
Driving animal, human and environmental health forward
The UF College of Veterinary Medicine stands apart with nationally recognized care for animal patients, leading-edge science research and a proven training ground to prepare veterinarians of the future.
9th Our ranking among veterinary medical colleges nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report.
1st The only college of veterinary medicine in the state of Florida.
2nd Our UF Small Animal Hospital caseload is the 2nd-largest among academic veterinary hospitals in the U.S.
REFLECTING ON A MILESTONE YEAR
Year in Review: A Message From Dean Dana Zimmel
Although the stories we’ve shared represent only a snapshot of the work we’re doing at to advance the profession of veterinary medicine and the UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s Power of Together strategic plan, we hope they have given you some insight into the passion that drives us — and the spirit that moves us. Here is a recap of some of the programs and developments we’re proudest of.

WhAT’S NEW
Dr. Kim: Using AI to change comparative oncology and help animals, humans in real world
Dr. Jon Kim joined the UF College of Veterinary Medicine faculty through the school’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative. In his new role at UF, Kim will focus on developing novel diagnostic and clinical applications in the field of comparative oncology and translational medicine by utilizing AI and machine learning. We sat down with Kim to ask him about his exciting new endeavors at our university.

UF opens new veterinary hospital at Ocala’s World Equestrian Center
The new University of Florida Veterinary Hospital was officially unveiled in Ocala on May 25 with a ribbon cutting. The hospital provides leading-edge patient care in a new 40,000-square-foot hospital facility located in Ocala, Florida. Veterinarians from UF offer world-class veterinary care and advanced diagnostics and treatment for horses, dogs and cats.

Improving the standard of shelter medicine across the nation and beyond
Maddie’s Shelter Medicine at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine is unique in the U.S. and in the world. Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, and her team provide veterinary students and practitioners with the specialized knowledge to enhance the medical and behavioral health of sheltered animals and to promote public health.

PIONEERS IN VETERINARY CARE & DISCOVERY
A first: Avian influenza detected in American dolphin found by UF marine animal rescue team
The UF marine animal rescue team found a dead bottlenose dolphin in Dixie County in March. The recovery of the young male was significant as an unexpected infection was identified, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), marking the first cetacean found with the virus in the U.S. and only the second known case in the world.

UF identifies drop in spay-neuter surgeries during pandemic that may undermine pet welfare
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is jeopardizing the progress made over decades to control overpopulation of dogs and cats through high-volume spay-neuter surgeries, a team of UF researchers concluded in a new study. The UF College of Veterinary Medicine is responding and doing its part to combat the disturbing trend.

UF successfully treats dog in critical condition with rare case of botulism
Luke, a 12-year-old, liver-colored English springer spaniel, developed a rare case of canine botulism that had him in critical condition. The UF Small Animal Hospital treated Luke in its ICU and got the adventurous dog back to his normal self, creating a lasting bond in the process.

First canine total ankle replacement surgery in Florida performed at UF
A 7-year-old Labrador retriever named Leo was the first canine in the Sunshine State to have a total ankle replacement surgery and one of only a handful around the globe to undergo the procedure.

UF veterinary researchers discover new disease proving fatal to gopher tortoises
Whether the new deadly bacteria is a recently introduced organism or has been present but not recognized is unknown. A team of researchers at UF discover a new species of bacteria.

UF-led study explores differences in COVID-19 severity internationally
Why are some countries less affected by COVID-19 than the U.S.? Rhoel Dinglasan, a professor of infectious diseases with the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, leads a team looking for answers in Africa.

UF VET MED VOICE PODCASTS
Immunology: Making strides in treating cancer in dogs
Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer in dogs. Building on technology he originally developed to treat melanoma in animals, UF’s Rowan Milner developed a vaccine to treat osteosarcoma in dogs. Rather than being administered to prevent a dog from developing cancer, it is given to a dog to treat cancer once it has developed. He discusses promising results from years of studies and what’s ahead to improve survival for dogs with this aggressive form of cancer.

Animal disaster response: An essential function of a veterinary college
Veterinary colleges are increasingly requested to respond to animal issues related to natural and man-made disasters. Dr. Lawrence Garcia, medical director of the UF Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS) Team, recently led his team on a 10-day deployment to Fort Myers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. He discusses the many reasons why a well-trained disaster response team is important for veterinary colleges to have.

Anxiety and asthma: Understanding the tie between brain and airway
Asthma attacks account for nearly one-third of all asthma deaths. Anxiety is a common comorbidity in asthma, but despite links between asthma attacks and anxiety, there have been few studies in the asthma field of the amygdala, the brain region that initiates anxiety. UF’s Leah Reznikov, an associate professor of physiological sciences, discusses how her research aims to tackle that considerable gap with the goal of developing new approaches to treat asthma and reduce patient deaths.

Rat lungworm parasite poses threat to human, animal and environmental health
The dangerous rat lungworm parasite is showing up in a growing number of species, including giant African snails and invasive Cuban treefrogs in Florida. Heather Walden, a University of Florida parasitologist and an expert in the rat lungworm parasite, shares what this means to human and animal health, as well as to the environment.

UF on a mission to improve the lives of dogs suffering from mitral valve disease
Degenerative mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease affecting dogs, affecting nearly all older and small breed dogs to some degree. Darcy Adin, DVM, a clinical professor of cardiology in the UF Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, discusses how ongoing research at UF aims to enhance treatments aimed at improving the lives of dogs living with heart disease.

Avian flu: What do we know, how concerned should we be?
Avian Influenza, or bird flu, has been in the news this past year as an outbreak, caused by a highly pathogenic strain, has caused illness and death in a variety of species around the nation. Two UF experts provide updates and share info relevant to owners of pet birds as well as how the virus is a potential danger to other species, including humans.

college publications

UF COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinary Page
A bimonthly newsletter for faculty, staff and students of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.

UF COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Florida Veterinarian
A magazine for alumni, faculty and friends of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.