Feline journal honors UF Veterinary College faculty for contributions

Two out of three awards given by the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery for outstanding contributions were presented April 2 in Birmingham, England, to faculty members at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Known as Star Awards, they were issued as part of the journal's celebration of 10 years of publishing.

The most read/downloaded article in the past 10 years was a two-part paper by Sheilah Robertson, Ph.D., a professor of anesthesia and pain management, and her collaborator, Polly Taylor a freelance consultant in anesthesia in the United Kingdom. The paper dealt with pain management in cats, past present and future.

"In the past, people were not sure what the signs of pain in cats were and they were left undertreated," Robertson said. "Historically, people have also been afraid of drug-related side effects in this species, but now many of those fears have been dispelled."

Robertson said she was pleased to have helped spread the word about this topic, and added, "I'm sure many cats would thank us if they could."

The most cited article in the past 10 years was written by Julie Levy, D.V.M., Ph.D., the Maddie's Professor of Shelter Medicine at UF, and Brian Luria, D.V.M., a former small animal medicine resident at UF. The paper was titled, "Prevalence of Infectious Diseases in Feral Cats in Northern Florida."

Levy's research and clinical interests center on feline infectious diseases, neonatal kitten health, humane alternatives for cat population control and immunocontraceptive vaccines for cats.

"I am proud that our paper was found to be so useful to others in the feline medicine field," Levy said. "The JFMS has elevated feline medicine to new levels, something that can only benefit our feline friends."