Psychological distress has been shown to affect the academic success, health, emotional well-being, and dropout rates of medical students. Although it can be assumed that stress has similar effects on veterinary students, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the psychological stressors and coping strategies of this group. This article focuses on selected non-academic areas (as identified through a survey of currently enrolled students) that can create significant stressors for veterinary students. Also assessed and discussed here are poor coping strategies (e.g., substance abuse) and gender differences in perceived stressors and coping strategies that emerged from the survey. Results suggest the need for veterinary programs to integrate academic and professional skills instruction with personal life balance training and access to psychological services.

In 1999 problem-based learning experiences were introduced into the professional curriculum at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine as part of an overall curricular modification. Problem-based learning (PBL) was introduced into the traditional curricular format in dedicated week-long experiences (Application-Based Learning Exercises) at specific points during the first six semesters. Methods to assess the success of this integration and other curricular changes included ongoing program assessment throughout the implementation of the modified curriculum. Program assessment engaged faculty facilitators and students, who were involved in a process unfamiliar to both. Results of preliminary assessment indicate mostly positive reaction to problem-based learning, while identifying other areas of concern.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in dogs. However, little is known about the efficacy of available treatment options for GN in this species. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cyclosporine (Cy) administration on the outcome of naturally occurring GN in dogs. Thirteen dogs from 4 institutions were included in the study. Randomization of dogs into placebo-versus Cy-treated groups was stratified according to initial morphological diagnosis and contributing institution. Seven and 6 dogs were assigned to be given placebo or Cy, respectively. The initial Cy dose of 10 mg/kg every 24 hours was adjusted to maintain 24-hour trough, whole blood Cy concentrations between 250 and 400 ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo- and Cy-treated groups with respect to serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and plasma protein concentrations; platelet count; urine protein-creatinine ratio; endogenous creatinine clearance; 24-hour urine protein concentrations; or 24-hour urine protein-endogenous creatinine clearance ratio. However, PCV was significantly lower in the Cy-treated group. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, involuntary shaking, and thrombocytopenia were noted in both treatment groups; however, clinical signs in Cy-treated dogs subjectively were more severe. One Cy-treated dog developed gingival hyperplasia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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