Challenges Ahead

Posted on January 2, 2014 by NerdyVet

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few days you’ll have been swept up in all of the New Year’s chat and will, I am sure, have your own goals and resolutions, some of which you may well have broken already! 🙂 Whatever your plans for the upcoming twelve months, and I daresay that as you are reading this those plans include applying to and gaining a place at Vet School, it is really helpful to have a firm challenge and set of achievable goals in place. After all, what is point of striving for something if it is easy to achieve? The taste of success would be short-lived and nowhere near as sweet as if you have had to really knuckle down and fight for what you want.

What are your plans this year? Many of you will be looking forward to interviews, whilst some will already have offers in place, whether guaranteed or conditional on achieving some stellar grades in exams later in the year, whilst many of you will be working on your applications, busily beavering away at work experience placements, academic work and extra-curricular pursuits, all in a bid to attract that all important offer. As ever, the best companion for this journey is the Vet School series of books, as they literally do guide you from start to end on this journey you have signed up for.

I too have set myself a serious challenge for 2014. Last year was all about emigrating to the Middle East and this year the focus is of a sporting nature as I train for my very first Ironman triathlon race. There is more on this on my personal blog, the Nerdy Vet, but safe to say that as far as challenges go I have definitely chosen one that will be a struggle to achieve.

So…. whatever your specific goals and ambitions are this year, here’s to hard work, a little luck and success in 2014. Happy New Year to you all.

Vet News – Interesting Research

Posted on November 10, 2013 by NerdyVet

This month our Exotics News Editor, Charlotte Hitch, takes a look at some interesting research being conducted into the treatment of prion diseases using gene switching. Something to whet your biochemistry and genetics appetites!

RESEARCH:

Treatment of prion and other neurodegenerative diseases with injection of a single protein

Charlotte Hitch (Vet News Exotics Editor)

The prognoses of animals with neurodegenerative diseases may become much more hopeful thanks to new research carried out at the University of Leicester into the promotion of cell growth in damaged brain tissue using biochemical pathways.

Researchers have discovered a way of deactivating neurodegeneration caused by a number of diseases such as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) and prion diseases by switching off a pathway which has been identified as the mechanism for neural cell death and resulting encephalopathy.

The research has given new hope to the veterinary world due to its potential to treat previously untreatable neurodegenerative diseases, many of which seem to share a common feature – the build-up of misshapen proteins in cerebral tissue. In CCD, this build-up is of beta amyloid plaque, while in certain prion diseases, the build-up is of the prion itself and the body’s own proteins which are damaged by it.

In mice, it has been shown that the build-up of these mis-folded proteins correlates with cell death inside the brain; by the means of a response mechanism which switches ‘off’ protein synthesis in neural cells when build-ups of these proteins are detected, preventing cell repair and proliferation. There is no switching back ‘on’ of the production of proteins, as the continual build-up of the proteins acts as positive feedback for this system.

The research has now been able to isolate a protein which, when injected into brain tissue, blocks the pathway by which this cycle occurs, allowing protein synthesis to commence once more and aiding the recovery of the brain cells. This has the potential to increase the lifespan of both animals and humans suffering from a range of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, Exotic Ungulate Encephalopathy, Scrapie, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and many more.

References:

Cummings BJ, Head E, Afagh AJ et al. (1996) ‘Beta-amyloid accumulation correlates with cognitive dysfunction in the aged canine’, Neurobiology of learning and memory,66(1), pp. 11-23.

http://www.biochemist.org/news/page.htm?item=47262

Picture credits:

http://globalhealthvet.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/071204154723-large.jpg

The Waiting Game

Posted on November 10, 2013 by NerdyVet

With November here and the countdown to the ‘C’ word set to begin many of you will be waiting for responses from the vet schools to your applications. The annual ‘Waiting Games.’ It is a weird period because it is, as I am concerned, the only time during your applications where you have no real power over the outcome. You simply have to trust that you have done an awesome job with your application and that the admissions tutors appreciate that level of sheer brilliance and follow suit by sending you an invite to interview.

We’re the kind of people, however, who don’t enjoy sitting around waiting idly – it’s not really in our DNA. The good news is that there are still things that you can be doing during this period of time to further enhance your chances of an ultimately successful application. The goal of submitting a UCAS application for most of us is to be invited to interview. The next real challenge thus becomes nailing the interview and this is one major area where you can be very proactive in preparing for the event. There are already some good interview related articles on this blog, in addition to a cracking chapter dedicated to interviews in the book.

Interview Preparation

The famous saying, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice,” is as applicable to vet school applications as it is to becoming a successful performer. Even if you have not yet received an invite to an interview, starting to prepare is a good idea, as by the time you do then you’ll be firing on all cylinders and ready to absolutely storm the interview as if it is the most natural and laid back activity in the world. If you have read the frankly huge chapter on interviews in my book (if you haven’t then I wholeheartedly suggest you start there) then you’ll already have a good idea of what to expect at interview and how best to prepare, the main method being to get at least one mock interview under your belt.

Read Widely

Vet school interviews will often involve discussion of topical subjects in science and veterinary-related areas such as farming. Having even a very superficial yet broad grasp of some of the key topics is a very sensible idea and if you really are totally committed to securing a place at vet school then it is highly likely that you already maintain an active interest in such news and topical affairs simply because you enjoy doing so. I used to keep a keen eye on the news and with news websites like the BBC it is easier than ever to keep abreast of the key topics. No one will expect you to be an expert on any of the topical issues but drawing a blank when asked about the issues pertaining to the badger cull, for example, will not win you any support from the interview panel. So that’s probably one of the main activities you can be doing during the waiting period: read.

Work Experience Questionnaires & Supplementary Questionnaires

A number of the vet schools quite rightly appreciate that trying to cram all of the pertinent information about yourself into a single UCAS application is difficult and so several will send out additional questionnaires for you to complete. Having the relevant info to hand at the time will make completing these so much faster and less stressful. Ensure you have any work experience references already in your possession and, if necessary, take a look back at any work experience journals or diaries to help jog your memory of the placements.

Use the time to focus on academic pursuits

Needless to say but most of you will be offered conditional offers, meaning that they are dependent on your ultimate grades. I know it’s probably pointing out the unbelievably obvious but just continue to work hard and apply yourself to your studies. This period is a great time to just regroup and focus on those areas that really need your academic attention. After all, there’s little point in getting too hung up on interviews if there is a danger of your grades slipping.

Do something truly altruistic

It’s a nice feeling to do something nice for others and this is as good a time as any to do just that. Why not help out future vets following in your footsteps by giving me the chance to send your school library their very own copy of Vet School. I firmly believe that having access to a fantastic resource like Vet School can, for some prospective vets, be the difference between a successful application and having to look for alternative career options. I want as many future vets to have that chance as possible and school libraries are often one place we all start our career planning.

So…..you can help out your school and future generations of young vets like you by enabling me to send your school a copy of Vet School. There is more information about this here.

No news is good news

Remember that if you have not yet heard from the vet schools then it means your application is still being considered. Therefore, no news genuinely is good news.

Vet News – Small Animal News

Posted on November 10, 2013 by NerdyVet

Our Small Animal News editor, Harriet tackles the fascinating and important topic of rabies and the Pet Travel Scheme in this month’s installment of Vet News.

SMALL ANIMALS:

Rabies & The Pet Travel Scheme

Harriet Woodhall (Vet News Small Animal News Editor)

Rabies has been frequently in the news over the past couple of months due to increasing concerns that it could enter the UK and due to the presence of World Rabies Day on 28^th September. There have been several cases of rabies in the Netherlands and other EU countries recently that have led to increased Government pressure to review UK quarantine laws that were previously relaxed to save pet owners money.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can potentially affect all mammals, even humans. Due to the variable incubation period and ranging characteristics, it is often difficult to diagnose and predict the spread of the disease. Rabies has a wide range of clinical signs; meaning it has to be confirmed in a laboratory; however typical signs include sudden behavioural changes and progressive paralysis leading to death, if without treatment. The disease is mainly transmitted via saliva from a bite of an infected animal; dogs being the source of 99% of human rabies deaths.

Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) dogs, cats and ferrets are allowed to enter the UK without being put in quarantine, provided they have a microchip, rabies vaccination 21 days before travelling and a pet passport; dogs also need tapeworm treatment. If the requirements are not met, the animal is then put into quarantine on arrival into the UK. Only once the requirements of the PETS scheme are met can the animal be released.

A blood test and a wait of 6 months following vaccination was previously needed to enter the UK from the EU or approved countries; this was relaxed in January 2012: blood tests are no longer needed and the wait before entering is now only 21 days. The relaxed wait could be seen as a risk, seeing as the rabies incubation period is so variable and can often be longer than 21 days.

One of the biggest concerns is the increasing numbers of smuggled dogs and puppies entering the UK with forged passports, often without vaccination or vaccination at a too young age. It is thought that since regulation changes, people are less concerned about being caught due to the shorter quarantine time. This is a particularly big problem when the dog’s origin is unknown, as rabies is still endemic in parts of the world. Many vets are now suggesting that quarantine regulations are not strict enough, and are warning of the increased risk of rabies entering the UK. BVA President, Robin Hargreaves also stated that this increase and the case in the Netherlands should “be a serious wake-up call to potential pet owners who must always ask about the animal’s background and ask to see it with its mother”.

Government officials state that the risk of rabies entering the UK is still very low, but several animal welfare charities are still concerned that they are putting their staff at risk, now suggesting that staff themselves are vaccinated against the disease.

References:

http://www.mrcvs.co.uk/en/news-story.php?id=10839

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24569593

https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/a-z/rabies/

Picture Credits:

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2011/jul/18/eliminate-rabies-philippines

http://blog.wellcomelibrary.org/2012/08/item-of-the-month-august-2012-british-rabies-posters-from-the-1970s/

Vet News – Exotic News

Posted on September 20, 2013 by NerdyVet

This month our exotics editor, Charlotte, takes a peek underwater and answers the question of how it is that marine mammals can survive underwater for so long. Fascinating stuff!

EXOTICS:

How can marine mammals survive for so long underwater?

Charlotte Hitch (Vet News Exotics Editor)

Research at the University of Liverpool into oxygen-carrying proteins in the muscles of marine mammals has recently revealed how these animals are able to hold their breath for up to 90 times longer than humans.

The protein myoglobin, which gives muscle its red colour, is responsible for supplying muscle tissue with the oxygen required for respiration. In seals and other marine mammals, muscles are often almost black in colour due to their high myoglobin content, of which the concentration is about ten times that of bovine muscle. More myoglobin means more oxygen can be stored within the muscle itself, so oxygen from the last breath before a dive can be retained in the blood and used by the vital organs, such as the brain and heart.

By storing their own oxygen, the muscle cells are still capable of carrying out respiration to produce the ATP energy needed for movement (i.e. flipper and tail motion) during the dive, so marine mammals can still be active even when they haven’t inhaled for over half an hour. This is what enables sperm whales to dive 2-3km underwater to catch giant squid, a major constituent of their diet.

The problem with having a high muscle myoglobin content is that the protein has self-associating properties when packed tightly together. When proteins stick together, their function is impaired; in this case the myoglobin would be unable to bind with oxygen properly.

To overcome this problem, marine mammals have developed a modified version of myoglobin – with an overall positive charge on the molecule. This results in repulsion between molecules, preventing self-association.

While the adaptation offers a clear advantage to marine mammals, there are risks involved. There is no problem while the myoglobin is contained in the muscle; however muscle damage from fighting or predators’ attacks may cause it to enter the bloodstream. Myoglobin is toxic to the renal tubular epithelium, so when the blood passes through the kidneys, it can lead to renal failure.

Despite the risk to the kidneys, the outcome of this adaptation has evidently contributed to the evolutionary success of marine mammals; sperm whales can hold their breath for 90 minutes and common seals for 30 minutes. Seals are even able to sleep underwater, taking refuge from land-based predators – a vital part of their survival.

References:

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6138/1234192

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22870944

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10119516/How-the-sperm-whale-can-hold-its-breath-for-90-minutes.html

Picture credits:

http://www.natgeocreative.com/comp/MI/001/1160304.jpg

Vet News – Small Animal News

Posted on September 20, 2013 by NerdyVet

Our Small Animal News editor, Harriet delves into the intriguing topic of canine intelligence in this month’s dose of Vet News.

SMALL ANIMALS:

Canine Intelligence

Harriet Woodhall (Vet News Small Animal News Editor)

The intelligence of domestic dogs has been a topic much in the news recently after the discovery of perhaps the “world’s cleverest dog”, Chaser the Border Collie.

One of the reasons this topic is a controversial one could be because of the limited means of testing a dog’s intelligence apart from the amount of words they are able to retain and respond to. One way scientists are trying to evaluate how intelligent the species is to look at its evolution.

It is well known that domestic dogs evolved from wolves, but how this transition came about is thought to be through humans. After a group of wolves took advantage of humans, they actually gained from the interaction and domesticated themselves naturally. It is now thought the increase in intelligence is down to their involvement with us.

Dogs have gained a social intelligence different from their wolf ancestors in which they are able to learn words in a similar way to a small child. One study has shown that dogs work things out with an inferential strategy based on the principle of exclusion: they have words that are attached to items, so when given a new word they know this belongs to a different, new item. Another quite shocking discovery was in several border collies who when shown a 2D picture were able to go and fetch the object in the picture – using something called the principle of iconicity. This was previously thought of as something that only children were able to do.

It is clear that we have much to learn about canine intelligence and are gradually uncovering new insights into their minds. One good example of a recent advance is Chaser the “world’s cleverest dog” who has been able to learn 1,200 words, more than any other non-primate and is estimated to have the intelligence of a 2 and a ½ year old child.

Even further into the field is Brian Hare from Duke University in North Carolina who has come up with a series of scientific tests covering more than just the amount of words learnt – they can also explore empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning. The tests aim to prove that, like humans, dogs have different approaches to challenges. Researchers have created a profile that enables the owner to get a full overview of their dog’s traits and individual skills. The tests, through the website Dognition, are part of a study that aims to get a better understanding of how dogs think, not just for insight into dogs but also into our own intelligence evolution. As dogs learn words much like human babies it may help with our knowledge of our own learning.

Maybe the next controversial question that needs answering is: “which are smarter, dogs or cats?”

References:

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2013/02/canine-intelligence-tests.html

https://www.dognition.com/

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ideas-innovations/Why-Dogs-are-More-Like-Humans-Than-Wolves-192083131.html

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2010/12/meet-the-dog-with-vocal-of-a-three-year-old.html

Picture Credits:

http://www.yayp.co.uk/siteimages/large_dogtraining7-453.jpg

Iron Vet – Interview with Adelle Isaacs BVSc GPCertFAP MRCVS

Posted on September 20, 2013 by NerdyVet

There are few challenges bigger or tougher than undertaking an Ironman race, which is exactly what a good friend of mine from my days at Bristol Vet School has just undertaken. Hers is an inspirational story and she is a role model for anyone looking to apply to vet school, juggle athletic and academic pursuits, or simply take on a colossal challenge. The Iron Vet in question is Adelle Isaacs, Junior Partner at Larkmead Veterinary Group, based in Oxfordshire.

Who are you? Where did you study? When did you first decide to be a vet and what kind of vet you are now? Where do you work?

I decided that I wanted to be a vet when I was 7 years old. I loved animals and had a menagerie of small pets. A family friend was a vet and I was lucky enough to be allowed to hang around the practice after school, I never really looked back. I went to my local comprehensive school, got the necessary grades and studied at Bristol between 2002 and 2007. I am still in my first job at Larkmead Veterinary Group in Oxfordshire, which happens to be at my foster practice from university. In January I became a Junior Partner in the practice. I am a large animal vet and spend 90% of my time working with cattle and sheep.

You are undertaking your first Ironman race. What drove you to sign up for the toughest event in the sporting world?

I read Chrissie Wellington’s book (for those that don’t know she is one of the greatest ironman athletes of all time). There was a chapter in the book about a nun who was 80 years old and still competing in Ironman events. I was reading this book on a flight to Auckland, I was on my way to represent GB at an age group level in the World Championships for Sprint Distance triathlon. My brother, and training partner (Danny) had also qualified and had read the book. We had a conversation about this nun in New Zealand and both decided that if an 80 year old could do it there was absolutely no reason why two fit people in their twenties couldn’t do it too. Once we were back in the UK we signed up within a couple of days. Then there was no going back! We chose the race at Mont Tremblant in Canada as it was late in the season, giving us time to prepare, and the scenery looked beautiful. We decided we would try to raise some money for cancer charities in memory of our older sister who unfortunately lost her battle with cancer a few years ago.

How did you first get into triathlon? Why?

I was swimming, mountain biking and running to get fit and I wanted a challenge to keep me motivated. My first race was in 2010 and was a super sprint at Dorney Lake near Eton. Since then I have competed in all of the mainstream distances (sprint, olympic, half ironman and ironman) as well as a half marathon and a few cycling sportives. Triathlon is an amazing sport, it is competitive, but for many (including myself and my brother) the most important contest is with yourself and challenging yourself to give the best performance that you are capable of. Triathlon has a hugely supportive spirit and the atmosphere at races is always really friendly and encouraging.

Were you a sporty/ athletic person before and during vet school?

Whilst I was at school I played lots of girls’ football, I absolutely loved it. I played for our county team and had dreams of going to America (where ladies football is massive) and becoming a pro (I was never really talented enough to do this!). I tore my cruciate ligament in a game the season before coming to university and had it surgically repaired the summer before I started at Bristol. Once I was at vet school I kept thinking I would join the ladies team, but it never really happened. Free time wasn’t really something we had in abundance and I spent more of my time at the bar then exercising and as a result I got really unfit!

What are the challenges associated with balancing training, your work as a vet and a social life?

I am hugely lucky to have an incredibly supportive and understanding boyfriend, and family and friends that are second to none. My colleagues at work have been amazing also, offering to cover some duties so that I can fit in long bike rides every weekend and just generally encouraging me. Without these people I could not have even made it to the start line of the Ironman. Balancing the training and increasingly responsibilities at work has been challenging, sometimes more so than the actual training. I’ve had to improve my skills of time management hugely and I wasn’t exactly disorganised before.

What have been the highlights of both your professional and sporting lives to date?

The highlight of my professional life is gaining a place a Bristol Vet School, professionally everything else has followed on from here really. Obviously I am really excited to have joined the partnership at Larkmead Veterinary Group. In terms of my sporting life the major highlight has to be crossing the finishing line at Ironman Mont Tremblant, the race was pretty eventful and there were times when I thought I wouldn’t make it so it was a very emotional moment. We also raised over £6000 for Cancer Research and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and this is something I am hugely proud of. My brother and I also represented the GB age group team for sprint distance triathlon at the World Champs in New Zealand last year, racing in the GB trisuit was a very proud moment and I was so happy to share the experience with my brother.

What are your sporting and professional ambitions following Ironman Tremblant?

I want to focus more on work next year, everyone has been very supportive and understanding during my Ironman training but I feel I owe the practice more of my mental attention going forward. Becoming a partner has taken a bit of getting used to, but I am enjoying it and I hope to progress to Senior Partnership within the next 5 years. I will focus on olympic distance and half ironman distance racing next year as these distances are a bit more compatable with a ‘normal’ life. I hope to return to Ironman racing in 2015 and maybe even a shot at Ironman World Championship (Kona) qualification in the future.

How was the race?

Eventful!!! The swim started really well but half way through my hat came off which unleashed my hair! Every time I turned my head to breathe I almost choked on my own hair and it made it very difficult to ‘sight’ and swim in a straight line. I was pleased to get out of the water and looked like a drowned rat by the time I made it to transition. The bike started really well, I felt so strong after a couple of weeks of tapering and I was flying along! This was until then 40km mark when I was hit by another cyclist and knocked off my bike at an aid station! The bike went flying as I landed on my shoulder, elbow and head. I quickly realised that I ‘wasn’t that bad’ and was relieved to see my bike was fine. I got back on and although my arm was really stiff I was confident that I would make it through the remaining 140km on the bike and tried not to think about the marathon that awaited. I got to T2 feeling pretty sick, the energy drink offered on the bike course was slightly different to what they had advertised and it didn’t agree with me!! This really frustrated me as my brother and I had imported some of the advertised product from the USA to try during training to avoid this very scenario. Anyway, there was nothing I could do, I felt awful and seriously considered pulling out after the bike. I couldn’t imagine how I was going to make it through a marathon feeling how I did. I made myself start the run, I couldn’t have lived with myself if I hadn’t even tried to run. After 2km of running I realised that the energy drink was now making its way through my system, I was having serious stomach cramps and as a result I had to visit the portaloos at every aid station in the first half of the run. As well as being really painful and disgusting I found this so frustrating as I just couldn’t get into a rhythm and my legs actually felt fine. Things got really bad at the halfway mark, I could run more than about 50m without doubling over in pain. I decided at this point to walk until my stomach settled, this took about 30 minutes, during my walk I discovered that my shoulder was actually seriously painful after the crash. It was just one thing after another! I got really low at this point, but after seeing my friends and family I attempted to start running again. I felt fine for the first time in about 6 hours. I ran the last 15km of the 42 km marathon well and finished strong. Running down the finishing chute felt totally surreal. I couldn’t believe I had done it. I knew my brother had finished about 2 hours before me, so crossing the line I knew we had both done it! It felt incredible! I’m so glad I didn’t drop out after the bike, the human body is capable of more than our minds give it credit for!

What tips and advice do you have for anyone thinking of applying to vet school? What about any current athletes or prospective athletes?

Achieving a place at vet school is not easy! It takes dedication, commitment and hard work, but if it is something that you are passionate about and you are willing to put in the effort it is achievable. Getting a broad range of work experience with many species is vital. It is important to get some longer work experience placements to show that you have the required commitment, for example, work at a farm every Saturday for a prolonged period. I would assume that all those applying have similar grades to you and probably similar work experience, so you need to do something to set you apart from the masses. This is where extra-curricular activities come in handy, whether it be sport, music or drama, anything that demonstrates that you are a balanced individual with a passion for non-veterinary matters will stand you in good stead. These activities may also demonstrate that you have developed some skills such as teamwork and communication, which are so important as a vet. If you are lucky enough to be invited for interview, prepare for it meticulously, read up on current affairs and key cases you have seen during work experience. Prepare for it as though it is an exam and then try to relax during the interview so that you can communicate clearly and allow your personality to shine through.

If you are an athlete thinking of applying to vet school don’t be put off. Your skills of time management will probably be more developed than those of people who have applying for vet school as their sole focus, this skill will be invaluable at vet school when spare time is very limited. Dedication to sport will teach so many of the transferable skills that you will be able to use during the application process, at university and during your working life. Sport will also keep you sane!

Scaling New Heights

Posted on September 20, 2013 by NerdyVet

For those of you keeping up with my adventures via my blog, The Nerdy Vet, you may know that I have recently been to Europe, and specifically the Alps, during which I spent some time not only jumping from planes (as I am prone to do from time to time), but also a spot of paragliding, mountain biking and alpine climbing, something that I had never really done before.

On the ascent to the summit of Gran Paradiso

I had always wondered what the fuss was with climbing mountains, especially given the obvious fact that it has always looked so hard, just to stand on top of a bit of snow, ice and rock. Yet humans seem almost obsessively driven to drag themselves up ever higher in the name of conquering a plethora of peaks. Having now experienced first-hand the feeling of incredible achievement, in addition to the breathtaking views that are afforded to those who summit, I have newly discovered appreciation for the motivating forces that drive people to push themselves beyond their levels of comfort in pursuit of alpine success.

Danny Uhlmann, First Light Mountain Guides

My mountain guide for the week, an effervescent American by the name of Danny Uhlmann (First Light Mountain Guides), was brilliant, not only in terms of his knowledge and ability as a guide, but also as great company, something that is important to have when tired, aching and uncertain of the extent of your own physical abilities. From advising me on initial preparation, kit and discussing the kind of climbs that we could do, to literally coaching me up my first alpine ascent, Danny was the perfect guide. One of the pivotal moments for me came on our very first day’s climbing, during the first bit of proper alpine rock climbing that I had ever done, complete with crampons and ice axe. There was a section of the climb that involved edging out onto and up a crazily exposed sheer cliff face, with nothing but a vertical drop of what seemed like forever below us. Danny explained the route and although I was trying my best to listen all I was really able to focus on was how intense the next section seemed, considering that all I really had keeping me attached to the mountain was my hands, feet, the sincere desire not to fall, and a rope between my guide and myself. As Danny headed off first I had several moments to quietly contemplate what it was that I was expected to do in the coming minutes. I was genuinely concerned that I was going to freeze and not be able to actually push myself to do the climb – the prospect of fear getting the better of me was real. But what if I didn’t do it? What then? I couldn’t come this far and not give it my best, especially on day 1. As such, I focused on the task immediately in hand, concentrating 100% on exactly where every foot and hand hold was going to go, and edged out with my back facing the endless expanse of the valley thousands of feet below. Well, I did it and the rest of the climb went well, a perfect introduction to alpine climbing that set us up well for the following days and the eventual ascent of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in Italy and the crowning achievement of the week in Europe.

Gran Paradiso summit

I will be the first to admit that at the time of doing it and being there at the summit I was not having the best time ever. In fact, it would be safe to say I was crapping myself and very much looking forward to getting down again. In spite of that fact I would wholeheartedly recommend the experience to every one of you. The journey, including the preparation for the day itself, was an enriching experience of highs (both metaphorical and physical) and lows, with fatigue, fear and doubt always present. Now I am no stranger to heights being a skydiver. In fact I think nothing of leaping into thin air from 13,000 feet for fun. Alpine climbing, however, was truly scary for reasons that I am still working through in my mind.

There are so many factors in play with a mountain that danger literally exists at all times. From navigating glaciers and avoiding (hopefully) crevasses, to climbing round an exposed spur of rock thousands of feet up an exposed cliff face with little more than a bit of rope looped around and just careful placement of both hands and feet, I have come to the conclusion that mountaineers truly are impressive athletes. Danny did a sterling job preparing me and coaching me up, down, over and around obstacles that at times I seriously doubted I could overcome. He was patient and calm, yet encouraging and pushy enough at times when all I needed was just a good kick up the arse. It is amazing what can actually be achieved with the right support and belief in what you’re capable of.

One of the scariest moments of the trip was traversing a lengthy yet impossibly narrow and exposed snow ridge en route to the start of our second alpine climb at the Aguille du Midi in the Mont Blanc massif. Imagine, if you can, the prospect of walking along a path of snow and ice that is no wider than a standard school ruler, with a precipitously looooooooooong drop either side which would literally send you down to your death with enough time during the descent to truly comprehend the fact, and add to that a biting, bracing and strong wind that is trying to push you off said path. Oh, and then throw into the mix fun little features such as a deep crevasse over which you have to step, and quickly at that, because to fall down said crack in the ice would also lead to certain death. When you consider that this experience was at the start of this one day’s climbing then you get a flavour for the sort of challenges that awaited.

Applying to vet school is much like climbing a mountain: a lengthy, at times, demoralising preparation period, culminating in the actual attempt at the big prize, with the trials, stresses and concerns that go along with the process, and with no guarantee of ultimate success. Much as I would either have never reached the summit of any of the peaks I climbed, or faltered spectacularly along the way, without my mountain guide, your chances of Vet School Success are so much greater with the right help, support, nudging and advice along the way.

Those of you about to start vet school are much like those climbers who have reached the summit and are about to start their descent to base camp. The feeling of incredible achievement really starts to sink in as you take in the fact that you have done it, you have reached your goal! However, there is still much work to do during the next critical part of the journey and there is no guarantee that you’ll make it through safely – there are still all those crevasses and rocky drops (exams etc) to test your resolve, focus and determination along the way. Having said this, the descent is always more relaxed and enjoyable than the ascent, as you can beam and glow at the pride of having achieved what seemed so insurmountable before. If you could bottle that feeling then I would implore you to do so.

I left the Alps aching but incredibly proud of my achievements, having pushed myself above and beyond what I thought I was capable of. Having had my first experience of mountain climbing I can certainly envisage returning for more and totally now get the addictive nature of the push for ever greater heights that comes with mountaineering. There is something deeply humbling about being in and on mountains, an environment in which in spite of the best laid plans and preparation can be cruel and unforgiving yet can serve up priceless moments of beauty. You’ll face trials, tribulations and moments of doubt during your own ‘ascent’ to the peak that is a successful vet school application but with the right planning, preparation and action, there is no reason why you won’t make the summit and enjoy the ultimate high that comes from achieving that which you’ve been dreaming of. Go and climb that mountain!

Vet News – Exotic News

Posted on August 14, 2013 by NerdyVet

Our Exotics Editor, Charlotte Hitch, discusses the use of Hormone Implants in Pet Ferrets with Adrenal Disease in this month’s installment of Vet News.

EXOTICS:

Hormone Implants for Pet Ferrets with Adrenal Disease

Charlotte Hitch (Vet News Exotics Editor)

Hyperadrenocorticism is arguably one of the most serious and prevalent diseases in pet ferrets in the USA and United Kingdom. There is a particularly high rate of incidence in neutered individuals; studies show that 50-75% of neutered ferrets develop the condition at some point in their lives. Although the prognoses may differ depending on how early in its development intervention occurs, the condition can potentially be life threatening in some cases if inflamed tissue causes anuria. The animal is then unable to remove waste and toxins from its body through urination.

Neutering the animal is considered to be one of the main causes of the onset of the disease, aside from excessive artificial light exposure and genetic predisposition. In the endocrine system, hormones work antagonistically against each other, and the presence of high levels of one hormone in the blood can stimulate the release of a different hormone to counteract the effects of the first. After neutering, there is no negative feedback from the gonads to the pituitary gland, so the pituitary gland continually releases a hormone called Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) which in turn stimulates the overproduction of gonadotrophins (sex steroids) from the adrenal glands, situated beside each kidney.

One hormone produced in great quantities is Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which stimulates ovulation. The gonads are no longer present to respond to high blood LH levels, so negative feedback does not occur and the levels continue to rise in an unregulated manner. Hyperplasia occurs in the adrenal cortices, and this can lead to adenoma or carcinoma formation.

The main symptoms of the disease include severe alopecia, pruritus (itchiness), polydipsia (excessive drinking), aggressive behaviour, swollen or enlarged vulva/prostate tissue, and muscular atrophy. Adrenocortical hyperplasia may cause malignant tumours to develop; in this case the condition is often life threatening.

Current treatment options include surgery to remove the affected gland, inhibition of the release of GnRH using melatonin, and desensitisation of the pituitary gland using Lupron Depot injections, again stopping the production of GnRH. Unfortunately, surgery has limitations in that only the left gland can be removed safely because ferrets with both adrenal glands absent are likely to develop Addison’s disease, and the right gland is extremely close to the vena cava. Melatonin and Lupron only work to relieve the symptoms; they do not remove the tumour (although Lupron may shrink it).

Recently, subcutaneous deslorelin implants manufactured by Virbac have been legally marketed in the UK. Over the period of about 8 months, the implant releases hormones which antagonise the release of GnRHs, removing the stimulus for the overproduction of sex hormones by the adrenal glands. This treatment is multifunctional because not only can it be used to reduce the effects or prevent the onset of adrenal disease, but it can even be used as an alternative to neutering, saving the ferret the pain and risk associated with surgery. The implants are not yet approved in the USA, but with further research they may have great potential in the treatment of this highly prevalent condition.

References:

www.gwexotics.com/wccms-resources/7/f/d/c/0e35972c-9c16-11e0-a685-0050568626ea.pdf

http://www.ferretclub.org.au/showcontent.toy?cid=101506

http://www.greendale.co.uk/adrenal_disease_ferrets.html

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1983

http://www.avianandexoticvets.com/gallery/articles/deslorelin-implants

Picture credits:

http://www.pet-care-portal.com/images/ferret.jpg

Vet News – Small Animal News

Posted on August 14, 2013 by NerdyVet

This month’s Small Animal Vet News article is on IMHA in dogs. Editor, Harriet Woodhall takes a look at this fascinating condition.

SMALL ANIMALS:

Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) in Dogs

Harriet Woodhall (Vet News Small Animal Editor)

In a normal, healthy dog red blood cells (RBCs) live around 4 months and are then destroyed by the immune system to be replaced. In a dog with IMHA the immune system destroys RBCs prematurely as if they were a foreign virus or infection; this means they cannot be replaced at the same rate.

There are two forms of IMHA: primary (idiopathic) and secondary. In primary IMHA the body produces anti-erythrocyte (RBC) antibodies which bind to surface antigens on RBCs and lead to their destruction. Although the exact cause is unknown, there are some breeds more susceptible: Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs and Irish Setters. Secondary IMHA also results in antibody attachment to RBCs but occurs when the patient is exposed to a drug, toxin or has an underlying neoplastic or infectious disease.

Common symptoms include anaemia, lethargy, tachypnea (increased respiratory rate), anorexia, weakness and vomiting. Most of the symptoms arise from reduced RBCs and lack of oxygen delivery to tissues.

Diagnosis can be particularly difficult and expensive with the primary purpose to demonstrate that antibodies are attached to the surface of the RBCs. A physical exam and history need to be taken along various laboratory tests such as a Complete Blood Count and a Saline Auto-Agglutination (to evaluate the clumping of cells which arise from antibody attachment). Although the most useful starting point is Saline Auto-Agglutination it can often take a lot of laboratory tests to fully diagnose the disease.

At present there is no cure for IMHA, current treatments aim to improve RBC concentration and to stabilise the patient.

Most emergency cases need blood transfusions which try to increase haemoglobin concentrations in the blood. Transfusion products can be whole blood, red blood cells or haemoglobin concentrates with the main goal to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues. While most dogs don’t have naturally occurring alloantibodies, blood typing is still important with the universally accepted blood donor being DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen) 1.1 negative.

Another treatment method is immunosuppressive therapy using corticosteroids to slow down RBC destruction and RBC phagocytosis as well as reducing antibody production.

It is thought that T regulatory cells play a part in autoimmune diseases when there are a reduced number or they have functional defects. Therefore there is the suggestion that replacing the T-regulatory cells with those grown from stem cells would be an effective treatment for the disease. Although this seems feasible a lot more research needs to be done to ensure effective delivery of the cells and whether the treatment is practical and safe.