TRACKS Magazine

Features

  • Article Item
    Dr. Ilektra Athanasiadi (at left) and Jada Tolliver (at right) doing a physical exam on Echo the Iguana (at center)
    For the Love of a Lizard , article

    When their well-trained 6-foot iguana developed cancer, the Smiths turned to cutting-edge treatment at the veterinary college's Roanoke hospital.

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    Veterinary professional in full PPE treating a white dog with Parvovirus.
    Gift of Compassion , article

    Record-setting Giving Day provides extra funds for Compassionate Care Fund, saving the lives of dogs in desperate need whose care has no other resources available.

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    Bull mastiff Phina receives comfort and innovative treatment at Virginia Tech, giving hope to others with cancer.
    Hope for the future , article

    Veterinary Teaching Hospital seeks to grow as it continues its commitments to fostering hope and educating future veterinarians.

Message from the Dean

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    Dean M. Dan Givens and his dog Tag in front of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
    Message from the Dean , article

    This edition of TRACKS provides a snapshot of multiple aspects of clinical care, research, and education that are ongoing at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.


Impact

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    A person working in a laboratory.
    Spurring Research , article

    The Helen Dessin Spurr and Frank Arthur Spurr Jr. Endowed Research Fund for Domestic Canine and Feline Pets will enable novel treatments and diagnostic procedures to be applied in a compassionate, safe environment for the pets of owners who often have few other options and who can benefit through drastically reduced costs for treatment.

  • Article Item
    Dr. Chris Byron (at left) and Tessa Wyner (at right) bandaging a horse involved in an accident in the Large Animal wing at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
    Driven by Compassion, Investing in Care , article

    Lifelong animal champions Karen Waldron and Shawn Ricci provide a $4 million "transformative" boost to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital's emergency services.

Clinical Insights

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    (From left) Alexandra Cleversley, Delaney Groves, Dale Stephens, and Mishana Smith at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with their dogs, Indie and Arya
    Life-saving blood donations , article

    The Veterinary Teaching Hospital Blood Bank currently has 16 dog blood donors and three cat blood donors, and more are needed.

  • Article Item
    (From left) Maria Pacheco, Sarah Dukti, and Alex Grobman.
    Critical Care, Critical Success , article

    Last year, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center introduced a dedicated emergency and critical care team to complement the existing medicine, surgery, and sports medicine teams.

  • Article Item
    Horse jumping during an event.
    A Quantum Recovery , article

    Today, Big Joe is not just a testament to the power of expert veterinary care, he is a symbol of resilience.

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    A red foal standing in a field.
    Tiny Hooves, Big Dreams , article

    The greatly anticipated arrival of a foal by American Pharaoh was tempered by mare Philanthropic's checkered foaling history, but much to the owners' delight, the chestnut filly foal was born with minimal drama!

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    Frida the Cane Corso (at left) with Eli Vickers (at center) and Dr. Joanne Tuohy (at right) in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
    Big dog, even bigger mission , article

    Frida, a cane corso, lived a joyous life that was extended by treatment at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center that may help other dogs and people live longer, fuller lives.

Inspire

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    (From left) Terry Wnorowski, Lauren Maghak, Andrea Collins, Lauren Scaletta, Christa Clark, and Maureen Sroufe working on patients in the Multidisciplinary Lab in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
    More than support , article

    Licensed veterinary technicians play an indispensable role among veterinary professionals and in the education of the next generation of veterinarians.

  • Article Item
    Public Health students (from left) Sydney Sokol, Andre Asarian, Miranda Jones, and Albert Annan in front of the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
    Beyond the books , article

    Students are helping rural residents away from more populated areas understand better what health services are available for them, but they also are learning from those rural residents about obstacles to care.

  • Article Item
    Lindsey Buracker posing in front of homes in the Navajo Nation
    Finding her 'why' in the veterinary desert , article

    Lindsey Buracker works through the Banfield Foundation and its charitable partners to bring free or low-cost veterinary care to the pets of Navajo Nation.

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    First year students working with a patient, a black lab, during their restraint lab at the veterinary teaching hospital
    Hands-on learning , article

    Blacksburg-area pet owners get free health services for their pets while veterinary students get crucial hands-on training.

Tails and Tips

  • Article Item
    Jacquelyn Pelzer walking through a hall of graduates holding blown up gloves.
    After helping guide nearly 2,000 veterinary students’ education and careers, Jacquelyn Pelzer retires , article

    As assistant dean, Pelzer helped revamp the curriculum and admissions process and offered counsel to prospective students, current students, and alumni of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

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    The Virginia Tech Hokie Bird posing in front of the Running Together statue at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
    Spotlights , article

    Get to know the vibrant community that brings our college to life. From students pushing boundaries in veterinary science, to alumni making an impact in communities around the world, to dedicated faculty and staff shaping the future of animal and human health. Here, we also celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaled companions who keep us grounded and remind us why we do what we do. Explore heartfelt profiles, behind-the-scenes moments, expert advice, and everyday insights that highlight the people (and pets!) who make our college extraordinary.

  • Article Item
    Corgi in front of the Virginia Tech War Memorial.
    Animal Care Tips , article

    A comprehensive collection of articles aimed at promoting the health and well-being of pets. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including preventive care, seasonal safety, behavioral guidance, and emergency preparedness.

Director Andrew Mann | Editor Margie Christianson |  Writers Kevin Myatt, Sarah Boudreau, Sharon Peart, Andrew Mann, Lauren Maghak | Photographers Andrew Mann, Madison Brown, Sharon Peart, Margie Christianson | Web Editor Amy Winemiller

TRACKS Magazine is produced by the Office of Advancement in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Send comments and story ideas to cvmcomms@vt.edu.