Fracture repair research ideal break for Ayers
Second-year veterinary student Amy Ayers. Photo: Kim Ayers.
Student: Amy Ayers, a second-year student at the WCVM.
Hometown: Pemberton, B.C.
Academic background: BSc degree (chemistry major), University of Northern British Columbia.
Mentors: WCVM large animal surgeon Dr. James Carmalt and Dr. Imma Roquet, a WCVM large animal surgery resident.
Summer research project: An in vitro study investigating the optimal position and number of transcortical pins to be inserted into the cannon bone to repair fractures of the long pastern (P1) and the short pastern (P2) bones in horses.
Q. Can you describe your study?
We’re investigating three different models of pin casts that are currently used to fix fragmented fractures of the long and short pastern bones. Because horses bear 60 per cent of their weight (which is about 1,000 pounds or more) on their front legs, repairing fractures while avoiding complications in the opposite leg can be very difficult. We hope to determine which model is the most structurally stable so we can improve a horse’s chance of recovery.
Q. Why did you decide to take part in this particular research project at the WCVM?
I’m interested in pursuing a career in equine medicine and I have a strong interest in surgery. This particular project caught my attention because I grew up in the horse industry and I’m aware of the complications involved with broken legs. To improve current treatment models or to help further understand the variables involved in fracture repair is a contribution to the industry and animals that I’m so passionate about.
Q. What career path do you expect you’ll take and why?
My two passions are horses and surgery so I’m hoping to specialize in equine or large animal surgery. The hands-on thrill of surgery is addicting and with new advances in fracture repair in horses, there are many ways that surgeons can now help horses get back to work or at least help them live a long, healthy life.
Q. Can you describe the pets in your life?
I have a five-year-old female American pit bull terrier named Ruka who loves running through fields of tall grass, chasing anything that will run from her and spending rainy days snoring on the couch. I have two cats, Zeddicus and Link, who enjoy playing with Ruka’s tail, jumping off walls and sleeping on my tummy. I also have an 11-year-old registered breeding stock paint mare named Sienna who can do a reining spin on a dime and loves giving hugs.
Q. What’s been the highlight of your summer research experience?
The highlight has been working in the clinic. From performing treatments to observing surgeries, I find something new to learn every day. Because of the flexibility of the job, I’m free to see the interesting cases when they happen and this experience will help me in the future.
Q. If you were asked to talk to the Class of 2015 about your research experience, what would you say?
If you can do it, do it. You’ll learn a lot, have fun and get to know a lot of the College’s faculty and clinicians at the same time.
Q. How will your summer experience help you as a future veterinarian?
This experience is helping me figure out what I want to do when I graduate. Because of the exposure to many different areas within the field of large animal medicine, I’ll be able to determine which career path to work towards. At the same time, I’m making important connections with influential people who can help me get there.
