To contact the VMTH regarding referrals:
530-384-8234 (direct referral line)
or
The VMTH now has eight referral coordinators that you can reach directly, rather than using the main VMTH phone line. As valued referring veterinarians, you now have direct access to a team of dedicated client service representatives at the VMTH – rather than using the main telephone number that is used for the general public. We strongly recommend that you utilize these highly trained contacts to enable a faster and more efficient referral process. Our referral coordinators have intimate knowledge of their services and can facilitate your needs and also connect you with a veterinarian should you need consultation on a case.
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Veterinary Medical Center
Campaign Update
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Building the Future of Veterinary Care
UC Davis leads the way in veterinary medicine thanks to the partnership of donors large and small. See specifics of how those philanthropic partnerships will help create the future Veterinary Medical Center.
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Innovation Spotlight: UC Davis Veterinary Medicine
Where is veterinary care at UC Davis headed in the next decade? The future Veterinary Medical Center looks to set the gold standard of care while defining advanced clinical research and education.
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UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Aims to Raise $500 Million in University’s Fundraising Campaign
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is taking one of the lead roles in the university’s new $2 billion fundraising campaign, “Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World.” This marks the largest philanthropic endeavor in the university’s history, and the school’s 25% portion of the goal is also its largest fundraising challenge. This bold goal will help create the future Veterinary Medical Center, where clinical innovation, transformational research, and compassionate healing come together.
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In Memoriam — Dr. William R. Pritchard
Dr. William Roy Pritchard was a farmer, a father, a husband, a nature lover, an outdoorsman, a scientist, a military veteran, a professor, and a dean. But mostly he was an achiever, leaving behind a distinguished legacy and an enormous body of work in the areas he chose to pursue. His profession, veterinary medicine, became his lifelong devotion and the pursuit of scientific innovation and the development of a world-class teaching and research program in that field was his driving force.
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UC Davis Foundations of Veterinary Business Program Goes Online
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Business Certificate Program, offered in collaboration with the highly regarded UC Davis Graduate School of Management, will be fully online for 2021. This program provides a cost-effective and time efficient opportunity to develop a solid business foundation and practical skills required to manage and lead successful veterinary practices. This unique online certificate program is designed to appeal to veterinarians and hospital administrators working in the profession who may not have the time or budget to pursue a full MBA program, as well as to veterinary students with a strong interest in future practice ownership.
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Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Receives Highest Level of Accreditation
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory recently achieved the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the highest level of accreditation available to testing laboratories. According to their website, ANAB is the largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body in the western hemisphere, with more than 2,500 organizations accredited in approximately 80 countries.
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Equine Reproduction Service Updates Facilities at the Center for Equine Health
The UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Equine Reproduction Service has a newly renovated clinical teaching and research space at the school’s Center for Equine Health. Dean Michael Lairmore, Executive Associate Dean John Pascoe, and Executive Assistant Dean Mary McNally officially unveiled the newly renovated space, which includes four custom-designed stocks and all new flooring. The Equine Reproduction Service team, led by Service Chief Dr. Ghislaine Dujovne and newly acquired faculty member Dr. Pouya Dini, also has a new student meeting space and expanded laboratory as part of the renovation.
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Dr. Stephen White Wins National Dermatology Award
Dr. Stephen White has been named the 2020 recipient of the Frank Kral Award presented by the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. The award is given annually in recognition of outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the veterinary profession and the specialty of veterinary dermatology.
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Dr. Terry Lehenbauer Honored by American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Congratulations to Dr. Lehenbauer, director of the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, on receiving the 2020 American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Award of Excellence during the 53rd AABP Annual Conference this fall.
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School Celebrates Creation of New Presidential Endowed Chair
On November 18, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine celebrated the creation of a new Presidential Chair that was the fruit of a two-decade relationship with the school and the Messmer family. Dr. Joanne Paul-Murphy was introduced as the inaugural chairholder of the Messmer Family Presidential Chair in the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service at the virtual event.
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Wildlife Disaster Network Mobilizes Aid for Burned, Injured Wildlife
In wildfire-beleaguered California, firefighters and emergency personnel race to help humans, livestock and neighborhoods across the state, year after year. Now, a new network is being created to help treat injured individuals from an overlooked population — wildlife.
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Dr. Sina Marsilio is recruiting cats for a clinical trial on fecal microbiota transplantation in kittens with therapy resistant diarrhea. Kittens with chronic diarrhea have perturbances of their intestinal microbiome (dysbiosis). Fecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) can help with patients with dysbiosis and restore a normal, healthy microbiome. This study will evaluate the efficacy FMT from healthy cats to kittens with diarrhea that is unresponsive to conventional treatment with dewormers and antibiotics. To enroll a patient, contact Dr. Maria Questa ([email protected]) or Dr. Sina Marsilio ([email protected]).
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Dr. Sina Marsilio is also recruiting dogs for a clinical trial on fecal microbiota transplantation in dogs with inflammatory brain disease. In recent years, an intimate cross-talk between the gut and the brain has been discovered now called the gut-brain-axis. In this cross-talk, the intestinal microbiome plays a pivotal role. Dysbiosis has been found in many neurologic diseases in people and dogs, including Alzheimer’s, autism, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory brain disease. This study evaluates fecal microbiota transplantations as an ancillary treatment for dogs with inflammatory brain disease. To enroll a patient, contact Dr. Kathrina Mathews ([email protected]), Dr. Chai-Fei Li ([email protected]), or Dr. Sina Marsilio ([email protected]).
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Dr. Rob Rebhun is recruiting dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma or melanoma that has metastasized to the lungs to investigate whether the addition of autologous activated natural killer (NK) cells might improve response rates in canine patients receiving inhaled IL-15 for treatment. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of NK cells and IL-15 in this canine patient population. |
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Dr. Luke Wittenburg is recruiting dogs with lymphoma whose owners have elected to pursue the “CHOP” protocol for treatment. As part of the CHOP protocol, dogs receive the chemotherapy drug Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). The purpose of the study is to evaluate how dogs metabolize the Cytoxan. Investigators will measure the drug level in the canine patient’s blood after the first and last oral dose to evaluate how metabolism of Cytoxan changes over the course of a three to four day period. Dogs with relapsed lymphoma may also be eligible. |
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Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little is recruiting dogs between the ages of 1 and 6 with elbow arthritis. Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega 3 fatty acids have shown some benefit in relieving the signs of lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether dogs with elbow arthritis who receive a food supplement that contains undenaturated collagen II are using their affected legs better than when they receive a placebo. |
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Dr. Jodi Westropp is recruiting dogs to evaluate ASB 212, a biotherapeutic that has shown promising results in a pilot study evaluating this therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotics are often prescribed for UTI in dogs and finding alternative, effective therapies may help reduce selection of bacterial resistant strains. We are enrolling dogs that have clinical signs (small amounts of urine frequently, and frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, straining to urinate or urinary incontinence that has resolved with past antibiotic treatment) and either have had more than one UTI in the past 12 months or had a multi-drug resistant bacterial strain identified in the urine. |
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Upcoming Continuing Education Events |
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Due to developing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including adhering to physical distancing and limiting public gatherings, the UC Davis Center for Continuing Professional Education is currently altering its course offerings to webinar only.
We look forward to welcoming you to these CE events moved online:
Please contact us with any suggestions or questions you might have regarding our programs.
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Latest Research Achievements |
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UC Davis Researchers Identify Genetic Variant for Equine Familial Isolated Hypoparathyroidism in Thoroughbreds - Testing Now Available
Researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have identified a genetic cause for the fatal condition equine familial isolated hypoparathyroidism in Thoroughbreds, marking the first genetic variant for hypoparathyroidism identified in any domestic animal species. Additionally, this is the first widely available genetic test for Thoroughbreds.
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Testing Now Available for Equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy/Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM)
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is one of the top three causes of spinal ataxia in horses. It is characterized by incoordination that typically develops in foals 6-12 months of age. Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy and EDM are clinically indistinguishable, with EDM being a more advanced form of the disease. Although a genetic susceptibility to eNAD/EDM is highly suspected, and the role of vitamin E deficiency during early life well supported, the etiology of eNAD/EDM remains unknown.
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Validation of a Dedicated Standing Equine PET Scanner and Early Data in 61 Racehorses
Dr. Mathieu Spriet presents, via Zoom, his abstract on the standing equine PET, which received the Abstract Award at the American College of Veterinary Radiology annual meeting.
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Training the Next Generation of Comparative Oncologists
UC Davis is taking a major leap forward in training the next generation of scientists engaged in basic and translational cancer research for animals and humans, thanks to a prestigious National Institutes of Health T32 grant.
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California Mountain Lion Injured by Fire Returns to Wild After Month-Long Treatment
A mountain lion found with burn injuries sustained during California’s Bobcat Fire was released back into the wilderness on the weekend of October 24 after receiving a month-long treatment from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine staff. The lion had sustained burns during the Bobcat Fire in northern Los Angeles. The fire endangered rare species in the San Gabriel Mountains.
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Cat Burned in Wildfire Discharged After Three Months of Hospitalization
The UC Davis veterinary hospital has treated hundreds of animals over the years that were burned in wildfires. Every year, there is at least one that everyone at the hospital remembers. This year, one of the most memorable was Ned, a semi-feral cat who was rescued from the property he calls home a few days after the LNU Lightning Complex Fire swept through and destroyed everything. This week, Ned was finally discharged after being hospitalized for three months.
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Burned Alpacas Hospitalized for Four Months Finally Go Home
Average stay in the hospital for the more than 50,000 animals that UC Davis treats every year is less than a week. It is a rare occurrence for an animal to be hospitalized for four months, but two alpacas that the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Large Animal Clinic treated this fall did just that. Apple Jack and Jasper became household names at the hospital, being seen by nearly every fourth-year veterinary student who had a large animal rotation. The students and technicians even decorated their barn stall for the holidays.
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Dialysis Saves Dog with Acute Kidney Injury
Daisy, an 8-year-old female collie/terrier mix, grew up in Malibu, so she loves the beach. She’s always been a well-seasoned beachgoer, prepared for anything that might come her way. But a recent trip to Pacifica Beach proved too much to handle after she ingested something that severely upset her system, nearly killing her.
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Dr. Stefano Borio – Dermatology Service |
Dr. Stefano Borio joined the Dermatology Service as an assistant professor, effective December 1, 2020. Dr. Borio received his DVM (2008) from the University of Turin, Italy. After graduation, he completed a clinical internship (2010) at the Veterinary Center of Turin, Italy and a residency (2011-2014) at the Anubi Veterinary Hospital, Turin and the Veterinary Clinic Gran Sasso, Milan. He is board certified (2015) with the European College of Veterinary Dermatology. From 2012-2016, Dr. Borio worked as a private veterinary dermatology consultant throughout northern Italy. He also served as a lecturer in veterinary dermatology at the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital from 2016-2017. In 2017, Dr. Borio became a recognized specialist in veterinary dermatology of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. From 2017-2020, Dr. Borio served as a staff dermatologist in Switzerland where he provided clinical dermatology service at two private veterinary hospitals: Tierklinik Aarau West and Tierklinik Thun Süd. Dr. Borio’s research interests include the use of topical treatment versus systemic for the management of canine and feline bacterial and fungal skin diseases. |
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Dr. Marisa Ames – Cardiology Service |
Dr. Marisa Ames joined the Cardiology Service as an associate professor, effective October 1, 2020. Dr. Ames received her BA (2001) in Integrative Biology and Music from UC Berkeley and her DVM (2007) from The Ohio State University. After graduation, she completed two internships, one in small animal medicine and surgery (2008) at Michigan State University and the second in emergency critical care (2009) at Tufts University. Dr. Ames then completed a cardiology residency (2009-2012) at North Carolina State University where she remained as a postdoctoral research fellow during 2012-2013. In 2013, Dr. Ames joined Colorado State University as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2019. Dr. Ames is board certified (2012) by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (cardiology). Her research interests and expertise are in managing cardiac diseases in small animals and the areas of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system activation and heartworm disease. |
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New Feline Facility Will Help Cats Live All Their Nine Lives
Sick cats at UC Davis now have a more dedicated space to recover. The Small Animal Clinic at the school’s veterinary hospital has opened a feline treatment and housing suite to better care for sick and injured cats. The new facility combines a hospitalization ward with examination and treatment space. Veterinarians and technicians laud the suite as the most efficient use of space and time in order to care for multiple hospitalized cats.
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Oral Chemotherapy Helping Dog with Leukemia
Scruffles, a 9-year-old female Shetland sheepdog, was referred to the UC Davis veterinary hospital after her white blood cell count continued to increase. The Oncology Service performed complete blood count tests to gain a better understanding of Scruffles’ condition, as well as a test called flow cytometry, which helped determine if Scruffles was dealing with a cancer of her bone marrow (leukemia).
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Philanthropic Partnership Helps UC Davis Advance Cancer Care
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine recently received an additional $75,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to continue its support of pet cancer treatments at the school’s veterinary hospital. With an initial grant of $350,000 in 2016 and a second grant of $225,000 in 2018, this latest round of funding brings Petco’s total donation to UC Davis to $650,000. The grants help support treatments for domestic companion animals suffering from cancer. The project is designed to support pet parents of modest means or pet parents whose pets provide a service to others.
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Honor Your Patients and Make a Difference |
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The Center of Companion Animal Health and the Center for Equine Health are grateful to the veterinary clinics for their donations to the Companion Animal Memorial Fund and the Equine Tribute and Memorial Fund. Participating veterinary clinics and practitioners honor their patients and clients who have recently lost an animal. Each year, hundreds of clinics contribute through memorial gifts for clinical health research to improve treatment for diseases affecting their clients’ animals. If you’d like to learn how to become a participant, call our Office of Advancement at 530-752-7024. Thank you.
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Is your clinic looking to hire? Our 4th year students and recent graduates would love to hear from you. We have resources on our Career, Leadership and Wellness Center website to will help you post jobs and connect with us about advancing your clinic. Please discover the website’s job board. Center Director Janel Lang can help you navigate it. Contact her at [email protected] or 530-752-5130.
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