Society for Theriogenology

Event

Society for Theriogenology annual conference, Aug. 1-4, Milwaukee

Program

The plenary sessions were "Programming of development during embryonic and fetal life in cattle and its consequences for subsequent reproduction" by Peter J. Hansen, PhD, and "Program priorities at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture: Tips for successful grant writing" by Mark Mirando, PhD, both sponsored by the American College of Theriogenologists. An educator's forum, sponsored by the Theriogenology Foundation, featured a session led by Drs. Hilari French and John Dascanio that focused on adapting the theriogenology curriculum to the newly outlined "entrustable professional activities" developed by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Forty-three scientific abstracts and 14 poster presentations as well as six case presentations by veterinary students were provided during various sessions at the conference.

Awards

David Bartlett Honorary Address
Dr. Walter Johnson (Saskatchewan '72), Guelph, Ontario, presented the address. Dr. Johnson served as a professor of theriogenology at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College prior to retirement in 2008. He is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. Dr. Johnson was recognized for his excellence in the teaching of theriogenology and his clinical expertise in and research on embryo transfers in cattle.

Dr. John Steiner Award for Excellence in Practice
Dr. Don Sanders (Ohio State '68), Urbana, Ohio. Dr. Sanders is a theriogenologist with more than 40 years in clinical and consulting practice in the United States and abroad. A diplomate of the ACT, he was honored for his clinical expertise in reproduction of cattle and his service as an international consultant.

Dr. Jerry Rains Memorial Abstract Competition, sponsored by Merck Animal Health
First place ($1,000)—Bryan Blawut, Columbus, Ohio, for "Testicular harvest as a tool to increase milt availability in sauger (Sander canadensis)"; second place ($750)—Dr. Karen Von Dollen, Raleigh, North Carolina, for "Antibiotic activity in an ex vivo model of canine pyometra"; third place ($500)—Dr. Agustin Ruiz, Pullman, Washington, for "Effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on equine semen quality after cryopreservation"; and fourth place ($250)—Gilad Fefer, Ithaca, New York, for "Accuracy of whelping date calculator based on fetal ultrasonographic measurements"

Veterinary Student Case Presentation Competition
First place ($650)—Rachel Thomas, Auburn University, for "Management of dystocia and fetotomy in a miniature horse mare"; second place, tie ($487.50 each)—Charles Hegg, Purdue University, for "Fetal mummification due to Neospora caninum in an Angus cow"; and Madelyn Pelletier, Auburn University, for "Nerve dysfunction in the penis of an Angus bull"; fourth place ($375)—Stephanie Grissom, Texas A&M University, for "Transcutaneous ultrasound-guided twin reduction in a Quarter Horse mare"; fifth place ($300)—Michelle Benningfield, Auburn University, for "Medical and surgical management of a case of chronic mastitis in a mare"; and sixth place ($200)—Caitlin Sanders, Auburn University, for "Paraphimosis and partial phallectomy in a French Bulldog"

Student Chapter of the Year Award
First place ($1,000 and a banner)—Auburn University; second place ($500)—Lincoln Memorial University; and third place—University of Illinois

T-shirt Design Contest
First place ($300)—Auburn University; and second place ($100)—University of Illinois

Student Quiz Bowl, sponsored by Merck Animal Health
First place ($300)—Lincoln Memorial University, and second place ($100)—Auburn University

Business

The society continued its efforts to support veterinary student initiatives and projects of the Theriogenology Foundation this past year and will maintain its support on an ongoing basis. The foundation announced residencies in small animal theriogenology at the University of Pennsylvania and Auburn University, beginning in 2019, and will be continuing its efforts on canine genomics, the Working Dog Project.

Officials

Drs. Robyn Wilborn, Lafayette, Alabama, president; Colin Palmer, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, president-elect; Jack Smith, Mississippi State, Mississippi, vice president; Jill Colloton, Edgar, Wisconsin, secretary-treasurer; Isaac Bott, Elk Ridge, Utah, immediate past president; and board members—Drs. William Whitler, Corvallis, Oregon; Andrew Lovelady, Notasulga, Alabama; and Clare Scully, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Related JAVMA content:

Project intended to improve working dog breeding (Nov 1, 2017)

American College of Theriogenologists (Oct. 15, 2018)