This week we welcome Dr. Vicki Meyers-Wallen, a certified theriogenologist at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  Recorded at the recent Breeders’ Symposium hosted by Cornell University’s Baker Institute for Animal Health, Dr. Meyers-Wallen discusses the finer points of choosing a sire and dam as well as timing the breeding, various insemination techniques and signs of labor and distress.

Vicki Meyers-Wallen received both her V.M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and is board certified in Theriogenology (veterinary reproduction, American College of Theriogenologists). She received clinical residency training in Genetics, Reproduction and Pediatrics in the Section of Medical Genetics at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, then had a dual faculty appointment there in the Sections of Medical Genetics and Reproduction until 1989.  She then became a faculty member at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, where she created and was Chief of the Small Animal Fertility and Infertility Service (SAFIS). That service provided fertility evaluations, breeding services, urological services and genetic counseling for purebred dogs and cats. In 2003 she left clinical service to devote more time to her research program. She is presently an Associate Professor in Genetics and Reproduction at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, and is an active member of the University Faculty Senate.

This week on Genome Barks we welcome Dr. David Brewer, a resident in neurology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Brewer discusses the various genetic tests that are available for neurologic diseases, and explains epilepsy - what it is, how it gets diagnosed and what treatment options are available.