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Volume 27 Number 3Winter 2000

On the cover: The Equine Sports MedicineMobile unit brings state-of-the-artveterinary facilities to horse shows,allowing horses, veterinarians, students,and clients to benefit from a readilyavailable clinic on wheels.

able of ContentsT

elcomeW

Insight is published three timesper year by the College ofVeterinary Medicine and

Biomedical Sciences, ColoradoState University, and produced by

Publications and Printing.Editor/Writer: Carol Borchert;Photographers: Charlie Kerlee,

Bill Cotton;Production: Sandy Thode;Production Coordinator:

Margaret Taunt.

Visit us on the Web at:www.cvmbs.colostate.edu

Happy Holidays and welcome to the Winter 2000 edition of Insight magazine. Inthis edition, you’ll find a cornucopia of articles dealing with a variety of issues. One ofthe most important issues facing the College is reorganization. And as we approach theend of the year, we are coming into a time of change. We have streamlined and realigneddepartments, appointed several new people to key positions, and are in the midst of asearch for a new dean to replace Dr. James Voss, who will be retiring next year. Inside,you’ll find an article about the College’s reorganization efforts and their impact on ourfuture direction.

We also go on the road with the College’s mobile equine unit. The unit enablesveterinarians to provide care to equine athletes, providing valuable experience to stu-dents and on-the-spot care for injured patients. You’ll meet Dr. Herbert Schweizer, whois studying a bacterium that causes severe illness in cystic fibrosis patients. An unex-pected outcome of his research led to another study (see the sidebar story, page 11) inthe use of antibacterial agents in every day soaps, lotions, and other household items.

In addition to these stories, you’ll learn more about the innovative nonmedicalcourse work offered through the Professional Veterinary Medical program and the newKenneth “Kenny” Smith Professorship. You’ll also read an update on the Paws For ACause campaign and more.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Insight. We welcome your questions and com-ments on these articles or anything else you’d like to share with us. If you’d like to get intouch with us, please send your correspondence to:

Insight CorrespondenceOffice of the DeanW102 Anatomy/ZoologyCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort Collins CO 80523-1601You can e-mail Insight comments to Paul Maffey, director of development for the

College at: pmaffey@cvmbs.colostate.edu. We also invite you to visit us at our Web siteat: www.cvmbs.colostate.edu. �

Mobile Equine Unit Brings State-of-the-Art Clinic to Patients ....................................... 3Paws For A Cause Sparks Excitement with New Ad Campaign ...................................... 5Reorganization Provides Solid Foundation for Change ................................................. 6PVM Program Enhances Veterinary Education ............................................................. 8Understanding Cell-to-Cell Communication May Offer Hope

to Cystic Fibrosis Patients ........................................................................................ 10Americans Too Clean for Own Good? ......................................................................... 11Smith Family Creates Living Legacy for Veterinary Education ..................................... 12Equine Reproduction Courses/Continuing Veterinary Medical Education ............ 14-15Dr. Kimberling Honored ............................................................................................. 16Dr. Salman Receives APHIS Award .............................................................................. 16

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When Dr. Joe Stricklin was involvedwith rodeo sports, he noticed that a lot ofcowboys and cowgirls took advantage ofa truck-and-trailer traveling medicalclinic. The Justin Sportshealer Programenables rodeo athletes to getprompt attention for theirinjuries, sometimes prevent-ing a worsening of their con-dition and sometimes evengetting them back in com-petition. To Dr. Stricklin, itprovided an inspiration.

“I thought about it andfigured horses are athletes,too, so why wouldn’t a simi-lar program work forthem,” said Dr. Stricklin,who is an assistant profes-sor in the Department ofClinical Sciences and runsthe mobile unit.

At the time, Dr. Stricklinwas in private practice andput together the resourcesto purchase and equip a truck and trailerto house his mobile clinic. When he joinedColorado State last year, the truck was pur-chased by the College to enable Dr.Stricklin to continue the program, onlynow with students on board as well. Theunit, the only one of its kind in the na-tion, is an ideal training ground for vet-erinary students to practice their large-animal skills in real-world situations.

The mobile unit also offers its equip-ment to veterinarians who are working athorse shows. Almost all diagnostic infor-mation, from radiographs to ultrasounds,can be sent online to consulting veteri-narians at other locations, including ex-perts at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.This enables veterinarians with clients andpatients in shows to provide care withouthaving to trailer and transport the horseto a different site. The mobile unit func-tions as an on-site tool providing visitingveterinarians the opportunity to offer highquality on-site care in a timely fashion.

Operating as a full-service veterinaryclinic, the mobile unit travels to eight to

12 regional horse shows per year. The vet-erinary team treats equine athletes par-ticipating in multi-day events includingbarrel races and cutting shows – most re-cently the Cutting Horse Futurity in Fort

Worth, Texas. Bringing the mobile unit toa show benefits students by providingcommon scenario cases and benefitspracticing veterianarians, owners, andhorses by providing easy access to veteri-nary facilities and care.

“Shows are very competitive, and alot of money is involved in just gettingthere,” said Dr. Stricklin. “It’s heartbreak-ing for people when they’ve traveled along way, invested a lot of money, and theirhorse turns up lame. Sometimes, it’s asevere injury that requires intensive care

and the horse is certainly out of the com-petition, but sometimes it’s somethingfairly minor that can be taken care of withquick treatment, enabling the horse toreturn to competition. For many horses,

having on-site care makesall the difference.”

Dr. Stricklin recalls onewoman from Oklahomawho had traveled to Texasfor a barrel race. When thehorse came out of its trailer,it was lame. The diagnosiswas a foot problem causedby a shoe applying too muchpressure. With treatment,the horse recovered quicklyand was able to competeand win.

“This was the first timethis woman had ever won inher life,” Dr. Stricklin said.“She went from being com-pletely out of the competi-tion to taking home first

saddle. She was thrilled, and the studentswere able to see what they could do andwhat a difference they could make. Wewere all very excited.”

To help make those veterinary mar-vels happen, the equine mobile unit isequipped with state-of-the-art diagnostictools and treatment options. Diagnosticequipment includes:• Conventional radiographs that allow

clinicians to take images of a horse’sbones and joints to help diagnoseinjuries.

• Ultrasonography, used to provideimages of tendons, lungs, andabdominal structures. The imagescan be projected onto a viewingscreen.

• Videoscope, a small camera thatattaches to several pieces ofequipment, such as an endoscope,and allows images to be recordedand displayed on a television screen.

• A thermal imaging system thatdisplays differences in surface body

obile Equine Unit Brings State-of-the-Art Clinic to PatientsM

The mobile unitoperates as a full-

service veterinary clinic,traveling to eight to 12regional horse shows

per year.

Veterinary students check out a patient in the mobile equine unit.

continued on page 4

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temperatures, enabling determinationof areas of inflammation.

• Routine bloodwork and chemistriesthat can be completed on-site, savingtime in critical situations.

Treatment options available include:• Theraquine, an electrical stimulation

unit placed on the site of an injury.Electrical pulses increase blood flowto the injured site, allowing for fasterhealing.

• Equi-light, a light therapy systemusing photoenergy to increasecirculation to an injured area.

• An iontophoresis delivery system thatuses positive and negative currents todrive a specific treatment drugthrough the skin and into injuredtissue.

• The Ice Horse Cold Therapy systemthat helps reduce inflammation byusing cold therapy that can beapplied evenly and at a settemperature.

• Equine AeroMask, a mask that allowsaccurate delivery of inhalation drugs.

Of course, the mobile unit has to takecare of its human occupants as well as its

patients. On each trip, Dr.Stricklin, whose CBhandle is “Hoss Doc,”usually takes three orfour veterinary studentswith him. The unit isequipped with a cookingarea, shower, and sleep-ing quarters and cancomfortably house fourpeople. The unit is alwaysstaffed, with two peoplestaying overnight in caseof emergencies, while theremainder of the team isprovided with accommo-dations in nearby hotels.

“Having this unit re-ally enhances the hos-pital’s teaching mission,”said Dr. Stricklin. “Weexpose our students to the problems fac-ing horse owners and trainers at compe-tition, and better prepare them to servethe horse show and competition indus-try. They see a lot of routine cases thatthey might not otherwise be exposed toat the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, wherea substantial portion of the caseload isthe more critically ill or injured horse.This experience helps to prepare them fora more typical practice.”

The mobile clinic is invited to showsby organizing committees, which usuallycover hotel room costs for the traveling

The mobile unit also offers its equipment toveterinarians who are working at horse shows.

Almost all diagnostic information, from radiographsto ultrasounds, can be sent online to consulting

veterinarians at other locations, including experts atthe Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

veterinary team. The College strongly en-courages local veterinarians to use themobile unit to enhance services to theirclients. Owners or attending veterinarianspay competitive fees for diagnosis andtreatment services at the mobile clinic. Ad-ditional support for the unit is raisedthrough corporate and individual dona-tions. If you’re interested in learning moreabout the mobile unit, or would like tomake a donation to help keep it on theroad, contact Dr. Stricklin at (970) 491-4580 or the College’s development officer,Paul Maffey, at (970) 491-3932. �

obile Equine UnitM

Leading-edge diagnostic equipment and communication tools lineone wall of the mobile unit.

A veterinary student steadies a patient insidethe mobile clinic.

continued from page 3

5

aws For A Cause Sparks Excitement with New Ad CampaignPThe photo is startlingly simple, one

of the now-famous Wegman weimaran-ers with three children’s A, B, C blockson her head. The message also is clear:Animals Battling Cancer. The new adver-tisement, which appeared most recentlyin Real Simple magazine and will soonappear in Oprah, Vanity Fair, and Ani-mal Fair, features the newest spokesani-mals for Paws For A Cause, the Wegmandogs.

The current ad is a photo of Fay Ray,who was one of photographer WilliamWegman’s favorite “models.” Fay Raygraced the pages of magazines and books,and appeared on television and in mu-seum exhibitions around the world. In1995, after 10 loving years with Wegman,Fay Ray was diagnosed with acute leuke-mia and died later the same year.Wegman’s commitment to the Animal Can-cer Center and the Paws For A Cause cam-paign is a reflection of his bond with FayRay and a tribute to her life.

Paws For A Cause is a national cam-paign to raise awareness of cancer incompanion animals and raise money tohelp fight cancer in companion animals.Donations are used to expand and en-hance cancer treatment, research, andteaching programs at the Animal CancerCenter and assist in the expansion of thephysical space necessary to house theseprograms.

Paws For A Cause uses ClayPaws® asan incentive for gifts to Paws For A Causefrom the general public. With a donationof $50 or more, donors will receive aClayPaws® kit to make a paw print of abeloved pet. With a donation of $100, do-nors will receive a Paws For A CauseT-shirt, featuring artwork from the Fay Rayprint advertisement.

The Paws For A Cause campaign willend Dec. 31, 2000, though the Wegmandogs will continue as spokesdogs for theAnimal Cancer Center. For more informa-tion, or to order ClayPaw® kits or Fay RayT-shirts, contact 1-877-4CSUVET or visitwww.cancercure.colostate.edu. �

Wegman’s commitment to the Animal CancerCenter and the Paws For A Cause campaign

is a reflection of his bond with Fay Rayand a tribute to her life.

6

“Nothing is permanentbut change.”

– Heraclitus (500 B.C.)

During its 93 years of existence, theCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-medical Sciences has been through manychanges – new names, new depart-ments, new deans – times of up-heaval and rancor and times ofquiet and contemplation. Throughall of these changes, the College hasemerged stronger and betterequipped to face the day’s chal-lenges.

Today, the College is onceagain at a time in its history whenchange is necessary to better ac-commodate the shifting sands ofteaching, research, and outreach.These changes include the reorga-nization of departments, the pend-ing retirement of the dean with ac-companying search and hiring of anew dean, the appointment of three newassociate deans, and a critical shift in theorganization of faculty members to bet-ter reflect their areas of research andteaching expertise.

“The College embarked on this jour-ney of change when it became apparentthat the current organizational structurewas, at some point, going to hinder ourability to maintain and enhance theCollege’s world-recognized leadershiprole in veterinary medicine and biomedi-cal sciences,” said Dr. James Voss, dean

of the College. “It had become apparentthat if we wanted to continue to achieveat the highest level, we needed to addresscore issues and proceed with a new in-frastructure that would enable innovationand excellence in research, teaching, andoutreach.”

Some of the concerns of the Collegerelated to changes in the undergraduateteaching program at the College and Uni-versity levels, including workload ac-countability, reduced participation in theProfessional Veterinary Medical programby WICHE state partners, the large num-ber of open department head positions,the significant number of potential fac-ulty retirements in the near future, andthe dynamic and team-oriented nature oftoday’s research environment.

After two years and literally hundredsof meetings and thousands of hours, theCVMBS Faculty Leadership Forum pro-

eorganization Provides Solid Foundation for ChangeRposed a reorganization plan. After facultyand staff review and considerable fine-tuning, the plan was adopted and the newCollege and Department Code is now inplace. The process for implementing thereorganization is underway, with changestaking place at a pace that will accom-modate change without creating chaos.

Probably one of the most vis-ible changes will be the retirementof the dean. Dr. Voss, who hasserved as dean of the College since1986, announced in October hisintention to retire in October 2001.Dr. Voss’ desire was to have the re-organization completed before hisretirement. At the time Dr. Voss’ re-tirement was announced, theProvost’s office stated that a searchfor a new dean would begin im-mediately to ensure ample time fora comprehensive search andsmooth transition.

The second most visiblechange is the collapsing of seven

departments into four. The new depart-ments are Biomedical Sciences; ClinicalSciences; Environmental and Radiologi-cal Health Sciences; and Microbiology,

Dr. Martin FettmanDr. Carol Blair

“The creation of affinity groups istruly an exciting aspect of the new

organization. Although facultymembers often have interactedinformally in this way, affinity

groups provide them with a perfectforum to pursue research avenuesthat otherwise would be closed.”

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Immunology and Pathology. The structurereflects the College’s four principle pro-grammatic areas of biomedical sciences,clinical applications of veterinary medi-cine, environmental health issues, and in-fectious diseases.

“The new departmental structure willenable individuals with shared areas ofinterest and expertise to work togethermore readily as teams to improve our mis-sions in research, teaching, and out-reach,” said Dr. Voss. “This is simply areflection of the dynamic academic envi-ronment today and the most appropriatestructure we can adopt to make the bestuse of all our assets.”

Interim department heads are beingrecruited for the new departments. Thenew dean will have the opportunity toappoint permanent heads.

The third change is the appointmentof three new associate deans. Dr. MartinFettman, who previously held a joint fac-ulty appointment in physiology and pa-thology, is the new associate dean for Pro-fessional Veterinary Medicine. Dr.Terrance Nett, who has been a memberof the faculty in physiology since 1974, isthe new associate dean for Research andGraduate Education. Dr. Carol Blair, whopreviously served as department head formicrobiology and has been on the micro-

Dr. Terrance Nett

“It had become apparent that if wewanted to continue to achieve at thehighest level, we needed to addresscore issues and proceed with a new

infrastructure that would enableinnovation and excellence in

research, teaching, and outreach.”

biology faculty since1975, is the new associ-ate dean for Undergradu-ate Education. Dr. SherryMcConnell continues inher position as associatedean for Admissions andAdvising.

Lastly is the creationof affinity groups. Facultymembers are aligningwith other faculty andstaff, across old depart-mental boundaries, to re-flect their teaching and

research interests. One such group is theBreast Cancer Affinity Group, which iscomprised of faculty members from allfour departments. The group meets regu-larly to share ideasand information, co-ordinate researchactivities, providetechnical supportand expertise, anddevelop interdepart-mental grant propos-als for funded re-search.

“The creationof affinity groups istruly an exciting as-pect of the new orga-nization,” said Dr.Voss. “Although fac-ulty members oftenhave interacted in-formally in this way,affinity groups pro-vide them with a per-fect forum to pursueresearch avenuesthat otherwise wouldbe closed. In thecompetitive researchmarket today, bring-ing all our talent to

the table will create more opportunitiesfor exciting and meaningful research.”

The changeover to the new organi-zation, and resulting realignment of re-sponsibilities and programs, is underway,though will not be achieved overnight.

“Anytime you attempt a change of thissize and complexity, you are sure to en-counter some confusion, some glitches,and some delays,” said Dr. Voss. “But wefirmly believe that the College is on a paththat will lead us to continued excellencein education, ongoing innovation in re-search, and deliverable quality service andoutreach. Change is never easy, but thealternative – to maintain the status quo –is simply not an option if we are to em-brace our future.” �

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VM Program Enhances Veterinary Educationby Tackling Nonmedical Needs

PNot so long ago, veterinary students

studied pathology, pharmacology, anes-thesiology, oncology, and a host of other“ologies.” When they graduated, they en-tered the professional world prepared topractice veterinary medicine. But – afunny thing happened on the way to theclinic – all that wonderful medical train-ing was not totally preparing veterinariansfor one of the most important aspects intheir practice; the relationship betweenthe veterinarian and his or her client.

“Over the years, the dynamics of therelationships between people and theircompanion animals has evolved,” saidCarolyn Butler, coordinator of the Bond-Centered Practice Education Service at theCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-medical Sciences’ Argus Institute. “For anumber of reasons – increased compan-ion animal longevity, societal mobility,long-distance extended families, andmany others – people are becoming moreattached to their animals. The resultingbond creates some interesting challengesfor veterinarians who must now not onlycare for the patient, but also tend to theowner.”

At Colorado State, this evolution ofthe human-animal bond was especiallyevident at the Animal Cancer Center, whichattracts critically ill patients and theirfamilies. More than 15 years ago, chiefoncologist Steve Withrow reached out tothe Department of Human Developmentand Family Studies to help students, fac-ulty, staff, and clients deal with the highemotions surrounding serious illness andloss of a pet. An initial lecture eventuallygave rise to Changes: The Program forPeople and Pets. Laurel Lagoni, currentlymanaging director of the Argus Institute,and Suzanne Hetts, now an animal behav-ior consultant to the Argus Institute, initi-ated the development of a comprehensivecurriculum in client relations that is un-matched anywhere else in the world.

“Colorado State has the most com-plete curriculum related to client and/orstaff relations in the country,” Butler said.

“We offer 91 contacthours within thecontext of a very ap-plied teaching for-mat so that we canhelp future vet-erinarians handlecommon situationsthat arise in every-day practice. Areaswe cover includedecision-making,handling angry cli-ents, client-presenteuthanasia, childrenand loss, clientswith financial con-straints, staff rela-tions, stress andself-care, and muchmore.”

Students in the Professional Veteri-nary Medical (PVM) program are firstexposed to the client relations (CR) cur-riculum in the freshman perspectives andsophomore ethics classes. In their junioryears, they can take a 20-hour elective todevelop communication skills and prac-tice with role-playing. Lastyear, a new course in staffrelations also was intro-duced as a junior-yearelective. In their senioryears, students can take a40-hour elective that offersdirect contact with clients,intensive work withChanges counselors, andcomprehensive skillsbuilding.

Butler and Changesstaff members also take theCR curriculum on the roadto other veterinary schoolsthrough Purina-sponsoredseminars that enable moreveterinary students to gainexposure to CR coursework that is difficult to ob-tain elsewhere.

Surveys conducted by the Argus In-stitute and other organizations show thatCR training pays off in many ways. A re-cent report published in JAVMA, statedthose veterinarians “who understand thehuman-animal bond apparently will bemore successful in private practice than

Dr. Steve Atwater (right) talks with Bill Kile with his dog Ranger. Clientcommunications is one of the skills veterinary students learn in client

relations course work at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

“For a number of reasons –increased companion animal

longevity, societal mobility, long-distance extended families, and

many others – people arebecoming more attached to their

animals. The resulting bondcreates some interesting challenges

for veterinarians who must nownot only care for the patient, but

also tend to the owner.”

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those who do not.” The Argus study wasdesigned to assess differences betweenveterinarians who had taken the electiveCR classes and those who had not.

The study, which surveyed 214graduates of the PVM program (1990-1999, with 108 responding), found 88percent would recommend the CR classesto other students. Nearly 42 percent ofrespondents felt the skills they learned inthe CR curriculum were of equal orgreater value as compared to other skillsdeveloped in other PVM programs. Thestudy showed many other benefits of CRtraining including lower staff turnover,increased client loyalty, greater self-ful-fillment, and increased financial success.

“I was a private practice mixed-ani-mal practitioner for six-and-a-half years

prior to the military,” responded Dr.Margery Hanfelt. “When I was in vetschool, I took Changes courses and usedthat information extensively throughoutmy career. That training was invaluable,is used daily, and accounts for a large partof my success.”

Dr. Tony Knight, head of the Depart-ment of Clinical Sciences, said the CRcourse work is an important part of thePVM curriculum.

“As a profession, we have had to rec-ognize and respond to the changes in vet-erinary medicine,” said Dr. Knight. “Oneof those changes is the emergence of thehuman-animal bond as a factor in thepractice of veterinary medicine. We arefortunate to have at Colorado State suchan innovative program in client relations.

Honored guests and presenters gathered together Dec. 1 to dedicate the Colorado State University B.W. Pickett Equine Center. Dr. Pickett, a retiredColorado State faculty member, worked tirelessly to raise funds and private support and was instrumental to the completion of the Equine Center.

On the platform, from left to right, at the dedication are G. Marvin Beeman, an Equine Center supporter; Dr. James Heird, associate dean of theCollege of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. Albert Yates, president, Colorado State University; at the podium, Dr. James Voss, dean, College of VeterinaryMedicine and Biomedical Sciences; and Dr. B.W. Pickett. The College wishes to thank the hundreds of organizations and individuals who havecontributed to the construction of the B.W. Pickett Equine Center over the years. The Center is now a national showcase and hub of exciting

programs in equine teaching, research, and outreach. �

It benefits both the students, and their fu-ture clients as well.”

Future plans for the CR curriculuminclude expansion of continuing educa-tion opportunities for practicing veteri-narians as well as out-state students, andthe creation of new course work in ani-mal behavior.

“By building on our success in cli-ent and staff relations, we hope to con-tinue to grow our program to meet theneeds of our students and of veterinar-ians already in practice,” Butler said. “Vet-erinary medicine is a dynamic field, andthe College wants to give our graduatesall the tools and skills they need to besuccessful. An important component ofthat is the comprehensive approach toclient relations available only at ColoradoState.” �

Presentationof flags at the

dedicationceremony.

Pickett family membersattending the ceremony.

W. Pickett Equine Center DedicationB.

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nderstanding Cell-to-Cell Communication May Offer Hopeto Cystic Fibrosis Patients

UCommunication is essential to the

human race. We talk in person, on thetelephone, via the Internet, and in manylanguages and styles. Without communi-cation, the world as we know it would sim-

ply not exist. The same is true of bacte-ria. Their molecular communication is es-sential for the creation of microbial com-munities – communities that are oftenbenign, but sometimes capable of caus-ing great illness.

Researchers at Colorado State Uni-versity hope that by understanding thiscell-to-cell communication at its most ba-sic level, they may be able to devise waysto cause a breakdown in the molecularchit-chat that will disable certain bacte-ria and render them incapable of caus-ing disease.

Dr. Herbert Schweizer, an associateprofessor in the Department of Microbi-ology, is studying cell-to-cell communi-cation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosabacterium, an opportunistic pathogen thatcauses problems for vulnerable humans

and animals. The infection is best typi-fied in cystic fibrosis patients who have adifficult time fighting the infection andwho, in most cases, eventually die ofPseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Cystic fibrosis is an inher-ited disorder, afflicting patientsfrom early childhood well intotheir adult lives. People with cys-tic fibrosis secrete very thick mu-cus from the upper respiratorytract. Since the abnormally thickmucus prevents proper clearingof bacteria from the lungs, theperson’s lungs become chroni-cally infected. Different peoplehave different levels of abnor-malities in cystic fibrosis. Somepeople are very ill when they arequite young. Others can livemany years with mild abnormali-ties. Half of males with cystic fi-brosis now live to be more than30 years old. Half of females withcystic fibrosis survive beyond 28years. The Pseudomonasaeruginosa bacterium is a com-mon source of infection in allcystic fibrosis patients, regard-

less of age.“This pathogen also causes problems

for burn victims, surgical patients, injuredpatients, people whose immune systemsare compromised, cancer patients, the

elderly, and others,” Dr. Schweizer said.“All Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterianeed an opportunity to cause disease, andthat is when the cell-to-cell communica-tion comes into play. When the bacteriaare isolated, they do not make the mol-ecules for communication. But when theycolonize a susceptible area – a catheteror mucus-filled lung for example – cell-to-cell communication becomes essentialto creating a disease state. If we can in-terrupt this communication and breakdown their connection, we may be ableto prevent infection.”

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is par-ticularly vexing because of its hallmarkcharacteristic – a strong resistance to an-tibiotic treatment. The bacterium hasmultiple efflux systems that pump out an-tibiotics and other antimicrobials beforethe chemicals have a chance to inflict anydamage. These multi-drug pumps enablethe bacterium to rapidly develop a resis-tance to a host of antibiotics, making itvery difficult to treat. Chronic infectionsthat range from annoyances to life threat-ening can develop in humans and ani-mals. In addition to his laboratory workin cell-to-cell communication, Dr.Schweizer works cooperatively with Dr.Claudia Gentry-Weeks from the VeterinaryTeaching Hospital Diagnostic Laboratoryexamining isolates from client animals tobetter understand the development of an-

Dr. Herbert Schweizer

“Traditional therapies are failing and we need newdrugs. By looking at the biochemical pathways and

understanding how these cell-to-cell communicationmolecules are put together, we may be able to

develop new drugs that interfere with thesepathways, breaking down the connection among the

bacteria and preventing chronic infection.”

11

mericans Too Clean for Own Good?Research Raises Interesting Questions

AJust about every American house-

hold contains at least one product withantibacterial properties. A virtual cornu-copia of lotions, soaps, household clean-ers, toys, shower curtains, utensils, pil-low covers, and many other productspromises to help protect the user fromthe disease and illness spread by bacte-ria. In an ironic twist, though, a Colo-rado State researcher has discovered thatthese products may have the potential tocause greater harm rather than good.

This discovery came as the result ofresearch into the bacterium Pseudomo-nas aeruginosa. This opportunistic bac-terium is pervasive in our environment,but causes infection only when faced witha compromised immune system. The in-fection is a huge problem for cystic fi-brosis patients, who have a very difficulttime fighting off the illness. Dr. HerbertSchweizer, an associate professor in the

Department of Microbiology,has been studying the bacte-rium and how it conducts cell-to-cell communication as wellas its defensive reaction againstantibiotics. It was while study-ing the bacterium’s response toantibiotics interfering with cell-to-cell communication that Dr.Schweizer discovered that theantiseptic chemical Triclosan

sensitized the bacterium to antibioticsand even helped the bacterium becomeresistant to multiple antibiotics. Triclosanis the most common antibacterial agentused in antibacterial products.

“How this relates to the real world,we don’t know,” Dr. Schweizer said. “Butit is something troubling at which weneed to take a closer look. The concernis that antibacterial products may actu-ally help create super-bacteria that areantibiotic resistant and cause evengreater problems than the bacteria thatoccur naturally in our environment.”

Dr. Schweizer said that microbialflora and fauna exist in a delicate bal-

ance. The good and bad interact througha complex system of checks and balancesthat results in overall healthy populationlevels. Antibacterial products change thatbalance by indiscriminately killing offboth good and bad susceptible bacteria,leaving behind the most resistant bacte-ria, which may not be such a good thing.

“We know that in the lab, Triclosancauses the Pseudomonas aeruginosabacterium to become resistant not onlyto Triclosan but to a host of other anti-microbial agents, including antibiotics,”Dr. Schweizer said. “Part of this is due tothe very structure of this bacterium. It isby nature highly resistant to antibioticsbecause of its multi-drug efflux systemthat readily pumps out antimicrobialagents before they can harm the bacte-rium. Triclosan contributes to speedingup this drug resistance process, some-thing that could compromise the effec-tiveness of existing antibiotics and com-pound antibiotic resistance.”

Dr. Schweizer is working with twograduate students to further define themechanisms of Triclosan resistance inbacteria. Though the work is in its earlystages, many industry and consumergroups are watching closely. The marketfor antibacterial products is huge, andresearch that shows a downside to theseproducts could result in a substantial fi-nancial impact. Nonetheless, because ofthe work of Dr. Schweizer and others,some European countries already havecooled to antibacterial products and arepulling many of them off market shelves.

“I think that these products do havea place, but maybe it’s in a hospital’s sur-gical suite and not our homes,” Dr.Schweizer said. “Properly washing yourhands with a bar of Ivory soap is certainlyadequate – we don’t need antimicrobi-als everywhere. A certain amount of ex-posure to bacteria is important to the de-velopment of our immune systems andto keeping healthy. It’s possible to be tooclean.” �

Dr. Schweizer holds two examples of thehundreds of products with antibacterial

properties that contain Triclosan.

tibiotic resistance. He has looked at ev-erything from snakes to dogs and seen ahigh number of drug-resistant Pseudo-monas aeruginosa, not surprising giventhe often experimental nature of antibi-otic treatment of animal infections.

“Traditional therapies are failing andwe need new drugs,” Dr. Schweizer said.“By looking at the biochemical pathwaysand understanding how these cell-to-cellcommunication molecules are put to-gether, we may be able to develop newdrugs that interfere with these pathways,breaking down the connection among thebacteria and preventing chronic infec-tion.”

Dr. Schweizer hopes that he and hisindustrial collaborators one day will finda new drug that delivers health and hopeto cystic fibrosis patients and others whosuffer from chronic Pseudomonasaeruginosa infections. In this case, com-munication, or rather the dis-ruption of communication, re-ally is an essential matter of lifeand death. �

The Pseudomonasaeruginosa bacteria.

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mith Family Creates Living Legacy for Veterinary EducationSWithin his own family, Dr. Kenneth

Smith charted a path to veterinary medi-cine that was followed by many of his kin.In October, that path widened with thecreation of the Kenneth “Kenny” W. SmithProfessorship that will enable others topursue research and teaching in veteri-nary medicine.

The professorship will be awardedto a full faculty member specializing insmall animal care at the Veterinary Teach-ing Hospital. Along with the honorary title,the award will provide the named profes-sor with a stipend of about $15,000 per

year that can be used tofund research, purchaseequipment, or supple-ment salary costs. Dr.Kenny Smith’s son, JamesSmith, a retired medicaldoctor in Indianapolis,spearheaded the cam-paign for the professor-ship. A total of $300,000will be raised, with inter-est from the fund goingto support the professor-ship.

“The Smith familyhas been an integral partof veterinary medicinehere at the College for many years, andthe creation of the professorship contin-ues the family tradition of supporting ex-cellence in education and investment incommunity,” said Dr. James Voss, dean,

College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-medical Sciences. “Many of our studentswill remember having Dr. Smith as a pro-fessor and recount the positive impact hehad on their lives. Through this profes-

“The Smith family has been anintegral part of veterinary medicinehere at the College for many years,

and the creation of theprofessorship continues the familytradition of supporting excellence

in education and investmentin community.

Clockwise from upper left:

Early photo of Dr. Kenneth Smith as he beganhis veterinary studies.

Early career photo of Dr. Smith (left) and acolleague administering a transfusion.

Dr. Smith listens to comments at his recentluncheon celebration.

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sorship, we not only can honor him, butcontinue his life’s work as well.”

Dr. Smith, who passed away on De-cember 10th, was honored on Oct. 14with a luncheon reception, presentationof a plaque, and announcement of theprofessorship. Among the 40 guests in at-tendance were his two younger brothers,Ed and Earl, also veterinarians and gradu-ates of Colorado State, and the second andthird generations of Colorado State Smithveterinarians, including the most recentgraduate, Smith’s grand-niece StephaniePratt, who graduated with her D.V.M. inMay. In all, seven Smiths and two Smithin-laws are graduates of the ProfessionalVeterinary Medical program at ColoradoState.

This family tradition comes from ahumble start. Dr. Kenny Smith, the first ofseven children, was born in 1910 in thesmall town of Minturn, just west of Vail.Dr. Smith graduated from Colorado State(then Colorado A&M), followed closelyby his brothers, and worked as a large

animal veterinarian beforechanging his practice andbecoming one of the firstveterinarians to specializein small animal medicine.In 1937, he returned toColorado State as a facultymember and then left in1946 to pursue privatepractice. In 1958, he againreturned to Colorado Stateand taught at the schooluntil his retirement in1976.

Among Dr. Smith’smany contributions to vet-erinary medicine was hisrole in the establishment ofthe American College ofVeterinary Surgery Boardthat continues to certifyveterinary surgical special-ists today. �

Clockwise from upper left:

Dr. Kenneth Smith and family members at the luncheonreception on October 14.

Early career photo of Dr. Smith examining a patient.

Three generations of Smith veterinarians include Dr.Kenneth Smith, seated, and clockwise from left, Kathy

Dobesh, Kenneth L. Smith, Earl “Pinky” Smith, Edward J.Smith, Tom E. Smith, and Stephanie Pratt.

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Equine Reproductive Management and ArtificialInseminationJanuary 4-7, 2001; January 18-21, 2001Fee: $750.00Enrollment Limit: 72Continuing Education Hours: 24 Lecture hours; 12 Laboratory hoursInstructors: Drs. J.E. Bruemmer, E.M. Carnevale, P.M. McCue, P.D. Siciliano,E.L. Squires, and graduate students

Course Description: This course is designed for horse owners and breed-ers wishing to increase the reproductive efficiency of their horses. The four-day course offers state-of-the-art technology in equine reproductive man-agement. Each course includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and 12hours of laboratory work in mare and stallion management, seminal collec-tion and evaluation, artificial insemination, and care of the pregnant mareand neonatal foal. Participants are encouraged to actively participate in thecollection and evaluation of semen and insemination of mares. Topics to becovered include anatomy and physiology of the mare and stallion genitaltract; hormonal relationships and fertility; seminal collection and evalua-tion; techniques of artificial insemination; factors affecting sperm produc-tion and output; sexual behavior of the stallion; training a stallion to a phan-tom; hormonal control of the estrous cycle and pregnancy; care of the preg-nant, foaling, and postpartum mare; and nutrition of the stallion and preg-nant mare. Please note that transrectal palpation of the mare will not betaught in this course.

Techniques for Handling and Utilizing TransportedCooled Equine SpermatozoaJanuary 8, 2001; January 22, 2001Fee: $300.00Enrollment Limit: 72Continuing Education Hours: 8 Lecture hours; 4 Laboratory hoursInstructors: Drs. J.E. Bruemmer, E.M. Carnevale, P.M. McCue, P.D. Siciliano,E.L. Squires, and graduate students

Course Description: This course is designed for anyone interested in learn-ing the techniques involved in shipment of equine spermatozoa. In additionto lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions will provide the opportunity forregistrants to actively participate. Extensive experience in seminal collec-tion, evaluation and insemination procedures, or attendance at an EquineReproductive Management and Artificial Insemination short course at Colo-rado State University is highly recommended as a prerequisite to this course.Topics to be covered include response of spermatozoa to cooling; preparingsemen for shipment; Equitaner (Hamilton-Thorn) System; on-the-farm ap-plications and results of shipped semen; preparation of mares for cooledand frozen semen; and latest research results.

Techniques for Handling Transported Frozen EquineSpermatozoaJanuary 9, 2001; January 23, 2001Fee: $500.00Enrollment Limit: 24Continuing Education Hours: 4 Lecture hours; 4 Laboratory hoursInstructors: Drs. J.E. Bruemmer, E.M. Carnevale, P.M. McCue, P.D. Siciliano,E.L. Squires, and graduate students

Course Description: This course is designed for anyone seriously inter-ested in learning the technique involved in freezing equine spermatozoa. Inaddition to lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions will provide the opportu-nity for registrants to actively participate in the freezing and thawing of se-men. Extensive experience in seminal collection, evaluation and insemina-tion procedures, or attendance at an Equine Reproductive Management andArtificial Insemination short course at Colorado State University is highly rec-ommended as a prerequisite to this course. Topics to be covered includeresponse of spermatozoa to freezing; preparation of semen for freezing; ex-tender preparation, proper handling, storage, and thawing procedures; post-thawing evaluation of semen; preparation of mares for frozen semen; andlatest research results.

LamenessCurrent Topics in Lameness, Nutrition, and Therapeutic OptionsTBAInstructors: Drs. C.W. McIlwraith, A. Schoen, P.D. Siciliano, andG.W. Trotter

Course Description: This is an exciting new course designed to answer thequestions most often asked by horse owners. Rather than focusing on onesubject, a number of controversial areas will be covered by experts in thefield. Topics will include the effectiveness of nutriceuticals and oral glycosami-noglycans in treating lameness, use of dietary ergogenic aids in the equineathlete, nutritional influence on DOD, and new treatment for lameness. Ad-ditionally, guest speaker Dr. Allen Schoen, who literally wrote the book onalternative therapies, will discuss several topics in this area.

quine Reproduction Short CoursesE

For registration information, please contact:

Short Course CoordinatorEquine Sciences ProgramColorado State University

Fort Collins, CO 80523-1679(970) 491-8509 or 491-8373

Fax: (970) 491-8419

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Small AnimalDates individually arranged – $500 per week,$450 per week CVMA members40 hours of CE

Cardiac Ultrasound

Communicating Effectively with Emotional Clients

Critical Care and Emergency Medicine

Small Animal Surgery

ontinuing Veterinary Medical EducationCFood AnimalDates individually arranged – $150 per day8 hours of CE

Bovine Calving Management

Reproductive Management

Male Reproduction

Bovine Nutrition

(or combinations above)

Special Programs for Veterinarians Technician Programs

Programs can be customized to meet individual needs.For further information and to set up special veterinarian or technician programs, call 1-800-457-9715.

E-mail denglebe@vth.colostate.edu and check our Web site for updated information at www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/ce.

All continuing education courses have enrollment limitations. If the minimum enrollment is not reached three weeks prior to the scheduled date,the course will be canceled. For information on additional equine course offerings, please see page 14 and/or call (970) 491-8509.

Dates individually arranged – $200 per week20 hours of CE

Small Animal Surgical Assisting

Large Animal Surgical Assisting

Critical Care and Emergency Medicine

Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Parasitology

Anesthesia

Necropsy

Colorado State University62nd Annual Conference for Veterinarians

January 6-8, 2001

Colorado State University Lory Student Center

Registration: $225 prior to December 15, 2000

$260 after December 15, 2000

Variety of Topics will be discussed in Small Animal, Large Animal, Equine,and Exotics.

Colorado State University11th Annual Conference for Veterinary Technicians

January 7, 2001

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Registration: $65 prior to December 15, 2000

$80 after December 15, 2000

One full day of lectures and labs especially for veterinary technicians.

Call 1-800-457-9715 for more information.

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r. Kimberling HonoredDThe American Association of Small Ruminant Prac-

titioners (AASRP) recently honored Dr. CleonKimberling for his work. The award came at theassociation’s annual meeting and board of directorsmeeting in July. The association met during the Ameri-can Veterinary Medical Association’s 137th AnnualConvention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Kimberling was selected for the GeorgeMcConnell Award (also known as the Small-RuminantVeterinarian of the Year) for his contributions to theveterinary profession and advancement of the practiceof small-ruminant medicine. Dr. Kimberling, a profes-sor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Col-lege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,is an active member of the AASRP and has representedthe small-ruminant association on several AVMAcouncils. �

r. Salman ReceivesAPHIS Award

DThe Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has presented toDr. Mo Salman its APHIS Award. The award was givenat the U.S. Animal Health Association’s (USAHA) an-nual meeting held October 22-26 in Birmingham, Ala-bama.

Dr. Salman, a professor in the Department of En-vironmental Health at Colorado State University, wasrecognized because of his long involvement with keyAPHIS programs including tuberculosis and brucello-sis as well as vesicular stomatitis, risk analysis of in-fectious animal diseases, and trade. He has been anadvisor and mentor to many current and former APHISemployees. During his tenure as chair of the NationalAnimal Health Information Systems Committee ofUSAHA, Dr. Salman worked to help APHIS develop amore cohesive national approach to monitoring ani-mal disease.

Dr. Salman came to Colorado State University in1984 as an assistant professor in the College of Veteri-nary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He became afull professor in 1994 and, in 1995, began serving asthe Section Chief of Epidemiology in the Departmentof Environmental Health. He is a diplomat of the Ameri-can College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and aFellow of the American College of Epidemiology. �