Assemblies

American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 7-9, 2009, Washington, D.C.
Program: More than 1,600 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students attended the meeting, which offered the latest clinical and research information in surgery and related medicine.
Awards: ACVS Foundation Legends Award: Dr. George E. Eyster, East Lansing, Mich., won this award, given to an ACVS diplomate who has developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition. Dr. Eyster received his DVM degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. Known for his expertise in veterinary cardiac surgery, Dr. Eyster is professor emeritus of small animal clinical sciences at Michigan State University and founder of the cardiology discipline at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine more than 40 years ago. He initiated the veterinary use of procedures such as pulmonary arterial banding for treatment of septal defects, implantation of prosthetic conduits to bypass outflow tract obstructions, and surgical creation on arteriovenous connections to help relieve clinical signs associated with tetralogy of Fallot. ACVS Founders' Award for Career Achievement: Dr. Donald L. Piermattei, Carr, Colo. A 1954 graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Piermattei recently retired from a part-time surgical practice in Loveland, Colo. Earlier in his career, he served on the veterinary faculties of Michigan State University, Texas A&M University, University of Minnesota, and Colorado State University, and owned a surgical referral practice in Denver. Dr. Piermattei is a past president of the ACVS and former editor of the journal Veterinary Surgery. He co-authored "An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones of the Dog and Cat" and "A Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair." Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Alan J. Lipowitz, St. Paul, Minn., won this award, given for outstanding contributions related directly or peripherally to the functions of the ACVS over a prolonged period of time. A 1966 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Lipowitz recently retired as professor of small animal surgery in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. He now practices part time at Midwest Veterinary Specialists in Blaine, Minn. Dr. Lipowitz is a past president of the ACVS and served as its executive secretary until recently. ACVS Outstanding Surgical Resident Awards, sponsored by the ACVS Foundation: Best poster: first place—Dr. Tige Witsberger, Texas A&M University, for "CSF analysis and outcome of IVDD post-surgery"; second place—Dr. Shannon Murray, The Ohio State University, for "A retrospective study assessing survival and the long-term athletic outcome of 55 horses affected with cleft palate (1986-2008)"; honorable mention—Dr. Duane Robinson, University of Minnesota, for "Development of a fracture osteomyelitis model in the rat." Best large animal forum presentation: Research, first place—Dr. Nellie Driscoll, Oregon State University, for "Effects of tiludronate on recombinant equine interleukin-1, conditioned equine articular cartilage explants"; second place—Dr. Samantha Hart, Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, for "Elution of antibiotics from a novel dextran gel: in vivo quantification." Clinical, first place—Dr. Susan R. Vogel, University of Montreal, for "Nephrectomy in cattle for management of unilateral renal disease: 10 cases"; second place—Dr. Kyla Ortved, Cornell University, for "Treatment of subchondral bone cysts of the medial femoral condyle in mature horses using chondrocyte implantation: A retrospective study of 43 cases." Best small animal forum presentation: Research, first place—Dr. Brian Trumpatori, North Carolina State University, for "A technique for mid-humeral block of the radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerves for analgesia of the distal forelimb in the dog"; second place—Dr. Kelley Thieman, University of Florida, for "The contact mechanics of meniscal repairs and partial meniscectomy as treatment for simulated bucket handle medial meniscal tears in cadaveric dog stifles." Clinical, first place—Dr. Kevin Au, University of Illinois, for "Comparison of short and long term function and radiographic osteoarthrosis in dogs receiving postoperative physical rehabilitation and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or lateral fabellar suture stabilization"; second place—Dr. Laurent Guiot, Michigan State University, for "Minimally invasive percutaneous plate-rod osteosynthesis for treatment of extra-articular humeral fractures in dogs." Best publications in the journal Veterinary Surgery: Research—Dr. Jennifer Covey, for "Hilar liver resection in dogs"; honorable mention—Dr. Stanley Kim, for "Effect of tibial tuberosity advancement on femorotibial contact mechanics and stifle kinematics." clinical—Dr. Callie Fogle, for "Analysis of sodium carboxymethylcellulose administration and related factors associated with postoperative colic and survival in horses with small intestinal disease"; honorable mention—Dr. Kathleen Ham, "Validation of a rapid parathyroid hormone assay and intraoperative measurement of parathyroid hormone in dogs with benign naturally occurring primary hyperparathyroidism."
Officials: ACVS: Drs. Stephen B. Adams, West Lafayette, Ind., president; Steven C. Budsberg, Athens, Ga., chair of the Board of Regents; Dale E. Bjorling, Madison, Wis., president-elect; and C. Collins "Andy" Anderson, San Antonio, treasurer. ACVS Foundation: Dr. Mark D. Markel, Madison, Wis., chair, and trustees—Drs. Matthew D. Barnhart, Worthington, Ohio; Elaine R. Caplan, Austin, Texas; Sara A. Colopy, Madison, Wis.; Jon F. Dee, Hollywood, Fla.; Dianne Dunning, Raleigh, N.C.; Rolf Embertson, Lexington, Ky.; Michelle L. Haven, New York; Elizabeth L. Kilgallon, Bedford Hills, N.Y.; and Eric R. Schertel, Worthington, Ohio.

Veterinary emergency, critical care groups hold symposium

Event: 15th International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium, Sept. 9-13, 2009, Chicago
Program: This year's symposium, conducted jointly by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians, drew 1,548 veterinarians, 709 veterinary technicians, 92 students, and 46 practice managers, representing 29 countries. The focus was fluids and transfusion medicine. More than 450 hours of continuing education were offered. The symposium was the venue for the annual meetings of the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation, and, for the third time, American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists. Col. Lorne Blackbourne, MD, presented the Robert P. Knowles Memorial Keynote Lecture on damage control resuscitation in battlefield hospitals. Col. Blackbourne is commander of the United States Army Institute for Surgical Research and chief of trauma services at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The symposium held its third job fair, featuring 17 practices, including one from Canada and one from the United Kingdom. The practices discussed employment opportunities with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students.
Awards: Ira M. Zaslow Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Karol A. Mathews, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, for her contributions to the VECCS and her role in establishing an emergency/critical care program in Canada. The first Canadian diplomate of the ACVECC, Dr. Mathews is professor emeritus at Ontario Veterinary College, where her efforts helped promote the college's emergency and critical care program and one of the first full-service veterinary intensive care units in Canada. A past president of the VECCS, she has helped bring the topic of small animal pain management to the forefront of veterinary medicine. Hill's Dr. Jack Mara ACVECC Achievement Award: Dr. Mary K. Boudreaux, Auburn University, Ala., was honored for her work relating to the role of platelets in clinical medicine. Dr. Boudreaux is a professor in the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. With an interest in hemostasis and platelet pathophysiology, she conducts research evaluating the role of platelets in disease pathogenesis and identifying and characterizing of congenital platelet disorders. Intervet/Schering-Plough Equine Emergency & Critical Care Educator-of-the-Year Award: Dr. Pamela Wilkins, Urbana, Ill., was the first recipient of this award. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and ACVECC, Dr. Wilkins is section head of equine medicine and surgery and a professor of veterinary clinical medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. ACVECC Research Grant Award ($10,000): Dr. Alison Stewart, Auburn University, for "Identification of relative adrenal insufficiency in critically ill adult horses." VECCF Research Grant Award ($9,800): Dr. Ben Brainard, University of Georgia, for "Sonoclot evaluation of whole blood coagulation and single and multiple dose subcutaneous heparin therapy in healthy adult dogs." Dr. Brainard was the first recipient of this award. Small Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored jointly by VECCS, ACVECC, and Boehringer Ingelheim: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Galina Hayes, Ontario Veterinary College, for "ScvO2 and associations with outcomes in canine ICU patients." Large Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Mila International: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Kira Epstein, University of Georgia, for "In vitro comparison of the effect of three blood products used to attenuate endotoxin LPS-induced TNF production." ACVA Abstract Award, sponsored by Smiths Medical and Surgivet: First place—Dr. Kristen Messenger, North Carolina State University, for "The pharmacokinetics of intravenous and sublingual buprenorphine in horses." Honorable mention—Dr. Guiacomo Gianotti, Ontario Veterinary College, for "The sparing effect of ketamine on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) determination is not affected by prior MAC determination of isoflurane alone in rabbits," and Dr. Lydia Love, University of Tennessee, for "The effect of ketamine on MACBAR of sevoflurane in dogs." Case Report Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim: A $300 stipend was awarded to Dr. Lindsay Kellett-Gregory, University of Pennsylvania, for "Lycoperdonosis." Technician Case Report Award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health: A stipend of $300 was awarded to David Liss, Los Angeles, for "Clots happen: Hypercoagulability in critical care."

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Business: It was reported that membership has decreased when compared with the same time last year. A strategic plan, developed and approved by the board of directors in April 2009, is being implemented. The plan gives short- and long-term direction for the society and addresses changes in continuing education course offerings for members (including online courses), public outreach programs, member benefits, and staffing requirements to allow the society to move forward in response to member needs.
Officials: Harold Davis, Davis, Calif., president; Drs. Elke Rudloff, Glendale, Wis., president-elect; Robert Messenger, Charlotte, N.C., treasurer; Susan Barnes, Leesburg, Va., immediate past president; Scott Johnson, Austin, Texas, recorder; Gary L. Stamp, San Antonio, executive director; and members-at-large—Dr. Marie Kerl, Columbus, Mo., and Nancy Shaffran, Erwinna, Pa.

American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Program: The ACVECC conducted its certification examination and installed new officials.
Officials: Drs. Dennis Burkett, Newtown, Pa, president; Tim Hackett, Fort Collins, Colo., president-elect; Elisa Mazzaferro, Denver, vice president; Scott Shaw, North Grafton, Mass., treasurer; Jan Kovacic, Lafayette, Calif., immediate past president; Armelle de Laforcade, North Grafton, Mass., executive secretary; and regents—Drs. Elisa Mazzaferro, Denver; Amy Carr, San Marcos, Calif.; Dan Fletcher, Ithaca, N.Y.; Alisa Reniker, Chandler, Ariz.; Justine Johnson, East Greenwich, R.I.; and Barb Dallap-Schaer, New Bolton Center, Pa.

Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians

Program: The 12th certification examination was conducted. The academy also held a pinning ceremony and reception for the class of 2008.
Officials: Elisa Petrollini, Philadelphia, president; Rene Scalf, Fort Collins, Colo., president-elect; Leslie Carter, Fort Collins, Colo., immediate past president; Andrea Steele, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, executive secretary; and regents—Dee Dee Schumacher, Ankeny, Iowa; Jessica Davis, Cincinnati; and Trish Farry, Queensland, Australia

American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists

Program: Thirty-four abstracts were presented. A panel discussion was held on the use of inotropes. Speakers addressed anesthetic management of patients with renal disease, fluid dynamics in anesthetized horses, and new approaches to analgesia, analgesic drugs, and their adverse effects.
New Diplomates: Those who passed the ACVA certifying examination are as follows:
Jennifer Adams, Hull, Ga.
Sandra Allweiler, Fort Collins, Colo.
Courtney Baetge, College Station, Texas
Maria Bellei, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Nigel Campbell, Raleigh, N.C.
Anderson da Cunha, Baton Rouge, La.
Jusmeen Dhanjal, Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Alexander Hawley, Mill Valley, Calif.
Jennifer Hess, New York
Maria Killos, St. Paul, Minn.
Carolyn McKune, Gainesville, Fla.
Erin McNally, St. Augustine, Fla.
Patrice Mich, Denver
Eva Rioja Garcia, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Kerry Robinson, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Monica Rosati, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Jeffery Wilson, Wayne, Pa.
Business: The ACVA discussed an amendment to its bylaws involving the creation of a committee to oversee a grant-issuing foundation.
Officials: Drs. David Martin, Richland, Mich., president; Robert Meyer, Mississippi State, Miss., president-elect; John Dodam, Columbia, Mo., immediate past president; and Lydia Donaldson, Middleburg, Va., executive secretary

Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists

Program: The certification examination was conducted and two special lecture tracks were presented as part of the technician program.
Officials: Sharon Johnston, Bogart, Ga., president; Susan Bryant, Southbridge, Mass., president elect; Sharon Kaiser-Klingler, Sadler, Texas, treasurer; Missy Stillinger, Christiansburg, Va., executive secretary; and Larry Nann, Downingtown, Pa., immediate past president

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation

Program: The VECCF held a silent auction and raised almost $10,000 for designated projects.
Officials: Drs. William Smith, Seale, Ala., president; Deborah Silverstein, Philadelphia, secretary; and Gary Stamp, San Antonio, administrator

American Association of Extension Veterinarians

Event: Annual meeting, San Diego, Oct. 10, 2009
Program: Immediate past president of the AAEV, Dr. Ernest Hovingh presided over the meeting, which was held in conjunction with the United States Animal Health Association. The AAEV sponsored the fifth annual Applied Animal and Public Health Research and Extension Symposium, which was held prior to the AAEV meeting.
Awards: Extension Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Robert W. Wills, Mississippi State, Miss. A 1984 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Wills is an associate professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and immediate past treasurer of the AAEV.
Business: A survey of past and current AAEV members is being developed for planning purposes. Plans are under way to expand and update the association's Web site.
Officials: Drs. Patty Scharko, Clemson, S.C., president; Russ Daly, Brookings, S.D., president-elect; Carla Huston, Mississippi State, Miss., secretary; Kerry Rood, Logan, Utah, treasurer; and Ernest Hovingh, University Park, Pa., immediate past president

Kentucky VMA

Event: 98th annual meeting and 36th Mid-America Veterinary Conference, Louisville, Oct. 9-11, 2009
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Craig N. Carter, Lexington. A 1981 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Carter is a professor of epidemiology and director of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture's Livestock Disease and Diagnostic Center. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he has conducted research on Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals and electronic health monitoring of cattle. Dr. Carter served more than 30 years as veterinary readiness adviser for the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command. Distinguished Service Award: Dr. James M. Weber, Alexandria, Ky. A 1980 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Weber operates a beef cattle and tobacco farm in Maysville. A past president of the KVMA, he currently serves as Kentucky's alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates.
Officials: Drs. Heidi Hulon, Crestwood, president; Mike Crowley, Butler, president-elect; Phil Prater, Morehead, vice president; Roberta Dwyer, Georgetown, secretary-treasurer; and Steve Wills, Owensboro, immediate past president