Oklahoma State University (OSU) is at the forefront of tackling these challenges head-on. With a commitment to revitalizing rural communities and bolstering veterinary medicine and animal agriculture, OSU is making a difference. Impressively, the percentage of OSU graduates entering food animal or mixed animal practice consistently surpasses the national average. From the Class of 2023 respondents, a notable 25% ventured into large or mixed animal practice, significantly higher than the national average of 10-15%.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have revolutionized human medicine, offering potential solutions for repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. The veterinary community has eagerly anticipated the adaptation of these therapies for dogs and cats, given the advancements in medical care for our companion animals. However, canine somatic cells have presented a challenge, exhibiting lower reprogramming efficiency than human cells, which has limited the types of canine cells available for generating iPSCs.

In the noble pursuit of caring for our animal friends, veterinarians often face emotional and ethical challenges that go unnoticed by the general public. A recent comprehensive NORVET study sheds light on an unsettling aspect of the veterinary profession—how the frequent task of euthanizing animals might influence veterinarians' mental health and their attitudes towards assisted dying in humans.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) poses a significant challenge for our canine companions, characterized by the herniation of disc material into the vertebral canal, leading to compression and injury of the spinal cord. This presentation delves into the intricacies of IVDD, encompassing its mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment methods, and preventive measures.