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Penn Vet News Bellwethersocial networking Dr. Amanda Blackburn and Lily Dr. Amanda Blackburn examines Lily 125th Anniversary web site

 

 
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Amanda Blackburn, DVMDr. Amanda Blackburn and Lily
Third-Year Resident, Internal Medicine
Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
I was raised on a farm surrounded by animals and I was interested in medicine -- it was a perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose veterinary internal medicine?
I enjoy problem solving. Internal medicine services animals with some of the most complex problems that need solving.

Where did you go to school?
University of California at Davis for both my undergraduate and veterinary degrees.

Why did you want to come to Penn Vet to continue your education?
I wanted diversity in my medical training and experience. Plus can you beat the weather out here on the east coast?

What is your best memory/case while at Penn?
There are too many wonderful memories of the animals I work with and their dedicated owners to name a specific case. Most often, my favorite memories happen when patients are discharged, and their loving owners are ecstatic to take them home.

What is your advice for pet owners?
I am an advocate for preventive medicine. Routine visits to your local veterinarian is paramount to your pets health and longevity.

Do you have pets?
Due to the time commitment of my residency, I do not have any personal pets currently, although my patients help to fill that void in my life right now. I also found a wonderful boyfriend right here in Philadelphia.

What is your favorite book or movie, and why?
My favorite book is 1984 by George Orwell. This was the first book that really grabbed my attention and made me think. A more recent book that left an impression on me was The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I believe this book can benefit anyone that reads it.

Interests?
Too many (or at least that is what my mom said when I was growing up). Water and snow skiing, scuba diving, rowing, and rock climbing are the major ones. Although I am too tall to be really good at rock climbing, but it is still fun even if I spend most of my time falling off the rocks!

cancer study banner

An innovative research project lead by Ryan Hospital faculty and staff- Dr. Karin Sorenmo, Dr. Michael Goldschmidt, Dr. David Holt, and Dr. Michael Moyer, V’90, Rosenthal Director of Penn’s Shelter Medicine Program- was launched last month.  With funding from Reid and Krista Buerger, the study will investigate similarities between canine mammary tumors and breast cancer in women.

Mammary gland tumors are the most common tumors in intact female dogs and represent a common cause of disease and premature death in dogs around the world. The development of mammary tumors in dogs is dependent on exposure to ovarian hormones and the tumor risk can be significantly reduced by spaying at an early age. The risk for developing breast cancer in women is also associated with the cumulative exposure to bio-available estrogens, suggesting that similar hormone driven mechanisms might be linked with breast cancer development in both species.

Early spay/neuter programs are supported by AVMA and animal welfare organizations throughout the United States as a measure to prevent pet overpopulation. Despite vigorous spay and neuter campaigns, the majority of the dogs in shelters are sexually intact, and mammary tumors in older dogs are prevalent.  Because of their life threatening illness, these dogs often are overlooked for adoption due to their shorter life expectancy and their need for costly veterinary care. 

Terry, the first dog participating in the mammary gland tumor projectTerry, a seven year old dog from the Humane Society of Berks County, was the first of thirty dogs enrolled in the new study.  She had surgery in early July to remove her cancerous tumors and will be followed by the Penn oncology team at no cost to Terry’s new family.  Like Terry, dogs enrolled will be identified through Penn’s Shelter Animal Medicine Program and animal rescues in the area.  These dogs need our care the most and we are here to help them live happy, healthy, and quality lives. 

Watch a YouTube clip of Terry, the first patient participating in the canine mammary tumor program!

 
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