Cornell Feline Health Center Annual Repor t
2008

Mission
To improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere by:
• Finding ways of preventing and curing ­diseases of cats by conducting and sponsoring breakthrough feline health studies
• Educating veterinarians and cat owners about feline health by providing timely medical information and by promoting public ­understanding and awareness of feline issues
• Aiding veterinarians when new or unknown feline diseases occur
Cornell Feline Health Center
College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Box 13 Ithaca, NY 14853-6401 Telephone: 607.253.3414 Fax: 607.253.3419 Camuti Memorial Consultation Line: 1.800.KITTYDR (1.800.548.8937) Web site: www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC
Administration Fred W. Scott, DVM, PhD, interim director Michael S. Lenetsky, administrative manager
Support Team Kathleen M. Mospan, Donald K. Personius, Pamela E. Sackett, and Sheryl A. Thomas, administrative assistants
www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC

Contents
Message from the Director	

1

2008–2009 Feline Health Studies	

2

Honoring Dr. James R. Richards, Jr.	

5

Resources for Cat People	

7

Feline Health Center Scholarship	

8

Jessie D. and Denny W. Speidel Scholarships in Feline Medicine	

10

Bequests and Special Gifts	

18

Financial Overview	

22

Feline Health Center Staff	

23

Elizabeth’s Wish List	

24

Opportunities for Support	 inside back cover

Dear Friends:
I am delighted to report that, at the end of 2008, the Cornell Feline Health Center (FHC) is sound and moving forward with its mission “to improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere.” It is with pleasure that we present you with the 2008 Cornell Feline Health Center Annual Report.
The Feline Health Center Strategic Planning Committee completed its review of the FHC in early 2008 and presented its findings and recommendations to Dean Michael Kotlikoff. After considerable discussion on how to implement the positive recommendations of this review committee, the decision was made to move the offices of the FHC from the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences to the Baker Institute for Animal Health, still within the College of Veterinary Medicine. This move is scheduled to occur during 2009. The Baker Institute (bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu) was started in 1950 as the Veterinary Virus Research Institute and was renamed in honor of its founder, the late James A. Baker. The Baker Institute for Animal Health is one of the oldest research centers dedicated to the study of veterinary infectious diseases, immunology, genetics, and reproduction. Dr. Baker provided valuable insight to me during the formation of the FHC more than 34 years ago, and his original concept was an animal health institute composed of a series of centers. This move will enable the FHC to expand its research endeavors on diseases of cats, to acquire much-needed space, and to enable it to better carry out its mission. An international search is currently under way to hire a new director who will be in charge of both the Baker Institute and the Feline Health Center.
In 2008, the FHC received an outstanding bequest from Dr. Jean Holzworth, one of the original pioneers of feline medicine, and whom I call the “Mother of Feline Medicine.” Please see more details about the Holzworth Fund to support clinical feline research on pages 18–19.

2008 has been labeled “The Year of the Cat” and “It’s all about the Cat.” The CATalyst Initiative (www.catalyst summit.org) of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, in conjunction with industry, launched a major effort in 2008 to increase the percentage of cats that receive basic veterinary care, to educate cat owners about adequate medical care, and to assist veterinarians in making their practices more “cat friendly.” The FHC was a part of the original CATalyst Summit to launch this initiative, and it will continue to support this initiative in any way possible.
Elizabeth, the FHC mascot and office mate, is doing her part to improve the health and well-being of all her kitty friends. I hope you have been reading her “Ask Elizabeth” articles in CatWatch (www.catwatchnewsletter.com).
For many years the FHC has used two databases, one to support our Consultation Service and the other to enable us to interact with you, our friends and supporters. The software programs that run these databases are no longer supported, and therefore we have been forced to convert these two databases into a new database run by a software program called “Raiser’s Edge.” This has been a major effort, but once completed and debugged, it should provide the FHC with greater efficiency and accuracy.
This 2008 annual report will give you a glimpse of the past year’s activities at the FHC. I thank you for your continued support. It is only through your support that the FHC can continue to exist and to improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere.
Fred W. Scott, DVM, PhD Emeritus Professor, and Interim Director Cornell Feline Health Center

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2008–2009 Feline Health Studies

Molecular Basis of Feline Coronavirus Pathogenesis and Development of FIP in Cats
Investigator: Gary Whittaker, associate professor of virology
Feline coronaviruses that cause a common and fairly benign infection of the epithelial cells in the gut are designated as feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). In some persistently infected cats, however, the virus changes and acquires the ability to infect cells of the immune system. This form of the virus causes a systemic and highly lethal infection and is designated as feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Cats infected with FIPV invariably succumb to the disease.
Work in the Whittaker lab is currently focused on several aspects of FIPV pathogenesis. The researchers seek to decipher the molecular changes that transform the benign FECV into the highly lethal FIPV. The two viruses are very similar, making diagnosis difficult, but the lab has identified a specific change in the viral surface (or spike) protein that controls the virus’s abil-

ity to be activated by host cell proteases and gain access to cells of the immune system. The researchers are evaluating small-molecule inhibitors of these proteases as potential antiviral therapeutics for cats with FIP.
Additional work in the Whittaker lab has characterized the protein DC-SIGN as a co-receptor for FIPV, which is highly expressed on dendritic cells. Researchers believe that this cell type plays a significant role in facilitating the entry of FIPV into the bloodstream. In addition, they are concerned with controlling the immunopathogenic effects caused by FIPV during infection. A hallmark of cats with FIP is overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, including TNFalpha, IL1-beta, and IL6—a so-called “cytokine storm.” The lab has identified the cell signaling pathways induced by FIPV in feline immune cells that trigger cytokine production, and small-molecule inhibitors of these signaling pathways are also being evaluated as potential therapeutic agents. Finally, a roadblock in the development of effective ­therapeutics for FIP is

the inability of researchers to examine viral pathogenesis except in experimentally infected cats. An overarching goal of the Whittaker lab is to develop a mouse model of FIP,

which would enable potential therapies to be tested for efficacy against this devastating disease.

Dr. Gary Whittaker (standing) and graduate student Andrew Regan

Honor Roll Donors July 1, 2007–June 30, 2008
$100,000 and up Estate of Rhoda Hogan, N.H. Estate of Edward Whitbeck, N.Y.* *bequest received 2006–07 but not reported $50,000–99,999 Cynthia, Sholly, and Taj Kagan, Mass., in memory of Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. $10,000–49,999 Mr. and Mrs. Ellice McDonald, Jr., Del. The Clara L.D. Jeffery Trust, N.Y. Dorothy M. Palmer, Calif.
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$5,000–9,999 Dorian and Norman Feckl, N.Y. Irvine Veterinary Services, Calif. Newman’s Own Foundation, Inc., Conn., Feline Care Fund Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Powell, Va. Amy Roth, Colo., in loving memory of Larkin Marian Roth, N.Y., in memory of Larkin Phyllis Siskel, Fla., in honor of Buddy Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Tilden, Fla., in memory of Jennifer
$1,000–4,999 Elizabeth Albon, Tex., for my cats—past and present Renee J. Arst and Brian V. Lewis, Calif., in memory of Jake

Dr. Jane Brunt, Md., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Joseph S. Casula, Md. Jane E. Clifford, N.Y. Stephanie C. Codrea, Md., in memory of Mew, Shadow, Lady, Boy, Smokey, Mac, Fella, Midnight, Cali, and Batman Germinder & Associates, Inc., Mo., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Erik Gordon, N.Y., in honor of Gatsby and Cyrano Estate of Frances Hale, N.Y. Ann R. Hardy, N.J., William Ledoux Memorial Fund; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Francis R. Hawkins, Jr., Conn., in memory of Gracie Michael and Judith Healey, N.J., in memory of all our cats past and present

Center for the Study of the Genetics of Feline Urinary Stone Disease
Investigator: Richard Goldstein, associate professor of clinical sciences
Stone formation, an extremely common disorder of the cat urinary tract, has a major effect on the well-being and mortality of our feline pet population. Despite its importance, little is known about the genetics of stone production in cats. Now that the feline genetic sequence has been published, genetic studies in cats are more feasible than ever before. This study is part of a broad initiative by the investigators to establish a DNA bank in Dr. Goldstein’s laboratory from thousands of cats suffering from urinary stones and other diseases of the urinary tract. The goal is to use this DNA bank to unravel the genetic causes of urinary tract diseases such as stone formation in cats.
Approximately 50 percent of all feline urinary stones are made up of struvite (precipitation of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate) and the rest are made up of calcium and

oxalate precipitating together in the urine. Recently, for example, Dr. Goldstein has found the genetic mutation that causes primary hyperoxalluria, a disease that is lethal in cats and in humans. The prevalence of this defective gene in our cat population, though, is unknown. In addi-

Dr. Richard Goldstein and lab technician Anne Chiotti

tion, polymorphisms—or differences between individuals in a genetic sequence—in a variety of genes have been associated with calcium oxalate stone formation in humans. Dr. Goldstein is hoping to find similar genetic predispositions to stone formation in genes in cats. These studies are likely

then to enable us to identify groups of cats at increased risk for stone formation via genetic testing. Specific prevention programs can then be implemented for these cats, even before their first episode of urolithiasis.

Margo Hebald, Calif., Alumni Fund contribution Wes and Lyn Hoffmaster, Calif., feline health studies Barbara Howard, N.C. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Maine, Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Daniel D. Lanciani, Mass., feline health studies Dr. Richard Malik, Australia, Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Dr. Peter L. Malnati, Jr., Md., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund The McGraw-Hill Companies, N.J., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Jennifer Neel, N.J., in memory of Gilligan; in honor of Dr. Larry Kantrowitz, Cornell ’92; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Pender Pet Caring Foundation, Va. Charles C. and Nancy Philipp, Md.

Dr. Richard W. Reid, N.Y., in memory of Empress Sawaat Ratchana Poodah Lynne Roberts and Rodney Stark, N.M. Ken Sharigian and Patricia Armstrong, Calif., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Frances M. Shloss, Calif., Alumni Fund contribution Barbara J. Siepierski, Mich., in memory of Caesar Elizabeth Spangler, W. Va., in memory of Lord Peter Wimsey Ben and Mary Louise Stanton, N.J., in memory of Boots, Camille, and Mr. Walter Richardson Carol Kay Stocker, Ill., in honor of Bearhaus Bear Lee Ngu U; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Michael D. Zemsky, Va., feline health studies

$500–999 Anonymous friend, N.J. Dr. Betsy Arnold, N.Y. Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals, Ind., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund William D. Bastow, Mich., in memory of Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Dr. Alan C. Baum, N.Y. Dr. Gary M. Baum, N.Y. Kristen and Brad Bonar, Pa., in memory of Sterling Bonar Susan Burger, N.Y, in memory of Dusty, Honey, and Tuffy; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Mary Ann Clifford and family, Tex., in memory of Rosie

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Assessing Infectious and Noninfectious Status of Cats
Investigator: Edward J. Dubovi, professor of population medicine and diagnostic science
The Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) supports feline health by providing a comprehensive menu of tests for assessing the infectious and noninfectious status of cats. The AHDC staff interacts with veterinarians from across the United States to assist in managing health issues confronting the frontline medical staff. They also play a key role in the interface between the realms of clinical medicine and the research community. New discoveries on the research front need to be adapted and validated for clinical use while results from diagnostic testing need to be presented to the research community for analysis and development of hypothesis-driven research projects. As an example, the AHDC frequently receives samples from cats involved in respiratory disease out-

breaks in catteries or animal shelters. Not infrequently, feline calicivirus is isolated and the question arises as to whether these isolates are the “hypervirulent” strain of feline calicivirus. Currently, this is not a simple question and our role is to pass these isolates onto research groups that are trying to define the mechanism whereby certain strains of virus cause serious disease. Isolates of bacteria, viruses, or parasites can be made available to research groups and commercial entities to assess changes in pathogens, to develop new products (vaccines, antibiotics) or to explore disease pathogenesis. We are also available to assist in field studies to assess a new biological material or to validate a new diagnostic test. The AHDC also functions as a referral site for the Feline Health Center when clients need more assistance in handling complex management issues.

Dr. Edward Dubovi

Gerald and Dorothy Cook, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Col. and Mrs. Lawrence Crockett, Wash. Kay L. Culver, Va. Nina C. Danielsen, N.J., Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Carol W. Dean, N.Y., in memory of Bart Elisabeth Dogot, Wisc. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Frolick, Ohio Hudson Valley Veterinary Medical Society, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Leanna I. Jensen, N.Y., in memory of Wheezer, Muffin, Murphy, Buster, Smokey, and Pumpkin Sharon Kapple, N.M., in honor of little Red Cat Dr. David E. Lawrence, N.Y. Joan C. Long, N.Y., in memory of Jasmine

Frank and Helayne Maurer, N.J. Lillian Mazzaroli, N.Y., in memory of Wookie Susan S. Menson, Conn., feline health studies Michele Mize, Ill., in memory of Gizmo and Morticia Dr. and Mrs. Emil E. Perona, N.J., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Regina M. Rubenstein, N.Y., in memory of Calico and her family Janet C. Spadora, Ariz. Jaclyn A. Spear, S.C., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Laurie Strawbridge, Mich., proceeds from ­Catnip Party Lois Thompson, N.C., in memory of Emily Dr. Carvel G. Tiekert, Md. Dr. Patricia Turner, Ga.

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Dr. Susan E. Wylegala, N.Y. Thomas and Jane Yarborough, Va., in memory of Miss Kitty, Black Beauty, and Scruffy
$250–499 Anonymous friend, Calif., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Kurt and Waltraud Bauer, Calif., in memory of Vicky Dr. Joanne M. Bicknese, N.J., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Katherine Ramsay Blyth, Pa. Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, N.Y. Maryada Buell, Ga., in memory of Pele Mattison Drs. John and Ruth Carter, Pa. Mary Carter, Switzerland, in memory of Isabella Theodore Chu, N.Y. Ralph F. Colin, Jr., Vt.

Honoring Dr. James R. Richards, Jr.

James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Lectures
The James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Lectures were established to honor the outstanding contributions the late Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. made to the field of feline medicine to improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere. A series of state-of-the-art lectures on various areas of feline medicine will be held in three venues: periodically at the College of Veterinary Medicine; at the annual New York State Veterinary Conference; and at the annual Fred Scott Feline Symposium. Dr. Richards was director of the Cornell Feline Health Center (1997–2007) and was past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Funds contributed to the Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund by his many friends and col-

Barry and Sylvia D’Aprix, N.J., in memory of Bubba, Roger, Miss Kitty, and Alvin Rachele DiTullio, Tex., in memory of Ziegen Draper Charitable Foundation, Conn. Verna L. Dutcher, Kans., in memory of Magee Sharon Ferguson, Calif. Barbara A. Flynn, N.Y., in memory of Bacall W. Gregory Gallagher, N.Y., in memory of Mick; Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Elizabeth Graves, Va. Nancy Gregorich and Bryan Talbert, Mich., feline health studies John Hinzelman and Tammy Gobert, N.Y., in memory of Puska James B. Hirsch, N.Y., in memory of Chester Ruth Hubbard, Fla., in memory of Christopher Christine E. Hutchins, N.Y., in memory of Timmy and Tully; in honor of Dewey and Cleanth

IBM Corporation, N.C. Dr. Timothy A. Kneen, Ohio Lisa Kole, N.Y., thanks to Dr. Christine Bellezza John, Marilyn, and Sami Kuray, Md., in honor of all of our cats, past and present Susan Joy Lacey, Fla., in memory of Louise Rosalie C. Levinson, Conn., in memory of Jade, Ming, Speckles, Little Guy, and Jasimine Audrey Lobdell, N.Y., in memory of Rosie Donald H. Lomb, N.Y. Margaret Lopata and Donald Cleveland, Calif. Gordon J. Louttit, Calif., in memory of Archie Alline Matheson, N.Y., in memory of Spook Wendy and Peter McAdams, Ohio, in memory of Harry Coombe House Katherine and Paul MacAvoy, N.H., in memory of Simon

Elizabeth McCrum, Ariz., Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Carol McKendry, Mich., in memory of Reva Smith Nancy McMullen, Minn., in memory of Socrates, the Selkirk Rex Sarah Medvitz, Fla., in memory of Tucker and Ali Anna Miklasinska, N.Y. Margaret Miles, N.C., in memory of Susan; in honor of Dr. Gerianne Pandolfi and staff of Four Oaks Pet Hospital James and Marian Mills, Pa., in memory of Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Joanne Miserandino, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Emily A. Nielsen, N.Y. Dr. Cecilia Artacho Oh, N.Y.
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leagues have been placed in an endowment fund at Cornell University, and the income from this fund will support these memorial lectures in perpetuity.
We can think of no finer way to support Dr. Richards’ passion for cats and for education than by making it possible, through these memorial lectures, for the leaders in feline medicine to share their newest and most pertinent knowledge directly with those veterinarians (and future veterinarians) working each day to improve the lives of cats everywhere.

Cat Writers’ Association Awards Presented
The Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) (www.catwriters.org/ index.html) is an organization of professionals who write, publish, and broadcast on the subject of cats. The late Dr. Jim Richards, Jr. (FHC director 1997–2007) was a devoted CWA member who helped many other members develop their writing skills. He created the Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award, which is presented at the CWA Annual Conference to the “highest-quality entry on the topic of technological

advances, research, new medical development, or innovations in feline veterinary medicine.” In 2007, CWA changed the name of the award to the Dr. Jim Richards/Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award to honor and remember Dr. Richards. The Feline Health Center is honored to continue offering this award through CWA each year.
The 2007 award was presented at the annual awards banquet held in San Mateo, California, on November 17, 2007. The winner was Arden Moore for “Feline DNA and You,” published in Catnip.

The 2008 award, presented at the annual awards banquet held in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 22, 2008, was presented to Dusty Rainbolt of Flower Mount, Texas, for her three excellent veterinaryrelated articles that appeared in her “Ask Einstein” articles on heartworms, lost cat, and panleukopenia. These articles can be viewed at www.stickypaws. com/info.cfm.
The Shojai Mentor Award, sponsored by past president Amy D. Shojai, “recognizes the CWA member who has offered guidance, encouraging council, support, or other help that has had a direct and positive influence on another’s writing/ publishing success.” The 2007 award was given posthumously to Dr. Jim Richards. Amy Shojai wrote: “For his entire career, he did everything he could to better the lives of cats and to educate the public and the veterinary world. He did so with patience and knowledge. He was a friend to many of us and the unanimous choice to receive this year’s award. Thanks to him, the world is a better place for cats—and people.”

Malcolm O. Partin, N.C. Patrice Molnar Picaut, Md., in memory of Czar Mikhail Barynishkot Linda Pivarnik, Mich., in memory of Hoagy and Bogie Ann Jones Ramsey, Conn., in memory of Little Cat Daly; Feline Health Center Scholarship Fund Richard N. Reciniello, N.Y., in memory of Maxine, Silver, and Anisette Lynn Regnery, N.C., in memory of Lick, Dolce, and Señor Florence and Paul Safran, Mo., in memory of Scamper, Tank, and Schizo; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Sandra L. Simpson, N.J. John W. Skooglund, Pa. Cathy A. Stawarski, Va., in memory of Patches
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Nancy H. Stetson, Va., in memory of Sammy Alyce A. Swartz, N.J., Sunday, Scooter, and Sundance Swartz Memorial Fund Joan Susha, N.Y., in honor of Sweet Pea Dr. Larissa Taylor, Maine, in memory of Kitikat Albert E. Vernon, IV, and Laura Geran, Ohio, in memory of Evita Dr. Tina Waltke, N.Y. Martha Withington, Conn., in memory of Davidson; in honor of Drs. Neal and Alice Marrinan and staff at Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital Dr. William E. Zitek, N.C.
$100–249 Margaret C. Abajian, Vt., in memory of Aussie Dr. George Abbott, N.Y. Adamstown Veterinary Hospital, Pa.

Melvin Adelman and Susan Hunsdon, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Ann H. Albin, Md., in memory of Sugar Elissa R. Allen, Va., in memory of Muffin Dr. Terry Flint Allen, N.Y. Elizabeth N. Allred, Mass. Sylvia Alston, Ill., in memory of Miss Sassafrass Leo M. Alves and Patricia A. Grove, N.Y., in memory of Pooh Cat, Jellicle Cat, and Tribble Cat The American School for the Deaf, Conn., in memory of Jack Friedland Susan L. Andersen, Ga. Helen T. Andrews, Ohio, in memory of Harry Coombe House Anonymous friend, Calif. Anonymous friend, Md., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Dr. James R. Ansley, Tex.

Resources for Cat People

Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Feline Consultation and Diagnostic Service

Named in honor of a beloved veterinarian, Louis J. Camuti (1894–1981), known affectionately to many as “the Cat Doctor,” this telephone consultation service provides individualized assistance to veterinarians and cat lovers. Dr. Camuti was the first veterinarian in the United States

to devote his entire practice to cats, making house calls for cats and their owners for more than 60 years.
A growing endowment supports the service, allowing the Cornell Feline Health Center’s consulting veterinarians to provide expert advice based on the most current information

available in feline medicine. The consulting veterinarians also serve as liaisons with the college’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Accurate diagnosis of diseases enables veterinarians to prescribe the most effective treatment for feline ailments.
1.800.KITTY.DR (1.800.548.8937)

Dr. Joanne Intile, Medical Oncology Resident/Consultant

Drs. Paul Maza, Marnie FitzMaurice, Carolyn McDaniel, and Christine Bellezza

John H. Arnold, Jr., Pa. John and Donna Baily, Conn. Gwendolyn A. Baker, Tenn., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Dr. Patricia E. Baker, N.Y, in memory of Sebastian Dr. Charles A. Baldwin, Jr., Ga. Jeffrey and Kim Baldwin, N.M., in memory of Rusty and Biff Paulette S. Barrett, N.Y., in memory of Mouche and Sophie Dr. and Mrs. Richard R. Basom, N.Y. Cynthia A. Bauer, Minn. Dr. and Mrs. Joshua Baum, N.Y. Mary H. Baum, Ohio, in memory of Stanley Vicki Behrens, Wisc., feline health studies Walter and Matilda Belley, N.Y., feline health studies

Dr. Beth Benson, N.Y., in memory of Linus Elizabeth Biddick, Mo., in memory of Pumpkin Dr. Diane R. Biederman-Brynda, N.Y. Dr. Judith A. Bigelow, N.Y., in memory of Tuvak Gus and Sue Billings, Tex. Charles and Joyce Biss, N.Y., in memory of Lucky Dr. Rita L. Blacker, Va. Dr. Don A. Boardman, Jr., N.Y. Cynthia M. Boatright, Ohio Leila Bonner, Ariz. Christine and Gary Borntrager, N.J., in ­memory of Midnight and Stinky Michael K. Bowman, N.Y., in memory of Elmo and Al John and Patricia Branch, La., in memory of Fuzz and Bozo

Ruth Ann Branoff, Ohio, feline health studies Carol S. Brewer, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Brooks, Ohio, in memory of Ally Veronica K. Brooks-Sigler, Conn., Feline Care Fund Nela Brown, Tex. Barbara Bruno, N.Y., in memory of Steven A. Tischler, DVM Jackie Burris, N.Y., in memory of Louis J. Burris; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Mary Trimble Cameron, N.C., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Gail C. Campbell, Minn., in memory of Maggie Nell Cant and Wellington, N.C., in memory of Corky Judith Carmany, Mass.
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20th Annual Fred Scott Feline Symposium

The 20th Annual Fred Scott Feline Symposium was held at the College of Veterinary Medicine on July 25–27, 2008, with more than 100 veterinarians attending from 14 states. 
This annual symposium is sponsored by the Cornell Feline Health Center and the Office of Continuing Education at the College of Veterinary Medicine. This year the symposium was dedicated to the late Dr. Jean Holzworth. Guest lecturers and feline topics presented during this year’s symposium included:
•	 Dr. Jane E. Brunt, CATalyst Council—“CATalyst for Change . . . for the Future of Cats!”
•	 Steve Dale, pet journalist—“Cats Are the Rodney Dangerfield of Pets”; “Brain Dead Fat Cats: Why We Must Enrich Our Cats’ Lives”; “Kitty K: A Kitten’s Brain Is a Terrible Thing to Waste— Socializing Kittens”

•	 Dr. Curtis W. Dewey, Cornell University—“Selected Neurological Disorders in Cats”
•	 Dr. Lynelle Johnson, University of California, Davis—“The Coughing Cat”; “Nasal Discharge and Sneezing in the Cat”; and “Management of Respiratory Diseases”
•	 Dr. Jodi Korich, Cornell University—“Partners in Animal Health: How Cornell’s New Educational Outreach Program Can Help Your Practice”
•	 Dr. David Maggs, University of California, Davis—“Feline Herpes Virus—Clinical Syndromes and Diagnostic Testing”
•	 Dr. John Parker, Cornell University—“Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus Update”

Feline Health Center Scholarship
Established in 1999 by an anonymous donor, the Feline Health Center Scholarship was created to provide assistance to deserving veterinary students who have a clear and demonstrated financial need, who have been judged by the faculty to be in good standing academically, and who demonstrate an interest in feline medicine. Preference is given to fourth-year veterinary students.
Lisa Bazzle, Class of 2010, vice president of Feline Club
“To a cat, a ‘friend’ is an earned title based on a pattern of patience, consistency in attitude, and sincerity of heart. By this measure, to be ‘chosen’ by a cat is to hold the attributes requisite in becoming not only a trusted veterinarian, but a good friend to man and animal alike.”
Hometown: White Plains, Maryland
Current companion animals: Her two apple-head siamese cats—they are 8 years old. One is a seal point female named Rainier, her brother is a blue point named Purna.
Cornell veterinarian who influenced studies: Bazzle says several Cornell vets have really inspired her and that she really looks up to them. In no particular order they are Dr. Hornbuckle, Dr. McEntee, and Dr. Bailey.
Favorite Cornell class or academic experience: While she enjoyed the physiology classes in Block III and the large animal surgery/medicine in Block V, she’s also really enjoyed all the bovine labs.
Career plans: To practice small-animal medicine somewhere out west.

Dr. Gail Caron, N.J., in memory of Tiz Patricia Carr, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Carroll, Mo. Dr. Francisco J. Casambre, Jr, N.J. Tracey and Tomas Cataldo, N.Y., in honor of Franklin Diana Cebrick, Del. Gilles Chappuis and Anne-Claire Gagnon, France Robert L. Claassen, Mo., in memory of Edna Maude Phares Sheila W. Clark, N.Y., in memory of Vinnie Anthony M. Clemente, N.Y., in memory of Furface Lawrence B. Cline, N.Y. Jane and Mark Coe, Mass. Eric E. Cohen, N.Y.
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Ruth M. Corbett, Conn., in memory of Figaro Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cornell, N.Y., in memory of Muffy Hood Catherine Coviello and Paulette Zappulla, in memory of T. K. and Fritz Sandra and Ian Craig, Canada, in memory of Pepper and Cory Diane and Charles Culpepper, Va., in memory of Sin Sin and Jim and Louise Culpepper Ernest Daher, Pa. Anita and Peter Dahlberg, N.Y., in memory of Sammy Richard Dalton, Md., in memory of Lois and Mewt Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Dannible, N.Y. John Datto, Calif. Peggy and Jim DeBerry, Tenn. Barbara A. Deboer, Pa.

Anne DeGeer, Canada Clayton DeKay, feline health studies/Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Jane C. Dent, N.J. Andree-Anne Desmedt, N.Y. Michael A. DeStefano, Jr., N.Y., in memory of Jingles Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, N.J. Katherine A. Dey, Va., in memory of Jason Martha J. Dodge, N.Y., in memory of Tiffany and Samantha Herbert Donaldson, Calif. Lorraine Donovan-Cosentino, N.J. Barbara Drogo, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Carol S. Duesi, Va. Jennifer L. Dziwak, N.Y., in memory of Little Boy

John and Fran-Lee Edwards, Wisc., in memory of Furby, Winter, and Blue Eyes; in honor of Sunshine and Callie Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, LLP, N.Y., in memory of Harry Coombe House Frances J. Elfenbein, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Emens, N.Y. Vicki Engard, Calif., feline health studies Dr. Julie Farnum, N.J., in memory of Elephant Natale Jami L. Farry, N.J., in memory of Blackie Ron Feathers, Ariz., in memory of Blue Rose M. Fiorenza, N.Y., in memory of Tiffany Martha Fischmeister, Fla., in memory of Toby and Samarui Debbie Fisher, Md. Marnie FitzMaurice-Cryer, N.Y., in memory of Smokey Miller

Ellen Fitzpatrick, Mass., in memory of Rufus Harris/Mitchell Marilynn Flynn, N.M., in memory of Tomasina, Darby, and India; in honor of Dr. J. Green and staff at Veterinary Medical Services Leona Foster, Mich., in memory of Taffy, Gwen, and Jake Fountain City Animal Hospital, Tenn., in memory of Smokey Joe Brown Dr. Christabel H. Frederick, Ill. Frances A. Frey, Fla., in memory of Dr. Mew and Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Larry Gabler, Colo. Marcel P. Gagnon, Mich., in memory of Clive Khare; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Gisela R. Gall, N.Y. James Gallagher and Joseph DeVoss, Ill., in memory of Sigmund and Daland

Dorothy Gardner, Mass., in honor of Earl (Jack) Iffland, Jr. Craig M. Garretson, Ariz., in memory of Mildred B. Garretson Barbara Garten, Mont., in memory of Harry Coombe House Gilbert and Nyra Gay, Jr., Ill., in memory of Samantha Patricia Giaccio, Pa., in memory of James Farrell; Feline Health Center Scholarship Fund Lois Gianneschi, Pa., in memory of Squeak Vrable Amy and Scott Gilbert, Ill. Gordon and Nikita Girvin, N.Y., in memory of Dusty Jennie Goad, Tenn. Gary W. Goldberg, Md., in eternal memory of Rusty and Junior
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Publications 
Client education brochures, which can be obtained from veterinarians or viewed online are developed by the Cornell Feline Health Center and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Current titles include Choosing and Caring for Your New Cat, Feeding Your Cat, Feline Behavior Problems (House Soiling, Aggression, Destructive Behavior), Feline Diabetes, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (revised in 2008), Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks, Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats, Hyperthyroidism in Cats, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, The Special Needs of the Senior Cat, Toxoplasmosis (revised in 2008), Vaccines and Sarcomas: A Concern for Cat Owners, and Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch from my Cat? To obtain a sample packet containing a copy of each brochure or to place an order, practitioners should call 607.253.3443.
www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/index.htm

Jessie D. and Denny W. Speidel Scholarship in Feline Medicine
This scholarship, established by Patricia S. Cope ’50 in honor of her parents, provides assistance to deserving, qualified veterinary students with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to third- or fourth-year students in good academic standing who show an interest in feline medicine and plan to pursue a career in the field. A related fund established by Ms. Cope supports the scholarship recipients by reimbursing the costs of their textbooks and supplies.
Samantha Collins, Class of 2009
“After earning my master’s in geology and working in environmental consulting for several years, my love of animals and need to have them be a full-time part of my life became all-encompassing, and I made the big jump back to veterinary medicine.”
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Current companion animals: Many! Her first cat, Galena, now 12; Button, a 5-year-old pastel tortoise-shell, one of Collins’s first foster kittens; Peggy, a 9-year-old tabby; and one dog, Tucker, a 5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog/Border Collie mix.
Cornell veterinarian who influenced studies: Dr. Kathy Makolinski from the Erie County SPCA in Buffalo. “Her tireless, unrelenting effort to help the homeless, feral, and underprivileged cats of western New York is inspiring,” Collins says. “She took me under her wing when I first started my volunteer work at the SPCA and opened my eyes to the needs of our feline friends.”
Favorite Cornell class or academic experience: “Junior surgery, where we get to do our first spay—for a shelter kitty,” she explains. “Not only was it so exciting to get to perform surgery, but for the first time we had a direct, significant impact on the life of a kitty rather than just book learning and taking exams. We play a role in getting her off the streets, ending her years of unnecessary pregnancies, and helping to find her a loving home.”
Career plans: An internship and a residency in small-animal surgery, with special emphasis in feline surgery. And to contribute her skills at local ­shelters and humane organizations involved with providing health and sterilization services to underprivileged and feral kitties.

Dolores D. Goodrich, Fla., in memory of John J. Goodrich Lauren E. Gordon, Ill. Jim and Kathy Gouldie, Utah, in memory of Harley Edward Gower, N.Y., in memory of Mrs. Win King; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Carol Grabowski-Davis, Wisc., in honor of Gilbert Mrs. Norman Greenauer, N.Y. Ekaterina A. Grimes, Va. Suzanne Grosso, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Guttman, Ill. Rose M. Harley, Md., in memory of Kitty Kat Dr. Dabney Hart, Va., in memory of Oliver J. Lynn and Shirley Hartford, Calif., in memory of Mr. Dickens
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Roger A. Haskins, Va., in memory of Magic Theresa A. Hastings, N.Y., in memory of Captain Kitt, Domino, and Pech Schwartz; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Debbie Heller, Ark., in memory of Skippy Jane Henle, Pa., Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Arlette Hernes, N.Y. Dr. Kenneth E. Herron, Calif. Marcia and Richard Hirsh, Ohio, in memory of Kylee Christine B. Hoff, N.Y. Janet M. Hoffman, Tex., in memory of Cecil Jerlene and James Holman, Calif., in memory of Joell Laura L. Holms, Va., in memory of Bubba Mary E. Horsman, N.Y. Marcia Hough, N.Y., in memory of Ashley

Susan Houriet, N.Y., in memory of Billy HourietPienciak Susan Hughes, Va. Gregory and Marilyn Hull, Calif., in memory of Ritalin Carla Hund, N.Y., in memory of Samantha and Smokey Pasquale and Amy Iannuzzi, Jr., Conn. De Ann W. Isackson, Wash., in memory of Fred Kathleen Jacklin, N.Y., in honor of Diva Lawrence Loren E. Jenkins, N.H. Mr. and Mrs. George L. Johnson, Ind., in memory of Margaret J. Anderson and her cats, Ming, Maus 1, Tigger, and Maus 2 Larry Johnson, Ore., in memory of Maxie Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Johnson, Mich. Peggy B. Johnson, W. Va., in memory of Leo

Myron E. Johnston, Jr., Va., in memory of Snoopy Berti S. Jones, N.Y. David and Beth Kagan, Pa., in memory of Twiggy Vanni/Brancaccio Elisabeth Kapteyn, Ill., in memory of Candide David A. Katz and Cecilia T. Absher, N.Y. Paula Kennedy, N.J., in memory of Pudd Kentuckiana Cat Club, Ky. Gerald and Jane King, Ariz., in honor of Jim and Joan Holloway Thomas and Mary Klein, N.J., in honor of Tiger and Parker Kathleen J. Kohler, Va., in memory of Tuxedo Kennis Koldewyn, N.Y., in memory of Nutmeg; in honor of Chuck and Dr. Carol Lockart, Alumni Fund contribution

Karen Kolling, R.I., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Irene Kopke, N.Y., in memory of Merlin Saul Korduner, Calif., in memory of Keaton KPMG LLG, Tex. Dr. David Krick, N.J. Dr. and Mrs. Arthur I. Kronfeld, N.Y. Scott Kronland and Eileen Goldsmith, Calif., in memory of Frady Alison Kruk, Va. Gail and Robert Kulikowsky, Tex. Robert and Evelyn Kurhajetz, Va. Patricia A. Lake, Mich. Wendy Lambrecht, Minn., in memory of Spitzy and Mousy Jackie and Bonnie Lambton, Wash., in ­memory of Hunk June R. Lanciani, Mass., feline health studies

Cindy Larson, R.I., in memory of Xena Frances LaSalle, Mass., in memory of PigPen Grossi Jack Lauren, N.Y., in memory of Mr. Wookie Nicole Ledoux and Larry Levy, N.J., William Ledoux Memorial Fund; in memory of Dr. James R. Richards, Jr.; in honor of Dr. Fred W. Scott, Cornell ’62 Judy Legeza and family, Conn. David Lenaburg and Cheryl Bard, Md. Melissa Lessard-York, Maine, in memory of George Roberta E. Litzinger, Nev. Becky and Vance Livingston, Md. Michelle M. Lowe, Ill., in memory of Punc, Spiff, and Buster Andrea R. Lurie, N.Y., in memory of Wendell R. Lurie
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Feline Health Topics for Veterinarians is a quarterly publication provided to veterinarians who are members of the Feline Health Center.
CatWatch, the Newsletter for Cat People,™ is available by subscription or free to members of the Feline Health Center. This monthly newsletter contains a wealth of useful information to help cat lovers keep their cats healthy and happy.

Jessie D. and Denny W. Speidel Scholarship in Feline Medicine
Amelia Knieper, Class of 2009
“Population control, especially of feral cats, has been a very important subject for me. My commitment was strengthened when I rescued my two cats as tiny feral kittens.”
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current companion animals: Figaro, a stylish grey domestic shorthair who loves tummy scratches and causing trouble, and Dot, a charming black domestic shorthair who loves wet food, chirping at birds, and cuddle time.
First interest in being a veterinarian: Knieper can’t remember a time when she did not want to be a veterinarian. As a child, she loved going to the vet’s office with her mother and she knew then that one day she would have the responsibility and joy of taking care of other people’s pets.
Specific interest in feline medicine: “It’s simple, I just love cats.”
Favorite Cornell class or academic experience: Since starting clinical rotations, Knieper has found it exciting to see her knowledge and acquired skills put to use. A sick cat was presented to her during her emergency rotation, and from his history and physical examination, she was able to diagnose a urethral obstruction. She was then able to plan and initiate treatment by stabilizing him and passing a urinary catheter to relieve the obstruction. Importantly, she was able to educate the owner about feline urinary disease and discuss preventative measures. This particular case highlighted Knieper’s growth in clinics and ability to manage all aspects of patient care, from diagnosis to client education.
Career plans: After graduation she hopes to join an exclusively feline practice so that she can focus her attention on her favorite clients. She intends to support local low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics as well as feral cat trap/neuter/release programs. “Eventually, I hope to run my own cat-only clinic and become a certified feline specialist,” she says, “so that I can provide cats with the very best medical attention.”

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lutz, N.Y., in memory of St. John and Felicity Kathryn Madden, N.Y., in memory of Sophia, Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Karen Manthey, Calif., in memory of Max and Petey LeClere Joan and Eugene Marshall, N.Y, in memory of Peaches and Pepper Shirley R. Martin, N.Y. Laurie Mass and Wild Woman Company, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Barbara A. Maxwell, Md. Rose and Vincent Maxwell, N.Y. Mary McAndrews, Wisc., in memory of Phoebe Atwood Taylor the Cat Bonnie and Michael McCoy, Md., in honor of Dr. Gayle Sternefeld, Cornell ’97
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Robert McCrae and Bill Newhall, Md., in honor of Dr. Michael Kaplan’s birthday Thomas McKee, N.Y., in memory of Pushkin and in honor of Dr. Mary Lee Keating Linda Merk, N.Y., in memory of Holly and Mandy Richard and Cheryl Metrick, N.Y. Anne Meyer, N.Y. Conrad and Phyllis Milster, N.Y., in memory of our cats Dr. Michael H. Milts, N.C. Steve and Linda Mitchell, Md. Julie Alicia Moentk and Dana Caldwell, Ariz., in memory of Cassio Nimitz Diane, Chiquita, and Lili Monet, N.Y., in ­memory of Mayflower Brocklesby Amy L. Mowrey, Md., in memory of Clancy; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Amy L. Moy, Ill.

Dr. David L. Moyer, Pa. Norm Mullen and Lisa Ullman, N.Y., in memory of Gypsy Katherine and Robert Munsey, Calif., in memory of Paco Jean G. Nicholas, Mich., in memory of Winston Anthony Nigrelli and Jean Riedlinger, D.C., in memory of Murphy Norfolk Southern Foundation, N.J. Nottingham Pet Clinic and Dr. Nancy Freeborough, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Dr. Edward J. Nowak, Vt., in memory of Sylvia Brigitta M. Ortner, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Ott, N.Y., in honor of Drs. Linda Atkins, Cornell ’91, and Patricia Collins and staff at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital Richard C. Pacco, Calif., in memory of Skittles

Anne Pace, Okla., in memory of Wiley Mr. and Mrs. William H. Pardoe, Tex. Marilynn Patzwald, Kans., in memory of Plumps and Trevor Peggy S. Payne, Mo. Linda Pelissier, N.J., in memory of Inky Herman Penner, Va., in memory of Leonardo Arlene Petty, N.J., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Deborah A. Pickett, N.Y., in honor of Dr. Susan Szczotka, Cornell ’87, and The Cat Doctor Staff Jennifer Podis, Fla., in memory of Clemens Mr. and Mrs. William R. Postman, Jr., N.J. David and Barbara Prado, Tex., in memory of Sheena and Roxie Danielle Prill, N.Y., in memory of Fuji, Mary, Willard, and Tyler Ernesta G. Procope, N.Y.

Jan Ralbovsky, N.Y., in memory of Moses, Mover, and Rosie Khela R. Ransier, Maine Rose and Harvey Rappaport, N.J. Beth Ratner, Ohio, in honor of Dr. Linda Schoenberg and Just Cats Hospital Dorothy Reciniello, N.Y., in memory of Maxine and Silver Terri L. Reicher, Md., in memory of Sasha Frances Rentz, Md. B. A. Rhodes, Calif., in memory of Muriel Rhodes, Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Annette Ritenour, Pa., in memory of Orphie; in honor of Dr. Sarah Maruschock The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, N.J. James and Barbara Roberts and family, N.Y., in memory of Shaughn Derry MacBloo

Susan M. Roberts, Minn. Jeffrey and Vivian Rodgers, Del., in honor of Lil’ P Rona S. Rosenberg, Ariz., in memory of Callie Pollard Dr. Jan Ella Rottenberg, N.J. Tim and Shelley Rueger, Tex., in honor of Colonel Mr. and Mrs. Keith Rumbel, Va. Louise B. Russell, N.J., in memory of Alice, Charlotte, Homer, and Ellie; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Ann P. Rutherford, Conn., in memory of Higgins Carole A. Sack, N.Y., feline health studies Judith Schaechter, Pa. Tanya rae Scheerer and Douglas Read, Calif., in memory of Claudia “Po” Scheerer-Read
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Videos on the Web Site
To help people provide basic home care for their cats, the Feline Health Center—in collaboration with the college’s Partners in Animal Health program— has developed a series of live-action videos that offer step-by-step instructions. The online videos are free and simple to use—they provide clear, easy-tounderstand explanations and animated details for a variety of topics popular with cat owners. To order DVD versions of the videos, please call 607.253.3443. The site currently includes videos about: •	 Cat Owner’s Guide to Kidney Disease •	 Pet Owner’s Guide to Cancer •	 Caring for Your Diabetic Cat •	 Home Care for Cats, includes:
Giving Your Cat a Pill or Capsule Giving Your Cat Liquid Medications Trimming Your Cat’s Claws Taking Your Cat’s Temperature Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu

Jessie D. and Denny W. Speidel Scholarship in Feline Medicine
Amanda Perkins, Class of 2009
“I’m interested in the dual nature of cats. While they are loving companions, they have, at heart, a resistant feral nature. I like the challenge of demystifying and embracing this ‘feralness’ for the sake of compassionate medicine.”
Hometown: Columbia, Mississippi
Current companion animals: Almost six years ago, she found a litter of kittens underneath a flower shop. She adopted Biddy, a charming Siamese, and her brother, Triska, solid black and timid.
First interest in being a veterinarian: Perkins says that she was the typical little girl who always knew that she should take care of the friends constantly at her feet. “Going deeper, though,” she explains, “I was exposed to the harsher side of the human-animal relationship, growing up in a society where the life of an animal often has little value. This eventually made me aware of the ethical and social complexities involved in veterinary medicine, and that, ultimately, is what drew me.”
Favorite Cornell class or academic experience: Professor Dwight Bowman taught her that parasitology is not only fascinating in its own right but is at the center of most controversies in the world. “I was enthralled by every lecture,” she says.
Career plans: To go straight into private practice in a feline-exclusive clinic, perhaps back home. “It’s a budding idea in the South, and I want to be part of its progress and help reclaim the value of the cat— or whatever creatures cross my path,” she explains.

Roger and Louisa Schlenker, Ga., in memory of Sweetie; in honor of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Lisa Schramm, N.Y., in honor of Angel Ann M. Segal, Calif., in memory of Samson Juknavorian Dr. Laura Gay Senk, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Lynda Sheldon, N.Y., in memory of MacTavish Dr. John B. Shumaker, Md., feline health studies Harvey Siegel and Christine Hoppus, N.Y. Dr. Carolyn R. Sikes, N.J., in memory of Christmas Nancy Slaybaugh, Pa., in memory of Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Barbara Smith, N.Y. Sheila A. Smith, N.Y.
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Gail Snowden and Leigh Snowden Trimmer, Mass., in memory of Phillie Priscilla A. Snyder, Pa., in memory of Snippet Kahn Patti Sopp, N.Y., in memory of Bartles and Jaymes Cyrus W. Spurlino, Fla. C. R. Starnes, III, N.Y. Jayne and Richard Steeg, Md., in honor of Dr. Teri White, Cornell ’85; in memory of Abby Ed and Susan Steiner, Ohio, in memory of Ramfus Brendle Dr. Gayle Sternefeld, Md. Janice Stewart, Wisc., in memory of Beau Shepard and Marlene Stone, Conn., in ­memory of Wilbur T.C. Stone Marce Strom, Wisc., in honor of the Feral Cats of River Meadows

B. Allison Suggs, Fla. Joan Sulewski, N.Y. James Sullivan, N.J, in memory of Mercy Tracey Swanson, Ariz, in memory of Muffin Norton Barbara E. Swarthout, N.Y., feline health ­studies Charles Sweeney, Calif. David and Nancy Swennes, Va., in memory of Jesse; in honor of Dr. Fern Slack Maleyne Syracuse and Michael Trenner, N.Y. Prof. Jean Marie Tardif, Canada Adrienne Tashjian, Mass., in memory of Shana; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Dr. Larissa Taylor, Maine, in honor of Kitikat; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Ethan Timothy and Ellen Smith, Va., in ­memory of Ms. Jane Rhine

Susan L. Tonjes, Tex., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Arthur Vega, Pa. Verizon Foundation, Mass. Patricia Viets, Md., in memory of Barney Dr. Brock H. Wagner, Ohio David Wagner, Pa. William B. Wagner, Conn. Don Coin Walrod, Oreg., in memory of Ida Walrod and Mischief; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund William and Susie Ward, Utah AnnaBell Washburn, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Waxman, Conn., in memory of Lucy Joyce and Harold Way, Kans., in memory of Jennifer Carol Weiser and Dean Oberholtzer, Pa.

Jerene Weitman, N.Y., in memory of Spencer Katelin Welles, Md., in memory of Dr. Richards and Dr. Mew; Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Arthur R. Westerfeld, N.Y. Kenneth S. Wieneke, Idaho, in honor of Susie and Max Ralph L. Wilgarde, Calif., in memory of Ernie F. Douglas Williams, Mass. Susan Williams, Ariz., in memory of Orca Mr. and Mrs. David Wilson, Vt., in memory of Junior Peter Wilson, N.Y. Rosanne Withington, N.Y., in memory of Davidson Foster J. Witthauer, N.M. G. Michael Woloch, Canada

Larry Wolper, N.J., in memory of Alfie and Smokey Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. Wood, N.Y. Dr. and Mrs. Morton Wood, Md. Daria L. Woodruff, Pa. George and Diane Wright, N.Y. Kent and Priscilla Yarnall, Conn., in memory of all cats everywhere Mr. and Mrs. Jay H. Yerka, N.Y., Dr. James R. Richards, Jr. Memorial Fund Jane Youngers, Tex. Robin J. Zee, Md., in memory of Tip Shirley M. Zeiner, Conn. Al Zimmerman, N.Y. Gail A. Zoerner, N.J., in memory of LuLu

15

Cats Rule T-shirt
You can help promote feline health with “Cats Rule” T-shirts from the Cornell Feline Health Center. Your purchase will benefit cats by providing financial resources to aid feline disease and vaccine studies. For information on ordering, go to www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/products.htm.

Jessie D. and Denny W. Speidel Scholarship in Feline Medicine
Melissa Turner, Class of 2010, president of Feline Club
“When I was very young my mother introduced me to trap-neuterrelease programs. I believe these early experiences led me to feel most at ease working with cats. I truly find cats medically fascinating and appreciate the enigmatic characteristics each cat possesses.”
Hometown: Melville, New York
Current companion animals: “Oscar, my amazing and quirky fiveyear-old domestic short hair. Two new additions are my Wyandotte chickens, Florence and Sylvia, who are masters of egg-laying.”
Cornell veterinarian who influenced studies: Turner says there are too many to choose from. The first veterinarian she worked with, Dr. Susanne Fischman, taught her the importance of compassion in veterinary medicine and was a continuing source of motivation before she came to Cornell. Here at Cornell, Dr. Paul Maza always encouraged Turner’s enthusiasm for feline medicine and has, on numerous occasions, shown her the importance of confidence as well as maintaining a sense of humor.
Favorite Cornell class or academic experience: Turner’s favorite experiences have always been hands-on work such as volunteering at Southside, working with Shelter Outreach Services, and all of the Block VII labs. For her, the most memorable lab was the feline physical exam and restraint Block VII lab. She values the “less is more” restraint method emphasized in that lab and feels that, although sometimes overlooked, it really is an integral part of keeping the stress level of feline patients to a minimum and maximizing the accuracy of the physical exam.
Career plans: After graduation, Turner plans to go into feline practice and eventually become certified as a feline specialist. However, she says, her other passion is conservation medicine, so she also hopes to become involved with wild felid conservation programs.

Memorial Program Participants July 1, 2007–June 30, 2008
We are pleased to express our thanks to the veterinarians and animal hospitals represented here for their participation and support of the Cornell Feline Health Center’s Memorial Program for Cats. To learn more about becoming actively involved in this valuable program and enhance client-veterinary relations, please call 607.253.3414.
Honoring Those Who Gave $500 or More A Cat Clinic—Germantown, Md. Albuquerque Cat Clinic, Inc.—Albuquerque, N.M. All Cats Hospital, P.A.—Largo, Fla. Animal Hospital of Pittsford, P.C.—Rochester, N.Y.
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Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital—Brooklyn, N.Y. Aspetuck Animal Hospital, LLC—Marbledale, Conn. Bolton Veterinary Hospital, P.C.—Bolton, Conn. Brook Farm Veterinary Center—Patterson, N.Y. Dr. Andrew Burnett—Sparks, Nev. Capital Cat Clinic—Arlington, Va. Dr. Kathy Carlson—Tyler, Tex. Cat Care Clinic—Orange, Calif. Cat Care Clinic, Ltd.—Madison, Wisc. Cat Care Clinic of Ormond Beach, Inc.— Ormond Beach, Fla. Cat Care Hospital, P.C.—Greensboro, N.C. Cat Care, P.C.—Rochester Hills, Mich. Cat Clinic of Greensboro, P.A.—Greensboro, N.C. Cat Doctor—Endicott, N.Y.

Cat Doctor, Inc.—Atlanta, Ga. Cat Doctor, S.C.—Milwaukee, Wisc. Cat Hospital at Towson, LLC—Baltimore, Md. Cat Hospital of Chicago, P.C.—Chicago, Ill. Cat Hospital of Philadelphia—Philadelphia, Pa. Cat Practice, P.C.—Birmingham, Mich. Cats Exclusive Veterinary Center, P. S.— Shoreline, Wash. Cats Limited Veterinary Hospital, P.C.—West Hartford, Conn. Cats Love Housecalls—Austin, Tex. Cats Only Veterinary Clinic—Columbus, Ohio Cats Only Veterinary Hospital, Inc.—Mount Pleasant, S.C. Centreville Animal Hospital—Centreville, Va. Chico Hospital for Cats—Chico, Calif. Chippens Hill Veterinary Hospital LLC— Bristol, Conn.

Dr. John Clauss—Orchard Park, N.Y. Coast Cat Clinic, Ltd.—Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada Dr. Steven Cohen—Fairfax, Va. Community Veterinary Hospital, P.C.— Mamaroneck, N.Y. Dr. John DeVerna—Stony Brook, N.Y. Dongan Hills Veterinary Practice—Staten Island, N.Y. Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic— Doylestown, Pa. East Meadow Animal Hospital, Inc.—East Meadow, N.Y. Exclusively Cats Veterinary Hospital— Medford, N.J. Feline Health—New York, N.Y. Dr. Jeffrey French—Gloucester, Mass. Georgetown Veterinary Hospital—Georgetown, Conn.

Dr. Edward Gschrey—Rochester, N.Y. Harlingen Veterinary Clinic—Belle Mead, N.J. Dr. Mark Helfat—Mount Laurel, N.J. Dr. William H. Herbold—West Islip, N.Y. Kingstowne Cat Clinic—Alexandria, Va. Kitty Clinic—Clinton Township, Mich. Dr. Jane Liller—Savannah, Ga. Linwood Animal Hospital—Lowell, Mass. Manhattan Cat Specialists, Inc.—New York, N.Y. Matawan Animal Hospital—Matawan, N.J. Mattapoisett Animal Hospital, Inc.— Mattapoisett, Mass. Meadowridge Veterinary Hospital, P.C.— Groton, N.Y. Metro Cat Hospital—Brookline, Mass. Moriches Hospital for Animals Center— Moriches, N.Y.

Morrisville Cat Hospital—Morrisville, N.C. Nashville Cat Clinic, Inc.—Nashville, Tenn. Dr. John Nordwall—Chicago, Ill. North Windham Animal Hospital—North Windham, Conn. Oradell Animal Hospital, Inc.—Paramus, N.J. Rockledge Veterinary Clinic—Rockledge, Pa. Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital—Granby, Conn. Saugerties Animal Hospital—Saugerties, N.Y. Dr. Rebecca Seacord—Salisbury, Md. Stafford Veterinary Hospital—Westlake Village, Calif. Star Meadow Animal Clinic—Farmington, Conn. Suffield Veterinary Hospital—Suffield, Conn. Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego— San Diego, Calif.
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Bequests and Special Gifts

“Mother of Feline Medicine” Leaves Bequest to Feline Health Center

The Feline Health Center (FHC) is the recipient of an approximately $2.8 million bequest from the estate of the late Dr. Jean Holzworth, Cornell DVM class of 1950. This gift establishes the Holzworth Fund to support “clinical study and treatment of naturally occurring diseases of domestic cats.” Annual income from this endowment will enable the center to support clinical investigations on the causes and treatments of diseases of cats in line with its mission “to improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere.”
Jean Holzworth was born March 26, 1915, in Port Chester, New York. She grew up on a “gentleman’s farm” by beauti-

ful Lake Waramaug in New Preston, Connecticut, with animals of all sorts, including cattle and many cats. In retirement, she returned to live by Lake Waramaug, where she died at home on January 13, 2007, at the age of 91, with her favorite opera playing and Zoë, her favorite 19-year-old cat, by her side.
Dr. Holzworth attended Greenwich Academy in Greenwich, Connnecticut, and Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, where she received degrees of A.B. (1936), M.A., and Ph.D. (1940) in Latin. In the early 1940s, she taught classics at Mount Holyoke College.
From Classics to Cats The deaths of so many of her faithful feline friends during her growing-up years, and finally the death of one special cat in 1943 due to panleukopenia, turned Dr. Holzworth toward veterinary medicine. She obtained her necessary pre­ veterinary training, then applied to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, where she was accepted into the class of 1950 as the only woman

in her class. Dr. Holzworth received the Borden Award, a national award presented at each veterinary college for the veterinary student that has the highest academic grade. Her reason for becoming a veterinarian from the get-go was the “humble cat.” Immediately after graduation from Cornell in 1950, Dr. Holzworth joined the Massachusetts S.P.C.A. Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston as an intern. She joined the staff at Angell in 1951 and practiced feline internal medicine throughout her 36-year professional career there until her retirement in 1986.
Dr. Holzworth’s favorite cat, Zoë

Feline Veterinarian Extraordinaire
At Angell, Dr. Holzworth quickly became the preemptive authority in the world on feline diseases and feline medicine and continued in that role throughout her professional career. Dr. Holzworth became the voice of, and the advocate for, feline medicine.
Over the years Dr. Holzworth trained many interns at Angell and transmitted to them a thorough knowledge and love of feline medicine. Many veterinary colleges today are staffed by senior clinicians that obtained their feline expertise under Dr. Holzworth’s tutelage.
Dr. Holzworth was the first to describe the fatal disease of cats now called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which she initially called “chronic fibrinous peritonitis.” She was one of the first to describe hyperthyroidism in cats. She published outstanding original case reports on such diseases as toxoplasmosis, steatitis or yellow fat disease, trichinosis, diabetes, cryptococcosis, and various forms of leukemia. She published reviews of various

diseases of cats, always summarizing exquisitely all known literature about that disease.
Diseases of the Cat: Medicine and Surgery Early in her career, Dr. Holzworth decided that “cats deserved a serious book to themselves” and she set out with the encouragement of her colleagues to write Diseases of the Cat: Medicine and Surgery. She was a perfectionist, and wanted this book to be complete, up to date, and the best authoritative reference on feline medicine. But in her words in the preface, “As fast as I completed a draft, however, it was outstripped by the torrent of research and clinical reports of which my favorite ­species increasingly became the subject. Ultimately I realized that only a band of specialists could handle the project, and I

became, as well as author, the editor of a collaborative text.” Dr. Donald Patterson wrote in the foreword to Diseases of the Cat, “this work will long stand as the definitive written word on medicine and surgery of the cat.”
Strong Supporter of the FHC Dr. Holzworth was recognized by various professional societies with awards such as “Veterinarian of the Year” by the American Animal Hospital Association in 1960, and “Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year” by the Association of Women Veterinarians in 1991. The late Dr. Jim Richards, Jr., former director of the FHC, dedicated a book on feline medicine to her as “a lifelong devotee of cats and a veterinarian of immeasurable importance to feline medicine.”

Dr. Holzworth was a strong supporter of Cornell and the FHC. She strongly encouraged the formation of the center in the early 1970s and continued to be an encourager over the years.
She wanted the center to “improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere,” as she had tried to do during her professional career. For several years, Dr. Holzworth served on the Feline Advisory Council of the FHC. Her input at the meetings was always insightful and profound. Teaming with the late Dr. Barbara Stein of Chicago, the center had the best two feline practitioners in the country as members of this council. Dr. Holzworth donated most of her extensive collection of books and papers on cats to the FHC.

“Jean Holzworth was at Angell
Memorial Hospital in Boston during the time that I was observing as vice president of MSPCA in charge of all of the hospitals. At this stage of her career she was attempting to finish her book on feline diseases. Jean was a highly respected authority on feline medicine, and the clinicians would frequently seek her opinion on a debatable case. Eventually Jean had to remove herself from the active staff to try and keep her book current with the rapid changes occurring in feline medicine. Her demanding nature of being absolutely perfect caused problems with her attempts to finish her book. Eventually she divorced herself from clinical medicine and moved back to her home in New Preston, Connecticut, to complete her text.
Jean was a very interesting person to be around because of her broad experience and education. My wife
”and I had many pleasant social con-
tacts with her.
— George Abbott, Cornell ‘45

A pictorial history of the first four months of Boo Boo, who “owns” Dr. Mark Frolick.

Dr. Alvin Vogel—White Plains, N.Y. West Chelsea Veterinary—New York, N.Y. Dr. Andrew Williamson—Saint Thomas, V.I. Winsted Hospital for Animals, P.C.— Barkhamsted, Conn. Dr. Michael Woltz—Scarsdale, N.Y. Woodhaven Veterinary Clinic, Inc., P.S.— Edmonds, Wash. Dr. James Zgoda—Campbell Hall, N.Y.
$300–499 Adirondack Animal Hospital—Glens Falls, N.Y. Animal General, LLC—Avon, Conn. Animal Hospital of Greenwich—Stamford, Conn. Baldwin Harbor Animal Hospital, P.C.— Baldwin, N.Y. Brevard Feline Medical Practice, Inc.— Rockledge, Fla.
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Cat Care Hospital—West Chester, Ohio Cat Clinic of Orange County—Costa Mesa, Calif. Cat Doctor—Columbus, Ohio Cat Doctor, Inc.—Fort Myers, Fla. Cat Hospital of Petaluma, Inc.—Petaluma, Calif. Cat Practice, LLC—Oak Park, Ill. Cats Only Veterinary Clinic, PLLC—Norman, Okla. Center for Feline Medicine & Surgery, Inc.— Stone Mountain, Ga. Companion Animal Hospital—Groton, Conn. Cosmic Cat Veterinary Clinic—Branford, Conn. Easthampton Animal Hospital—Easthampton, Mass. Gardens Veterinary Hospital—Cranberry Township, Pa.

Gearhart Veterinary Hospital—Pleasant Valley, N.Y. Dr. Bruce Hoskins—Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Dr. Linda Jacobson—Brooklyn, N.Y. Layhill Animal Hospital—Silver Spring, Md. Manchester Veterinary Clinic, Inc.— Manchester, Conn. Manheim Pike Veterinary Hospital, Inc.— Lancaster, Pa. Mayfair Animal Hospital—Cary, N.C. Milford Animal Hospital, P.C.—Milford, Conn. Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center— Gainesville, Fla. Montrose Animal Health Center—Fairfax, Va. Park Ridge Animal Hospital, P.A.—Park Ridge, N.J. Ridge Animal Hospital, LLP—Middleport, N.Y. Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital, PLLC—Rye, N.Y.

Sakonnet Veterinary Hospital—Tiverton, R.I. Schulhof Animal Hospital, LLC—Westport, Conn. Scott, Henry, & Rosen, P.C.—Deer Park, N.Y. Shrewsbury Animal Hospital—Tinton Falls, N.J. Somers Animal Hospital—Somers, N.Y. University Animal Hospital—Uniondale, N.Y. University Drive Veterinary Hospital—State College, Pa. Veterinary Internal Medicine—Newtonsville, Ohio Vienna Animal Hospital, Inc.—Vienna, Va. Westside Hospital for Cats, Inc.—Los Angeles, Calif.
$200–299 All Cats Healthcare Clinic, P.A.—Gainesville, Fla. All Creatures Veterinary Hospital—Seneca Falls, N.Y.

Animal Care Center of Sonoma County— Rohnert Park, Calif. Animal Hospitable Veterinary Clinic— Williamsville, N.Y. Animal Hospital of Kent—Carmel, N.Y. Bayshore Animal Hospital—Port Orange, Fla. Brockton Animal Hospital—Brockton, Mass. Burlington Veterinary Center, Inc.—Burlington, Conn. Burrstone Animal Hospital, P.C.—New Hartford, N.Y. Cat Hospital of Portland—Chico, Calif. Clark Animal Care Center, LLP—Penfield, N.Y. Clays Mill Veterinary Clinic, Inc.—Lexington, Ky. Coastal Cats Feline Health Care—York, Maine Eagle Animal Hospital—Chester Springs, Pa. Erie Animal Hospital, P.C.—Erie, Colo.

Estates Animal Hospital, P.C.—Jamaica Estates, N.Y. Fairfield Veterinary Hospital, LLC—Fairfield, Conn. For Cats Only, Inc.—West Palm Beach, Fla. Godspeed Animal Care—Williamsburg, Va. Goshen Animal Clinic, LLC—Gaithersburg, Md. Greenwich Animal Hospital, P.C.—Greenwich, Conn. Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital PLLC— Hartsdale, N.Y. Hemingway Cat Hospital—Saratoga, Calif. Holden Veterinary Clinic—Holden, Mass. Dr. James Jorgenson—Vernon Hills, Ill. Dr. Mary Keating—New York, N.Y. Manlius Veterinary Hospital—Manlius, N.Y. Marsh Hospital for Animals—Verona, N.J. Dr. Alan S. Meyer—Mount Vernon, N.Y.
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Feline Clinical Fellow
The Clinical Fellows Program, a new program in 2008 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, is intended to provide excellent research training for veterinarians who have completed a residency program and who intend to become academic clinicians. One of these fellowships is funded in part by the Feline Health Center through the Jean Holzworth Fund, which supports feline clinical research. Dr. Kelly R. Hume was selected as the first feline clinical fellow.
Dr. Hume developed an interest in feline medicine while caring for feline blood donors at the Veterinary Medical

Teaching Hospital of the University of Wisconsin– Madison. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in animal science, she attended the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. As a veterinary student, she was active in the college’s trap-neuterreturn program for feral cats and assisted with veterinary healthcare at the local humane society. After graduation, she completed a rotating internship and a specialty internship in oncology at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital. More recently, she became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Oncology, after complet-

ing a three-year medical oncology residency at North Carolina State University. She is currently working in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Weiss, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, investigating how cell cycle checkpoint proteins impact tumor progression and resistance to cancer therapeutics. As part of her appointment, she also spends time working with the Oncology Service at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Dr. Hume plans to use the skills gained during the fellowship to direct clinical and translational research studies focused on improving the treatment and quality of life of veterinary cancer patients.

Hogan Bequest
In 2008, the Feline Health Center received a bequest of $125,000 from the estate of the late Rhoda A. Hogan of Durham, New Hampshire. Mrs. Hogan designated in her estate support for several animal welfare organizations, but specifically wanted the public to be educated about declawing. At the request of the attorney handling the estate, the Feline Health Center, partnering with the Cornell Partners in Animal Health Program, submitted a proposal to produce an educational video and other written material to educate veterinarians and cat owners about methods to produce behavioral modifications of cats that will reduce the need for declawing. The court awarded this part of the estate to the Feline Health Center, and the video and educational material are currently under development.

Dr. Kelly R. Hume

Milford Animal Hospital—Milford, Pa. Mt. Holly Animal Hospital, P.C.—Mount Holly, N.J. Nanuet Animal Hospital—Nanuet, N.Y. Parkview Cat Clinic—Mendota Heights, Minn. Rye Neck Veterinary Hospital, PLLC— Mamaroneck, N.Y. Dr. Alan Schreier—Pleasantville, N.Y. Dr. Peter Soboroff—New York, N.Y. Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center—Sunnyside, N.Y. Dr. Alan Tausz—Ithaca, N.Y. Dr. Marilyn Thompson—Fairfax, Va. West Park Veterinary Services—Houma, La. Windsor Veterinary Clinic —Windsor, Maine

$100–199 A Country Cat House—Miami, Fla. Amherst Veterinary Hospital—Monroe, Va. Animal General—Edgewater, N.J. Animal Hospital of Walnut—Walnut, Calif. Animal Medical of New City, P.C.—New City, N.Y. Ardda Animal Hospital—Rochester, N.Y. Arlington South Veterinary Hospital— Arlington, Tex. Dr. Eric Averill—East Bridgewater, Mass. Bay Hill Cat Hospital—Orlando, Fla. Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital, Inc.—Berkeley, Calif. Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital, P.C.—Ithaca, N.Y. Cat Clinic of Plymouth, LLC—Plymouth, Mass. Cat Hospital of Durham–Chapel Hill, Durham, N.C.

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Dr. Renee Chrest—Timonium, Md. Clarkson Veterinary Hospital—Brockport, N.Y. Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic—Cobleskill, N.Y. College Point Animal Hospital—College Point, N.Y. Dr. Patricia Collins—Valley Cottage, N.Y. Completely Cat Clinic, P.C.—Omaha, Nebr. Country Cat Clinic, TVC—Plymouth, Mich. Delmar Veterinary Associates, P.C.—Delmar, N.Y. Eagle Rock Veterinary Hospital, LLC—West Orange, N.J. East Valley Animal Clinic—Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview Veterinary Clinic, P.C.—Penn Yan, N.Y. Farmington Veterinary Clinic—Farmington, Maine Flower Valley Veterinary Clinic—Rockville, Md. Glen Animal Hospital—Sea Cliff, N.Y. Dr. Robert Henrickson—Manhasset, N.Y.

The Clara L. D. Jeffery Trust Gift
The Clara L. D. Jeffery Trust has generously supported the Feline Health Center for the past several years, and in 2008, this trust provided a gift of $25,000 to improve the FHC web site. This web page currently receives about 2,000 hits per day from individuals throughout the world seeking specific information about cat health. During 2008, we investigated several possible approaches to make this web site the best source of all information feline, and decided to move to “Adobe Contribute.” This web content management software will enable the FHC staff to collaboratively author, review, and publish web content while maintaining site integrity—without learning HTML. We thank the Jeffery Trust for making this possible, and we look forward with great expectation to the launching of the new format in the near future.

Cynthia and Sholly Kagan Gift
In 2008, Cynthia and Sholly Kagan provided a special gift of $50,000 to the Feline Health Center. For many years, Cynthia had interacted with Dr. Richards and Dr. Bellezza through the Camuti Consultation Service about their precious Tonkinese cat, Taj, and a special relationship developed over time. In early 2008, Taj, now 18 years old, developed additional complications and needed a detailed workup. After many calls and e-mails from their winter home in Utah to the FHC as we monitored Taj’s condition, arrangements were made to have them come to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) for this complete workup. The workup was done, a diagnosis was obtained, and special medications were provided. We are happy to report that as of this writing Taj is doing well. These photographs show Taj, Cynthia, and Sholly during their visit to the CUHA. The FHC expresses sincere appreciation for the financial support provided by the Kagans.

Hillsborough Veterinary Hospital— Hillsborough, N.J. Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center— Bedford Hills, N.Y. Kitty’s Doctor, PLLC—Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. Lums Pond Animal Hospital—Bear, Del. Main Street Cat Hospital—Elmsford, N.Y. Manetto Hill Animal Clinic, P.C.—Plainview, N.Y. Dr. Robert Marrazzo—Palm Harbor, Fla. Dr. Alexander Miller—New York, N.Y. Monticello Animal Hospital—Monticello, N.Y. New England Cat Care, LLC—Woodbridge, Conn. North Country Veterinary Services—Pulaski, N.Y. Northern Tier Veterinary Clinic, Inc.— Knoxville, Pa. Oro Valley Pet Clinic—Oro Valley, Ariz.

Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital— Middletown, Conn. Dr. Raymond Pray—Batavia, N.Y. Dr. Franklin Rapp—Schenectady, N.Y. Dr. Leigh Anne Reed—Tinton Falls, N.J. Dr. Kelly Regan—West St. Paul, Minn. Roanoke Animal Hospital—Roanoke, Va. Dr. Ronald Scharf—Niskayuna, N.Y. Somers Point Veterinary Hospital—Somers Point, N.J. Southwick Animal Hospital, Inc.— Southwick, Mass. Springville Animal Hospital, P.C.— Springville, N.Y. St. Francis Animal Clinic, Inc.—South Attleboro, Mass. Storybook Farm Veterinary Hospital—Victor, N.Y. Sunnyside Animal Clinic—Sunnyside, N.Y. Dr. Carol Tice—Morrisville, N.C.

Veterinary Oncology & Referral Clinic— Milford, Ohio Viking Community Animal Hospital, Inc.— North Canton, Ohio Visiting Vet—Williamston, Mich. Wantagh Animal Hospital, P.C.—Wantagh, N.Y. Weymouth Landing Cat Clinic & Hotel— Weymouth, Mass. Woodbury Animal Hospital, P.C.— Woodbury, N.Y. Wright’s Corners Animal Care Center— Lockport, N.Y. Dr. Harold Zweighaft—New York, N.Y. Up to $100 A & A Veterinary Hospital, Inc.—Franklin Square, N.Y. Allenwood Animal Hospital—Allenwood, N.J.
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Financial Overview

Fiscal Year 2008 Expenses
Consultation Service	 Operations: Administrative	 Travel	 Outreach/Education	 Operations: Infrastructure	 Research	 Total Expenses	

$129,104 $182,793
$3,504 $190,956
$78,738 $69,195 $654,290

Fiscal Year 2008 Revenues
Gifts and Memorial Program	 Outreach/Education Program Funds	 Endowment and Similar Funds	 Investment Income	 Royalty Funds	 Total Revenues	

$428,628 $186,384 $118,957 $40,335
$3,300 $777,604

Note: In July 2008 (fiscal year 2009), the FHC received a partial distribution of $1,000,000 from the estate of Dr. Jean Holzworth. The final bequest to the FHC is expected to be somewhat in excess of $2,800,000 once the estate is settled. These bequest funds have been placed into Cornell University endowment funds, and the income from this Holzworth Fund will be used to fund clinical feline research. (See page 18 for more information.)

Consultation Service 20% Operations: Administrative 28% Travel 1% outreach/EDUCATION 28% Operations: Infrastructure 12% Research 11%
Gifts AND Memorial Program 56% Outreach/Education Program Funds 24% Endowment AND Similar funds 15% Investment Income 5% Royalty Funds 1%

Feline Health Center Staff

Administration Dr. Fred W. Scott, Interim Director Michael S. Lenetsky, Administrative Manager
Support Team Kathleen M. Mospan, Administrator for Consultation and Member Services (607.253.3093) (1.800.KITTYDR) Donald K. Personius, Communications Coordinator/Administrator for Feline “In Memoriam” Program for Clinics and Hospitals (607.253.3414) Pamela E. Sackett, Coordinator for Client Education Brochures, Sales, and Mailing Services (607.253.3443) Sheryl A. Thomas, Assistant to the Director/Administrator for Charitable Gifts and Planned Giving (607.253.3001)
Mascot Elizabeth, a.k.a. “Queen Elizabeth,” Official Office Greeter

Fred, Michael, Kathy, and Don

Pam, Sheryl, and Elizabeth

Animal Medical Centre of Greensboro— Greensboro, N.C. Animal Medical Clinic, Ltd.—Rockford, Ill. Animal Medicine & Surgery of Little Neck— Little Neck, N.Y. Ansonia Veterinary Center, P.C.—New York, N.Y. Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic—Fairfax, Vt. AVH Veterinary Group, LLP—Pen Argyl, Pa. Baker House Animal Hospital—Morrow, Ohio Baldwin Animal Hospital–Bird Clinic, Baldwin, N.Y. Dr. Marilyn Barcroft—Sandusky, Ohio Bellerose Animal Hospital—Bellerose, N.Y. Dr. Stacy Benton-Mansfield—Cape Elizabeth, Maine Blair Animal Hospital—Duncansville, Pa.

Blue Cross Animal Hospital, P.C.—Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Nina Caires—Albany, N.Y. Carolina Cat Clinic—Gastonia, N.C. Cassidy Animal Care, P.C.—Pompton Plains, N.J. Cat Clinic of Chattanooga–Chattanooga, Tenn. Cat Doctors—Penfield, N.Y. Cat Practice, Ltd.—Berwyn, Ill. Cat Sense Feline Hospital & Boarding—Bel Air, Md. Champlain Valley Veterinary Services— Plattsburgh, N.Y. Dr. Eric Christensen—New Providence, N.J. Civic Feline Clinic—Walnut Creek, Calif. Countryside Animal Clinic—Carol Stream, Ill. Dr. Nikki Crandall-Seibert—Loves Park, Ill.

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Cuevas DVM Associates, P.A.—South Miami, Fla. Dr. Paula Cutcomb—Barkhamsted, Conn. Drs. Eileen and Scott Dalton—Riverview, Fla. Dr. Karen DeAngelis—Yorktown, Va. Delphos Animal Hospital, Inc.—Delphos, Ohio Dr. Lynda Duckett—Waynesboro, Va. East Hilliard Veterinary Services—Hilliard, Ohio Feline Medical Center, LLC—Red Bank, N.J. Felton Veterinary Services, PLLC—Brooklyn, N.Y. Dr. Jean Ferreri—New York, N.Y. Five Corners Animal Hospital—Orchard Park, N.Y. Four Paws of Palm Beach, LLC—West Palm Beach, Fla. Fox Valley Cat Clinic, LLC—Menasha, Wisc.

German Flatts Veterinary Clinic—Ilion, N.Y. Dr. Jessica Gibson—Monrovia, Calif. Glenelg Animal Hospital, Inc.—Cooksville, Md. Dr. Grant Gugisberg—Mendota Heights, Minn. Dr. Jennifer Gummo-Wagner—Cottonwood, Ariz. Dr. George Hahn—Jeffersonville, N.Y. Dr. Emi Hayashi—Yonkers, N.Y. Dr. Raymond Hayes—Ossining, N.Y. Highland Animal Hospital, P.C.—Central Square, N.Y. Dr. Bonnie Hileman—Gaithersburg, Md. Dr. Susan Holland—Wilmington, N.C. Homer Veterinary Clinic—Homer, Alaska Huntington Animal Hospital—Huntington Station, N.Y. Dr. Amy Hurd—Seekonk, Mass. Just Cats Veterinary Clinic—Guilderland, N.Y.

Kensington Veterinary Hospital—San Diego, Calif. Dr. Elizabeth Knighton—Philadelphia, Pa. Kona Animal Care, Inc.—Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Dr. Richard Koven—Stamford, Conn. Dr. Tracy Kroll—Fair Lawn, N.J. Dr. Lynda Lanning—Clarksburg, Md. Dr. JoAnne Leja—Westfield, Mass. Lexington Animal Hospital—Lexington, Va. Dr. Rebecca Lorig—Morris Plains, N.J. Lyndon Veterinary Clinic, PLLC—Fayetteville, N.Y. Dr. Amy Lynn—Farmington Hills, Mich. Medway Animal Hospital—Medway, Mass. Middle River Veterinary Hospital—Verona, Va. Middletown Veterinary Hospital— Middletown, Conn.

Millwood Animal Hospital, Ltd.—Millwood, N.Y. New Milford Animal Hospital—New Milford, Conn. Northland Cat Clinic—Kansas City, Mo. North Paws Veterinary Center—Greenville, R.I. North Shore Animal Hospital, Inc.—Bayside, N.Y. Norwichtown Veterinary Hospital—Norwich, Conn. Oneida Animal Hospital—Oneida, N.Y. Dr. James Palmer—De Pere, Wisc. Parkside Veterinary Associates, P.C.— Hingham, Mass. Patchogue Animal Hospital—Patchogue, N.Y. Pet Partners of Orlando, LLC—Orlando, Fla.

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"The cat is above all things, a dramatist."­
— Margaret Benson

Elizabeth’s Wish List
Our feline ambassador, Elizabeth, has worked with our staff to develop this list of ideas for those friends who would like to designate a specific gift to support the work of the center. These suggestions represent some of our needs and wishes —we welcome all gifts, large or small, in the name of feline health. At this time of financial volatility in our nation and state, your gifts are especially important to help continue the fine work done by the Feline Health Center and its partners within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Establish an endowment: •	 Feline Health Center directorship:
$2,000,000 •	 Residency in feline medicine: $900,000
Direct a gift to help fund: •	 Feline Health Center Scholarship fund
for vet students: any amount •	 Specialized clinical training of a feline
medical resident (cost is $75,000 per year): any amount •	 Grants for feline health studies (annual costs per study are $1,000 to $20,000 and more): any amount •	 Feline Care Fund, for clinical treatment of indigent cats at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals: $500 (supports the treatment of one cat) •	 Miniature 24-hour electrocardiographic monitor for feline patients with heart disease at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. The monitor will be accessible to veterinarians in the field for cats that have heart disease: $2,500 •	 PCR machine to help detect cancers involving lymphocytes in cats (lymphoma or leukemia) and to monitor response to treatment. $4,600

•	 Gait analysis system for diagnosing lameness in cats. This system will aid the Cornell Comparative Medicine Pain Program with the management and treatment of cases associated with feline pain and suffering. $5,400
•	 Assorted gastrointestinal endoscopy equipment and tools (i.e., enema pumps, biopsy forceps, and portable suction units) are needed for diagnosis and treatment of cancers, strictures, and foreign body retrieval in cats. $1,600 total
•	 Warm Air Hyperthermia System by Pryor Products to aid feline cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. $2,200*
•	 Dental scaler with polisher to aid feline cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. $6,000*
•	 VMedDop Doppler Blood Pressure unit for measuring blood pressure in hypertensive cats with eye disease. $1,000
•	 Cat-sized Laparoscopic Endoscope (2.8 mm diameter) for the Section of Soft Tissue Surgery, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, to facilitate minimally invasive surgery techniques for feline patients. $6,500
•	 Cat-sized laparoscopic surgical instruments (tissue scissors, suture scissors, dissecting forceps, grasping forceps, and needle-holders) for the Section of Soft Tissue Surgery, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, to facilitate minimally invasive surgery techniques for feline patients. $950 each
*to benefit oncology and dentistry departments
For additional information about these wish-list items, please call Sheryl Thomas at 607.253.3001 or e-mail her at sat6@cornell.edu.

Port Animal Hospital, LLC—Port Washington, N.Y. Dr. Robert Riffle—Baden, Pa. Rupert Veterinary Clinic—Rupert, Vt. Ruxton Animal Hospital—Towson, Md. Saugus Animal Hospital—Saugus, Mass. Dr. Laura Senk—Farmingdale, N.Y. Dr. Kim Slade—Flanders, N.J. Smithhaven Veterinary Hospital, P.C.—St. James, N.Y. Somerset Animal Hospital—Princess Anne, Md. South Towne Veterinary Hospital—Rochester, N.Y. South Windsor Veterinary Clinic, LLC—South Windsor, Conn. Springfield Animal Hospital, Inc.—Springfield, Va.
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Stack Hospital for Pets—Fayetteville, N.Y. Sunset Pet Hospital, Inc.—Renton, Wash. Dr. Vivien Surman—Trumansburg, N.Y. Dr. Heidi Tapscott—Lynnfield, Mass. Dr. Ezekiel Thomas—Sarasota, Fla. Dr. Marilyn Thompson—Springfield, Va. Thornwood Veterinary Hospital—Pittsburgh, Pa. Dr. Patricia Tolchin—Pittsford, N.Y. Town & Country Hospital for Pets, P.C.— Syracuse, N.Y. Triboro Animal Hospital—Bronx, N.Y. Trylon Vet Care, P.C.—Forest Hills, N.Y. Vet on Wheels, LLC—Upper Montclair, N.J. Watertown Animal Hospital, LLP—Watertown, N.Y. Dr. Lorraine Watson—Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Dr. Meredith Weller—Columbus, Ohio Westfield Animal Clinic, Inc.—Westfield Mass. Dr. Teri White—Easton, Md. Dr. Melanie Wilson—Fairfax, Va. Dr. Laurie Winberry—Plymouth, Mich. Dr. Kristine Yee—Los Angeles, Calif.

Opportunities for Support

Your support is the key to the success of the Feline Health Center. Our work is funded primarily through private contributions from individuals, alumni, and veterinarians who love cats. The center is continually grateful for its friends. Our friends deserve the highest commendation for their passion and commitment to improving feline health. Listed below are some of the ways that friends can help support the center’s activities.
The Power of Endowment Endowment is invested capital that generates funds to be used in perpetuity to support the Cornell Feline Health Center (FHC) and build its financial foundation, its security. Endowment funds for the benefit of the FHC are managed as part of Cornell University’s long-term investment pool, with an annual payout rate determined by the Cornell Board of Trustees—usually equal to between 4 and 5 percent of the value of the endowment. Earnings in excess of the payout are returned to the endowment to preserve its purchasing power against inflation and allow for growth over time.
The name chosen for an endowment fund may be the donor’s, his or her family’s, or that of a beloved pet— and becomes a permanent tribute and perpetual source of support to the Feline Health Center.
Named Graduate Scholarship A minimum gift of $50,000 will endow a scholarship or fellowship for a student pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or postgraduate degree with an interest in feline medicine. Financial aid makes a significant difference in the choices students make regarding their studies and their careers, and helps

alleviate the significant debt burden that often accompanies the pursuit of advanced degrees and training.
Named Clinical Research Fund For a minimum gift of $100,000, a named fund will generate income for competitive clinical research grants to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members to discover the underlying cause of feline diseases, and to develop new preventions, treatments, and cures. Research conducted by the nation’s leading veterinary scientists at Cornell is geared toward advancing the health and well-being of cats and other animals, and it can sometimes improve human health as well.
Named Residency Residency training, after receiving a DVM, leads to specialization in highly skilled fields such as neurology, oncology, surgery, and numerous other fields that can have a significant impact on feline medicine. A minimum gift of $900,000 can endow a named residency and provide income for the stipends and research grants that accompany this intensive two-year training program.
Cash Gifts Cash contributions provide necessary financial resources to help the Feline Health Center respond to the needs of cats. You may be able to increase the impact of your gift through a matching gift from your employer. Ask your employer for details on the company’s matchinggift policy.
Planned Gifts Unlike cash gifts, planned gifts provide financial resources for the Feline Health Center’s future while allowing you to enjoy immediate tax benefits and/or income based on the investment type you choose.

For planned giving inquiries, please contact Brad Carruth in the Cornell Office of Trusts, Estates, and Planned Giving at 1.800.481.1865. For other options, call 1.800.377.2177.
Bequests. You can help ensure better health for future generations of cats by naming the Feline Health Center as a beneficiary in your will. To accomplish this, use these words: “I give, devise, and bequeath [Description of Property] to Cornell University, an educational corporation situated in Ithaca, New York, for the exclusive benefit of the Cornell Feline Health Center within the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine.”
Life Income Agreements. This option allows you to make the Feline Health Center the remainder beneficiary of a trust you create during your lifetime while retaining income for yourself and/or a second beneficiary. You receive an immediate tax deduction when you create your trust.
Trusts. By establishing a trust, donors either name the Feline Health Center as the trust beneficiary or place assets in a trust fund that will generate income for the center over a specified term.
Stocks. Through your gift of appreciated securities, stocks, or bonds to the Feline Health Center, you may avoid some or all of the capital gains tax by deducting their full current market value as a charitable contribution.
Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund Louis J. Camuti, a well-known doctor in the New York metropolitan area, was the first veterinarian in the United States to devote his entire

practice to cats. For more than 60 years, Dr. Camuti made house calls for his feline patients. Following his death in 1981, friends sought to honor his memory through the creation of the Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund. Together with a small consultation fee, this fund helps defray the Feline Health Center’s costs of approximately $100,000 a year to operate the Camuti Memorial Feline Consultation and Diagnostic Service 1.800. KITTYDR (1.800.548.8937). Cat lovers, breeders, and veterinarians worldwide use this service to obtain information on feline ailments and treatment options. Contributions to help maintain this fund are welcome.
Memorial Program for Feline Companions The loss of a beloved cat can be a truly devastating experience, sometimes causing emotions as intense as those felt over the loss of any other family member. Expression of compassion and understanding can be immensely comforting to those who have experienced the loss. A memorial contribution in the cat’s name shows your sensitivity in a way that will help other cats live healthier lives. Veterinarians should call Don Personius at 607.253.3414; others should call Sheryl Thomas at 607.253.3001.
Membership The Feline Health Center offers membership plans for both veterinarians and cat owners. Your membership dollars enable us to support feline health studies consistent with our mission and publish and disseminate current information about feline health care. To subscribe or set up a gift membership, call Kathy Mospan at 607.253.3093.

For inquiries, please call Sheryl Thomas at 607.253.3001 or e-mail sat6@cornell.edu. The Cornell Feline Health Center is a program of Cornell University, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC

Thank you to Chauncey (also known as Chauncenator, Chauncenheimer, Buddo), our cover model. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Produced by the Office of Publications and Marketing at Cornell University Design: Barbara Drogo, Copyediting: Susan Baldwin Photography: Photos on page 19 courtesy of Dr. Mark N. Frolick. All other photos by Alexis Wenski-Roberts.
Printed on recyclable paper. 12/08 3.7M Payne 090144

College of Veterinary Medicine Box 13 Ithaca, NY 14853-6401