Creative Corner

Honorable Mention, Creative Corner Category
Andrew Martin, Illinois

Humming bird in San Diego

Case Report: Cow with necrotic ear tips of unknown origin

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:

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Creative Corner

Honorable Mention, Creative Corner Category
Andrew Martin, Illinois

Vacation to Hilton Head South Carolina

Experiences: Moose Research Center

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!

App Review: Equine Techniques

Equine Techniques
Creator: Veterinary Advances, Ltd.

This app was created by Veterinary Advances, Ltd., a group directed by two equine veterinarians and based in Ireland. It has 53 techniques commonly performed in the horse, and each procedure has an 'Equipment' section listing the materials you need, a 'Notes' section with a written description of the procedure, and then a 'Photos' and 'Video' section (although not every procedure has a video associated with it). 

Sample image of the app's directory of techniques

You can check out a youtube video demonstrating the app here.
The creators of this app note that an advantage to this over a traditional textbook is that they will be adding updates with more information and more procedures in their app updates. They have already updated the app a few times since its creation.
Right now Equine Techniques is available on the iPad and the iPhone for purchase and costs $24.99

Full screen videos for some procedures
As a fourth year veterinary student on clinical rotations, I've found this app handy for my time spent with large animals. The app gives a basic overview of procedures like jugular catheterization, intubation, biopsies of various locations, and many other common diagnostic and sampling techniques. It wont have the in depth background of the anatomy and physiology for the procedure you are trying to do, but if you are looking for a quick reference to refresh your memory as a student on clinics or a beginning equine veterinarian, this app may be useful for you!