Spring 2019
UC Davis Veterinarians Successfully Treat K9 Officer’s Mysterious Illness
Aero, a 7-year-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, is back in action with the Anderson (CA) Police Department as a narcotics-detecting K9 officer. Four years ago, however, he was forced to prematurely retire after a mysterious illness caused his energy levels to plummet and his muscles to atrophy. His handler, Officer Mike Hallagran, did not think Aero would survive.
Emergency Team Administers First Aid Course for K9 Handlers
Earlier this year, K9 Officer Cort of the Fairfield (CA) Police Department was stabbed while apprehending a suspect. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were on site and immediately called their air division that had a helicopter in the area. CHP flew Cort to the UC Davis airport where campus police transported him about a mile to the university’s veterinary hospital.
Hospital Improves Imaging Communication Technology
The hospital is currently in the process of implementing a modern, sustainable Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) that provides cutting-edge clinical, teaching, and research imaging functions for clinicians, students, faculty, staff, referring veterinarians, and clients. The hospital’s current PACS is aging and does not allow clinicians to utilize it to the best of its abilities.
Karen Vernau Wins 2019 AVMA Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Dr. Karen Vernau has been named the winner of the 2019 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The award is given annually by the AVMA in recognition of the vital role veterinarians play in helping promote, preserve and protect human-animal relationships. It is named in honor of the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad, who was instrumental in furthering recognition and understanding of the important relationships between people and animals.
Joanne Paul-Murphy Wins 2019 AVMA Animal Welfare Award
Dr. Joanne Paul-Murphy has been named the winner of the 2019 Animal Welfare Award by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The award is given annually to an AVMA member who has advanced animal well-being, shown exemplary dedication to animal care, and contributed to the community and society. Award winners must exhibit achievement in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy.
Two Veterinary Professors Named Academic Senate Award Winners
The Academic Senate named two professors in the School of Veterinary Medicine among the winners of its highest honor for 2019 in a ceremony honoring annual award winners for teaching, research and public service. The awards were presented May 8 from the Davis Division of the Academic Senate, whose members hold ladder-rank and other academic appointments.

Professor Terry Lehenbauer was a winner in the “Distinguished Scholarly Public Service” category and Professor David Maggs took honors in the “Distinguished Teaching: Graduate and Professional” category.
Dr. Jamie Peyton Receives Chancellor’s Innovation Award
Dr. Jamie Peyton, chief of Integrative Medicine Service, was named a recipient of the 2019 Chancellor’s Innovation Awards at a ceremony at the UC Davis Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts May 30. It is the fourth year for the awards, which recognize the important contributions of faculty, community partners and industry leaders in helping to establish UC Davis as a global leader in innovation.
 
“These honorees represent the spirit of excellence and innovation that distinguishes UC Davis as one of the best public research universities in the nation,” said Chancellor Gary May. “They are the game-changers making a positive impact — not only in our region, but also around the world.”
Royal Veterinary College Honors UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Michael Lairmore with Honorary Fellowship
London, England’s Royal Veterinary College (RVC), one of the most esteemed veterinary schools in the world, has awarded an Honorary Fellowship to Michael Lairmore, the dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This honor was granted to Lairmore in recognition for his outstanding leadership in veterinary medicine and One Health, and was presented on May 1, 2019 in London during the RVC’s Annual Principal’s Dinner.
Veterinary Medical Center Update
Phase I of the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) campaign has commenced with the construction of the Large Animal Support Facility and new pastures for our blood donor animals. To make room for the Equine Performance Center and the Livestock & Field Services Center, our large animal blood donor animals (horses, goats, cows, llamas and alpacas) will be moved across the street to new pastures on the far side of Garrod Drive. Additionally, a new support facility (for hay and supply storage) will be adjacent to these pastures at the intersection of Garrod Drive and Equestrian Lane. Both projects are nearing completion.
Clinical Trial Featured on Good Day Sacramento
Bulldogs with Spina Bifida Wanted for Clinical Trial
In conjunction with the Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, the school’s Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures is conducting a clinical trial to assess the use of stem cells in the treatment of spina bifida in English bulldogs. Recently, the trial was spotlighted on "Good Day Sacramento."
Welcome New Faculty Clinicians
Large Animal Internal Medicine Service
Dr. Emily Berryhill, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Emily Berryhill joined the Equine Internal Medicine Service as an assistant professor, effective May 1, 2019. Dr. Berryhill received her BS (2005) and her DVM (2010) from UC Davis. Following graduation, she completed a one-year internship and a one-year fellowship (2010-2012) at the Brock Veterinary Clinic in Lamesa, Texas. She then returned to UC Davis to complete a one-year fellowship in equine medicine and equine field services (2012-2013) before completing a three-year residency in large animal internal medicine (equine emphasis) at UC Davis (2013-2016). Following her residency, Dr. Berryhill began working as a staff veterinarian with the Equine Internal Medicine and Equine Field Services (2016-2019). Dr. Berryhill is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal). Dr. Berryhill is an experienced equine internist and educator who has taught undergraduate students, professional (DVM) students, and post-graduate veterinarians. Her previous private practice experience brings additional perspective in equine field case management that will not only enhance the school’s training of DVM students and residents, but also benefit equine patients and clients. Dr. Berryhill’s interests are in the area of adult and neonatal equine metabolic and endocrine diseases, oncology, and drug pharmacokinetics.
Small Animal Internal Medicine Service
Dr. Sean Hulsebosch, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Sean Hulsebosch joined Small Animal Internal Medicine Service as an assistant clinical professor, effective March 1, 2019. Dr. Hulsebosch received his DVM (1999) from Michigan State University. Following graduation, he worked as an associate veterinarian (1999-2000) at the Michigan Human Society in Westland, Michigan. Dr. Hulsebosch then completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine (2000-2001) at the Animal Medical Center in New York City prior to joining the Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus, New Jersey as an associate veterinarian (2001-2012). Dr. Hulsebosch completed a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine (2012-2015) at UC Davis, and they stayed on as a staff veterinarian (2015-2019). Dr. Hulsebosch became board certified in 2015 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal). Dr. Hulsebosch brings more than 19 years of clinical practice experience in small animal medicine, and his appointment will help fulfill clinical instructional needs in this area. Dr. Hulsebosch’s interests and expertise include endocrinology, nephrology, immune-mediated disease, and endoscopy of the urinary, respiratory, and GI tracts.
"Evening with Vet Med" Lectures
Equine Colic Lecture
Dr. Charlene Noll delivers the presentation "Equine Colic: A Real Pain in the Gut." Dr. Noll discusses why horses colic, a colic workup, and colic treatments and outcomes. Learn more about how UC Davis has been able to maintain a success rate above 90% in colic surgeries, and is also able to treat nearly 70% of its colic patients without surgery.
Koi Health Lecture
Dr. Esteban Soto delivers the presentation "Koi Health." Dr. Soto is an aquatic animal specialist with the Aquatic Animal Health section of the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. Learn more about koi herpes virus and other diseases and illnesses that could be affecting the well-being of your fish. Also learn about the aquatic medicine clinical and laboratory services available at UC Davis.
Coping with Pet Loss Lecture
Dr. Katherine Hansen and licensed therapist Florence Soares-Dabalos deliver the presentation "Coping with Pet Loss." Pets are members of the family and their loss can be extremely devastating to many pet owners. If you are struggling with a recent pet loss, or are looking to help a family member or friend who has lost a pet, this lecture can help you learn more about how best to cope with losing a four-legged family member.
Upcoming Lectures
Summer Health Hazards for Dogs
1030 Valley Hall, UC Davis
June 18, 2019
7 p.m.
FREE
Thanks and Praise from Grateful Clients
Dear UC Davis veterinary hospital,
 
I wanted to take the opportunity to inform you of the excellent care that resident Dr. Matthew Munro has provided over the last year to our young Shetland sheepdog, Donovan, who was experiencing urine leakage.  
 
Dr. Munro examined Donovan and ordered blood work, a urinalysis, and an ultrasound prior to scheduling a cystoscopy. An ectopic ureter was ruled out, and Donovan was neutered and was given a combination of medications.
 
Since that time, Dr. Munro has been in regular contact with us, checking on Donovan’s progress. We’ve measured Donovan’s water intake, varied his medication amounts and distribution throughout the day, and studied the results of new lab work and blood pressure. In every communication, Dr. Munro has been responsive, professional, positive, interested, and, most importantly, concerned about Donovan’s health. He has answered all our questions, with the same enthusiasm in email communication as he showed in person when we met him.
 
We are very pleased with the quality of veterinary care Donovan has received and the warm working relationship we have developed with Dr. Munro, who has been a wonderful resource to us as we face the prospects of future illness in our young and vibrant dog.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Teresa G., Davis, California
Cases of the Month
UC Davis Ophthalmologists Save Dog’s Eyes Following Accident
Rally, a 1-year-old female Labrador retriever, was accidentally shot while on a hunting excursion, with both of her eyes sustaining major trauma. Her owners immediately rushed her to a local emergency clinic that then referred her to the Ophthalmology Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. With seven board-certified ophthalmologists, four ophthalmology residents, one ophthalmology intern, and 24-hour emergency availability, UC Davis was the right place for Rally’s care.
Parrot’s Challenging Fungal Infection Successfully Treated
Ginger, an 8-year-old female eclectus parrot, was not feeling like herself a few months ago. Over the course of several days, her decreased appetite caused her to skip a meal of kiwi—her favorite fruit—and she no longer danced around her cage like normal. Her owners thought she was having trouble with egg binding, a condition she suffered from previously. As regular clients of the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, they brought Ginger in for an examination. After extensive examination, Ginger’s condition was far worse than egg binding.
Collaborative Effort Helps Dog See Again
Bobby, a 12-year-old male miniature Schnauzer, developed cataracts in both eyes, presumably brought on by his diabetes. While he could still sense light in his eyes, the cataracts clouded his vision to the point of essential blindness. Navigation of his home was accomplished by memory and by utilizing a heightened sense of feel, especially on the staircase. His owner, John Yeung, was eager to have Bobby’s vision restored, so he sought out the help of UC Davis alum and former ophthalmology resident Dr. Kristina Burling, a board-certified ophthalmologist. Since 1994, Dr. Burling has owned and operated Animal Eye Specialists in Campbell, California near Yeung’s home in San Jose. Dr. Burling successfully performed cataract surgery on Bobby’s left eye. However, the cataract removal on his right eye had to be abruptly stopped mid-surgery due to an underlying systemic disease that caused Bobby’s heartrate to fall dangerously low. Dr. Burling made the smart decision to stop the surgery, as Bobby was no longer in a healthy enough position to proceed. That's when UC Davis stepped in to help.
Did You Know?
…that former California racehorse Ourwestcoastghost, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, was recently a patient of the Large Animal Clinic? Ourwestcoastghost was quite the racer in his day, finishing "in the money" in 12 of his 25 career starts, winning six races. He is now a herdmember at CANTER California, which has a close connection to the school, having been a hospital client for many years.
…that PET scanning research pioneered at UC Davis will be utilized at Santa Anita Park to improve racehorse safety? Since 2016, Dr. Mathieu Spriet of the Diagnostic Imaging Service, supported by resources from the Center for Equine Health, has scanned more than 100 horses at the veterinary hospital – the only veterinary facility in the world with an equine PET scanner.
…that most homemade cat diet recipes are unlikely to provide complete essential nutrients? The Nutrition Service researched more than 100 recipes from online sources and books, written by non-veterinarians and veterinarians. Many recipes had severe deficiencies, providing less than 50 percent of the recommend allowances of several essential nutrients
Featured Clinical Trial
Dr. Carrie Palm is recruiting cats with anemia associated with IRIS Stage 2 or 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) for a new clinical trial. The trial aims to check the safety and effectiveness of a novel drug in cats with anemia caused by CKD. Owners are encouraged to enroll any cat with anemia and CKD that is FeLV/FIV negative, at least 1 year old, does not require daily fluid administration and is not pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding. For more information about this and other groundbreaking trials, visit the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials at https://clinicaltrials.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ or email  [email protected] . 
CE Calendar
Upcoming Veterinary Continuing Education Events:

  • July 20-21 12th Annual Back to School RVT/Vet Tech CE Seminar, UC Davis
  • October 4-6 SoCal Vet Series: Canine and Feline GI Disorders, Long Beach
  • October 27 Fall Festival, UC Davis
  • November 2 6th Annual One Health Symposium, UC Davis
 
Help Advance Veterinary Care
With a simple online donation , you could make a difference for a hospitalized animal in need by supporting the hospital’s Compassionate Care Funds.
Vet Med Apparel Available
Looking for UC Davis Vet Med swag? Dozens of items are available online through the UC Davis bookstore.