Good day from ADDL. It is always great to see Spring
arrive, the newness that accompanies it is invigorating. Along with spring
this year, we have been greeted with news of cats and dogs becoming ill and
dying from toxic feedings, the etiology of which is yet in question. As of
today, we have had only a few animals submitted with suspicion of death due to
ingestion of a suspected commercial diet. We have not had definitive
confirmation of death due to one of the suspected diets, but we have been alert
to the gross and microscopic changes reported from other laboratories who have
diagnosed the toxic disorder in question. Our toxicology laboratory has the
equipment and the published procedure for identifying the purported toxic
agent, but have not pursued specific identification of the compound nor
received definitive positive controls. The IVMA has a well prepared website
for reference to the condition that is also linked on our website; updates of
findings to come in this disease instance will be posted as they become
available.
We have had a major change of personnel in the ADDL. After
31 years of service to the Laboratory, Dr. Bob Everson, Head Chemist of the
ADDL Toxicology section retired February 28, 2007. Bob and his services will
be missed in the Laboratory. During the time of his tenure here he held
several concomitant positions including Chief of Computer Services '81-'86,
editor of the ADDL Annual Report '81-'87, Laboratory Safety Chairman and, most
recently, ADDL Quality Manager '00-'06. A search for Dr. Everson's replacement
is underway. Our assistant chemist, Dr. Christina Wilson who has been with
ADDL since 1995 and who has recently completed the requirements for the PhD
degree, has expressed interest in the position and has submitted application
for it.
I would here offer to the users of ADDL services sincere
apologies for the delayed ADDL billing for the months of February, March and
April. Purdue University has prepared for some time to change to a new main
computer operating system for the campus. The adjustments to the new system
are yet being made and incorporated. An unavoidable consequence of the initiation
of this new system was delay in sending accounts payable from ADDL for a period
of three months. I apologize profusely for this inconvenience; from days of
practice I can imagine how much inconvenience this has brought to many of our
submitters. I and ADDL thank you for your patience.
We wish you well for the spring
weather and activities; this is a wonderful time of year. We are soon to be
joined by an enthusiastic and most capable graduating Purdue School of
Veterinary Medicine Class of '07. To the Class: Welcome to the wonderful and
exciting world of veterinary medicine; we look forward to assisting you with
your diagnostic needs. |
