Program Highlights
Researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine explore a wide
variety of medical problems. The largest annual economic loss
to Oklahoma cattle producers results from a disease complex collectively
termed bovine respiratory disease. This disease complex is the
focus of a major research program in the College. Current molecular
techniques are being used to analyze the genetics and structural
properties of respiratory pathogens to elucidate pathogenic processes
involved in the disease process.
The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine has long been a leader
in the field of hemoparasite disease research and developed the
original vaccine for bovine anaplasmosis. Research in the College
continues to break new ground in anaplasmosis. Other research
programs focus on parasites causing human and canine ehrlichiosis,
and other parasitic organisms of veterinary significance.
Testing and evaluation of new vaccines for bovine and equine
diseases is also conducted by researchers in the College. Other
investigators are involved in the development of newer, more sensitive
diagnostic tests for viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases
of cats, horses, monkeys, seals, and humans. The composition and
biological activity of venoms from a variety of poisonous snakes
and spiders is also being investigated to aid development of more
effective anti-venoms.
College researchers are also examining various physiological
processes such as regulation of gene expression during establishment
of pregnancy and identification of environmental factors contributing
to development of ascites in poultry. Pharmacologists are studying
the action and pharmacokinetics of various drugs used to treat
veterinary infectious animal diseases. Research in the College
even extends to examination of the effects of toxic wastes on
indigenous animal populations and the potential use of these changes
as biomarkers for assessing human hazards associated with toxic
waste sites.
Clinical research activities are varied in nature as well.
In association with the OSU Center for Laser Development and Application,
College researchers lead studies which explore the use of lasers
in medicine. The potential of new lasers and novel techniques
are tested, and new surgical procedures utilizing laser technology
are being developed. Some applications of laser surgery are of
immediate and direct benefit to animal patients in the College
teaching hospital, and others are developed as preliminaries to
human application.
Veterinary medicine serves as the medical arm of agriculture and is the foundation of health for man's animal companions. The field contributes directly to the improvement of human medicine and surgery, and is a sentinel of environmental protection. Looking to the future, the College is committed to the expansion of existing research programs and the development of new programs so that it can continue to contribute maximally to a healthier life for Oklahomans and all Americans, be they man or animal.