School of Veterinary Studies, the University of Edinburgh DICK Vet News

Newsletter for the Alumni & Friends of The Royal (Dick) Issue Number 22 Autumn 2009 School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh DICK vet news

helping to beat cancer

New Cancer Centre Opens p3 | Alan Wilson Honorary Degree p4 | Do Tongue Ties Work? p13 INSIDE A Day in the Life of the Pathology Lab p18 | Dick Vet Car Club p21 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 NEWS 3

CONTENTS Message from Cancer centre launch head of school Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Centre opened on 9th June.

Welcome to the November edition of Dick 3 Vet News. Life has been action-packed since the Spring edition with the opening New Cancer Centre Opens of our new Oncology and Imaging Centre FEATURES (page 3) and an intensive programme of visits in Australia and the United States SMALL ANIMAL in June, Alan Wilson’s Honorary Degree PRACTICE SUCCESS 16 in July (page 4) and Richard Leakey’s landmark William Dick Memorial Lecture OUR MAN IN AFRICA 17 in September (page 7). the QUEST FOR DIAGNOSIS The frames of the new teaching and – FROM CATS TO WARTHOGS 18 research buildings are now erected and visible from my office. You can view the building work WHAT DID YOU DO real-time on web cams installed on site (http:// LAST SUMMER? 19 www.easterbush.estates.ed.ac.uk/cameras/). There is now an element of good-humoured CLINICIAN OR ACADEMIC Professor David Argyle, Professor Elaine Watson, The Duchess and Duke of Hamilton and competition between the contractors working Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh. John Riddell-Swan OBE – I CAN’T CHOOSE! 19 on the teaching and research buildings John Morrison Riddell-Swan was as to which will be taller and which will be The Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Specialist staff at the Centre will include born in Wigtownshire in 1926. REGULARS finished earlier. Both are still on schedule for Centre was opened on 9th June by the a Veterinary Nurse specialised in Cancer After completing his education at completion in early 2011. Duchess of Hamilton. Located at the Care. The nurse will replace Linda Roberts, Stranraer High School, he entered News 3 Fundraising for the new buildings is on Hospital for Small Animals at Easter Bush, pictured on the front cover. Linda was the the Dick Vet College, graduating in track, and our new Director of Fundraising, the Centre is treating up to 20 cases of first specialist veterinary cancer nurse in 1948. After a spell in large animal Staff News 11 David Rider, is now looking for class gifts to animal cancer a week. the UK and is soon to move on to another practice at the Dick Vet, Biggar, Clinic News 12 fund seminar and tutorial rooms. Each of programme, some of whom are featured State of the art equipment, including post after five years at the Dick Vet. and in Stranraer, he moved to these has a cost of approximately £30,000, in this edition, and to employ staff who are a CT scanner, will make it possible to The Cancer Centre forms part of the Hong Kong in 1952 to take up a research News 13 and for a class of 60, this would mean only world-leading in their clinical or research fields. scan large and small animals. As well as £100 million Easter Bush re-development, post in private veterinary practice £500 each, and it’s tax deductible. The room This issue includes details of the high success treating cancer patients, the Centre will which includes a research building and and Consultant to the Royal Hong Alumni news 20 would be named “Class of 19XX”, and there rate that our younger staff continue to achieve conduct research looking at issues such teaching building. Fundraising support Kong Jockey Club. would be a plaque with the names of all in specialist Diploma exams (page 9), as environmental risk factors and cancer from individuals, Trusts and corporate John became a Veterinary Officer Editor in Chief Elaine Watson the individuals who had contributed plus helping to ensure the UK’s next generation of causing genes. partners play a key part in this investment. in the Hong Kong Government in Editor Neil Wilson their graduating class photo. Indeed, as we Specialists in veterinary medicine. Centre Director, Professor David Argyle The Centre is named the Riddell-Swan 1956 and in 1980, after serving Editorial Services provided by approach the move to Easter Bush, Neil I do hope you will enjoy this latest edition said: “The Centre will have the most Veterinary Cancer Centre after the Class of as Deputy-Director, he became Stephanie Brickman PR Wilson has now set aside four weekends in of the Dick Vet News, and that you will share sophisticated diagnostic procedures, ’48 Alumnus, John Riddell-Swan, whose Director of the Hong Kong 2010 for Alumni who wish to visit Summerhall as much in the School’s future as you have followed by comprehensive cancer widow, Minnie, has made a major gift to Agriculture and Fisheries, and also for a final time (dates on page 24). played in maintaining the School’s proud therapies for pets, including a linear ensure the project came into being. Director of Marketing for the Country Cover Image: Linda Roberts, Planning never stops at the School to keep tradition and heritage in the past. accelerator to provide radiotherapy.” Commenting on the donation, Minnie Park Authority. He served as a Veterinary Cancer Nurse our facilities second to none in Europe. We are “Our understanding in treating cats said “I am really thrilled that the Centre Government-appointed Member now developing a detailed 10 - and 20 - year and dogs of how cancer takes hold has been named for John, especially of the Legislative Council between If you have any ideas or feedback vision plan for the Easter Bush campus to act will also pave the way for comparative this year, which would have been our 1980 and 1983. In 1981, he was for the Dick Vet News email as a guide for the location of future buildings, research, relating what we know about 50th wedding anniversary.” awarded an OBE. [email protected] including an options appraisal for relocation of Professor Elaine Watson the disease in animals to humans to In 1986 John retired to the equine hospital as the equine surgery unit improve treatments for all.” n If you would like further information Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast nears the end of its functional days. n For further information on our Around one in three dogs and one on how to support the School of Australia, where he had spent However, facilities will always come second fundraising activities please visit in five cats will develop cancer, and the please contact [email protected]. his honeymoon with his new wife, to the quality of our staff and students, and www.vet.ed.ac.uk/fundraising, disease is the main cause of mortality in uk or call 0131 650 8833. Minnie, 27 years earlier. we continue to attract the best possible email [email protected] household pets, although new treatments school leavers and graduates onto our or call David Rider on 0131 650 8833. have led to better survival rates. 4 NEWS Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 NEWS 5

Milestone for a new teaching building A landmark phase has been reached in the construction of the new teaching building at Easter Bush.

best possible experience for today and tomorrow’s students and to future-proof, as far as possible, the investment. The funding of the latest technologies is only possible through the generosity of a wide range of supporters and friends of the Dick Vet. Various grant-making Trusts have been very excited about the plans and are investing to help ensure the funding goal is reached. A number of alumni representatives are also coming forward to organise collective donations for their class year, country of birth or retirement. These donations are being recognised by naming rooms after the group and honouring them with a permanent plaque and, where Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Alan Wilson and Professor David Hume following the Graduation Ceremony. Professor Elaine Watson completes the final part of Dougie Hanley of Balfour Beatty hangs a fir branch possible, photographs. the floor. from the tallest point of the building for good luck! To celebrate the success or to honour a loved one, seats within the new lecture Builders have now put in place the final our worldwide reputation for veterinary theatres are available to be individually Alan wilson honorary degree structure of the £42 million bespoke teaching and provide students and staff with named for a modest donation. This area building, which will provide 11,500 square a learning environment second to none.” of the campaign has been of particular The man they call the “White Monkey King” honoured by School. metres of floor space and accommodation The new Vet School forms part of a interest to current and recently graduated for 1,200 staff and students. To mark £100 million development on the Easter students and their parents. These are only The degree of Doctor Honoris Causa the 1990s and the game has really taken raised more than $1 million in two years the progress in construction, a “topping Bush site, which will also include a new a few of the ways in which much needed was awarded to Class of ’63 alumnus off all over the country,” he explains. to assist in reconstruction. out ceremony” was carried out on 24th research building. support can be recognised. Alan Wilson on 7th July at the Veterinary Alan has also maintained contact Following the graduation in July, Alan September, when a fir branch was hung Some 90% of the funding for the Graduation Ceremony, with a laureation with his graduating year at the Dick and was part of a back-up team crossing the from the tallest point in the building to new campus has been secured and n If you would like to support the address from Professor David Hume. has organised many reunions. One Sahara to support his son, Geoff, also a symbolise good luck. a campaign is underway to raise the School please visit www.vet.ed.ac.uk/ Alan was born in Malawi, the son of enthusiastic attendee reports back that vet, who was successfully attempting a The new Vet School building, which final tranche. fundraising, call David Rider on Geoff Wilson, a 1926 Dick Vet alumnus the “Dick ’63 Reunion Trophy” presented world record for crossing the desert by is being constructed by Balfour Beatty Everything within the new teaching 0131 650 8833 or e-mail David.Rider@ and Professor of Tropical Veterinary in 2003, is possibly the most sought-after wind power alone. and due to be completed in early 2011, building will be at the cutting edge of ed.ac.uk for further details. Medicine at the Veterinary School in title in Bali cricket. Affectionately known as the “White will provide state of the art facilities for teaching technologies to ensure the Utrecht. On graduating from the Dick Vet He has lived and worked in Bali for Monkey King” by many Balinese, Alan students and staff. in 1963, Alan embarked upon a research many years and is a prominent figure in has devoted the latter years of his life to It is sited next to the Hospital for career first in Africa and then in Australia, veterinary medicine, conservation and poverty alleviation and conservation of Small Animals, enhancing clinical receiving a PhD from the University of higher education circles. In 1994 he set habitat and wildlife. He has achieved this training among students, and will include Edinburgh in 1968. up the Indonesia International Rural and through the Foundation and private sector two 200-seater lecture theatres fitted Alan has a passion for cricket and Agricultural Development Foundation, activities resulting in job creation, use of with multi-media technology, a library, received the prestigious Lifetime Service which by 1998 had expanded into a major renewable energy and conservation of restaurant and seminar rooms as well Award from the International Cricket Foundation that established eco lodges, habitat in Indonesia. as teaching and research laboratories. Council, East Asia-Pacific. He is widely poultry feed mills, solar power, and other When asked if he might consider Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the acknowledged as having made cricket environmental activities. Following the taking things easy he laughs: “We have Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, what it is today in Indonesia. Tsunami in 2004, the Foundation had no retirement plans, we just plan to said: “This marks a significant stage in the “We’ve been involved in the workers in Aceh within 48 hours and continue working until we’re not able construction of the new Vet School building development of cricket in Indonesia since to work any longer.” which, when complete, will further enhance Guests in full protective equipment at the ceremony. 26360 Hill's jd Advert A4:Layout 1 16/9/09 11:01 Page 1

Supported by peer-reviewed Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 NEWS 7 studies A world worth inheriting Hill’s™ Prescription Diet™ j/d™ Professor Richard Leakey delivered the 2009 William Dick Mobility Care Memorial Lecture on 18th September. Professor of Molecular Biophysics, Jeremy Bradshaw, reports.

Spend less time in the shower, reduce temperature is getting warmer and the than realised. He went on to argue that waste! Richard Leakey’s message urged ice-sheets are getting smaller. this is one type of climate change that that we can all take practical steps to The impact of humans goes far can be addressed. There is widespread Helps soothe Helps preserve reduce the impact of environmental beyond global warming. The few wastage of water across the developed change on the world’s dwindling wilderness areas that remain tend to world, mostly in agriculture, but also by aching joints healthy joint wilderness resources. be small with hard edges. The species domestic consumers. This is something Richard Leakey, author, TV presenter, they contain are often unable to leave. that individuals can change. cartilage former politician and currently Professor Even with the creation of buffer zones The pace at which the world is losing of Anthropology at Stony Brook University, and corridors to allow free migration, its wilderness is already too rapid to slow New York, started by questioning the the animals cannot carry with them the down in Professor Leakey’s lifetime. So is commonly-held view that the environment rest of the complex ecosystem of which it worth doing anything? Yes, was his is a single entity. Ask the coelacanth, they are a part. message, and he concluded with some he suggested, whether it has experienced Professor Leakey believes that Africa is positive observations. any change in the ocean depths in now more susceptible to drought than at Even if it takes a hundred years for recent years? Yet the evidence from polar any time during his lifetime and that the new initiatives to take effect, this would weather stations is clear – the resulting depletion of wildlife is far greater be a mere blink in the sight of evolution. Humans have been around for 70,000 years, what is a mere hundred? Even a lifetime is too short a time to be worth sacrificing the planet for. We need governments to take steps to preserve and restore areas of wilderness. Vets have a special role in preserving species and reintroducing them to repopulate wilderness areas. The real problem is that politics operates on a much shorter timescale. Why do we allow our politicians to get away with negligent handling of the world? Recent history has witnessed the end of slavery, non-universal suffrage and Introducing apartheid in much of the World. All have NEW ™ fallen due to public pressure. If heads of j/d MINI state can now be tried for torture, why not also for abuse of the world’s resources? Is that not also a crime against humanity? It is the unborn generations’ right to Hill’s™ Prescription Diet™ j/d™ is inherit a healthy planet. Change is specifically formulated to: do‑able, possible and realistic on a fifty‑year time scale. Even if it takes a • Help soothe joints hundred years, we should not be deterred from leaving a world worth inheriting to • Help preserve healthy cartilage our grandchildren. • Show a difference in as little as 21 days1 in dogs* n View the Lecture on our website Talk to your Vet Territory Manager today or call 0800 282 438. at www.vet.ed.ac.uk/2009WDML.htm For more details, visit www.hillspetmobility.com

Professor Richard Leakey at the William Dick Memorial Lecture in the Assembly Hall, New College.

Memorial Service First South African for David Cottrell

A Memorial Service was held for alumnus honoured the late Dr David Cottrell, senior lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies on 30th September in the Main Hall at Summerhall. David was a well liked and respected teacher, colleague and friend of students and staff, until his very sudden death of a heart attack on 15th June. Colleagues and students, past and present, joined together to share thoughts, music and poetry at the memorial, which included one of David’s own poems “Spring above Tiverton”. Cornell Prize for Dick Vet Student Final year student Stuart Davenport has won the 2009 Leadership Program Prize from Cornell University. This summer, Stuart took part in the research- based program, which aims to provide vet students with a unique learning experience that clarifies and strengthens Five members of Dick Vet staff were awarded RCVS Diplomas this summer. They are, left to right, Nicki Reed (Diploma their commitment to careers in science. in Small Animal Medicine – Feline), Lesa Longley (Diploma in Zoo Veterinary Medicine – Mammalian), Geoff Culshaw The program has had thousands of (Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology), Susan Hammer (Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing) and Safia Barakzai applicants but only 24 made the grade in (Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery). 2009. The Dick Vet was well represented as Jotello F. Soga with his Scottish wife Catherine courtesy of Jesse W. Lewis. undergraduate Lizzie Slack also gained a The Veterinary Science Library of the effects on animals, using plant remedies coveted place at Cornell alongside Stuart. University of Pretoria was named on in his practice. Delighted by the prize, Stuart said: 5 May 2009 by Professor Nkuhlu, the He went on to pioneer inoculation of “I’m really pleased my work has been showcase at EUROPEAN DIPLOMATE Chancellor of the University, in honour cattle against lung sickness. Then in the rewarded in this way. Cornell is an amazing of the first South African to qualify as late 1890s the fight against Rinderpest intellectual environment and it was the Highland CERTIFICATION SUCCESSES a veterinarian, Dr Jotello F. Soga, became Dr Soga’s main concern. He was a privilege to spend the summer there. who graduated from the Dick in 1886. central in measures taken to combat the I would wholeheartedly recommend the Show 2009 Staff and residents have shared in exam Animal Cardiologist in Stirling has been Jotello Festiri Soga was born in 1865 at devastating outbreaks that swept Africa. program to anyone interested in research.” success at the prestigious European awarded the European Diploma in Small the Mgwali Mission, in the former Transkei, The Dean of Veterinary Science at the Head of School Professor Elaine Watson The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Animal Internal Medicine (Cardiology). South Africa as the fourth son of Reverend University of Pretoria, Prof Gerry Swan, presented Stuart with a copy of Molecular Studies teamed up with The Roslin Insitute (ECVIM). Current resident Chiara Penzo has Tiyo and his Scottish wife Janet Soga (née pointed out: “Dr Soga played an important Biology of the Cell on his return. this year to host a stand at the 2009 Royal Staff members Nicki Reed and Nick gained the European Diploma in Small Burnside). Reverend Tiyo had been in role in combating rinderpest and lung Highland Show at Ingliston. There were Bommer have gained the European Animal Internal Medicine (Oncology) and Scotland for religious studies in 1846. sickness as the first qualified South up to 1000 visitors to the stand during Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine former resident, Ana Oliveira, has gained Jotello Soga was, at the age of 21, the African veterinarian. Yet he is better known the four day event, many of them school (DipECVIM). the European Diploma in Veterinary first South African to qualify as a veterinary as a pioneer researcher in the study of children with veterinary ambitions. The Melanie Craven, formerly a resident Dermatology (DipECVD) surgeon. In 1886, newly qualified and with toxic plants and their effect on animals.” stand gave visitors an insight into the in Small Animal Internal Medicine now Recognising this success, Professor a gold medal distinction in botany, he Jesse W. Lewis, an American journalist veterinary services available and the working on a PhD in Gastroenterology Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Head of returned to the Cape Colony. living in Cape Town and father of a recent research of The Roslin Institute. Visitors at Cornell University, has also achieved Companion Animal Sciences said: Six years later Dr Soga revisited Dick Vet graduate, has written articles were also interested to find out more the European Diploma in Small Animal “We are extremely proud of these Scotland and married Catherine Watson about Soga and is currently making a about the substantial redevelopment of Internal Medicine (DipECVIM). achievements. By passing these difficult Chalmers with whom he had three documentary of his life. Filming will start in the Easter Bush Campus. Another former resident, Yolanda exams these clinicians will become our daughters. On his return to Africa he Edinburgh this autumn. Martinez Pereira, now working as a Small next generation of specialists.” studied the toxicity of plants and their Stuart receives his prize from Professor Elaine Watson. A4 Advert:Layout 2 1/10/09 12:35 Page 1

Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 STAFF NEWS 11 Tailor Made Nutrition for Dogs and Cats

Inaugural lecture for Chair of Veterinary Education Professor Susan Rhind, who has been much lauded for her leadership of the Dick Vet’s innovative online and virtual learning programme, gave her Woodrow Award for DaniÈlle Gunn-Moore Inaugural Lecture entitled Professor of Feline Medicine, Danièlle Gunn-Moore has won the BSAVA “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie - why Woodrow Award 2009. The award is presented by the BSAVA (British Small change veterinary education?” Animal Veterinary Association) to a member for their outstanding contribution on 2nd June. in the field of small animal veterinary medicine. Professor Gunn-Moore is In the Lecture, Professor Rhind pictured here with BSAVA President Professor Ed Hall at the BSAVA Congress explained that by the time today’s in Birmingham. students reach their fourth year, sections of their courses are being delivered by e-learning with a virtual farm and virtual clinics with Zoo Medicine voice-overs from teaching staff. Professor Rhind is adamant Success that new ways of learning are not leading to the baby being thrown Simon Hollamby, of the Exotics and out with the bath water. Wildlife Service, has just become a She explains: “In what I would Diplomate of the American College call ‘blended learning’ we do of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), an still use traditional techniques of international speciality organisation lectures, face to face tutorials recognised by the American Veterinary and hands on practical classes.” Medical Association (AVMA). “New technology has also given ACZM is recognised as one of the us the tools with which to respond hardest American board specialities to the different learning styles of to obtain, with a rigorous examination students, some of whom are more www.royalcanin.co.uk process covering all aspects of zoological linguistically inclined, while images medicine in a qualifying examination, are sometimes the best way to get 0800 717800 followed by a certifying examination in Simon has qualified in the wildlife the message across to others.” one of five areas: general zoo animal, speciality and is one of approximately she added. avian, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic 120 ACZM Diplomates, worldwide and animal medicine and wildlife medicine. the only one in the UK. 12 clinic news Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 research NEWS 13

Information Packs for Vets Tongue Ties – in Practice The Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals do they work? and Equine Practice are supplying Information Packs to Veterinary Surgeons to provide comprehensive details of the Funding from the RCVS Trust to Safia Barakzai gave Catherine Finnegan, services offered. The Packs, which will be distributed in early 2010, contain a range a fourth year vet student, the chance to investigate the use of tongue ties in of literature with details of how to access racehorses. clinical expertise and how to refer clients to the Small Animal or Equine Hospitals. Director of Veterinary Services, Ronnie Dorsal displacement of the soft palate in the UK was 5.0%. This equates to at Soutar said: “We have good relationships (DDSP) is a disorder that occurs in horses least 500‑600 individual horses running with our referring Veterinary Practices running at speed, where the palate flips repeatedly with tongue ties every year. and are seeking to create stronger links up and causes a marked obstruction We then tried to ascertain if tongue ties so that Vets in practice are fully aware of the upper respiratory tract. Affected actually enhanced racing performance of what we can offer and how to access horses struggle to breathe normally, make by setting up a case-control study which these services”. a loud ‘gurgling’ sound and usually have compared the prize money earned in five Evening clinics at Hospital “We are planning further information to pull up to a slower speed. Tongue races before and after horses started updates to referring vets to let them know ties are commonly used in racehorses racing with a tongue tie. We found that if beneficial effect on racing performance. for Small Animals about the new developments, such as to try and prevent DDSP from occurring, horses only ran once or twice wearing a The result of this study has important the newly opened Cancer Centre and the and also for steering purposes in some tongue tie, they did not tend to improve implications for the racing industry. Pet owners with busy lives can make the to increase our hours as our days were specialist cat ward.” racehorses. Their use is controversial, their earnings. However, if they ran in It should be noted that whilst tongue tie most of extended opening hours at the getting busier. This move should provide with some people believing them to be a three or five consecutive races wearing use appears to enhance performance Hospital for Small Animals. clients with a greater choice of when they welfare issue. However, thus far, there is a tongue tie, they had a significant of selected horses with a perceived soft Clinic times are being extended for the wish to bring their pet to see us and the Geriatric Cat Clinic little scientific evidence to support either increase in earnings and were up to four palate or behavioural (bitting) problem, Exotic and Animal Wildlife Service and the evening surgeries mean that our clients the ongoing use or restriction of this times more likely to improve their earnings we certainly do not advocate the use Rabbit Clinic from 5pm until 7pm three will not need to take time off work for their The first specialist geriatric cat clinic in equipment. than matched control horses. of tongue ties in normal racehorses as nights a week. pets’ appointments. The reception will the UK will be at the Hospital for Small The first hurdle to cross was to quantify In other words, individual horses which a performance enhancing aid. The extended hours have been made also be open for clients collecting repeat Animals on Saturday mornings, run by the extent of the problem and find out performed well initially when wearing a following a client survey, which showed prescriptions and food.” Edinburgh based feline vet and author how many horses were potentially tongue tie were likely to continue to race that many clients were interested in clinics Evening clinics will take place on Dr Sarah Caney. The clinics aim to identify affected by tongue tie use in the UK. We with it in place for several consecutive outside normal working hours. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, treatable problems which are common performed a study which found that the races. In these horses, the tongue tie Bridget O’Farrell, manager of the Small appointments can be made by contacting in older cats (10+ years) such as kidney prevalence of tongue tie use in racehorses appears to have exerted a significant Animal Practice, said: “There was a need reception on (0131) 650 7650. disease, thyroid problems, arthritis, high blood pressure and dental disease. Once diagnosed, many of these problems can be very effectively treated, not only giving reptile husbandry evening owners longer with their much-loved pet, but also a much better quality of life. A group of 75 reptile owners, zoo keepers of products on the market were also and pet shop staff enjoyed a three hour available at the event. “Appropriate evening event discussing the care of their captive husbandry of reptiles is critical reptiles. Some attendees had travelled up to their wellbeing and the numbers of to four hours to attend the meeting. people keen to take their care to the next Kevin Eatwell, a lecturer at the Dick level just shows how times are changing,” Vet and one of only two people in the Kevin said. “The number of questions and UK to hold a Royal College of Veterinary discussion after the meeting continued Surgeons Diploma in Reptile Medicine well into the night.” The Exotic Animal explained important aspects of captive and Wildlife Service hopes to continue care. This covered the importance of providing evening meetings for owners providing the correct temperatures for of exotic animals in order to promote the reptiles, ultraviolet lighting, vivarium health and welfare of their pets. Further design and suitable substrates. Free details of future events can be found on ultraviolet light testing and a display their website www.dickvetexotics.com 14 research NEWS Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 research NEWS 15

Research showcase seeks Area Experts Discuss ‘the to win industry support NeXxt Big Thing in Animal Sciences’ Major event fosters relationships between scientific In September, Nexxus, the networking researchers and industry. organisation for life scientists in central Scotland, in conjunction with Researchers from the Royal (Dick) School This will help ensure that the high quality He said: “The Roslin Institute has Edinburgh Science Triangle, held of Veterinary Studies, incorporating The translatable research carried out at The an enviable position in the field of the “The Nexxt Big Thing in Animal Roslin Institute, created a lively event on Roslin Institute fulfils its potential to impact animal biotechnology and through its Sciences” event, hosted by the 17th April. Presentations included: on and improve health, both in Scotland restructuring now has the opportunity Moredun Research Institute at the • Potential applications of stem cells from and internationally.” to build on this and be a significant player Pentlands Science Park. The evening livestock and companion animals Representatives from 50 companies in the animal bioscience sector.” focused attention on the opportunities • Generation of appropriate models of and other organisations such as Pfizer Professor David Hume, Director of The for Scotland to be a global leader in A macrophage cell with green highlighting the cell’s cyto-skeleton and yellow depicting the cytokine Tumour Necrosis disease to refine therapeutic strategies Ltd, Novartis Animal Health, Aviagen Ltd, Roslin Institute and Director of Research Factor alpha which is stored within the cell ready to be released. Controlling the number of these cells within the body animal health sciences. • Studies looking at how genetic variation Scottish Enterprise and Midlothian Council at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary is critical for avoiding pathological conditions. Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director in production animals can be exploited attended the event aimed at promoting Studies, said: “Research at the School and Chief Executive of Moredun by breeding for improved disease collaboration and partnerships. aims to enhance the lives of animals and Research Institute (MRI) spoke about resistance. Dr Tom Shepherd, Chief Executive humans through improved health and Genetic study offers vital the future of livestock sciences, Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Officer of CXR Biosciences, is an existing welfare. In order for us to have the best saying, “I believe the next big thing Adviser for Scotland, who spoke at the industrial partner of The Roslin Institute. chance of applying our research outputs is infectious disease and what we’re event said, “Scotland has an enviable He spoke about how the collaboration has to achieve our aims, it is critical that we clues on immune responses going to do about them.” record in terms of the quality of its been using state of the art technologies work closely with industry and this event David Hume, Director of The Roslin research. Now, more than ever, it is vital to develop new tools to assess the safety has been an exciting step forward in New research into the way genes communicate with Institute and Research Director of that research is partnered with business of drugs and chemicals. that process.” each other could lead to new treatments for diseases the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary acumen through industry collaborations. Studies, discussed current research of the immune system. in enhancing animal health and welfare through knowledge of genetic The work was carried out by scientists The research explains why different factors affecting disease resistance. at The Roslin Institute, working with an people can develop a disease in The Roslin Institute’s projects aim international team of researchers, and different ways – scientists believe to gain basic biological knowledge Research Internationally respected virologist could lead to treatments for diseases this may be because of variations in of livestock and to translate that Professor Jim Neil of the Leukaemia such as myeloid leukaemia and arthritis. different parts of this genetic network. information to make it applicable to Student Day Research Fund/Cancer Research The scientists, led by Dr Geoff The team hopes that identifying human and animal health. The annual Research Student Day UK Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Faulkner, Career Track Fellow in the the weak spots in the gene network Nexxus (www.nexxusscotland. event was held at the Easter Bush University of Glasgow then delivered Genetics and Genomics Division, could provide clues on how to stop com) promotes and supports Veterinary Centre on Wednesday a lecture on “Retroviruses and cancer focused on the immune system and the growth of tumours or enable research excellence, innovation 1st April. The presentations showed genomics: past, present and future.” examined the genes involved with the growth of healthy cells. and knowledge transfer within a great level of diversity with all the A wine reception concluded the white blood cells called macrophages. Scientists plan to extend the project the life science community in final year students presenting their day and the winners of the poster When healthy, these cells cleanse with new funding from the Biotechnology central Scotland. research. and oral presentation prizes were the body of viruses and bacteria, but and Biological Sciences Research Council Pictured with their certificates are prize winners (left to Research at the Dick Vet spans right): Jennifer Gill, Wandee Kongkaew, Laura Bailey announced. The poster prizes went to if they grow uncontrollably, they can to look at the way genes communicate an exciting array of subjects from and Katherine Staines. Katherine Staines (1st year) and Laura turn against the body’s own tissue to control immunity in livestock animals. assessing host‑pathogen interactions Bailey (2nd year) and the MVetSci/ to cause conditions such as multiple Professor David Hume, Director across a broad spectrum of infectious of such a high standard that the judges Msc by research student poster prize sclerosis, arthritis and emphysema. of Veterinary Research, said: “This diseases to cancer research, had found it very difficult to make went to Bryony Waggett. The final year It was previously thought that these cell research provides an incredible neuroscience, genomic analysis of a decision. Professor Hume said: “We presentation prizes went to Jennifer growth processes were managed by a resource for the study of immunity and disease and epidemiology amongst have some really excellent students at Gill and Wandee Kongkaew. Prizes select group of master, or regulator, genes disease in humans and animals.” other subject areas. The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS working totaled £1000. that give instructions to many other genes. “This study has effectively shown Professor David Hume, Director of on a very diverse group of subjects For the final year oral presentation The latest findings show that instead us where the brakes are that could stop Research at the R(D)SVS noted that and it was good to see that so ably prizes, first place went to Jennifer Gill, there are hundreds of regulator genes, or slow down diseases like cancer and the oral and poster presentations were demonstrated at the Student Day.” Wandee Kongkaew coming in second. which all interact with each other to multiple sclerosis. We genuinely believe control cell development and growth. this could lead to treatments and cures for many diseases of the immune system.” Professor David Hume addresses the meeting. 16 FEATURES Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 FEATURES 17

Small animal practice success our man in africa The Dick Vet Small Animal Practice (DVSAP) provides first opinion care within Do vet services in Africa require an international zoonotic disease crisis to keep the Hospital for Small Animals. Here Nick Bommer reflects on recent successes. them alive? Professor Brian Perry reports from his base in the Rift Valley of Kenya.

The last two years have seen the Dick Vet Small Animal Practice (DVSAP) go The vast levels of funding for avian from strength to strength. Headed by its flu demonstrate that crises can provoke manager, Bridget O’Farrell, a strong and the global community to dig deeper for cohesive veterinary team has been built animal health. And new calls are emerging with myself, Nick Bommer, alongside Tori to fund climate change mitigating actions Swift and Jane Brown. We are seeing in animal health, and for the “one world a significant increase in caseload and one health concept”, a long established we are now able to give heightened logic now repackaged to respond to continuity of care for clients as well as emerging pathogens. offering them access to all the high So do we need a crisis to support tech resources of the Hospital for Small fundamental veterinary services in Africa? Animals. We’re committed to providing Sadly, we are in an era when this certainly and teaching excellence in clinical helps. And will an overpopulation of practice. We also boast two dedicated, such bandwagons, often instigated by qualified and listed veterinary nurses, the “worried well” in the West to counter Donna Macdonald and Karen Loughlin. perceived threats to them, mean that the The DVSAP provides its clients with apparently mundane but important issues quality, compassionate service, access get left behind? to superior facilities and highly desired Not necessarily, if such focussed continuity of care. We have also recently responses bear in mind the need for been able to offer extended evening strong relevance to the development opening hours, making the practice more processes of improving market access accessible and convenient for working and reducing vulnerability. pet owners. Nurse clinics have been Professor Brian Perry with two young vets carrying out surveillance activities for avian influenza in Fayoum Ironically, new economic thinking introduced for puppy socialisation, weight Governorate, Egypt. considers that animal disease control has control, mobility and dental care, and broad public good impacts, suggesting Left to right – Karen Loughlin, Jane Brown, Bridget O'Farrell, Victoria Swift, Nick Bommer, Donna Macdonald. have proved extremely popular. These Animal health services in Africa have seen that those SAPs sent us in the wrong attributes have resulted in growth of the substantial changes since I graduated “We are reverting to the direction. Disease outbreaks are now practice and a high degree of customer from the “Dick” in the late 1960s. Many recognised as having much greater satisfaction, as evidenced by a recent declined dramatically in the years after old maxim that prevention impacts on the economy; the most independent survey. political independence. This trend was is better than cure.” significant impacts of the 2009 swine flu The DVSAP also provides well- exacerbated two decades later by the in Mexico were outside the agriculture structured teaching for the final year imposition of policy changes by the sector, on tourism and the GDP. We are students, providing them with the International Monetary Fund and World of a secure job in government service, reverting to the old maxim that prevention essential skills necessary for practice, Bank on loan agreements. The Structural returned to their rural homes and started is better than cure, but this time on a in a supportive setting. This strong Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) which small pharmaceutical outlets, bringing truly global scale, and a belief that this clinical grounding is highly regarded by followed were intended to reduce the them face-to-face with the demands and prevention requires significant public the students and also contributed to the borrowing country’s fiscal imbalances. financial limitations of their smallholder sector investment. Furthermore prevention, success of the recent American Veterinary These precipitated cuts in public sector clients. In pastoralist areas the community particularly when part of poverty reduction Medical Association accreditation. The support to veterinary services. Some animal health worker concept took off, initiatives through livestock, involves many conducive learning environment is not leading economists have argued that a engaging with livestock keepers who players in the value chain, not just the only beneficial for the students but also shock to the system was necessary to had never received veterinary services. livestock producer, whose capacity to play for the staff; allowing Tori to complete her stimulate private sector investments, but Innovations such as these have given rise their respective roles needs understanding PhD in canine urinary incontinence, Nick health services to livestock enterprises to greater understanding of the needs of and supporting. to gain his RCVS Diploma in Small Animal were the casualty. poor livestock keepers, but the modest African livestock enterprises still need Medicine and Donna to achieve her Pet The resulting void has been populated funding received means that the impact stronger private sector engagement, but Health Councillor award. with several new approaches. Many on the quality of services delivered has the world is increasingly impatient for veterinary graduates, no longer assured been limited. services that protect the public; is the The Dick Vet Small Animal Practice has access to state of the art equipment. pendulum swinging again? 18 FEATURES Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 FEATURES 19

humans suffering from lower back pain What did caused by degenerative disc disease the Quest for diagnosis – or spondylolisthesis. The current “gold standard” of treatment is the use of you do last autograft. However, autograft harvesting from cats to warthogs from the patient’s own iliac crest is summer? associated with significant problems. It is Based within the Veterinary Pathology Unit, Anatomic Pathology is a busy Hannah Johnson headed for therefore hoped that rhPDGF will provide a competitive alternative to autograft and post mortem and surgical biopsy service dealing with every kind of animal our sister School at Colorado other pre-existing treatments. The results State University (CSU). are still pending, but it will be extremely from domestic cats to warthogs. Sionagh Smith, Elspeth Milne and Pip Beard interesting to see how effective rhPDGF tell the Dick Vet News more. It was such a great experience visiting will be and if it will become the new “gold Colorado State University (CSU) this standard” for spinal fusion. summer, I could never have imagined Thanks to Dr Turner, in my spare The Veterinary Pathology Unit how much I would learn in just eight time I also had the opportunity to visit (VPU) at the Dick Vet, consists of three weeks. Working with the awe-inspiring different departments within the Veterinary sub-disciplines: anatomic pathology, Dr A. Simon Turner has been one of the Teaching Hospital at CSU. I also observed clinical pathology and microbiology best experiences I have had so far in are being used on such a large scale to a variety of individual cases. services. We form a closely knit team the veterinary profession and I would look at human orthopaedic conditions. I tried to take up every opportunity considerably strengthened by our recommend this programme to anyone. I took part in every aspect of the lab such at CSU. It has made me feel inspired to specialised technical staff. All the staff members are extremely as treatments, radiographs, CT scans, seek further education after completing The anatomic pathology service friendly and keen to teach, which surgery, necropsy and general husbandry. my veterinary degree, whether it is an incorporates our post mortem and reminded me of Edinburgh. For my I studied the effects of rhPDGF internship, residency or PhD. I would surgical biopsy services. There are project in particular, I was working with (recombinant human platelet derived like to take this opportunity to thank four senior and four resident trainee sheep in the Small Ruminant Comparative growth factor) on the rate of spinal everybody who made this experience pathologists on the team, focusing on Orthopedic Laboratory. This lab is unique, fusion in the lumbar region. Spinal fusion possible. I really could never have dreamt the interpretation of morphological as it is the only facility where ovine models is a common method of treatment in of experiencing such great things. changes at the whole animal, whole organ and cellular level, with the ultimate aim of disease diagnosis. equivalent of an honours year of another a clinician or an academic, I always Post mortem service Clinician or degree. The student then graduates wanted to do both, so a PhD with link up Since our post mortem submissions with another degree in addition to with Cardiology seemed the right thing.” mainly arise from the University’s internal academic – their veterinary degree – zoology, I’m now a year into my three year PhD,” veterinary hospitals and practices, they pharmacology and neuroscience she enthuses. “It’s good. My work is on cover a wide variety of species, from Pip Beard at her microscope. I can’t choose! are popular choices. adult stem cells in the dog that might be companion to farm animals. The existence While intercalating is not uncommon, present in both human and dog hearts. of the Exotic and Wildlife Service within the Surgical biopsy service for teaching undergraduate veterinary Hannah Geere tells Dick Vet Hannah chose to intercalate with a In terms of therapeutic goals it’s all Small Animal Hospital widens the species As with our post mortem examinations, students and postgraduate trainee News about life as a first year postgraduate masters rather than a about using these cells in regenerative spectrum even further and we handle most of our biopsy cases come from pathologists. In their final year each second undergraduate degree. She medicine. I’m definitely in the right place approximately 600 cases annually. We also our internal hospitals but we also undergraduate spends one week with the PhD student. was the first student to have done at the right time being in Edinburgh, the accept post mortems from further afield, serve veterinary practices outside the post mortem service, allowing them to this, thus setting a precedent. University has a good standing for stem including referring veterinary surgeons. University. Biopsies can be collected develop their dissection techniques and “I didn’t want to intercalate with a cell research.” Although the final goal is to find the from virtually any area but most consolidate their learning. bachelors degree because I felt that, “I work on adult stem cells. My cause of death, there are many underlying frequently, we receive biopsies from the Postgraduate training in veterinary after third year, I already had the tissue comes from dogs that have been reasons for performing a post mortem. more accessible parts, particularly the pathology generally takes three years. equivalent of a Bachelor of Veterinary euthanased for another reason and with They are a valuable part of a health skin. Biopsies are often pivotal in the There are currently four trainees in the Science,” she explains. “So I did a full their owner’s consent. It’s a sensitive area, programme for any large collection of management of a case, determining VPU’s anatomic pathology section, time Masters by Research in Virology I’m a vet at the end of the day but science animals, whether on a farm, in a pet shop whether a swelling or nodule is due to all working towards their specialist with Professor Tony Nash.” has to progress as well and benefit or a cattery. It may also help an individual bacteria, fungi, cancer or another cause. examinations. With such enthusiasm for academic people and animals. It’s a difficult part of owner to understand their pet’s cause of study it was small wonder that after the project.” death or help animal protection agencies Teaching n In the next issue of the Dick Vet News a couple of years working in a mixed “I’ve just presented at my first to prosecute in cases of alleged animal Teaching is a major part of the work of we’ll be looking further at the activity Hannah Geere chose to intercalate in practice, Hannah found herself knocking conference in Newcastle” she explains. neglect or abuse. Finally, post mortem the anatomic pathology section and of of the Clinical Pathology Service. For her undergraduate degree but with a at the Dick Vet’s door once more. “I hope I’ll be able to be a cardiologist and examinations have immense educational the VPU as a whole. The post mortem more information visit our website at difference. Intercalating means taking “I approached the Cardiology to link my research into that. We’ll see!” value, particularly for undergraduate and surgical biopsy services provide a www.ed.ac.uk/vet and follow the link to a year out within the veterinary degree, Dept in the Hospital for Small Animals. students and pathology resident trainees. wealth of pathological material suitable the VPU area in Veterinary Services. usually after second year, to do the I never wanted to ‘shoe box’ myself as 20 Alumni News Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Alumni News 21

a view from outside The Dick vet car club Dr Freda Scott Park (class of ’79) is an expert in canine cardiology and former Alumnus Alastair Watson (Class of ’54) on the Rolls Royce that cost him £30. BVA president. Here she reminisces about her time at the Dick. We would gather for events that usually Rolls Royce Laundernette by Mulliner in It’s now the time of year when universities stark and went along the lines of: sheep, had come straight to teach from required some map reading ability and lots immaculate condition that cost me £30 open their doors to next year’s potential “Well, there are 70 of you lot here today practice in the wilds of Scotland and was of luck to prevent one getting bogged down in 1949. It had been laid up on blocks students and I was secretly rather pleased and we can only take 50 into the clinical inspirational because his lectures were and lost on the moors. On one such event for seven years during the war, but when when my daughter put Edinburgh as a years. Therefore we need to get rid of 20 made up of real-life anecdotes. Sheila E.V. Cock and I teamed up in his 1930’s I started the 6 litre engine with the handle top choice on her UCAS form. Although of you before 3rd year…” I paraphrase, of Crispin who completely failed to teach me Austin London cab that had no protection and it purred. she does not want to be a vet (perhaps course, but it was a bit of a shock to us all. to love (or understand) ophthalmology; for drivers but had a high canvas roof for There was a local regulation that all growing up on a dairy farm has put In fact, university was a bit of a shock I am sadly one of her main failures but passengers. At 30mph flat out downhill vehicles had to have an audible method her off?) we attended an Open Day in to me, full stop. I’d found O-Levels, I count her as a good friend. And Joe we had to be smart to stay with the crowd. of attracting attention and Tony Brown in September and it brought back some Highers and A-Levels easy and relied Fraser, an equine expert who recognised We won the event and as usual the prize his Humber Coupe which did not have wonderful memories of my time at on a photographic memory for short- in me a non-horse person and yet showed was that we had to buy the drinks. a working horn, had to rely on a blank the Dick. term retention. The 1st year anatomy astonishing kindness during an oral Some members of the club had cartridge pistol to get through the crowds Having accepted a place at Edinburgh and physiology alone overloaded the exam when I’d been left floored by the interesting vehicles. Dakin had a Bugatti on Princes Street. in 1974 and thought little of it, reality bit photographic microchip and a re-sit external examiner who exposed my lack In 1949 The Dick Vet Car club evolved 1.5 litre sports that was in beautiful In the 1990’s, Gerald Dakin organised home when the Dean welcomed us to the followed. I always warn potential vet of knowledge in… ophthalmology. I sat on around a few student enthusiasts with condition. It ran on high octane and moved reunion weekends for old members of College at the Fresher’s tea party held students of today that you don’t have to a straw bale and contemplated the lame Gerald Dakin as President and myself as from zero to fifty in first gear which did not the Car Club and fellow ex-students. One in the refectory, which at the time was in be super-brainy to be a vet but you do horse that was presented, looked at my Honorary Secretary. We were a motley amuse the constabulary on point duty. was held near Worcester and the other in the bowels of the earth below the main have to have superb retention skills to thumbs (as Joe always encouraged us to crew and the vehicles we owned reflected I had a number of interesting cars the Cotswolds. About 20 vets gathered corridor in Summerhall. Professor Iggo, absorb the course work, which is why the do) and passed judgement that I couldn’t our parlous financial state and the fact which I “did up” and sold including a for these happy reunions, which included a distinguished looking gentleman, bore vet schools are correct to take the cream see any problems, which received a tacit that virtually no civilian cars had been 1932 Riley 9, a 1935 Riley Coupe and a focus on a car of interest, such as an a striking resemblance to my Uncle of the academic crop. nod of approval – worth so much to me. made in the UK during the war years. a 1936 Jowett. Lastly there was a 1929 Aston Martin. Just like our student days. Jim; this meant that I always harboured Some of my most memorable times And Colin Stead, whose dry sense of a sneaky affection for him, which few related to personalities; like Bobby humour I only came to appreciate well seemed to share. His welcome was rather Beck who knew everything about Soay after I’d left college and he became a next-door neighbour. However the one person who made Alumni Down Under the most difference to my life was Peter Bill Howey, Class of ’66, on Dick Vet alumni in Scone Valley, Australia. Darke who ran the cardiology clinics on Wednesday afternoons. In an attempt to avoid any re-sits in final year, I gave The Dick Vet has been firmly entrenched Campbell (Class of ’68). The Scone Greenwood and I turned up for Christmas up tennis and to my surprise found that I in the town of Scone in the Upper Hunter Veterinary Hospital emerged over the next Cocktails in dark grey ‘ready-for-church’ really enjoyed cardiology. I was reluctantly Valley of NSW, Australia for nigh on 60 two decades as the largest thoroughbred suits, white shirts and ties. It was about 40 persuaded to do a PhD in canine years. In 1950 a rural veterinary practice breeding practice in Australia. degrees Celsius in the shade and all the cardiology and it has shaped my whole was established in the district by the late David Railton (Class of ’89) and locals were in Hawaii mode or equivalent! career. I now work as a cardiac consultant Murray Bain (Class of ’37) in conjunction Petagaye Railton (Class of ’93) are active n Calling all Dick Vets Down Under! to the pharmaceutical industry reading with two partners. A native of Stirling, partners in the practice today. Allan Gunn There will be an Australia Room in the new ECGs from studies into novel medicinal Murray was enjoying a stellar professional (Class of ’93) and spouse Vicki Brooks- Teaching Building funded by antipodean compounds, a task I thoroughly enjoy. and military career which had taken him Gunn (Class of ’96) have added great alumni. For more details please email I owe a lot to the Dick; achieving a all over, from Kentucky to New Zealand. cachet to the area. Murray, myself and [email protected]. BVM&S followed by a PhD, was great but Was it the association with Scotland which now Allan have shared the burden – and to have been awarded an honorary degree finally attracted him to Scone? Aberdeen the baton – of continuing education in 2007 was just the proudest moment is just 15km away! for stud employees. This has been an of my life. I welcome the opportunity to History now records that there has been almost exclusive Dick Vet domain! Both give something back by contributing to a ‘Dick Vet’ presence in the Upper Hunter Murray and myself branched out as the Year 5 Curriculum Review group and Valley as a continuum since Murray’s ‘authors’ and I have compiled a history of ensuring that Dick graduates continue to brave initial foray. There have been as veterinary practice in Scone. There exists be the best in the world. many as five ‘Dick Veterinarians’ in Scone a considerable cultural chasm for those at one time and their presence is firmly unsuspecting debutants embarking on embedded to this day! I myself arrived the pilgrimage between the hemispheres. as a ‘Ten Pound Pommy Migrant’ in 1967 The picture of Christmas at Scone 1969 Freda on top of Cul Beag looking across to Stac Pollaidh with her Border Collie, Skye. to be followed in quick succession by chez Murray Bain emphasizes this gap. Christmas in Scone 1969 – Murray Bain, Sue John Morgan (Class of ’61) and Angus The previous year (1968) both Richard Greenwood, Richard Greenwood and Bill Howey. 22 Alumni News Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Alumni News 23

Kimberly and Chris Palgrave – Class of ’07 Alastair Watson Class of ’54

The Dick Vet Car Club was Alastair Watson’s passion while at the Dick (see page 21 for more) but Dick Vet News caught up with him at his home in Brisbane, Australia to find out about the rest of his fascinating life. “My family were long time members of the British Raj and I was born in Kashmir. I went to David and Helen Franklin Class of ’72 school in England and then spent seven years in the army, mostly in David and Helen Franklin (neé Urwin) met “It was quite hard in those days,” South East Asia.” in their first term at the Royal (Dick) School she explains. “With the nights and the “In 1945 I was injured in of Veterinary Studies and have been weekends it was very long hours. Palestine during policing activities happily married for the past 38 years. I retired early when I was 51 because and subsequently spent two years They were in practice together for many I’ve always been keen on horses but in hospital.” years. “The first time I took Helen out was never had much time with working and “Thanks to the UK Government when I was just a young boy in 1967, it the children. So I went eventing for Kimberly and Chris Palgrave had both looked into it, discovered it was AVMA sit the NAVLE (North American Veterinary subsidy for war veterans, I was was to Murrayfield to watch Scotland play a few years which was great fun.” taken atypical routes to get to the first day accredited, came and visited and fell in Licensing Examination), a couple of able to attend the RDVC. I went the All Backs at Rugby,” reminisces David. Meanwhile David stayed in the of third year at the Dick – the day they met. love with Edinburgh.” days later we had our December final into general practice in UK and “Bob Keddie who was at the Dick at the family practice until 1999, when he Speaking from their home in Raleigh, Kimberly did two years at Edinburgh, year exams and shortly after that we got then joined the NZ Government time was playing for Scotland.” joined the Veterinary Defence Society North Carolina, Chris explains: “I started arriving into third year on the same day as married. It was great fun!” Veterinary Club program and “I suppose it was an unusual first (VDS) as a claims consultant. “The at the Dick Vet in 1998, did two years, then Chris. Chris reminisces: “I’d been out for Chris and Kimberly then headed to the became the first vet in the Raglan date,” adds Helen. “Still, we’ve lasted VDS looks after vets who are sued in intercalated a BSc in Preclinical Veterinary four years and I was trying to sneak into States and worked in practice in North district – a pioneering experience the course, we’ve been married now negligence. I try and fend off what can Sciences at Summerhall. I enjoyed the lecture theatre slightly late. Everyone Texas and Pennsylvania for year. Chris for all!” quite a long time.” The couple live near often be spurious claims of negligence research so much that I got together with else was already there and it felt like they then got an opportunity to take up a Although his disability never Wolverhampton in the same area David and misconduct,” he explains. my supervisor and we drew up a plan were looking at me like this weirdo who position as a Pathology Resident at North held him back professionally, large is originally from and next door to David’s Both David and Helen are adamant for a PhD. Because I’d done my honours had spent four years doing a PhD in the Carolina State University and Kimberly is animal practice eventually defeated father, a retired vet – both David’s parents that their time at the Dick Vet gave them project on the same topic, I was already middle of a vet course! Perhaps it’s more working in a practice just outside Raleigh. him. An opportunity in vaccine were vets. “My father was in a mixed the very best start in their careers and up and running and able to complete my accepted now, but back then it was a “After graduating, I wanted to spend a production in London beckoned practice in Wolverhampton and that’s friends for life. “Apart from setting me up PhD within three years. I then jumped pretty unusual thing to do.” year in practice rather than going straight in 1961. where I eventually joined,” he explains. with a wife, which helped a lot,” laughs back into third year of the Vet Course,” “Suddenly this gregarious girl in the into pathology and academia.” Chris Since then he has had a “The opportunity came up two years David, “I made some very great friends continues Chris. “If I’d overrun, I’d have front row jumped up, shook my hand and explains. “After all the clinical training, it wonderfully varied career that after qualifying, when my father’s senior at the Dick. It gave me a very good been out of sync, but fortunately it all went said ‘Welcome to FYC (final year club) was just something I felt I needed to do. has taken him into the fields of partner died – another Dick Vet Graduate, grounding in everything veterinary. really smoothly.” 2007!’ She was the Class President and As a pathologist, having been a ‘real’ vet academia, intensive livestock Major Frank Chambers. So I joined my I learned to ride and that was hugely Meanwhile, Kimberly was finishing her that was Kimberly.” helps me to relate to clients and clinicians, production and biotechnology. father who was a London grad and his important. Every year I go back to the four year undergraduate degree in Animal It wasn’t until about six months later even though a year isn’t terribly long.” Since retiring he has qualified partner, Tam Chambers, who was also a Bush to talk to final year students about Science at Texas A&M. “Vet School is they went out, but in the December of final “We’re loving it here,” they agree. as a naturopath and herbalist. Dick Vet Graduate.” After a career break the VDS. Apart from paying homage every a postgraduate degree here in the US,” year they were married in St Margaret’s “It’s a great adventure, but our plans are He still has an interest in vintage to have the couple’s two children Abbie year to the statue of William Dick, I have she explains. “So I was looking at various Chapel at Edinburgh Castle. Kimberly definitely to return to the UK eventually.” vehicles but his current car is rather and Gavin, Helen also joined the family to go to the stables. I look at the stable places to apply. My mother is from laughs: “It was a busy few weeks. smaller than the Rolls Royce of his practice, taking over the small animal side where the horse I learned to ride on used Broughty Ferry and she mentioned there Because of wanting to practise in the student days! of the practice leaving David to specialise to be. A horse called Border Reiver a fine was a good school in Edinburgh. So I States we had to go down to London to in the equine side. horse – I love going back there.” Dick Vet News Autumn 2009 Alumni News 24

CARVING FROM ALUMNI DOWN UNDER CELEBRATE How to RETURNS HOME LANDMARK contact us We depend on your support to ANNIVERSARY maintain our high standards and fund new developments. You can Alumni from years ending in a ‘four’ help us to deliver the future of and ‘nine’ celebrated their landmark veterinary medicine. Here’s how anniversary at a series of events on to contact us: Saturday 19th September. The day began with a visit to Summerhall to re- Donations and Fundraising live fond memories of their time there. David Rider 0131 650 8833 The afternoon saw a visit to Easter Bush [email protected]. to tour the Hospital for Small Animals www.vet.ed.ac.uk/fundraising/ and the Equine facilities and the day concluded with a Dinner and Ceilidh at Marketing and Alumni the University’s John McIntyre Centre. Neil Wilson 0131 650 6261 [email protected]

Hospital for Small Animals 0131 650 7650 [email protected]

Equine Hospital 0131 650 6253 Professor Dick Barlow, (Class of ’54) presents the carving to Professor Elaine Watson. [email protected]

Melbourne-based Alumnus Professor Undergraduate Admissions

Dick Barlow (Class of ’54) has presented Alumni visited the Anatomy Lecture Theatre, as part of 0131 650 6178 the School with a carving, entitled ‘Mutual their tour of Summerhall given by Colin Warwick MBE. [email protected] Respect’. The carving was handcrafted by Dick from an oak which had been Postgraduate Admissions felled on the site of the original Moredun 0131 650 6287 Institute at Gilmerton, where he had [email protected] worked for many years as an eminent neuropathologist. Or visit our website at Professor Elaine Watson said: “I was www.ed.ac.uk/vet delighted to receive ‘Mutual Respect’ on behalf of the School. This was a very thoughtful gesture by Dick.” “We plan to put it in the Board Room in The Class of ’59 are pictured with Professor Elaine Watson, Professor Richard Leakey and Professor the new teaching building at Easter Bush, Sheila Crispin at their Reunion in Old College on Hill’s Pet Nutrition is pleased where it will take pride of place!” Friday 18th September. to support the Dick Vet News.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Four dates have been The events will run from 10am to attend on any of • Saturday 1st May 2010 arranged for Alumni to visit to 12noon and will comprise the following dates, • Saturday 5th June 2010 Summerhall for what may a tour of Summerhall followed please contact Neil Wilson • Saturday 4th September 2010 well be the last time before all by a talk given by Colin [email protected] or • Saturday 2nd October 2010 teaching activities move to the Warwick MBE on the history of phone 0131 650 6261. new building at Easter Bush. the Dick Vet. If you would like