By Madalyn O Neill
Mar 10, 2021 9:31 PM
MADISON, Wis. – Those close to Josh Smith describe him as passionate, may it be about weight-lifting, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Persian cats, but especially when it comes to caring for others.
“He was a brilliant guy,” Kai Shiu said. “He was confident. He was smart.”
Shiu, a veterinary oncology specialist, helped recruit Smith, who grew up on a farm in Canada, to the Madison area about five years ago to work with him at VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center.
“He was not only brilliant, but he was fun,” Shiu said.
Smith specialized in caring for the sickest of patients, and sometimes took them home, too.
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Editor’s note: Euthanasia by gunshot should only be performed by veterinarians or those properly trained in the practice. Improper technique can create serious horse welfare and human safety issues.
In recent years authorities have tightened restrictions on the disposal of equine carcasses euthanized with the barbiturate pentobarbital. Concerns include groundwater contamination, soil contamination, pet food contamination at rendering facilities, and poisoning of scavenging wildlife or domestic animals. Consequently, veterinarians need alternative options for euthanizing horses.
J.R. Lund, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVPM, ACVR, diagnostic animal radiologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, in Madison, and a team recently assessed the safety and efficacy of gunshot euthanasia. She presented their findings at the 2020 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Convention, held virtually.