Friday, July 27, 2012 at 06:01AM Honorable Mention, Creative Corner Category
Cynthia Fichtner, St. Matthews University
"This picture was taken in Montana, USA. I was on a Bovine externship with Parks Veterinary Clinic in Harlowton, MT. We were on horseback bringing in the cows and calves for spring."
Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 06:01AM Honorable Mention, Creative Corner Category
Andrew Martin, Illinois
Humming bird in San Diego
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 06:00AM Honorable Mention, Cases and Abstracts Category
Hailey Harroun, Colorado State University
SIGNALMENT:
Species: Bovine
Breed: Angus
Age: 8yr
Sex: Female
Reproductive Status: open, 4mo calf at side
Presenting Complaint: Bloody, crusted ear tips, with hair loss and tissue loss
HISTORY:
Only cow in a herd of 30 displaying signs of hair loss on both ear tips with necrosis and loss of tissue. Remaining tissue is thickened and crusted with blood. Ears do not seem particularly painful or pruritic. Cow is currently nursing 4 month old calf, on a diet of alfalfa-mix hay, current on all vaccinations (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Clostridium). It is currently the end of December, but weather has not been cold enough to indicate frostbite. This condition has been present for two weeks duration, and seems to be progressing, with more necrosis and shortening of ear tips.
PREVIOUS HISTORY OF ILLNESS: none
PHYSICAL EXAM:
Body Weight: 1500lb
Temp: 101F
Heart Rate: 60bpm
Respiration: 25
Skin:normal, except ears
Musculoskeletal:normal
Circulatory:normal
Mucous Membranes:normal
Respiratory:normal clear lung sounds
Digestive:normal rumen and intestinal sounds
Genital/Urinary:normal
Eyes/Ears:eyes normal; ears crusted, bloody, appears to be loss of tissue on the tips
Neurologic:normal
Lymph Nodes:normal
Affected ears
DIFFERENTIALS:
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 06:00AM Honorable Mention, Creative Corner Category
Andrew Martin, Illinois
Vacation to Hilton Head South Carolina
Monday, July 23, 2012 at 12:00PM Honorable Mention, Experiences Category
Jenna Winer, UC Davis
No running water. Limited electricity. Miserable mosquito bites. Trading in the bustle of city life for the rustle of wind in the silvery aspen leaves. Swapping palm trees for spruce, the comforts of home for the challenges of the wild, and human relatives for moose family members. During the summer of 2008, I was hired by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to bottle-raise calves at the Moose Research Center. I knew the work would be demanding and push me beyond my comfort zone, yet I could have never anticipated that this summer job would evolve into a life-altering and passion-confirming adventure. I not only survived but thrived in harsh field conditions, working twelve hours a day building fences, radio-tracking adult moose using telemetry, and tending to the needs of 
my calves.
My three-month job was physically challenging as well as mentally and emotionally demanding. As a tragic bear attack left four of my calves dead, and an unforeseen copper deficiency killed six of the seven remaining mooselings, I realized my responsibilities would extend well beyond adorable animal husbandry. Despite my sorrow, I focused on the invaluable lessons the job offered. Unanticipated illness and death afforded me the opportunity to gain hands-on veterinary experience: administering copper deficiency treatments, drawing blood from the cephalic vein and analyzing hematology, and assisting with necropsies provided priceless lessons 
on the demands of the veterinary profession. Both the loss of calves and the complete recovery of “Minnie,” our sole survivor, yielded scientific knowledge that the Moose Research Center will expand upon through future studies.
This experience was truly transformative. Directly contributing to the betterment of a species inspired me and strengthened my commitment to veterinary medicine more than I had previously thought possible. Not only did I gain a clearer vision of my vocational goals, but I also developed the discipline and maturity to help these goals materialize. Since completing my first two years of veterinary school at UC Davis, I am committed to a future career in zoological medicine now more than ever. I frequently think back to my Alaskan adventure, drawing on this experience for inspiration and motivation – not to mention fodder for some pretty awesome stories to swap with my fellow veterinary students!
Moose, Moose Research Center, UC Davis in Experiences