Department of Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Department website: https://vscs.tamu.edu/

Department Head: Sharon Kerwin

The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences has three major missions: leading-edge patient and client care, transformational learning and clinical research. Each of these activities is intended to improve the quality of life for companion animals and their owners. Faculty and staff in the department participate in all four years of the professional curriculum, although most interactions with students occur in the third and fourth years. The department offers a one-year internship program for newly graduated veterinarians, and three-year and four-year residency programs in several clinical disciplines for veterinarians seeking advanced training and board certification. Faculty and staff frequently contribute to continuing education programs and may teach and mentor students earning the interdepartmental graduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Scholarly programs of the faculty are centered mainly on the study of the spontaneously occurring diseases of the patients presented to the Small Animal Hospital. Investigative programs are active in aging biology, anesthesiology, animal behavior, cardiology, clinical nutrition, dermatology, feline internal medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, G.I. Lab, internal medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, oncology, and orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. We also have a growing portfolio of clinical trials aimed at improving animal and human health.

Approximately, 23,500 animals are presented to the Small Animal Hospital for advanced diagnostic procedures and state-of-the-art treatment methods. Faculty, staff and fourth-year students participate as a team in the care of these patients. Many of these patients are referred by veterinarians throughout Texas and the region, so that they may receive the benefits of the unique expertise and diagnostic and therapeutic technology offered by the Small Animal Hospital.

Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Sciences

VSCS 681 Seminar

Credit 1. 1 Other Hour. Current scientific work in medical and surgical fields in and related to small animal medicine and surgery. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of department head.

VSCS 684 Professional Internship

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. A directed internship in an organization to provide students with on-the-job training with professionals in settings appropriate to the student's professional objectives. May be repeated for credit. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; approval of committee chair.

VSCS 685 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 8. 1 to 8 Other Hours. Original investigations of problems in field of small animal surgery, therapeutics or radiology. Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of instructor and department head.

VSCS 689 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 6 Lab Hours. Special topics in an identified area of small animal medicine or surgery. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of instructor and department head.

VSCS 691 Research

Credits 1 to 23. 1 to 23 Other Hours. Research for thesis.

VSCS 697 Teaching Anatomy Lab

Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours. Theory and practical aspects of teaching neuroanatomy lab and clinical neurology; emphasis on content, instructional methods and practical aspects of neuroanatomy lab. Prerequisites: Graduation classification in VIBS/VSCS; appointment as TA for VIBS 913 anatomy lab.

VSCS 698 Teaching Surgery Lab

Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours. Theory and practical aspects of teaching surgical procedures, with emphasis on content, instructional methods and practical aspects of surgery lab. May be repeated one time for credit. Prerequisites: Graduate classification in VIBS/VSCS; appointment as TA for VSCS 932.

VSCS 910 Integrated Animal Care I

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Foundation in companion animal and large animal veterinary care; focus on day-one veterinary wellness and preventive care and herd-health concepts; exposure includes companion animal species, common large animal species, pocket pets, reptiles, camelids, miniature pigs and birds; clinical application of topics including neonatal care, husbandry practices, animal behavior, parasite prevention, immunization protocols and healthy animal nutrition. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the first year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 926 Professional and Clinical Skills III

Credits 3. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours. Integration and reinforcement of foundational knowledge offered in concurrent courses through critical thinking exercises, professional skills application activities (ethics/contextual decision-making, leadership, skills for well-being, personal/practice financial literacy, core communication skills) and application of technical skills; opportunities for learning include didactic, hands-on and case-based interactions utilizing simulation, models, animals, actors and case scenarios; part III of a VI part series. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 930 Principles of Anesthesia & Analgesia

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Principles of Anesthesia & Analgesia. Clinical practice of veterinary anesthesia and analgesia; equipment for administration of inhalant anesthetics, evaluation and preparation of patients for anesthesia, equipment and techniques for monitoring anesthetized patients; methods for controlling pain during the perianesthetic period; anesthetic principles for management of various species; anesthetic principles for management of patients with coexisting disease. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 932 Principles of Surgery

Credits 2. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours. Surgical management of veterinary patients; focus on basic surgical equipment, techniques, procedures and preparation of the surgeon and patient. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 934 Professional & Clinical Skills V

Credits 3. 7 Lab Hours. Professional & Clinical Skills V. Integration and reinforcement of foundational knowledge offered in concurrent courses through critical thinking exercises, professional skills application activities (ethics/contextual decision-making, leadership, skills for well-being, personal/practice financial literacy, core communication skills) and application of technical skills; opportunities for learning include didactic, hands-on and case-based interactions utilizing simulation, models, animals, actors and case scenarios; part V of a VI part series. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 940 Small Animal Clinics I

Credits 2. 35 Lab Hours. Student participation with clinical cases in the small animal medicine services of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Must be taken two times. Prerequisite: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine or approval of department head.

VSCS 941 Small Animal Primary Care

Credits 4. 4 Other Hours. Clinical cases in the small animal primary care medicine and surgery service of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Prerequisite: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine.

VSCS 945 Advanced Small Animal Clinical Elective

Credits 2. 35 Lab Hours. Student participation with clinical cases for advanced student in selected services of the small animal medicine and surgery sections of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. May be taken 12 times. Prerequisite: VSCS 940 or approval of department head.

VSCS 948 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Elective

Credits 1 to 12. 1 to 12 Lecture Hours. In-depth study of selected disease processes in the various disciplines of small animal medicine and surgery will be conducted emphasizing management, diagnostics and medical or surgical treatment. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Third year classification in veterinary medicine or approval of department head.

VSCS 953 Small Animal Clinical Skills

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Acquisition of basic technical skills useful in the diagnosis and treatment of small animals in general veterinary practice. Modular one month course. Prerequisite: Third year classification in veterinary medicine in good standing.

VSCS 955 Small Animal Medicine II

Credits 6. 6 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Continuation of Small Animal Medicine I; medical disease of dogs and cats; pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of diseases prevalent in small animals.

VSCS 956 Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics I

Credits 4.5. 4.5 Lecture Hours. Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics I. Medical and surgical diseases in dogs and cats including pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic management; understanding of self-directed continued study and appropriate use of referral; disorders of the reproductive, respiratory, hemolymphatic, dermatologic, urinary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, orthopedic and endocrine systems; includes neoplastic, nutritional, infectious and metabolic disorders. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 957 Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics II

Credits 4.5. 4.5 Lecture Hours. Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics II. Medical and surgical diseases in dogs and cats including pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic management; understanding of self-directed continued study and appropriate use of referral; disorders of the reproductive, respiratory, hemolymphatic, dermatologic, urinary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, orthopedic and endocrine systems; includes neoplastic, nutritional, infectious and metabolic disorders. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 958 Clinical Focus-Tracking I - Companion Animal

Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours. Advanced medical and surgical disorders of the dog and cat; history-taking and problem-solving skills; physical examination findings; laboratory/imaging results; formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.

VSCS 960 Clinical Focus-Tracking II - Companion Animal

VSCS 985 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed individual study of a selected problem in small animal medicine, surgery or radiology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Matriculation in veterinary professional curriculum and approval of department head.

VSCS 988 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Selective

Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours. In-depth study of selected disease processes in the various disciplines of small animal medicine and surgery; emphasis on management, diagnostics and medical treatment or therapeutic approaches. Prerequisites: Third year classification in veterinary medicine and in good standing. May be taken for credit up to eight hours.

Aicher, Kathleen, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2012

Atiee, Genna Fishgold, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2013

Baetge, Courtney L, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2003

Barnes, Kate, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Oregon State University, 2011

Beaver, Bonnie V, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Minnesota, 1968

Bennett, Brad S, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2007

Bugbee, Andrew, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2009

Cavasin, Joao Pedro, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVM, Universidade Federal do Parana, 2017

Collins, Sean P, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2009

Cook, Audrey K, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Edinburgh, 1989

Cornell, Karen K, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Purdue University, 1988
PHD, Purdue University, 1998

Creevy, Kate E, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Tennessee, 1998

Deveau, Michael A, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2005

Dickerson, Vanna, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Georgia, 2013

Eckman, Stacy L, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001

Edwards, Thomas, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, 2006

Gasson, Shelby B, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2016
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2020

Gentry, Christina Monika, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

Giaretta, Paula, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2019

Gold, Randi M, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Pennsylvania, 2009
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2015

Gordon, Sonya G, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Guelph, 1994

Gould, Emily, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of California at Davis, 2012
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2021

Hayburn, Regina, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Florida, 2018
DVM, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2018

Heseltine, Johanna C, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Saskatchewan, 1998

Hollenbeck, Danielle L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2019

Hoyt, Kenneth L, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Drexel University, 2005

Ida, Keila K, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVetM, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, 2006
PHD, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2015

Ito, Daisuke, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVMedSci, Nihon University, Japan, 2003
PHD, University of Tokyo, 2008

Jeffery, Nicholas D, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, The University of Cambridge, 1997

Kerwin, Sharon C, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1988

Koilpillai, Joanna Nandita, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVSc, Madra Veterinary College, 2018

Lange, Kristina Paradowski, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
VetMB, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2015

Lidbury, Jonathan A, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVetM, University of Glasgow, 2002

Lim, Sue Yee, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2009
PHD, Hokkaido University, 2014

Loria Lepiz, Mauricio A, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2000

Mankin, Joseph M, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 2007

Manning, Sarah Marie, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2022

Moreno, Kara L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Minnesota, 2005

Patterson, Adam P, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Mississippi State University, 2001

Peycke, Laura E, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Louisiana State University, 1998

Ray, Erin, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2015

Rivas, Gabriela L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2021

Rutter, Christine R, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Mississippi State University, 2003

Saunders, Ashley B, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001

Saunders, William B, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005

Scallan, Elizabeth M, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2007

Silveira, Catrina Julia, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, The Ohio State University, 2017

Steiner, Joerg M, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2000

Suchodolski, Jan, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005

Sykes, Tess, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2013

Taylor, Leah, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Minnesota, 2010

Thieman, Kelley, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Missouri at Columbia, 2006

Tolbert, Katie, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Georgia, 2006
PHD, North Carolina State University, 2013

Vemulapalli, Tracy H, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 1998

Warry, Emma, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, The University of Sydney, 2004

Watanabe, Ryota, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVSc, Azabu University, 2013
PHD, Universite de Montreal, 2021

Wesselowski, Sonya R, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2008

Wheeler, Lance, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 2019
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2019

White, Joel F, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2021

Yankin, Igor, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kuban State Agrarian University, 2010

Yankina, Irina, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, 2011

Zoran, Debra L, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 1984
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1997