Register for the AVMA Convention in SAN DIEGO!!!!

That's right, students! AVMA Convention is right around the corner! As of now, the AVMA is full-steam-ahead with planning for Convention to occur from July 31-August 4, 2020. The COVID-19 situation is continually evolving, so plans may change and will be announced through the website. Despite this, it is FREE for students to register until June 10th! Don't miss out on this incredibly opportunity!

https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention?fbclid=IwAR2hx5I8uqpGK6FXnrghbwhE0lSS4qxAjM5qvkCP6VK6y646fFdS57IRzho

Volume 55 Issue 3 Still Open!

Hello, Vet Gazetters! Editor in Chief, Kirsten Andersson, here to remind you that Volume 55 Issue 3 submissions are STILL OPEN! Now that most of us are stuck at home, it is the perfect time to show off your creative side! Whether that be incredible photos you took on a social distancing walk, or showing off a quaratine project you have been working on, the Vet Gazette has a submission category for you!

The submission window will likely close mid-May, and winners will be chosen shortly following.

Stay safe, everyone! We can do this!

~Kirsten

Luxurious Lanscapes

We cannot get over these incredible photographs submitted by Hayley Bernal from St. George's University! Such beautiful lanscapes.

Dawn Patrol

Head in the Clouds

Tropical Oasis

Trend Analysis with Multiple Management Variables on Gastrointestinal Health in Zoo-managed Moose (Alces alces)

Abstract submitted by Alexandria Armeni from the University of Minnesota

Alexandria A. Armeni1*, Rachel Thompson DVM, Dipl ECZM (ZHM)1,2, Diana Weinhardt3, Trista Fischer3, Snigdhansu B. Chatterjee PhD4

1The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Paul, MN 55108 USA; 2 Species360, Bloomington, MN 55425 USA; 3Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA;4The University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA

Abstract

Moose are recognized to be difficult to maintain under human care in zoos, mainly due to their particular digestive physiology and resulting feeding demands1. A syndrome classified as “complex wasting syndrome” has been described in literature as a gradual process in which damage to the intestinal tract accumulates until the body can no longer compensate for that damage. Common manifestations of this syndrome are poor fecal consistencies and chronic weight loss2. This study aimed to investigate the “complex wasting syndrome” by retrospectively evaluating trends in fecal scores as they compare to grain, browse and supplements fed, as well as temperature and housing parameters. To maintain consistency, data was entered into a template created in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System Care and Welfare module.  Following common themes in literature, we hypothesized that grain, browse, and temperature would have a significant impact on fecal consistency scores, which are an indicator of gastrointestinal health in captive moose. Preliminary trends from the data suggest that the most significant factors were alfalfa, woodchips and seasonal behavior trends. Grain and temperature appear to have no significant effect on fecal score. Due to nutritional challenges observed in moose under human care, projects like this are of key importance for moose welfare. The successful display of healthy moose depends on improving their husbandry in zoos. This project has the potential to target areas critical for improving moose management.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Minnesota Zoo, Species 360 and The University of Minnesota for their assistance in the collection and organization of the data for this project.

LITERATURE CITED 

1. Shochat, E., Robbins, C. T., Parish, S. M., Young, P. B., Stephenson, T. R., & Tamayo, A. (1997). Nutritional investigations and management of captive moose. Zoo Biology, 16(6), 479–494. 

2. Clauss, M., Kienzle, E., & Wiesner, H. (2002). Importance of the wasting syndrome complex in captive moose (Alces alces). Zoo Biology, 21(5), 499–506.

Economics Initiative Essay Winners

Congrats to McKenzie Beals Weber from Iowa State University and Victoria Harris from the University of Florida for winning this year's Economics Initiative Essay Contest hosted by the SAVMA Education and Professional Development Committee. Way to go!