AAVMC study reveals direct and indirect bias in admissions processes

A recent study from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) found that unintended bias exists in veterinary school admissions processes despite efforts to create a more inclusive student body. The study also revealed that admission offers were much lower among candidates from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation college students, candidates from rural communities, and those who aspired to practice in rural communities. . . . more

Cat gives birth to 5 conjoined kittens in Arizona

An animal shelter in Arizona had an unusual surprise when a cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, and five of them were conjoined by the skin of their stomachs. Little Whiskers Animal Rescue took to Facebook asking for help to find a veterinarian to take care of them on Thursday. “A few days ago, we had a person come to our rescue to surrender a mom and babies, and instead, he brought 29+ cats and kittens,” a shelter spokesperson said. They had suspected one of the cats was pregnant but didn’t expect what would happen when they were born. . . . more

April the Giraffe, who became a worldwide sensation in 2017, has died

April the Giraffe, who became an internet celebrity by giving birth on a YouTube livestream in 2017, has died at the age of 20. The beloved animal was euthanized at the recommendation of her veterinarians due to her worsening arthritis, Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York, announced in a Facebook post on Friday. “We grieve with her many fans, near and far, as we say goodbye to the giraffe who can be credited with making a foothold for giraffe and giraffe conservation awareness in the twenty-first century,” the post read. “While her hoofprints in her yard will erode in time, the imprint she has made on the hearts of people around the world will never fade.” . . . more

The polls are open for the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that searches out and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs—often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or simply providing the tail-wagging welcome a pet owner relishes at the end of a hard day. Dogs compete in seven different categories, ranging from law enforcement dogs to shelter dogs, for the Hero Dog title. The first round of voting is open through May 6. . . . more

Veterinary college’s Small Animal Community Practice pivots to enhance experiential learning

In response to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians in the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Community Practice—which trains DVM students in a veterinary practice setting—put into action a creative plan to ensure essential hands-on experiences. . . . more

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