, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sits down with Mariah Young, DVM, to discuss her life as a veterinarian and a firefighter/EMT in her community. Young explains what lead her to become firefighter during her undergraduate years, and then in veterinary school, how both careers influence each other, the biggest challenges and rewards for doing both, and more.

Gosh, ever since I can remember I've just had this crazy desire to make a difference in the world. Every time I wake up, that's what I think about, is, how can I love those around me better? I've always been really good at learning. I've loved science, and I just enjoy being outside. So veterinary medicine seemed to fit the bill for all of those. But while I was an undergrad, I started volunteering as a firefighter, and I loved it so much. I got to vet school. I found this opportunity to be a resident firefighter. So I lived at the fire station for free, saved me money on student loans, got my firefighting qualifications, my EMT qualifications, and then I loved it so much I never left. 

And then COVID-19 hit, and I got kicked out of school for 6 weeks because nobody knew what the safe thing to do was. So in in the name of safety, they said, 'go home. We'll figure it out. We'll have you back in a few weeks.' I transitioned to a full time firefighter during that time because first responders were very much needed, and I've just stayed with it ever since, both careers I've kind of found seem to offer windows of opportunity to enter into people's lives during hard times and show love and kindness in a way that I might not otherwise have those opportunities to do

Podcasts

Mariah Young, DVM, shares how she is saving the lives of pets and people during her work as a veterinarian and firefighter/EMT

The dual life of a veterinarian firefighter

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) has released the list of schools and colleges of veterinary medicine that it has scheduled for site visits for the rest of the 2024 year. The list comprises 11 schools, including Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Chamberlain University School of Veterinary Medicine.

The AVMA COE accredits educational programs that grant Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees or their equivalents. This accreditation ensures that all veterinary colleges accredited by the AVMA COE meet minimum standards in veterinary medical education. Moreover, it guarantees that students attending these colleges receive the necessary education to prepare them for starting positions in the veterinary profession.

Since its founding, the COE has consistently upheld accreditation standards for all schools applying for accreditation, according to the AVMA.

According to the Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the AVMA COE, the policies and procedures that the AVMA COE follows throughout the accreditation process, "Through the accreditation process the AVMA Council on Education is fully dedicated to protecting the rights of the students, assisting the schools/colleges to improve veterinary medical education, and assuring the public that accredited programs provide a quality education."

Below are the schools that the AVMA COE has planned for comprehensive visits

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine: October 6 to October 11

The University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine: October 20 to October 24

The proposed Utah State University College of Veterinary Medicine: October 27 to October 31

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: November 3 to November 10

The University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College: November 17 to November 21

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: December 1 to December 5

The following are AVMA COE’s planned consultative site visits for the remainder of the year

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine: July 7 to July 11

Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine: July 7 to July 11

Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine: July 21 to July 25

Chamberlain University School of Veterinary Medicine: August 11 to August 15

The AVMA COE is also planning to conduct a focused site visit for the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine from July 28 to August 1.

Educational council schedules site visits — July 2024. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/education-council-schedules-site-visits-july-2024

AVMA Council on Education. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/accreditation-veterinary-colleges

Education and the COE: FAQ. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/education/accreditation/colleges/education-and-coe-faq

Articles

The AVMA Council on Education plans to conduct comprehensive, consultative, and focused site visits to a total of 11 schools and colleges of veterinary medicine

AVMA Council on Education site visits for 2024

“Leptospirosis is one of the most exciting reemerging pathogens in the United States.” So began the session, “Three truths and a lie: canine leptospirosis,” presented by Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, at the 2024 AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas.

Firstly, Chatfield discussed 3 different canine cases, challenging the audience to determine if these dogs had leptospirosis (lepto). The first, a 6-month-old Yorkshire terrier, presented as slightly dehydrated, and was “going backwards on training,” according to the owners, by urinating in the house. Urine analysis (UA) showed bacteria and protein, so the dog was prescribed amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium (Clavamox). A few days later, the owners called saying that symptoms initially resolved, but started up again because they had stopped the Clavamox and now need to start up again. What to do now, Chatfield says?

“When testing for lepto, it is complicated,” warns Chatfield. “One of the points of SNAP tests [quick, convenient, blood tests that can be performed at your veterinarian’s office] is to differentiates between the two immunoglobulins. When doing a titer, you need to know if you are measuring IgG or IgM, because in one of those, you find the face of acute disease or exposure. IgM is the antibody in the face of infectious disease that will spike quickly and fall off. IgG takes a little longer to go up and then it stays there.So, we say IgG is solid.”

Another diagnostic, notes Chatfield, would be a PCR test, for which there are 2. “The legacy PCR,” explains Chatfield, “tells you that you have some genetic material consistent with lepto present. We don’t know if the pathogen is actually viable.” But the quantitative PCR (qPCR), she notes, can be more exacting. “The qPCR test measures the amount, so if it comes back at a high level, then you know the dog has lepto,” says Chatfield.

Lesson learned: A qPCR test with a molecular antibiotic resistance panel will give you the most accurate reading of whether a dog has leptospirosis.

For case number 2, an 8-year-old dog presented with bad periodontal disease, vomiting and a deep, productive cough. The dog is up to date on vaccines and mildly dehydrated but was boarded for several days some time prior. Upon examination, a heart murmur was also detected. The dog is treated with fluids and an antibiotic, but symptoms are not fully resolved. A radiograph is done and a QPCR, which comes back negative. Radiograph reveals evidence of aspiration pneumonia, and in fact, the dog has kidney failure. “I would tell the owners of the dog to look behind the couch, because this dog has probably been throwing up for some time.” The veterinarian might not have looked deeper and discovered kidney failure had they relied on the owners reporting of one episode of vomiting.

Lesson learned: “If you start with an already established list of differentials, you are going to miss stuff,” advises Chatfield. “So don’t look under the fence, kick the gate open.”

With her final case, Chatfield presents a 7-year-old dog with lethargy and vomiting, up to date on her vaccinations. Prescribed antibiotics did not work. Blood work and imaging is done, and the QPCR test is positive for leptospirosis.The family had moved to a 3-year schedule for vaccination, and the dog, in fact, had 

been up to date on her boosters for leptospirosis.

Lesson learned: “A lot of people think older dogs don’t have to come in for their annual vaccines,” says Chatfield. Think again!

Finally, Chatfield presented her “3 Truths and a Lie” scenarios:

: Leptospirosis is found everywhere, not just in tropical areas:
TRUE. Leptospirosis is presented worldwide, except for Antarctica; increased rainfall can also increase leptospirosis in the environment. Additionally, leptospirosis is often contracted where other dogs congregate.

: Little dogs in urban areas are more likely than big dogs in rural areas to become infected with leptospirosis.
TRUE. Living in an urban area poses a higher risk for leptospirosis.

: Vaccinations for leptospirosis are safe even for dogs as young as 8 weeks old. 

TRUE. Vets often don’t vaccinate until 12 weeks old, often because they feel that maternal antibodies are protecting the puppy.“But maternal antibodies fall off anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks,” noted Chatfield, and current guidelines say that it is safe for puppies 8 weeks of age and older to receive a leptospirosis vaccination.

: Significant adverse reactions to leptospirosis are more common than significant reactions to other vaccines.
FALSE In a large study of over 1 million dogs, the data showed that adverse reaction rate was 0.3% for for dogs vaccinated for leptospirosis.


Chatfield J. Three truths & a lie: canine leptospirosis. Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; Austin, TX: June 21-25, 2024.

At the annual AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas, Dr Jenifer Chatfield shares “3 Truths and a lie” about this potentially life-threatening infection for dogs

What you need to know about canine leptospirosis right now

Researchers from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Veterinary Science and Faculty of Engineering in Bangkok, Thailand, have collaborated to develop a 3-dimensional (3D) artificial cornea from stem cells, providing a new treatment for deep 

 This innovation addresses the challenge of relying on scarce and costly tissue replacements, enabling dogs to regain clear and comfortable vision.

Most mild or moderate cases of corneal ulcers can be 

 with eye drops, while deeply infected ulcers could require surgery. This innovation from Chulalongkorn University creates a treatment option for corneal perforations in dogs, large corneal wounds that cannot be stitched, and deep wounds with significant corneal tissue loss.

Chutirat Torssahakul, veterinarian and faculty of veterinary internal medicine at Chulalongkorn University. (Photo courtesy of Chulalongkorn University)

"Corneal ulcers occur as a result of many reasons, such as dogs scratching their own eyes because they have allergies causing itching around the eyes followed by scratching until the lesions form. Fights with other dogs, being scratched by a cat, or accidentally bumps into objects" said Chutirat Torssahakul, veterinarian and faculty of veterinary internal medicine at Chulalongkorn University, in a news release.

"The current treatment being used is to have grafts made from replacement tissue derived from porcine bladder or canine placentas which are rare and relatively expensive. There is also the possibility of causing post-surgery reaction and inflammation. Therefore, we thought that if we could produce our own innovative artificial cornea using natural materials that are easily found and reduce the chance of causing inflammation this might be a better option," Torssahakul stated.

 and after testing its efficacy in published studies,

 the 3D artificial cornea innovation offers several outstanding features. Firstly, it closely resembles the real corneal surface. Research shows that lab-grown stem cells can create tissue cells, resulting in an interconnected extracellular matrix and a surface outline similar to a natural cornea. The arrangement of stem cells in the cornea is particularly remarkable for its orderliness, maintaining the clarity of the cornea compared to other somewhat opaque alternative materials currently in use.

Secondly, the cornea is derived entirely from natural substances. The stem cells used are harvested from the treated dog's cornea or collected from recently deceased corpses, reducing the risk of post-transplantation inflammation or irritation. The cell adhesion structure is made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. Over time, the stem cells create their own cell network, forming three-dimensional pieces while the structural materials naturally degrade by enzymes.

Thirdly, the artificial cornea can be trimmed during transplantation. As 3D sheets, they can be customized to fit the wound where the cornea is missing.

Finally, wounds heal faster with this innovation. Stem cells, being living cells, aid in network formation and cell adhesion. They also help strengthen and build collagen, promoting wound healing. This is different from using graft sheets that do not contain living cells.

Image courtesy of Chulalongkorn University.

Torssahakul explained, "Artificial corneal tissue is obtained by cultivating real dog corneal stem cells on a natural material structure made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. The material can be cheaply and easily found in Thailand. It is strong and durable, clear and transparent, and adheres well to cells making them 3D which is comparable to real corneal tissue."

"The research we have done has produced satisfactory results. It is expected that this innovation will be applied to dogs in the next few years. Moreover, we have plans to apply this knowledge to cats as well from cell collection, locating cells, separating cells, and arranging cells" she continued.

Until the 3D artificial cornea treatment is available for use in veterinary medicine, more in-depth information can be found through the published study in the 

3D artificial cornea from stem cells: Chula researchers advance canine corneal wound treatment. News release. Chulalongkorn University. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3d-artificial-cornea-from-stem-cells-chula-researchers-advance-canine-corneal-wound-treatment-302191982.html

Rukpium P. 3D artificial cornea from stem cells: Chula researchers advance canine corneal wound treatment. Chula. June 27, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/170754/

Torsahakul C, Israsena N, Khramchantuk S, et al. Bio-fabrication of stem-cell-incorporated corneal epithelial and stromal equivalents from silk fibroin and gelatin-based biomaterial for canine corneal regeneration. 

. 2022;17(2):e0263141. Published 2022 Feb 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263141

Researchers from the Chulalongkorn University Veterinary Science and Engineering departments worked together to bring this revolutionary therapy to veterinary medicine

The development of a 3D artificial cornea treatment

Colorado public health officials recently announced the detection of the first human case of tularemia this year in a resident of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

 The disease mainly affects rural areas, but has been detected nationwide, save for Hawaii.

and is commonly found in wildlife animals.

 The infection is most frequent in rodents, rabbits, and hares, which often experience significant mortality during outbreaks.

 It is also found in insects like ticks and deer flies. Transmission to humans can occur through bites of infected insects, skin contact with infected animals, drinking or eating contaminated water or food, or by inhaling airborne bacteria through contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust.

Approximately 200 human cases of tularemia are reported annually in the United States, with most cases being found in western and south-central states.

 In 2023, 9 human cases were reported in Colorado.

"While tularemia is rare, it is important for residents to be aware of the symptoms and take preventive measures," said Rachel Reichardt, environmental health specialist at Jefferson County Public Health, in a news release.

 "Prompt treatment with antibiotics is effective, so early diagnosis and medical attention are crucial."

Symptoms of tularemia include fever, non-healing skin ulcers at the infection site, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea, or pneumonia. In cases where the infection is due to contaminated food or water ingestion, symptoms may consist of a sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Inhalation of 

can lead to pneumonia, which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough, and progressive weakness.

The incubation period for the disease is 3 to 5 days but can vary from 1 to 14 days.

 Treatment consists of a course of antibiotics. In humans, tularemia can be effectively treated and cured. It is advised to seek medical attention if symptoms associated with tularemia after potential contact with wildlife are experienced.

Cases of the disease have been reported in dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. However, sheep are most commonly infected.

 In dogs, tularemia infection is rare, but much like humans, canines can become infected through insect or arachnid bites, drinking contaminated water, or by eating an infected wildlife animal. Symptoms of an infection in canines include short periods of decreased appetite, lethargy, and mild fever. Dogs may also experience conjunctivitis, uveitis, draining abscesses, and enlarged lymph nodes, although these symptoms are uncommon. Infected dogs are treated with antibiotics.

The disease is also uncommon in cats, but exposure and illness are still possible. Signs of a tularemia infection in felines depends on the route of infection and bacterial species, but it can consist of a high fever, large and painful lymph nodes in the neck and head, abdominal pain, a tick infestation, jaundice, and organ system failure.

 Other symptoms include decreased appetite, stiffness, reduced mobility, coughing, diarrhea, frequent urination, open mouth and throat sores, and increased pulse and respiratory rates.

 A tularemia infection in cats requires antibiotics, as well as hospitalization with effective supportive care, including intravenous fluid therapy. The mortality rate for cats infected with tularemia is high, with collapse and death occurring within a few hours to days.

Measures to take to prevent human and pet exposure include

Using insect repellent during all outdoor activity

Avoiding feeding or enticing rodents and rabbits into the yard or patio

Eliminating piles of lumber, trash and weeds around the home

Avoiding touching sick or dead animals and wearing gloves if handling is necessary

Avoiding drinking untreated surface water like lakes, ponds, and rivers

Ensuring thorough cooking of meat before consumption

Keeping pets on a leash while in areas where contact with wildlife is possible

Consulting a veterinarian after any pet interaction with wildlife

Providing immediate veterinary care for sick pets and avoiding handling sick pets without using hand and face protection

First 2024 human case of tularemia found in Jefferson County. News release. Jefferson County Colorado Public Health. July 3, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2024. 

https://www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2247

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about tularemia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 4, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2024. 

https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/tularemia/faq.asp#:~:text=Tularemia%2C%20also%20known%20as%20%E2%80%9Crabbit,Q

About tularemia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 9, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/about/index.html

Zoonotic disease in Colorado, 2018-2023. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Accessed July 9, 2024. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQiHGHnuA3a1eItYaqFdusko0oPPOXTDqc84Vre5iVq1hPgTF7oafN5_lUNiDdsDvy-PmFFpPw0L6iV/pub

Weir M, Williams K, Downing R. Tularemia in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tularemia-in-dogs

Weir M, Williams K, Downing R. Tularemia in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tularemia-in-cats

Foley JE. Tularemia in cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. August 2018. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats/tularemia-in-cats

The first 2024 case of tularemia in Colorado was detected in a Wheat Ridge resident

Case of tularemia reported in Colorado

The new MyLabFOX by Esaote North America is a multifaceted, adaptable scanning solution. Features include a 13-in touch screen, a new generation of probes covering a wide range of clinical applications, customizable probe setup, and battery support for uninterrupted scanning. There are also optimization tools such as Easy Mode and Easy Color and artificial intelligence–powered Augmented Insight, as well as more advanced features like AutoEF and XStrain technology to streamline the examination process. Veterinary professionals can review examination results offline with MyLabDesk VET or collaborate with experts in real time using MyLabShare.

The new cannabigerol (CBG) dental sticks from ElleVet Sciences are the first and only canine dental sticks to incorporate CBG. These sticks help support oral health and create a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. The dental sticks also include parsley and peppermint for fresh breath and are formulated in the shape of a star to scrape the surface of the teeth clean of plaque and tartar as dogs chew. This product comes in 2 sizes for dogs under 40 lb and dogs over 40 lb. ElleVet recommends giving these dental sticks 2 to 3 times a week to dogs.

SK Telecom, a Korean-based technology company, has officially launched its artificial intelligence (AI)–powered veterinary x-ray image diagnosis assistance service, X Caliber, in Australia. X Caliber uses AI to analyze x-ray images of dogs and cats within 15 seconds approximately. X Caliber also uses the cloud to store and retrieve data, eliminating the need for a separate server in the veterinary hospital. Veterinarians can examine the results of the AI-based image diagnosis on a mobile device or computer at any time. X Caliber has a 94% sensitivity for detection of 16 different abnormal patterns from abdominal x-ray images of dogs, 88% for detection of 10 different abnormal patterns from chest x-ray images, and 86% for detection of 7 different abnormalities from musculoskeletal x-ray images.

NUTRO has extended its Crunchy Treats line to now include a variety made with real apple. Other ingredients include whole brown rice and oatmeal, sourced from a network of farmers. This product has 5 calories per treat and can be used for training or rewards. Each bag includes dietary suggestions for dogs and corresponding weight recommendations.

SiiPet has launched the world’s first pet behavior analysis camera with features like real-time abnormality alerts, 4K quality, and multipet identification. The camera is designed to identify the behavioral patterns of each pet and categorize daily activities into 3 types: abnormal, routine, and highlighted. The camera also has low-light and full-color vision and 360° autopanning.

Dog nutrition company Walker and Drake released its Chicken and Rice Working Dog Food, designed for working breeds, helping them sustain energy levels. Working dogs engage in activities like hunting, herding, or assisting their owners, which can require constant strength and cognitive abilities more intense than those of typical pets. The cold-pressed diet is formulated with high protein levels and fruit and vegetables including potato, sweet potato, carrot, tomato, and apple. The new diet is available in 12-kg bags.

Here's our regular rundown of new and notable veterinary products