KSUCVM - VMTH - Zoological Medicine

Kansas State University Zoological Medicine Service

Welcome to the KSU Zoological Medicine Service. Our goal is to provide excellent, professional care of exotic pets and zoo animals. We have a dedicated staff of Board Certified Zoological Medicine Veterinarians, Staff Veterinarians, Interns and Senior Veterinary students. We are available for the care of household exotic pets and we provide the veterinary care for the Sunset Zoo.

Training | Clinical Care | Research | Continuing Education | Links to Zoos

Training

The mission of the Zoological Medicine Service is multi-faceted, including service, education, and research, but it starts with training. In addition to having the opportunity to receive training in exotic animal medicine the experience also gives them a competitive edge later on when job hunting. Dr. Carpenter illustrates this point relating, "A few years ago, a recent graduate excitedly called, saying that in three job interviews she had three job offers-all because she was the only one of the applicants that had clinical experience in exotic animal medicine. Clinic owners know that most clients having both domestic (dogs or cats) and exotic pets prefer to have "one-stop" service for their animals." This client service is driving a lot of the growth in zoological medicine. Alternative pets are now a significant business for many veterinary hospitals. The VMTH exotic medicine rotation also provides graduates a broader range of opportunities in non-domestic animal healthcare. Dr. Kevin Kelley, '03, of Richmond, Virginia is a prime example. Following graduation this last May, he had planned to work a year and then apply for an internship in zoological medicine, but all this changed when a "dream job" became available in San Francisco. "I'll start work in February at the Six Flags Marine Park," said Dr. Kelley. "My job at the Richmond Clinic, where I had a 40% exotic caseload, and my K-State education and mentoring helped me to take advantage of this great opportunity!"

The reputation of the KSU faculty and the clinical and teaching opportunities which this program provides, also attracts motivated, highly qualified individuals for the Internships/Residencies that the Zoological Medicine service offers. Dr. Siegel-Willott wanted to come here because "it's one of the best known programs around." "The work mix is great, with client-owned exotic pets, zoo animals, and wildlife cases challenging us everyday. It makes for a very exciting time!"

Since 2000, the Exotic Medicine Service has also had a successful Master's degree program that partners with the prestigious Conservation and Research Center (CRC) within the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park in Front Royal, Virginia. Of the numerous yearly CVM applications, one is selected to spend their next two summers in Virginia. That means that each year two KSU CVM Master's students travel to Virginia to assist in conducting research studies on endangered species at the CRC.

In order for these students to spend their summers doing research, private funding and assistance is vital. Currently there is a scholarship fund, The Thuraline Keith Zoological Medicine Scholarship in place. This scholarship fund provides for a small percentage of the annual needs for each student. Currently, the expenses to cover one student are $6,000.00.

The service's primary emphasis to students is clinical care provided for exotic pets (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.), wildlife, and zoo animals. This focus is well grounded in on-site clinical work in both hospital and zoo settings. It involves around-the-clock coverage for client-owned animals in the VMTH as well as 24-7 coverage for the three Kansas zoos contracting for medical and surgical services.

Students especially seem to enjoy the zoo work because it gives them a chance to work on unique cases that include mega-vertebrates and many animals classified as rare or endangered. "Even though many times it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students, exotic animal medicine and surgery necessitates the same planning, diagnostics and implementation as needed in any animal's care," said Dr. Carpenter. "It's a great learning experience for all our students." The zoos that use the VMTH Zoological Medicine Service include the Sunset Zoo (Manhattan) and the Topeka Zoo.

Scott Shoemaker, Director of Manhattan's Sunset Zoo, is emphatic about describing his zoo's relationship with Dr. Carpenter and the Zoological Medicine Service, "It is a huge asset to the community. Our animals grow old and stay healthy because they are always provided high quality veterinary care. We couldn't provide near the medical care, even if we hired a staff veterinarian--nor would we even consider it!"

Bob Brown, Director of the Rolling Hills Zoo, has been enthusiastic about his zoo's contracted services from the beginning. "When our zoo planned for a major upgrade in our veterinary care we contracted with Dr. Carpenter. During the process of applying for accreditation we drafted a voluminous planning document to present to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association Accreditation Committee," explained Bob. "On meeting day, after passing this lengthy planning packet to the committee, one member asked, 'in a nutshell what's the plan?' when I answered, 'Dr. Carpenter's program from K-State,' they quickly granted accreditation without reading a page!"
Another important area of clinical care undertaken by the service is that given to sick, orphaned or injured Kansas wildlife. Some 450 times a year such an animal is found and brought to the VMTH by members of a network of "Good Samaritans" that include, state conservation officers, county sheriff officers, individuals and licensed rehabilitation volunteers.

"Since wildlife work is never scheduled, our students are called upon to take charge of many cases," said Dr. Pollock. "They triage, do treatment planning, assist in surgery and take responsibility as a veterinarian. The system is a win-win for students and the good Samaritans who bring our patients," she added.
Some of the expenses are underwritten by the Hospital with some contributions coming through the Wild Animal Medical Care Fund.

In December of 2001, Chris and Krista Berner, licensed raptor rehabilitation volunteers from Clay Center, Kansas, brought a prairie falcon with a broken wing to the VMTH. Dr. Christal Pollock performed surgery on the falcon's broken humerus that included external and internal pinning procedures.

After surgery, the falcon, which is a very high-spirited and elusive bird in the wild, was taken by the Berners for rehab to their Clay Center facility, The Raptor Oasis. All expenses for these wild bird rehab efforts are borne by Chris and Krista out of love for the birds. "The hands-on instruction and follow-up information we get from the hospital staff has sure helped our confidence and ability to help these wonderful creatures," said Krista Berner. "We learn something new every time we are there." After some days of quiet rest following surgery, the bird needed flight conditioning before release to the wild. Being far too spirited to use the only conditioning method available to Chris, a tether called a creance, attached to leather anklets. Sigrid Ueblacker, of the Colorado Bird of Prey Foundation near Broomfield, Colorado, was called and agreed to take the bird in order to utilize their large, free flight conditioning pens.

The falcon came home the first week of July 2002, and was released near Wakefield, seven months after surgery. "He flew away, up-and-over a grove of trees, never looking back," said Chris Berner. "For release, prairie falcons have a natural affinity for their home ground - and this lucky one, an affinity for great health care."

Research

Besides the research responsibilities that include training for the three Master's students currently enrolled in the Smithsonian's CRC research programs, the faculty does individual research with good opportunities currently in the area of pharmacokinetic studies. They are also involved in writing projects including clinical reports, book chapters and proceedings articles.

Dr. Carpenter is the author of over 160 publications on the medical aspects, captive management, and breeding of exotic animals and wildlife. He is also the co-author of the Exotic Animal Formulary (2000), and co-editor of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery (second edition). The first edition of "Ferrets and Rabbits" was one of the most popular veterinary medicine books printed.

The faculty and students of the Zoological Medicine Service, in conjunction with the College's Continuing Education coordinator, organize and host the Mid-Western Exotic Animal Medicine Conference at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. This conference has been presented annually since 1991 with the "13th annual" scheduled for November 2004. It was one of the first regional exotic animal medicine conferences in North America.

The conference's 150 plus annual participants attend sessions lead by national and international experts. Concurrent session choices at different educational venues in the area give participants a chance to focus on their specialty area. Dr. Linda Johnson, CE Director, compliments Dr. Carpenter, "Dr. Carpenter possesses a talent of selecting timely topics in exotic animal medicine that interest, intrigue, challenge and teach practitioners, technicians, and students the value of providing excellent exotic animal healthcare."
In addition, K-State faculty members also make presentations on exotic animal medicine and welfare at state, regional, national, and international education programs.

American College of Zoological Medicine

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