Penn Vet News

By the Numbers: Penn Vet’s agricultural impact

In addition to excellence in teaching and clinical care for companion animals, Penn Vet makes indispensable contributions to the state’s agriculture sector.

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Ahead of the anniversary, experts from four schools across the University share their thoughts on the landmark legislation.

Three takeaways on respiratory illness in dogs

Deborah Silverstein of the School of Veterinary Medicine advises dog owners to stay calm but take certain precautions.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Shed New Light on the Evolution of Adaptive Immunity in Cold-Blooded Vertebrates

[December 1, 2023; Philadelphia, PA] – Upon infection or immunization, all jawed vertebrate species generate proteins called antibodies that bind and neutralize pathogens. Strong and long-lasting antibody responses in warm-blooded species such as mammals are produced in secondary lymphoid microstructures (SLMs) among which germinal centers (GCs) are the centerpiece.

Who, What, Why: John Donges

For more than two decades John Donges has worn many hats while working at Penn Vet. This year, he served as editor of the 100th issue of Bellwether, Penn Vet’s alumni magazine.

Wry Not’s Triumph Over a Twisted Fate

Uncovering the role of skin microbiome and immune response in cutaneous leishmaniasis

Two new studies led by Phillip Scott of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Elizabeth Grice of the Perelman School of Medicine demonstrate how bacteria found in leishmaniasis skin lesions and an associated immune response drive disease burden and treatment failure—and suggest new possibilities for treatment of the parasitic disease.

Study shows promise for iNKT cell platform to treat cancer

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine have shown that invariant natural killer T cells from a healthy donor can persist in MHC-mismatched canines, demonstrating a reliable platform to inform human clinical trials.

University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Receives Grant to Develop Veterinary Training Program for Rural Communities

Principal investigators Joseph S. Bender, DVM, MS, and Sarah Rassler, VMD, awarded grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to enhance rural veterinary services and bolster economic viability of livestock producers.

Deans of health schools discuss climate change in their fields

Deans and leaders from the schools of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, and Social Policy & Practice discussed climate and health at a Climate Week event.

Removing the barrier surrounding solid tumors clears path for T cells

Penn researchers uncover a new way to target solid tumors. Using CAR T cells to remove cancer-associated fibroblasts surrounding pancreatic tumors allows T cells to infiltrate and attack the tumor cells.

Climate Week 2023 highlights the links between biodiversity and the climate crisis

The climate crisis impacts everyone. During Climate Week at Penn, which will be held from Sept. 18-22, everyone is invited to find their place in the climate movement.

Genetic switch turns tumor suppressor into oncogene in colorectal cancer

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine have shown that an enzyme that suppresses early-stage colorectal cancer switches to become an oncogene as the cancer progresses.

Social ecology and community work in the Galápagos

Daniel Beiting, PhD, associate director of the Institute for Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, expanded his work this summer in the Galápagos, giving Stephanie Sila, V’25, an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experience in identifying different mosquito species and human disease cases on the island.

Penn Vet students helping animals and their owners in Thailand

This summer, 14 students from Penn Vet traveled to Thailand to spay and neuter cats and dogs for owners who would otherwise be unable to afford the procedures.

Could we breed cows that emit less methane?

In a new study, researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine identified attributes of low-methane-emitting dairy cows that could be used as targets for selective breeding.

Penn Vet Names Christopher J. Lengner, PhD, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences

June 26, 2023; Philadelphia, PA – Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) has announced the appointment of Christopher J. Lengner, PhD, as the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences effective July 1, 2023.

Two Early-Career Investigators from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Recognized for Advancing Biomedical Research

June 20, 2023; PHILADELPHIA, PA – Two early-career scientists from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) have been honored with awards from the Kinship Foundation and the Beckman Foundation, and the Endocrine Society.

Two Faculty from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Appointed to Endowed Professorships

June 14, 2022; Philadelphia, PA – Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) announced professorship appointments for two faculty members. Klaus Hopster has been appointed the Marilyn M. Simpson Associate Professor of Large Animal Anesthesia and Holly Stewart has been appointed the Charles W. Raker Assistant Professor of Equine Orthopedic Surgery. The appointments will go into effect on July 1, 2023.

Penn Vet Honors Two Graduates with 2023 Alumni Achievement Awards

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) has announced that two distinguished graduates received two of the School’s highest honors, the Alumni Award of Merit, and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.