2025 Calendar
2025 Tracks Calendar
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TRACKS Magazine is produced by the VMCVM Office of Advancement.
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January
Dressage Master
Turbo, a champion dressage horse, thrives in the upper levels of competition. His success is due to a dedicated team, including his owner, riders, farrier, and the veterinary specialists at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. They provide comprehensive care, from routine hoof care to addressing any injuries, ensuring Turbo can perform at his best and enjoy a long and successful career.
“Competing in the upper levels of any equine sport, especially dressage, requires a large and available care team that’s really knowledgeable.”
-Katherine Abrams, Turbo’s Owner
February
Mushroom Mystery
Chop, a curious dog, suddenly fell ill after ingesting a toxin one morning. His quick-thinking veterinarian referred him to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for emergency care where the team worked tirelessly to stabilize Chop and combat the unknown poison.
It was a true team effort, with everyone playing a crucial role in his recovery. After a tense few days, Chop recovered, a testament to the expertise and collaboration that saved his life.
“We never dreamed we would be picking him up like this. If it wasn’t for your team and Dr. Postle’s team, our baby wouldn’t be coming home with us.”
-April Barlow, Chop’s Owner
March
Soundwave Success
Lucy, a 12-year-old cockapoo, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. But instead of traditional surgery, Lucy became a pioneer by participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This trial utilized histotripsy, an innovative treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to non-invasively destroy tumors. Lucy’s case offers hope for a less invasive way to treat brain cancer in both dogs and humans.
“She’s back to her playful self, and knowing she’s helped advance science and technology is amazing.”
-Susan Ketcham, Lucy’s Owner
April
Double Donkey Dilemma
Harper, a miniature donkey foal, found herself in a dangerous predicament after swallowing a towel. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s internal medicine team acted quickly, performing an emergency endoscopy to remove the blockage from her colon. To add to the challenge, Harper’s mother, Daisy, also became ill and needed urgent care. Thanks to the hospital’s expert team, both Harper and Daisy made full recoveries and were able to return home to their farm.
“They’ve been great and very helpful, transparent with everything for us. They were in great hands.”
-Lexi Tarpy, Harper and Daisy’s Owner
May
Steady Heartbeat
Louie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was participating in a research study at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. However, a routine checkup revealed a serious condition called atrioventricular block, in which the electrical signals in his heart were disrupted.
The cardiology team swiftly implanted a pacemaker, a small device that regulates his heartbeat. Now, thanks to this life-saving intervention, Louie can continue enjoying walks, playtime, and cuddling with his family.
“Like all Cavaliers, Louie is very loyal. We were happy to enroll in the clinical trial to help the breed.”
-Bobby Cooper, Louie’s Owner
June
Stallion's Recovery
Kiergen, a rare Akhal-Teke stallion, was facing a life-threatening bacterial infection that caused severe swelling in his neck. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s expert team provided around-the-clock intensive care to manage the infection and ensure his airway remained open. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, Kiergen is now recovering and on the road back to full health.
“Kiergen has a ton of personality, and he’s a great representative of the breed. He’s a really sweet friend who we really treasure in our horse family.”
-Kevin Matthews, Kiergen’s Owner
July
Back in Action
Miryam, a lively border collie/papillon puppy, began showing worrying signs of neurological problems, including weakness in her hind legs and difficulty controlling her bladder. A CT scan revealed a rare disorder called subarachnoid diverticulum. This condition involved fluid-filled sacs compressing her spinal cord, causing her symptoms.
The hospital’s skilled neurology team performed a delicate surgery to remove the sacs and relieve the pressure on Miryam’s spine. Now she’s back to her playful self.
“She runs like the wind in the woods. She chases her leggy border collie brothers up the mountain every morning.”
-Sharon Harrell, Miryam’s Owner
August
Saving Two Lives
Miss Ocean City, a pregnant Thoroughbred mare, was experiencing a difficult pregnancy and suddenly developed a potentially fatal uterine torsion. The Equine Medical Center team sprang into action, performing emergency surgery to correct the torsion and deliver a healthy foal. Despite the odds, both mare and foal made full recoveries thanks to the quick response and specialized care.
“Miss Ocean City gave us an exceptional colt who is delightful and full of personality. Many thanks to EMC staff for three weeks of around-the-clock care given to this mare who has always had difficulty foaling.”
-Ann Backer, Owner of Miss Ocean City
September
A New Approach
Once facing certain death from feline infectious peritonitis, 6-month-old kitten Lanala made a complete recovery thanks to a groundbreaking new treatment at the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
The oral medication, GS-441524, reversed Lanala’s neurological decline, allowing her to play and jump like a normal kitten again. This success story offers hope for other cats with FIP, demonstrating the life-saving potential of this innovative therapy.
“At that point we would have done anything to help save her, and we are so glad things worked out so well. It’s good to see the progress. Seeing her play and jump again – it’s worth everything.”
-Juan Carlos Arevaloi, Lanala’s Owner
October
Unbreakable Bond
Joe, a beloved canine companion, was diagnosed with lymphoma. Despite this challenge, Joe’s story is one of resilience and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. The Animal Cancer Care and Research Center (ACCRC) provided cutting-edge treatment and compassionate care, allowing Joe to enjoy a fulfilling life and inspire those around him.
“Mike and Jeanne Mayo have become part of the ACCRC family. Their unwavering commitment to Joe was evident as they collaborated closely with our entire team during his journey.”
-Dan Vruink, ACCRC Administrator
November
Tiny Triumph
Senna, a tiny toy poodle, faced serious health complications as she neared her due date, including severe gastrointestinal issues and dehydration. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s expert team provided critical care and specialized nutrition, enabling Senna to recover and naturally deliver four healthy puppies.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic with the team and everything they’ve done. If I hadn’t come here, I thoroughly believe I would have lost the mama and possibly her babies too.”
-Jennifer Anders, Senna’s Owner
December
Hope and Healing
Zia, a young German Shorthaired Pointer, was experiencing concerning symptoms, including lethargy and decreased appetite. A CT scan at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital revealed a mass in her chest, requiring a delicate operation by the internal medicine and surgery teams. Zia needed a blood transfusion during her recovery, highlighting the importance of the hospital’s blood bank. Now, thanks to this collaborative care, Zia is on her way back to her active lifestyle.
“They were great, provided lots of information, kept me updated. I can’t say enough good things about the staff, students, everybody’s super nice.”
-John Mixter, Zia’s Owner
Partner with VMCVM
The hospital's success would not be possible without support from the community. With a gift to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Expansion Fund, you can partner with us to help improve veterinary education and care.
CONTACT
Sandra Torget, assistant dean of advancement
storget@vt.edu | 540-231-4716
