MSU CVM Weeks 1 and 2

Greetings from the Michigan State University Large Animal Hospital! My first two weeks here have been busy, getting settled in and learning the ropes.

An interesting case that has come in is a foal that presented for seizures. He had been at the referring veterinarian's practice with his dam for her to be rebred, and they found the foal to be seizing. He presented with abrasions over large portions of his body and bilateral corneal ulcers. We were able to control his seizures, and the veterinarian's here suspect that he has hepatitis, although this was not confirmed with liver biopsy because the invasive procedure would not change his treatment plan. He has done well in hospital, and is now nursing from his mother, standing on his own, and running through the hospital when his dam is walked. His biggest concern at this point is his eyes, which we continue to treat. This little guy is a fighter! Last Thursday, the theriogenology team was able to confirm that his mother was pregnant via ultrasound, and a repeat ultrasound today confirmed that she was still in foal. The plan is for mare and foal to remain in hospital for another week while his eyes and abrasions continue to be treated. The foal is quite rambunctious now, and treating his eyes is proving to be challenging!

In addition to the equine patients, I have helped with a number of cattle procedures. Breeding soundness exams for bulls are a common appointment here. During an exam, eyes and limbs are evaluated for soundness and any gross abnormalities. Body condition score is assessed. Bulls should score 6/10 prior to the breeding season, because they will lose some weight when breeding cows.  Then, the circumference of the bull's scrotum is measured. There are minimum scrotal circumferences based on the age of the bull to pass the breeding soundness exam. The testis and epididymis are palpated for any abnormalities, and for symmetry. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and inguinal rings are palpated rectally to determine if any abscesses or hernias are present. Finally, semen is collected and evaluated for motility, morphology, and presence of abnormal cells. All of this information is used by the veterinarian to make a recommendation as to whether or not the bull is capable of breeding and impregnating cows. If all of the data collected is within normal limits, the bull passes the exam. If there are any abnormalities, the veterinarian can either fail or defer the bull. A defer is used when the veterinarian has reason to believe that the abnormality can be overcome with time, such as if the bull is immature, or has an infection that is going to be treated. In such a case, the bull would be reexamined at a future date.

I continue to stay busy with many colics in hospital to care for. Most that have presented have been managed medically, with IV fluids, fluids via nasogastric intubation, and lidocaine CRIs for pain management. However, one did present last week with a sand colic that was taken to surgery. He recovered uneventfully and went home yesterday. Another colic is a mare with a foal by her side. Treating her with IV medications has proven difficult, as her foal likes to play with the IV lines.  Friday I am headed to Purdue University for the Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit for the weekend. Then, right back to work Monday morning!