Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 37m

This week’s staff spotlight goes to Logan Weldon, Large Animal Veterinary Assistant, for always lending a hand across teams. Thank you for your teamwork and dedication.

#PawsUp #Purdue #Vetmed

Dark brown horse wearing a purple halter stands next to a Logan Weldon wearing a green shirt and black jacket inside a stable.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 4h

Happy Vet Tech Week to our Medical Oncology Technicians. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and care for patients and families. 💛

#Purdue #Vetmed #VetTechWeek American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Six Medical Oncology technicians from Purdue University Veterinary Hospital pose outdoors around a large planter of red and white flowers in bright sunlight. Left to right, back row: Jeri Tullius, Lindsey Fourez. Middle row: Linley Brewer, Sarah Lahrman. Front row: Erica Fesler, Araynna Holland. All wear Purdue veterinary nursing apparel and smile at the camera.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 1d

Purdue’s Dr. Laurent Couëtil studies asthma in horses, using techniques like awake BAL to uncover inflammation pathways.

https://purdue.health/equine-health-insights

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Running like the wind: Studying asthma in horses helps lead human health insights

As Purdue focuses attention on research that is part of the university’s One Health strategic initiative, the spotlight is shining on Purdue Veterinary Medicine studies linking animal health with human health. One example, highlighted by the university this week, involves equine asthma research exp

purdue.vet

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 1d

Fourth-year DVM student Mattisyn Gebhardt (center), a #Purdue DVM in the Class of 2026, completed Primary Care at the Indiana State Fair 4-H Dog Show, performing exams and reconnecting with her 4-H roots.

#Purdue #Vetmed #FutureVet #DVMJourney American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 2d

💛 #VetTechWeek Spotlight: Purdue student Myelei Whitaker chose to become a Vet Tech to help animals and families in need — inspired by her own experience. 🐾

#VetTechLife #PurdueUniversity #BeAPurdueVetTech

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 3d

🐾 Paws Up! 🐾

This week we recognize Dr. Dielson Vieira, who was described by a colleague as “a bright light shining his kindness to all he comes across.”

Thank you for all you do for the PVM community, Dr. Vieira! 💛

#Purdue #VetMed #PawsUp #news American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 3d

October is #AdoptAShelterDogMonth! 🐶

Thousands of dogs are waiting in shelters for their chance at a forever family. Adoption saves lives and gives you a best friend in the process.

If adoption isn’t an option, fostering, volunteering, or donating to your local shelter helps too. 🐾

#Purdue

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 4d

🌟 Meet Dr. Pouri! 🌟
We’re thrilled to welcome one of our new medical oncology residents to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. She’s passionate about compassionate cancer care and lifelong learning—both in the clinic and beyond! 🐾💛

#Purdue #VetMed #Oncology

Two-photo collage. Left panel: Dr. Pouri, a woman in tan scrubs and a black Purdue Veterinary Hospital jacket kneels in a clinic beside a large brown dog wearing a teal flower lei; both are facing the camera and smiling. Right panel: A black-and-tan Doberman Pinscher sits on a boat in bright sun with mouth open in a happy pant; a blue lake, distant mountains, and a few clouds are in the background.

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 4d

#FirstYearFriday Welcome Connor Guest, DVM 2029 from Hartsville, SC. He is drawn to Purdue’s hands-on curriculum and close-knit class. Goal after graduation: rural mixed animal practice in the Southeast, especially beef cattle. Glad to have you here, Connor!

#Purdue #VetMed #DVM2029 #BoilerUp

Four photos of DVM student Connor Guest. Top left: Connor stands beside a sign that reads “Equine & Farm Animal Hospital Entrance” at Purdue University. Top right: Connor stands next to a livestock trailer and rests a hand on the side near cattle inside. Bottom left: Connor, wearing scrubs and a stethoscope, smiles with an older veterinarian in a clinic hallway decorated with a “Congratulations” banner. Bottom right: close view of Connor working cattle in a chute while holding a tail.

1 1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 5d

Now hiring: Instruction Technologist for the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program. Support teaching, labs, and student mentorship in West Lafayette. Salary $55–$60K.
https://purdue.vet/Instruction-tech

#Purdue #Vetmed #VetTech #PurdueUniversity American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 6d

🐱 Introducing a new cat? Go step by step.
Private spaces first, scent swapping next, then brief monitored meetings with treats.
Patience helps both cats feel safe. 💛

#CatCare #PetTips #Purdue #VetMed American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Two cats (Colby & Stew) in a home: a black-and-white cat lounges on a window perch while an orange tabby watches from a wooden ledge across the room. Separate spaces illustrate gradual introductions.

1 2

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 6d

Nearly 75 employers came to Purdue Vet Med’s annual Career Fair, connecting students with future jobs, internships, and externships across the profession. 💼🐾

#Purdue #VetMed #CareerFair #news American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

🔗 https://purdue.vet/48OhyZZ

DVM and Veterinary Technology students enjoyed interacting with veterinary practice representatives at the 2025 PVM Career Fair.

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 7d

✨ Purdue Vet Hospital has launched a cancer immunotherapy trial with Akston Biosciences for dogs with solid tumors. Simple injections, fewer doses, lower costs. Rocco is thriving! 🐾

Learn more: 🔗 https://purdue.vet/wcorc-eccs

#Purdue #VetMed #Cancer American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Close-up of a large dog with upright ears and a brindle coat sitting indoors on a tiled floor.

5

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 9d

Through a collaboration with the Indianapolis Zoo, PVM welcomed Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, winner of the 2025 Emerging Conservationist Award

His work to protect the African golden cat shows the power of community-driven conservation.

🔗 https://purdue.vet/4pUMiyE

#VetMed ##news Indianapolis Prize

Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award winner Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa speaks to veterinary students at Lynn Hall Monday, September 29.

Africa’s least known wild cat species, the African golden cat is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of threatened species.

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 10d

Meet Erin (Class of 2027) and her new best friend, Joan!

Joan is a retired canine educator who spent her career helping students learn hands-on skills. Now, she’s found her forever home with Erin and is thriving in this next chapter.💛

#Purdue #VetMed American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

A collage of photos of Erin Ison and her beagle Joan.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 10d

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. You can: adopt or foster, volunteer to walk dogs, help with transport, donate supplies, share adoptable dogs, sponsor an adoption, ask your shelter what they need most.
#Purdue #VetMed #ShelterMedicine #AdoptDontShop American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

A happy black Labrador lying on grass in a park with a leash attached, buildings and people in the background.

2 2

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 11d

First Year Friday ✨ Meet Jurniee, DVM #Classof2029! From Goshen, Indiana, Jurniee is excited to dive into hands-on training, meet new people in the field, and explore interests in surgery, small animal practice, and wildlife medicine. Welcome, Jurniee! 💛🐾🖤
#FirstYearFriday #Purdue #VetMed #DVM

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 12d

🦷 Pets need dental care too! Annual cleanings can prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and painful mouth issues — while keeping breath fresh and pets comfortable. A healthy smile = a happier life. 🐾

#PetHealth #Dentistry #Purdue #VetMed American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

1 1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

White snakeroot grows in all 92 Indiana counties and across much of the Midwest. Knowing what it looks like and keeping grazing animals away is key to protecting livestock, horses , and people.

#VetMed #MilkSickness #IndianaPlants #PurdueVetMed @avmavets.bsky.social

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

🧪 The Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab at @pucvm.bsky.social offers toxicology testing to detect white snakeroot toxins in:
• Plant samples
• Rumen/stomach content
• Kidney or liver tissue
Learn more: vet.purdue.edu/addl

Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

Reliable veterinary diagnostic testing for Indiana and the U.S., the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at Purdue University provides accredited, accurate, and timely animal disease…

vet.purdue.edu

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

But small-scale or homestead cattle or goat dairies could still be at risk if animals are grazing near woods in late summer or fall, when white snakeroot is green and palatable while other plants fade.

It's crucial to identify this plant and prevent access.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

Why don’t we see milk sickness anymore?

Modern dairy practices:
• Keep cows out of woodland fringes where the plant grows
• Mix milk from thousands of cows — diluting risk
• Monitor pasture conditions carefully

The last human cases were in 1963.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

Symptoms in people included vomiting, weakness, and eventual death.
In livestock, the condition is called trembles. It starts with depression, muscle tremors, and progresses to severe acidosis and death if untreated. Nursing young are especially vulnerable.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) contains a muscle toxin that passes from plant to animal and can contaminate the milk of lactating goats and cattle.

Drinking that milk once caused a disease called milk sickness, which devastated early settlers.

1

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine @pucvm.bsky.social · 14d

🪻 Milk Sickness & White Snakeroot: What You Need to Know

White snakeroot is blooming across Indiana right now, and while it's beautiful, it's also historically deadly — responsible for hundreds of human deaths, possibly including that of Abraham Lincoln’s mother. Here's what to know. 🧵

1