. Its targeted action gives lasting comfort, relieving dogs from the itch Clinical and safety and facilities are allowed this
status. Professor Elspeth Milne, Head
It provides a wide range of services
including Haematology, Biochemistry
without the serious health risks associated with corticosteroids. What could be better than
bringing friends back together?
Pathology of the VPU, commented “This is an
important development for us and we join
and Cytology to support the Dick
Vet’s large and small animal hospitals
approval a very select group of labs in Europe with and first opinion practices, research
this status. It is a testament to the hard workers and external practices.
The simple joy of comfort.
In Ireland: Atopica POM contains cyclosporine A. For further information call 051-377201. In the UK: Atopica POM-V contains cyclosporine A. For further information contact
the Practice Support Line on 0800 854100 or write to Novartis Animal Health UK Ltd, Frimley Business Park, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7SR. ® Registered trademark of
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland. © Novartis Animal Health UK Ltd, 2010.
16 Clinic news Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Summer 2010 CLINIC NEWS 17
NEW CAT WARD A fitting memorial for Sooty
Sarah-Ann Dickson reports on developments in feline care at the Hospital for Nicki Reed has fond memories of a feline friend.
Small Animals, not least her own appointment as Dechra Feline Nurse.
I first met Sooty in 1999 when he attended was necessary before his broken limbs
There are exciting developments at the ward staff and cats alike. also currently being refurbished, for the Small Animal Clinic at Summerhall. could be repaired. He required two blood
Feline Clinic at the Hospital for Small The new cat section of our waiting area, around three days, then moved into our Initially his problems were bladder related, transfusions and went into heart failure,
Animals. The Hospital has a new, to the right of the main reception, is being new cat ward. After seven to ten days they due to his reluctance to eat ‘wet’ food and but despite this, refused to be beaten.
specially-designed cat ward, a cat only revamped and has been designated a “no are usually able to go home. drink enough. Despite being a gentlemen On recovery, he continued to use up his
area in the waiting room and we have dogs allowed” area. This creates a quiet, Very few centres offer this treatment in all other respects, Sooty would not nine lives by developing hyperthyroidism,
become one very few centres to offer calm area for our feline and exotic patients and we are the first centre which take pills, therefore his problems required asthma and chronic kidney disease.
radioactive iodine therapy. In addition, I away from the excitement and stress of can perform this with such a short a little bit of imagination to address. With all these medical problems, it is no
am delighted to have been appointed as a the dogs. In the waiting area there’ll also hospitalisation period. The bladder situation was remedied by wonder that Sooty was a regular attendee
dedicated feline nurse. be information about developments at the I myself have been given the pleasure increasing his water consumption, but he at the Hospital for Small Animals. He
The new feline ward has been feline clinic and other points of interest, of becoming the new dedicated feline then went on to develop pancreatitis and patiently let many students over the years
designed to be more calming, cat friendly such as unusual cases. nurse at the hospital and am looking inflammatory bowel disease. This was examine him, and they were invariably
and removed from dog noise. There will Radioactive iodine (I131) treatment forward to this new and exciting job. I love controlled by a change in diet, but at this surprised at how, despite his extensive list
be more walk-in kennels with different is a one-off injection used to treat working with our feline friends and trying time he was diagnosed positive for feline of problems, he always looked so happy
levels within them, allowing cats to choose hyperthyroidism in cats. The injection to make their stay with us as homely and immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The FIV and healthy.
the height that they feel most comfortable eradicates the abnormal cells within the relaxed as possible. caused one of his irises to change colour Sadly, Sooty died after becoming
at. This creates a more stimulating thyroid gland which cause an excess of but apart from this he showed very few very anaemic with an infection related
environment for the cats both mentally thyroid hormones. The patients are then n We are grateful to Dechra for funding signs and it did not stop him leading an to his FIV. We have gratefully received The late Sooty Brodie
and physically and is user-friendly for cared for in one of our isolation wards, this post. active lifestyle. That was, however, until a donation from Sooty’s Mum and Dad
he sustained a severe trauma, which left (Carol and Philip Brodie), which will be I suspect I am unlikely to meet another cat
him nearly dead. Intensive stabilisation used for equipment in the new feline ward. quite like Sooty.
Clinical caSe study awards
Bengie: One Remarkable Cat!
Kerry Simpson reports on treating a cat with a gunshot wound.
Bengie, a one year old male neutered the back of the nose. Bengie was given n If you would like to support the
Bengal cat, was presented to his referring anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and pain School please visit www.vet.ed.ac.uk/
vet for a wound on the bridge of his nose. killers. After treatment, Bengie returned fundraising, call David Rider on
A few days earlier his owners had heard home and is now doing fine. 0131 650 8833 or e-mail David.Rider@
him scream from outside. He came in ed.ac.uk for further details.
bleeding profusely from a hole in the
right side of his nose. X-rays taken by
the referring vet showed that Bengie had
been shot in the head with an airgun rifle.
Bengie was sent to the Feline Clinic. A
4mm diameter hole could be seen on the
right side of his nose, extending into the
nasal chambers. Further X-rays confirmed
The School had two finalists in the Dogs Trust and Cats Protection Clinical Case Study Award 2010. Jenny Ellis was runner-up the presence of an airgun pellet, which
in the Cats Protection Award for her report entitled "Feline hyperthyroidism: diagnosis, treatment and complications in three had clearly travelled through the right
domestic short-haired cats", and Katie Wu came 3rd in the Dogs Trust Award for her report on three dermatological cases. nasal chamber, leading to extensive
destruction. The pellet was located within
Jenny and Katie were presented with their awards by Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director at the Dogs Trust and Maggie Roberts, the pharynx. Using an endoscope we
Director of Veterinary Services for Cats Protection. were able not only to remove the pellet but
many of the bone fragments from within X-rays of Bengie’s skull showing bone fragments and an airgun pellet.
18 research NEWS Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 research NEWS 19
Resistance is E. Coli STUDY
Animals now get bugs from people
not futile
Thanks to funding from the Wellcome We often read about diseases making farming became widespread.
Trust, Prof David Gally of The Roslin the jump from animals to humans. Now The findings could have a huge impact
Institute and the Centre for Infectious a study at the R(D)SVS’s Roslin Institute on poultry farming and if bacteria cross
Diseases will be working with Prof has shown that globalisation and from humans to other livestock, there
Researching the worms that turned. David Tollervey of the Wellcome Trust industrialisation are causing diseases to could be implications for food security.
Centre for Cell Biology in the School spread from humans to animals. Further research is set to establish if this
of Biological Sciences to determine The research has shown that a strain is the case.
which E. coli 0157 strains are most of bacteria has jumped from humans to According to Dr Ross Fitzgerald: “Half
likely to infect humans. The scientists, chickens and spread between animals. a century ago chickens were reared for
along with a group from the Scottish This is the first clear evidence, since their eggs, with meat regarded as a by-
Agricultural College, are already animals were first domesticated 10,000 product. Now the demand for meat has
collaborating to try and discover why years ago, of bacterial pathogens making led to a poultry industry dominated by a
particular strains of E. coli are more such a jump. few multinational companies which supply
likely to be associated with human The study, published in the a limited number of breeding lines to a
disease. The grouping has made Proceedings of the National Academy of global market – thereby promoting the
good progress recently in developing
a vaccine formulation for use in cattle.
Sciences, identified a form of the bacteria
Staphylococcus Aureus in chickens that
spread of bacteria around the world.” HBLB funds PhD
Diseases caused by roundworms make detection of ML resistance easier originally came from humans. Genetic
(nematodes), not only have a detrimental
effect on productivity, but can greatly
in the field. These will become important
management tools for veterinary surgeons combatting East testing showed the jump happened about
40 years ago when intensive poultry
Dr Kirstie Pickles, Lecturer in
Equine Practice, has been awarded
impact the quality of life of affected
animals. The R(D)SVS’s Moredun Chair
and for people who manage and own
horses. Alongside these tools, the group
Coast Fever a veterinary research training
scholarship of £95,000 by the HBLB
of Veterinary Immunobiology, Jacqui is developing a diagnostic blood test Ivan Morrison of The Roslin Institute (Horserace Betting Levy Board).
Matthews, leads a research group
who investigate roundworms of horses
that will allow numbers of cyathostomin
gut wall larvae (worm stages that cannot
and the Centre for Infectious Diseases
has received funding from the BBSRC,
Clinical Research Connections The award will fund a three year
PhD studentship at Edinburgh
and ruminants. Their externally-funded currently be detected outside of horses) DfiD (Department for International University, due to start in October
research focuses mainly on equine gut to be estimated. This test utilises worm- Development), SERAD and CIDLID In 2008, The Roslin Institute was existing Roslin researchers as well as 2010, jointly supervised by Professor
parasites. World-wide, these worms affect specific serum antibody responses as a (Combatting Infectious Diseases in Live incorporated with the Dick Vet and joined the CRAs in combining their research Jacqui Mattews and Tom McNeilly
most grazing equids, with many animals marker of infection and will be a much- Stock for International Development) The University of Edinburgh. programmes. Bringing the clinical element at the Moredun Institute. This will
failing to develop immunity to re-infection. needed aid to diagnosis of these ‘hidden’ through a scheme to investigate new Bench researchers at The Roslin to the Institute’s existing basic research investigate the involvement of mast
Drug resistance in managed horses is parasites. The group also works on leads for improved vaccines against Institute and clinicians from the Hospitals will increase capacity and momentum cells in cyathostomin (small red
common, especially in the small redworm development of vaccines for roundworms Theileria parva, a parasite which leads at the Dick Vet are now to be encouraged of projects leading to the fast tracking of worm) infections in horses. Further
group (cyathostomins), and is now a of cattle and sheep. This has focussed on to East Coast Fever in cattle. This to work together thanks to a new commercialisation targets.” insight is needed to develop better
major threat to equine health and welfare. molecules necessary for worm survival in disease, which is spread by ticks, has programme, reports Patricia Hart. Professor Brendan Corcoran methods of control of the parasite
There are ~50 cyathostomin species that the host. It has analysed secretions of the an enormous economic impact in Professor David Hume, Director of The undertakes research focused on and improved treatments for horses
affect horses, sometimes causing severe bovine lungworm and the sheep brown sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated Roslin Institute, has established the new understanding the aetiology of with severe gut inflammation
colitis, which can be fatal in up to 50% of stomach worm and identified components US$300million loss per annum to the programme of interaction and a group myxomatous mitral valve disease in caused by these worms.
cases. The Matthews’ group has led in likely to play key roles in worm growth and economies of endemic countries. Prof of 14 Dick Vet clinicians have become the dog. The disease shares some Dr Pickles and team will
developing and using DNA-based tools development and in their ability to evade Morrison’s group along with colleagues Clinical Research Associates (CRAs). The characteristics with mitral valve prolapse investigate the number of mast
to identify species of accessible worm immune responses. at the University of Glasgow and ILRI CRAs will bring to the bench researchers in people and is a good example of cells and the enzymes they
stages. The availability of these tools It is vital that research outcomes (International Livestock Research in Roslin a wealth of experience in research that will also be of considerable contain in different parts of the
has meant that cyathostomins could be are fed back to relevant end-users and Institute), Kenya will examine the veterinary science and expertise in a comparative interest to human medicine. intestine of cyathostomin-infected
studied without the need for experimental Jacqui and her team play an active role immune response to certain strains of number of companion and production Professor Corcoran said of becoming horses and relate these to the
infections. This work has provided in regularly translating their research the parasite. The live vaccine which is animal diseases that can be compared to associated with basic researchers at The worm burden. Diagnostic tests
important insights into how proportions findings. They write lay articles and currently used has been found to have similar diseases in humans, thus bringing Roslin Institute, “The CRAs see this as a that could estimate the size of
of worm species relate to disease and deliver training to vets, horse owners and mixed efficacy, partly due to problems the College mission of “One Health” great opportunity to advance our research cyathostomin burden would help
to how they affect patterns of drug individuals registered to sell dewormers, associated with distribution, but also one step closer. Also discoveries made by introducing many of the genetic and identify horses at risk of disease. It
resistance. The research group was also and work with equine charities (The Horse due to the vaccine itself not in the research labs will be translated molecular aspects of animal bioscience is hoped this will lead to minimally
the first to identify macrocyclic lactone Trust and Donkey Sanctuary), and with engendering a robust immune much faster into cures in the clinics for that have been refined at The Roslin invasive tests for estimating worm
(ML) drug-resistant cyathostomins. ML the Horserace Betting Levy Board and response. Finding new vaccines is life-threatening diseases in pets such as Institute.” burden. If successful, this project
drugs are by far the most commonly used Thoroughbred Breeders Association to therefore a key priority for this disease, cancer. For further information go to www. has the potential to substantially
and preservation of their efficacy should disseminate practical information resulting as well as defining methods for Professor Hume is delighted with roslin.ac.uk/research/divisions.php/ improve horse health and welfare.
be a primary target of all equine health from the evidence based research. Each improving quality control of the current the expansion of the research interests ClinicalSciences.
programmes. To facilitate this, the group of these organisations funds the group’s vaccine. at the Institute noting that, “There are
is developing new and improved tools to research in some way. a large number of clear benefits to the20 research NEWS Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Student News 21
Dick Vet Student
scoops Intervet
Bursary Award
Hayley Harwood has won a prestigious
bursary award for her research.
Eight veterinary students were
nominated for the award for their
exceptional work under the financial
backing of Intervet / Schering-Plough
Animal Health's Connect Bursary Awards,
which are designed to provide financial
Pictured from left: Robert Palmer, Mike Davies (representing Mark Price, RABDF President), Lady Byford (Chairman), assistance for students for research on
Lyndon Edwards, Rachel Mather, Sarah Ritter, Steve Williams. animal health.
The agreement was signed by Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Professor Weigang Fang, Vice-President of the Peking University Health Science Centre (pictured on the right) Hayley Harwood was awarded the
and Mr. Quanren Li, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi City (centre).
Sarah Ritter, RABDF Finalist main prize jointly with Charlotte Cockburn
from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Roslin gets Chinese Link Final year student Sarah Ritter was a
finalist for the RABDF (Royal Association
of British Dairy Farmers) Farm Planning
introduced as part of the Farm Health
Planning (FHP) initiative, a proactive
approach to farm health planning in the
at a presentation day at Intervet in Milton
Keynes.
“I carried out my project last summer
at Colorado State University,” explained
The Roslin Institute is working with Chinese scientists to develop a training and Award. She was presented with a cattle sector developed in the last three Hayley, describing the research that so
certificate along with other finalists at years by a group of farmers, vets and impressed the judges. “It was exciting
exchange programme. the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, specialist advisors, working in partnership to be working in one of the most
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on 16th with Defra. internationally recognised establishments
An agreement between The University of (PKU) Health Science Centre, and Mr. further cements Scotland’s reputation. September. The entrants were required to prepare for equine reproduction. The aim of my
Edinburgh and Chinese partners – Peking Quanren Li, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi City The First Minister was also delighted to This is the first year the competition a 1,500 word essay demonstrating their project was to investigate the possibility
University and Wuxi City – is set to benefit attended the signing in Edinburgh. The hear of developments since his visit to has been open to vet students as well as understanding of proactive farm health of shipping frozen-thawed stallion
researchers at the Dick Vet’s Roslin agreement provides the foundation for the China in April 2009 and we look forward to students of agriculture. The award was planning on dairy and or beef units. semen to clients to be used for artificial
Institute. development of a training and scientific this collaboration producing cutting edge insemination, and to find a thawing
The agreement establishes links exchange programme in stem cell biology research.” protocol that would allow this to be done
between The Roslin Institute, The and regenerative medicine. Professor David Hume, Director of successfully. I was delighted to have
University of Edinburgh’s MRC Centre
for Regenerative Medicine and the
Sir John Elvidge, Permanent Secretary
at the Scottish Government, said:
The Roslin Institute, said: “This is an
extremely exciting opportunity to establish Scotia Agricultural Club Prize been awarded a bursary to help with
my project and was invited to Intervet in
Chinese partners. Professor Sir Timothy “Scotland already enjoys close ties with close links with colleagues in China and Milton Keynes for a presentation day in
O’Shea, Principal of the University of China and this collaboration strengthens to develop new and powerful scientific Postgraduate Hanna Miedema has November.”
Edinburgh, Professor Weigang Fang, our relationship. Our life sciences sector interactions that will progress our own won a prize for her PhD thesis, entitled David Hallas, General Manager
Vice-President of the Peking University is world renowned and this agreement stem cell research.” “Investigating the use of behavioural, at Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal
accelerometer and heart rate Health, said: “The fact that we awarded
measurements to predict calving in dairy a record number of Bursaries this year
cows”. The thesis has earned Hanna the and elected joint winners is testament
Research Track Poster Day 2009 Scotia Agricultural Club Student
Prize. A presentation ceremony was held
to the refreshingly high standard of
work being undertaken by veterinary
at the Moredun Research Institute in undergraduates.”
On 9th October, Research Track held its equine and sheep projects also November.
annual poster day when the 15 students presented their posters. Hanna’s research, supervised by Dr
who had done projects the previous Research Track Co-ordinator and Alastair MacRae, used observations
summer had a chance to present their Moredun Professor of Veterinary from video recordings at Langhill Dairy
research and compaire their experiences Immunobiology, Professor Jacqui Farm to identify consistent behavioural
with other undergraduates. Some 40 Matthews said: “The posters were changes occurring the day before calving
people attended. The students had of a universally high standard and that could be used to predict the onset of
been placed throughout the Easter all the students seemed to have calving. Cows were also fitted with collars
Bush Campus including the Vet School enjoyed themselves. Cheese and incorporating 3D movement sensors to see
itself, Moredun Institute and The Roslin wine were served and it was a chance if specific behaviours could be detected,
Institute. Two students who had gone to to talk about their projects and also which would therefore have the potential
From left, David Hallas (Intervet / Schering-Plough
Colorado State University to undertake see their supervisors again.” to be used as the basis of an automated Animal Health) with winning students. Hayley
Hanna Miedema receives her prize from
monitoring system to predict calving. Professor Donald MacRae. Harwood is pictured in the centre.22 Student news Dick Vet News Spring 2010 Dick Vet News Spring 2010 STUDENT NEWS 23
Japan Experience Students learn to crawl
Prof Jeremy Bradshaw, International Dean for the College of Medicine and
Veterinary Medicine, reports on the September 2009 vet student trip to Japan.
to raise funds
Hannah Johnson of the Dick Vet Student Fundraising Committee (DVSFC) tells
Trips like this give our students the Site. We visited beef and dairy farms,
opportunity to see how their profession is where the students interrogated the the Dick Vet News about stretcher races with the medics and supermarket bag
taught and practiced in different cultures. farmers about animal husbandry. We also
This gives them a deeper understanding learned from the vets at the Japanese
packing – all for a good cause.
of what they have learned at the Dick Vet Racing Association, and visited Japan
and how to apply it in a range of different Animal Referral Medical Centre.
settings. Veterinary medicine is now truly We saw active volcanoes, and even
global; experiences such as this prepare stayed in a replica Scottish castle,
our students to practice their profession complete with turrets and a kilt hanging
Dick Vet students from a range of years in Japan. wherever in the world they end up. over the fireplace. Two busy weeks
We visited two of Japan’s top vet flashed by all too quickly. I’d like to thank
As we emerged, weary and jetlagged from schools (Tokyo University and Hokkaido the staff and students of both universities,
the underground station, we were met with University), and took a behind-the scenes who made us welcome with a level
the view of a massive rollercoaster that look at Asahiyama Zoo, including trying of hospitality that would be difficult to
swooped and soared round, and even out tranquilizer darting - the plastic polar match in the UK. Special thanks to Prof.
through, the tall buildings in the heart bear never stood a chance! Takashi Umemura (Hokkaido University)
of Tokyo city. We knew that Japan was We saw sperm whales from a small and Prof. Hiroyuki Nakayama (Tokyo
going to be quite unlike anything we had boat, spent two days tracking bears with University), and to Hokkaido University
experienced before. the rangers at Shiretoko World Heritage who generously supported our visit.
Falling in line with a
LAVA Veterinarian Medicine and Veterinary Medicine students on their pub crawl.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of first and third by senior students with an agricultural from the public.
An unusual placement for fourth year student Laura M. Wilant. years, it has been possible to organise background, followed by a series of Thanks to the efforts of staff and
some really exciting and innovative competitions and demonstrations. With students the DVSFC has raised in excess
The first morning of my LAVA (Laboratory animals. Looking back, even if much we focus on the work they’re not doing events this academic year. Following the help of staff and local farmers there of £1000 and many areas will benefit from
Animal Veterinary Association) placement of it seemed like just small furry work, I rather than the work they do. Our role as the success of the Vets vs Medics pub was breed identification, estimation of this money. Current plans include the
began bright and early, as I met up with am reminded that each colony strain of veterinarians is fundamental to keeping crawl last March, it only seemed fair to age, weight and height, lameness scoring, purchase of training models for the clinical
the vet I was to shadow for a week. mouse or rat had some pretty specific them healthy for work, just the same as give the medics another shot at claiming stock-judging, sheepdog training and skills lab, a bench for the new vet school
LAVA was formed in 1988 with differences to any other mouse or rat I had for any guide dog that walks through our victory. The event was once again a huge confirmation scoring. Special thanks go garden, some home comforts for the
the purpose of promoting veterinary worked with in practice. door. success with an even higher turnout than to Kay and Archie Aitchison, Lawrence ICU accommodation and a contribution
knowledge and disseminating information In clinical practice, we don’t seem to In the course of my two weeks, I last year. Highlights of the night included Hodgson-Jones, Sandra Grant, Ann to the set-up costs of the new Wildlife
concerning laboratory animals throughout ask ourselves or try to justify the term shadowed four incredible veterinary a 3-legged race, bandaging challenges Laird, Wilson Lee and the other Langhill Emergency Clinic.
the veterinary community and public “working animal” whenever a shepherd’s surgeons who each had their own specific and a stretcher race. With the medics employees, for making this event I would like to take this opportunity to
at large. All of the animals I saw on my collie dog or a police force German area of responsibility and expertise and victorious this year, it’s a level playing field possible. thank everyone who has made DVSFC
LAVA placements were born and bred for Shepherd comes in for treatment. Even in my LAVA placements also gave me a for round three next year. With Christmas coming up, we decided possible. I never imagined that so much
specific purposes: their physiology and our conversation with horse owners, we collection of case studies that got me Our next exciting event was to hold to bring out the festive cheer in everyone could be achieved in such a short time.
how their cognitive function contributes include the questions “what kind of work thinking about the role that Named the vet school’s very first Agricultural and go bag packing. It’s always great for
to understanding drug pharmacology, does your horse do?” and “how long has Veterinary Surgeons play under the Day designed to help second year and fundraising and it’s a brilliant opportunity
learning and memory exercises in it been out of work?” Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 GEP students further their knowledge to keep the local community informed
psychology and for the creation of specific Perhaps because laboratory and the ethical, moral, and scientific and practical skills in certain aspects about the goings-on at the Dick Vet. There
genetic lines. animals fall outside of our traditional questions they are faced with on a daily of livestock husbandry. The day was is such warmth and appreciation for our
We worked with such a diversity of understanding of “working animals”, basis. made up of a series of lectures given work and genuine interest and supportYou can also read
