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!

Gardening from Your Kitchen: Tips from a Green Thumb-in-Progress

Laura Venner, Ohio State University and Global & Public Health Office for National SAVMA

We can all agree, social distancing is not ideal.  I have not enjoyed the online classes and I am a bit anxious to hear what is going to happen to my fourth year rotations.  Until a bit more light is shed on this situation, I am taking the opportunity to focus on myself and bring back some of the hobbies I haven’t had time for in veterinary school. 

One of those hobbies I’m dusting off is gardening.  My friends can attest to the fact that I cannot keep a fern or flower alive in my apartment.  But when it comes to growing vegetables, I have a bit of a green thumb.  At the end of my first year, I decided to ditch my dead decoration plants and used that space in my house to grow some veggies.  My lettuce plants thrived and my tomatoes grew so big that I had to get trellises to hold them up! So, in support of the environmental wellness dimension for our SAVMA EB virtual VMUD, I thought I’d share with you some of my tricks on how to grow your own tomato plants in your kitchen.

Here’s what you need to get started:

●      Soil - preferably fresh potting soil but if the only soil you have access to is what is outside your window, grab a bit.  Potting soil will be the most effective as it will have nutrients that can help your tomato plant grow

●      Slice of tomato - ripe! Any type of tomato can be used, but I prefer organic because in my experience, they grow easier when in the kitchen.  You also may have more success with cherry tomatoes, but I only have heirlooms today!

●      Pot - make sure there is a hole (or holes!) in the bottom so any extra water can drip out

Slice your tomato!  All you need is a few pieces! I used the rest of my tomato for my dinner!  I only used about one slice. Fill your pot with soil, leaving about 3 inches from the top and place chunks of the tomato into the soil.  If you have compost (see Collin’s post about composting!), feel free to add it to your potting soil to maximize your success!

** Side note - I added a picture of my cat Arlo assisting me with some of these more challenging steps (haha but a cat is not necessary for success!)!

Cover the tomato slices with potting soil and water your soil until it is moistened.  Place your plant in a sunny window.  You should see some sprouts in 20 days!

At some point, your tomato plant will get too big for the pot, so you will need to transfer it to a bigger pot or provide a trellis for your tomato plant to grow on.  Or, you can also easily transplant your tomato plant into your garden!

Send us pictures of the plants you start during social distancing at the SAVMA instagram at @studentAVMA and make sure to include the hashtag #savmagoesgreen!