WINN and AAFP Scholarship Recipients

WINN FELINE FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FELINE PRACTIONERS 
ANNOUNCE 2018 JOINT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Awards support the success of veterinary students who focus on feline clinical practice and research science that are vital to the future of feline medicine and welfare.

[Wyckoff, NJ; Hillsborough, NJ; May 24, 2018] Winn Feline Foundation (Winn) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are proud to announce the two recipients of the 2018 joint scholarships for clinical practice and clinical research scientist.

Both recipients show exceptional promise: Nicole Rowbothan, a junior at Mississippi State University, was awarded the clinical practice scholarship; Courtney Meason-Smith, a junior at Texas A & M University, was awarded the clinical research scientist scholarship. Ms. Rowbotham aspires to obtain her ABVP certification in feline practice and become the owner of a feline-exclusive hospital. Ms. Meason-Smith is eager to develop an independent research career investigating histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis in cats and is developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics to address these conditions.

“Both Nicole and Courtney have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills that have led to many early accomplishments; their zealous pursuit of understanding the unique needs of cats through science will open many doors to them as veterinarians and to the welfare of cats. We aim to support and highlight their enthusiasm for feline medicine so that others will continue on the same path,” said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline) and Executive Director of Winn.

In 2016, the Boards of Directors of both Winn and the AAFP approved the development and implementation of a joint scholarship offered by the two leading feline-dedicated organizations. After an unprecedented number of applicants and positive feedback from veterinary education programs, the boards decided to continue offering this opportunity, expanding the selection to two recipients in the categories of clinical practice and clinical research scientist. The application process prompted students to answer two essay questions explaining their specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, as well as their plans for future participation in feline medicine. Recipients of the $2,500 scholarships are selected based on individual academic achievement, strong leadership, and deep dedication to the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. For more information, visit: catvets.com.

“We are all impressed by the dedication shown by Nicole and Courtney at such early stages in their careers,” said Heather O’Steen, CAE and Chief Executive Officer of the AAFP. She continues, “Their passion for clinical practice and clinical research, respectively, has already led to phenomenal success in the health and welfare of felines. We’re excited about what they will bring to the future of feline medicine and research.”

The AAFP and Winn are both dedicated to advancing and enhancing standards in feline care. AAFP has numerous resources for veterinary students, such as discounts to the AAFP Annual Conference, and practical resources housed in the Student Center on its website, which includes complimentary webinars and a toolkit for veterinary students. The toolkit contains materials to help veterinary students embrace a feline perspective and obtain further knowledge about the standards needed to elevate care for cats. Winn also offers various educational resources on its website, including the Cat Health News Blog, educational articles, podcasts, videos, and an annual continuing educational symposium. Information regarding research grant awards and cat health study findings are also available on the website or through subscribing to the monthly e-newsletter. Other educational opportunities from Winnand the AAFP can also be found on each website.

About Winn Feline Foundation

Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, Winn Feline Foundation has funded over $6.4 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by Winn Feline Foundation helps veterinarians by providing educational resources that improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. Grants are awarded at least twice yearly with the help of the foundation’s expert review panel. For further information, go towinnfelinefoundation.org.

About the American Association of Feline Practitioners 

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education and scientific investigation. The AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record in the veterinary community for facilitating high standards of practice and publishes guidelines for practice excellence, which are available to veterinarians at the AAFP website. Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinarians to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced. Launched in 2012, the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) program was created to improve the treatment, handling, and overall healthcare provided to cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices with the tools and resources to reduce stress associated with the visit and elevate the standard of care provided to cats. Find more information at catvets.com.

LGBTQ Wellness Talks

Louisiana State University was awarded the Wellness Support Funding through SAVMA’s Wellness Committee. LSU VOICE Chapter and LSU Diversity Committee submitted an application to help fund a visit from Dr. Mike Chaddock, DVM, EML (Executive Masters in Leadership), and Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medicine Association President.

Dr. Chaddock was invited to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to speak at Grand Rounds. It is part of the LSU SVM mission to create visibility in our support for the LGBTQ community and foster an inclusive and compassionate environment for students and faculty. Dr. Mike Chaddock gave two lectures, “Mental Health Outcomes and Stressors in LGBTQ+ DVM Workforce and Classroom” and “How to Identify Diverse and LGBTQ Friendly Opportunities and How to Make the Environment". Over 220 students were in attendance along with house officers and faculty members.  Dr. Chaddock also attended a lunch-hour Q&A session with an additional ~50 students in attendance. The crowd participation was great, and the extra time for questions in a less formal setting was well-received. 

The LSU Diversity Committee, VOICE Officers, and several faculty members were certified through Safe Space training and identified as either allies in support of all people regardless of sexual identity and gender expression or as professionals willing to demonstrate the best practices for working with LGBTQ individuals on a professional level. On July 25, 2017, the LSU Diversity Committee, VOICE Officers, and several faculty members attended NCBI Welcoming Diversity Training with activities that allowed participants to recognize their biases to better identify misinformation, understand the impact of discrimination, and learn hands on tools for effectively preventing and resolving discriminatory conflict. Due to the success of these events and positive feedback provided by participants, the LSU SVM is making proactive efforts to host additional training and presentations for students and faculty.

Scholarships!!!!

Check out these links for some awesome scholarship opportunities for veterinary students. Summertime is a great time to use your free time to apply. Who doesn't want free money.

Veterinary Student Scholarship: The Wolfie’s Place and How I Got Into Veterinary School Scholarship Fund here

A list of over 65 scholarships for veterinary students here

Vet Student Interviews: How I Got In here

Submission Window Now Open

ATTENTION VET GAZETTERS:

Volume 53, Issue 4 has just opened up for submissions. Deadline is September 16th. Get them in early so you don't forget! Easy money people!

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Case Report - Arteriovenous fistulas

Case Report "Catnip"

Victoria Demello

University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine

ABSTRACT:

Arteriovenous fistulas (AV fistulas) have been reported in humans and animals. This condition is rare and can be either congenital or acquired. Acquired arteriovenous fistulas are often due to trauma including surgery. Congenital fistulas are due to vascular malformations. These fistulas are often reported in peripheral vasculature within veterinary medicine. We describe a case of suspected arteriovenous fistula versus suspected unclassified cardiomyopathy in a 5-month-old feline that quickly progressed to left- and right-sided congestive heart failure. Gross pathology and histopathology lesions revealed all chambers as dilated with interfiber edema. Extensive alveolar edema and frequent hemorrhage was noted in the lungs. Numerous hemosiderin macrophages within alveolar lumen were present.

CASE REPORT:

“Catnip”, 5-month old male intact DSH, presented to University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s (UGA CVM) Cardiology service for evaluation of a murmur diagnosed by the primary veterinarian. The cat was found when he was 9-weeks-old. He received his first round of kitten shots and was tested for FeLV and FIV. He was negative for both diseases. 3 weeks later, during the next vaccine appointment (12-week-old kitten), a right-sided grade IVV/VI systolic murmur was noted. The primary veterinarian recommended an echocardiogram. The cat did not have any clinical signs or symptoms reported at that time. The owner declined further diagnostic testing.

3 weeks later, at the next vaccine appointment, a grade V/VI right-sided systolic murmur was diagnosed by the primary veterinarian. An abdominal component to the cat’s breathing that was not present before was also noted. The owner reported the cat’s abdomen was becoming increasingly distended and the patient did not play as much as his littermate. The cat was bright, alert, and responsive at home, eating/drinking/urinating/defecating normally. Due to the increase in murmur severity and presence of clinical signs, a referral appointment to University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Cardiology service was made.

On physical exam at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Cardiology service, a grade IV/VI right systolic parasternal murmur was diagnosed. Temperature, and heart rate were within normal limits (99.3°F, 168 beats per minute). The jugular vein was distended and the respiration rate was increased with an abdominal component (72 breaths per minute). Increased inspiratory noise was also noted. Blood Pressure was 100mmHg (systolic). Packed cell volume/Total solids: 35%/5.6.

Thoracic radiographs (3-view) were performed and revealed severe generalized cardiomegaly with pulmonary arterial and venous distension and both left- and right-sided cardiac failure.

Echocardiogram findings showed right atrium dilation, right ventricle dilation. The tricuspid valve leaflets, right ventricular outflow tract including the pulmonic valve cusps and main pulmonary artery were within normal limits. The left atrium was severely dilated and was the left ventricle. The mitral valve leaflets, interventricular septum, left ventricular free wall were all normal as were the aortic valve cusps and ascending aorta. Abdominal effusion was present on echocardiogram. No cardiac masses or thrombi were present. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia.

The patient was suspected to have unclassified cardiomyopathy or a peripheral arteriovenous fistula. The patient was euthanized due to cardiomyopathy and secondary severe pulmonary edema.

Gross pathologic findings were dilation of all cardiac chambers with the most significant change within the right atrium. Wall thicknesses were measured (right atrium 1 mm; right ventricle 3 mm; left atrium 2mm; left ventricle 8mm). Pulmonary artery was enlarged with a circumference of 6mm. Circumference of the aorta was 5mm. Just medial to the left kidney, in the dorsal abdomen, was a large plexus of engorged vessels between the aorta and caudal vena cava. Measured as 4cm in length and 1.5cm in diameter. There was blood present in the trachea and the lungs were dark and diffusely and moderately congested.

Histopathology of the heart revealed modest interfiber edema in all but was most severe in the right atrium and right ventricle. Extensive alveolar edema and frequent hemorrhage was noted in the lungs. Numerous hemosiderin macrophages within alveolar lumen were present.

DISCUSSION

AV fistulas are abnormal connections between an artery and vein. This abnormal connection causes abnormal blood flow throughout the body creating murmus. AV fistulas are most common secondary to penetrating trauma injuries in both veterinary and human medical literature. There have only been a handful of reported AV fistulas in veterinary literature with a majority occurring due to trauma (secondary to gun shots, animal bites, etc).

One case (Bolton et al) illustrated a congenital AV fistula in a 3 month old feline presented for acute dyspnea. This fistula was identified due to the abnormal murmur heard during a routine physical exam. On presentation, the feline had cyanotic oral mucous membranes and a gallop rhythm on cardiac auscultation. Further diagnostics (thoracic radiographs, ECG, CBC and serum chemistry) revealed an enlarged heart. Angiography was performed, as well, which showed a plexus of blood vessels between the aorta and caudal vena cava. This paper was published in 1976 before echocardiography was readily available. Angiography was able to illustrate a clear picture of the AV fistula. This fistula was able to be surgically ligated prior to permanent cardiac musculature changes. This cat survived but ultimately lived a shortened life span. Due to the complications and prognosis of untreated AV fistulas, prompt identification, diagnosis, and intervention is key.

In the case of Catnip, his AV fistula was discovered too late. He presented to the UGA Cardiology service with fulminant congestive heart failure characterized by severe dilation of all 4 cardiac chambers. Catnip was euthanized due to his poor prognosis.

Catnip was approximately 12 weeks old when his murmur was fist ausculted. Murmurs are created due to the abnormal turbulent blood flow within the heart or vessels. Murmurs in young animals (animals less than 6 months old) are not an uncommon finding. These murmurs are referred to as physiologic murmurs. These murmurs are characterized by an absence of structural cardiac disease. Students are often taught that grade 1/6 to 2/6 in young animals (less than 6 months of age) without any clinical signs are most often physiologic or “innocent” murmurs. Murmurs that meet this criteria often disappear with time. However, murmurs grade 3/6 and higher should always undergo cardiologic evaluation including echocardiogram. These murmurs are pathologic (arising from structural cardiac disease) in nature regardless of the age of the animal.

It is important to understand the grading of murmurs and the difference between physiologic and pathologic murmurs because of cases like this. A veterinarian’s physical exam is the most important way to detect a problem early. Moving forward, a detailed understanding of cardiac murmurs, and education of owners with animals that have murmurs is essential to early detection of AV fistulas.

References:

1. “Arteriovenous Fistula of the Aorta and Caudal Vena Cava Causing congestive heart failure in a cat”. Bolton, Gary, Edwards, N. Joel, Hoffer, R.E.. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. July/August 1976

2. “Peripheral Acquired Arterivenous Fistula: A report of 4 cases and literature review”. Bouayad, H., Feeney, D.A., Lipowitz, AJ, Levine, S.H., Hayden, D.W.. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. June 1986.

3. “Arteriovenous fistulas: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment”. The Small Animal Compendium. May 1989