Wildlife leader emphasizes collaboration with WCVM
Amid a growing need for wildlife health research and surveillance in Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) wants the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) community to know that relationship building is more important than ever.
Roozen and Epoch honoured on National Philanthropy Day
Two outstanding nominees from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are honoured as part of National Philanthropy Day celebrations on Nov. 16.
Summer research experience led B.C. student to vet career
An aspiring veterinarian from a very young age, Christine Yang recalls that her happiest childhood moments involved taking care of the family dog and visiting the Taipei Zoo during her summer trips to Taiwan — the country of her birth.
USask Fall Convocation includes graduates based at WCVM
A group of higher education students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive their graduate degrees and certificates during the University of Saskatchewan’s 2023 Fall Convocation ceremonies on Nov. 8.
USask scientists aim to determine appropriate sheep vaccination protocols
Producers use vaccination schedules to vaccinate their sheep against diseases caused by the bacteria Clostridia, but what’s largely unknown is the best time to immunize for clostridial diseases.
Vet student combines passion for animal care and agriculture
Ella Parcels always wanted to have her own pets, but when she was young, her parents had a rule that she could only get a pet if she learned how to care for it first.
Family and mentors support Manitoba student’s veterinary dream
Alexandra Santos of Winnipeg, Man., still has her Grade 1 worksheet titled “What you want to be when you grow up,” and her answer included a self-portrait of her working as a veterinarian.
Aquatic field trip ‘sealed’ the deal for B.C. student’s career option
Kelsey Leung had always loved animals, and the Vancouver resident realized that an animal-focused career was the right fit for her after taking part in an aquatic field trip during her Bachelor of Science degree program at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Cameras give ‘bird’s eye view’ of bovine respiratory disease
Precision technological advancements such as the use of cameras in livestock production could provide beef cattle feedlot employees a “bird’s eye view,” allowing them to monitor and flag any cattle showing signs of illnesses such as bovine respiratory disease.
Graduate Research Showcase: Moving Saskatchewan forward
The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) in collaboration with the Office of Vice President Research (OVPR) hosted the USask Graduate Research Showcase on October 6th, 2023. The event welcomed distinguished guests and elected officials to network with some of CGPS’s top research talent to discuss how emerging research at USask works to advance Saskatchewan’s economic and social growth.
Ranch life gives student solid start in veterinary career
While growing up on a cattle ranch near Stoughton, Sask., Rinka Itogawa loved that she and her family were part of a helpful, caring community, and she felt very special working with like-minded people who all pitched in to help friends and neighbours.
‘Poop in the coop’: developing fecal-based diagnostic tests for broilers
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary pathologist wants “to get the poop” on developing new biomarker-based diagnostic tests for broiler chickens by running laboratory tests with their feces.
USask veterinary researchers build tumour bank to advance cancer research
Everyone knows the deadly disease that is cancer, but ironically, what makes cancer so deadly is how little is known about it.
Horse Health Lines (Fall 2023) now online
The Fall 2023 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.
Scientists test more roles for smart farm tools in livestock production
“Data left in the field are dollars left in the field” aptly describes the mindset of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers who are experimenting with “smart farm” technology at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
NSERC funding includes over $900,000 for WCVM researchers
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received over $900,000 in research funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.
WCVM celebrates undergraduate research at annual poster day
After a summer spent immersed in research, University of Saskatchewan (USask) students showcased their project findings at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual undergraduate research poster day on September 6.
New award supports graduating equine students
A new equine scholarship for veterinary graduates had a flying start at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) spring awards program in early June.
USask scientist leads ‘living laboratory’ project for Canadian cow-calf herds
A veterinarian, beef cattle specialist and cow-calf producer from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading a nationwide cow-calf surveillance initiative with the support of other researchers on campus and across Canada.
Research team aims to update bone formation scoring system for newborn foals
Equine veterinarian Dr. Claire Card (DVM, PhD) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and members of her research team are re-evaluating a decades-old bone formation (ossification) scoring system used to assess newborn foals.
Equine vets in training
Drs. Alannah Friedlund, Eveline Juce and Josefina Ghersa are among the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s team of incoming residents and clinical interns whose work focuses on equine health. Visit tehrf.ca to read more profiles of the college’s new team members.
New vascular health research supported by USask fellowship
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) post-doctoral fellowship is supporting the research of vascular health in congenital heart disease.
Respiratory diseases in cattle pique veterinarian’s curiosity
Dr. Emily Snyder’s curiosity over the years has led her to a place where improving the health of beef cattle is of utmost importance.
Treating diarrhea in pigs amid an antimicrobial resistance crisis
As antimicrobial resistance becomes a more urgent issue in animal and human health, western Canadian swine health scientists are seeking alternatives to antibiotic drugs for treating diarrhea in grower-finisher pigs.
Butler’s love of horses drives veterinary career
Long before she became a veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Butler was a big fan of horses.
New scholarship inspires international USask students in STEM
Agnes Truc Nguyen, a master's student based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is a 2023 recipient of a new scholarship for international students who are working to make the world a better place.
Partnership will expand USask veterinary outreach program’s impact
A new funding partnership with PetSmart Charities of Canada will help a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary outreach program expand its impact in northern Saskatchewan communities where animal owners have little or no access to animal health services.
USask veterinary graduate receives hospital award for primary care skills
Dr. Alyssa Vickers (DVM), who graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) this spring, is one of the 2023 recipients of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Award for Proficiency in Primary Care.
Funds fuel horse health
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has invested over $140,000 in support of equine health-related research and graduate students for 2023.
New awards honour student leaders of groups celebrating diversity
During the past few years, two new student-led groups at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have strived to celebrate diversity through educational awareness and events in a time when discrimination is all too common in society.
Public needs to be aware of risks associated with newly approved rodenticide
Animal owners and veterinary staff need to be aware that zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical compound, is now approved for use as a rodenticide in Saskatchewan.
A summer to remember: from labs to limelight in ophthalmology research
Last summer, I had the chance to delve into the fascinating world of veterinary ophthalmology research while investigating the microbiome — or community of microorganisms — that’s found on the corneas of dogs.
Probiotics all the buzz as alternative therapies for honey bee disease
When spring rolls around, honey bee farmers open their hives and expect to see a mass of happy buzzing bees.
New diagnostic tools protect dogs and humans from deadly parasite
An emerging parasite known as Echinococcus multilocularis has been increasingly appearing in coyotes in Western Canada as well as in new regions of North America in recent years.
New USask funding to advance Canada’s beef sector
Dr. Antonio Facciuolo (PhD) from the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has new support to develop a vaccine against Johne’s disease — a chronic intestinal disease of cattle that's significant to the beef and dairy industry.
With help from pigs, USask scientists strive to expedite organ transplant process
Researchers have made progress in improving human organ transplants in Canada over recent years, but it’s far from perfect.
Cartwright honoured for dedication to learning
Carolyn Cartwright of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) started her career in veterinary medicine with the intent of making a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families.
USask veterinary graduates pursue wildlife pathology in Sydney
Three veterinary graduates of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) never thought they would find themselves living “Down Under” and working in wildlife pathology.
USask researchers test alternative anesthetic protocol for sedating pronghorn
A research team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is working to find a reliable method of sedating North America’s fastest land mammal: the pronghorn.
New USask research mentorship program provides invaluable support for scholars
Dr. Jaswant Singh (PhD) is the new research mentor who will lead the new Faculty Mentorship Program to provide support for early and mid-career researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
A rare reaction for a rare cat
My cat Bart is my best friend. When I’m sad, he jumps to where I am and lies down for pets and cuddles. He goes crazy for chicken liver cat treats. And when I come home from a long day at university, he greets me at the door.
WCVM veterinarians and alumni earn national honours
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has recognized three veterinarians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) for their exceptional achievements in improving health care for livestock and companion animals in Canada.
‘Lifelong curiosity’ driving force behind Adams’s global research success
“With any good research project, you should come away from it with many more questions than you have solutions,” says Dr. Gregg Adams, a professor and researcher in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.
Study points to possible link between equine abortions and chlamydial infection
When Dr. Madison Ricard (DVM) set out to see if the bacterium Chlamydia is potentially linked to equine abortions among western Canadian horses, the PhD student wasn’t expecting to find much evidence of chlamydial infection based on the lack of research in the area.
USask clinician recognized for work in remote veterinary care
Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, a veterinarian and alumna of the University of Saskatchewan (USask), has received the 2023 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Humane Award for her dedication to animal welfare in Canada.
USask veterinary anesthesiologist awarded for advancing small animal medicine
University of Saskatchewan (USask) professor Dr. Barbara Ambros has earned the 2023 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award in recognition of her significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine and small animal practice.
USask veterinarian honoured for dedication to beef cattle care
University of Saskatchewan (USask) professor and researcher Dr. John Campbell is the 2023 recipient of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Merck Veterinary Award.
Students’ positive energy powerful motivator for Chicoine
Bringing energy and positivity to the classroom, Dr. Al Chicoine strives to make his material engaging for students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM’s newest veterinary oncologist finds home in Saskatoon
Growing up around dogs, cats, turtles and chickens at his family’s home in Japan, Dr. Arata Matsuyama (DVM, PhD) knew from a very early age that he wanted to work with animals in veterinary medicine.
USask centre’s summer field day unites producers and scientists
More than 250 people gathered at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) for its 2023 Summer Field Day on June 20.
WCVM graduate students present findings at LFCE field day
A group of graduate students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) introduced their research to attendees at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) Summer Field Day on June 20.
WCVM researchers use metabolomics to explore avian influenza questions
A relatively new field of scientific study called metabolomics is providing important information for Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researchers who are studying the impact of avian influenza virus (AIV) and environmental stress on the metabolism of waterfowl.
Fund invests in pet health research and training
An investment of more than $150,000 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Companion Animal Health Fund (CAHF) will benefit scientists and graduate students whose research work focuses on improving pet health.
Functional assessments give insight to puppy breeders
When puppies come to see Dr. Kira Penney at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC), her keen eyes notice more than their cuteness.
USask vet hospital’s training day highlights health of canine cops
Committed to a life of fighting crime, a group of dogs at the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is anything but ordinary.
SHRF supports USask study targeting dog-human interactions in remote communities
Over $149,000 in funding from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) is helping University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers from multiple disciplines provide support to Saskatchewan communities that are experiencing challenges with dogs.
Dr. Brent Bobick: ‘It’s doing and thinking about this doing’
Working closely with students in animal anatomy courses at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Brent Bobick (PhD) feels privileged to play a part in their academic growth and success.
WCVM shows strong representation at USask Faculty and Staff Awards
This year, four Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) faculty and staff members received honours during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Faculty and Staff Awards evening on June 14.
Internationally acclaimed USask Toxicology Centre celebrates 40th anniversary
From a single room in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) to a world-renowned research facility, the evolution of the Toxicology Centre has made a lasting impact on USask.
Spread of deadly brain parasite threatens Saskatchewan’s moose and caribou
Last summer, imagine my surprise as I peered into the brain of a harvested white-tailed deer from Saskatchewan and observed a little brown thread of a worm that wasn’t supposed to be there.
Scientist expands reproductive health research to beef cattle
A University of Saskatchewan veterinarian is exploring how research into the reproductive health of dairy cows as well as emerging technologies can be applied to beef cattle.
Gifts from WCVM pathologist create graduate student scholarships
Even after retiring from the classroom, Dr. Ted Clark continues to provide support for the success of graduate students studying veterinary pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
USask veterinary graduate ready to 'tackle anything that comes my way'
When Dr. Courtney Cameron (DVM) walks across the stage at University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation on June 7, the new veterinarian will pick up more than her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
WCVM scientist among USask's top research award recipients
Recipients of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) top honour of Distinguished Researchers for 2023 are Dr. Cheryl Waldner (DVM, PhD), and Dr. Wen Jun (Chris) Zhang (PhD), internationally recognized experts in their fields who have contributed their talents to USask for more than two decades.
WCVM Class of 2023 honours student’s legacy
Thizbe Balzer’s enthusiasm for learning and helping others stands out in the memories of her classmates at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM graduate students part of USask spring convocation ceremonies
Graduates of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) aren’t the only scholars celebrating during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation.
VIDO scientists receive $1M to strengthen mpox preparedness
Scientists Drs. Alyson Kelvin (PhD) and Angela Rasmussen (PhD) from the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) have received $1-million in total funding to study mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
WCVM researchers earn awards at USask Life and Health Sciences Research Expo
Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) research community earned awards for their showings at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2023 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo on May 4.
‘Long Lyme’ is a growing health conundrum
Lyme disease is rarely fatal in people, but for some, this perplexing bacterial disease can have an impact on the rest of their lives.
USask food science graduate investigates healthier pet food
Yikai Ren’s thesis research focused on low-glycemic pet food made with Saskatchewan pulse crops.
How low can pathogen’s infective dose go before pigs get sick?
An old infectious agent — usually considered harmless — is responsible for the sudden deaths of pigs in North America.
Hard to swallow: USask veterinary team helps pup with feeding issue
When her four-month-old puppy named King began regularly spitting up his food after eating, Angela Seymour knew her little American French bulldog needed help from a veterinarian.
The view from inside: one cell’s harrowing experience with lung disease
I am a lung cell, and I am instrumental to the function of every other organ in the body. My job is to oversee the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air sacs and the blood vessels. Without me, everything else in the body shuts down.
Manitoba student first recipient of ‘Guy Hobman Award’ at WCVM
Animals of all shapes and sizes were a vital part of Nyssa Guilbert’s life in her family’s home in Anola, Man., a small town located 25 kilometres east of Winnipeg.
WCVM graduate students take three minutes ‘to win it’ at USask competition
Narsimha Pujari and Hemlata Gautam, both graduate students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), took top honours at the annual 3MT (Three-minute Thesis) Finals held at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on April 11.
Veterinarians trade horse expertise through Global Ambassador program
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) program that fosters collaboration between educators around the world helped to transport large animal surgical specialist Dr. James Carmalt to South America for two weeks in January 2023.
Protein from roundworm may unlock a cellular ‘fountain of youth’
A one-millimetre-long worm and its genome may be key to understanding how human and animal cells age, according to new research from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) published in the journal Aging Cell.
USask veterinarians successfully perform surgery on filly with ‘wry nose’
On the morning of June 30, 2022, Scot Gannon went out to the barn on his farm, Nejd Arabians, just west of Edmonton, Alta. He was happy to see that one of his Arabian mares, Nejds’ Bint Sabbah, had given birth overnight to a black filly.
Changing my tune: from mezzo-soprano to student scientist
Two years ago, I traded in my evening gowns for a lab coat.
Scientists work toward goal of saving bison, one problem at a time
How can a bison cow have a calf sired by a bull from the opposite side of North America? The collection, disinfection and freezing of semen using novel technologies can make this former pipe dream a reality, and it may be our best chance of saving the North American bison species.
VIDO and VFI collaborate to strengthen pandemic preparedness
The Vaccine Formulation Institute (VFI) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have signed a collaborative research agreement to help drive joint vaccine development.
VIDO scientists receive leadership awards for excellence in vaccine research
Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) have been recognized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for their international leadership in vaccine research for infectious diseases.
Celebrate World Book Day with WCVM authors
It’s World Book Day on April 23, 2023, and if you’re on the hunt for a good book, here are some options that have been written by Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) alumni and faculty.
USask veterinary students involved in rare lambing of sextuplets
A group of fourth-year veterinary students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) had an exciting surprise on March 21 when they discovered that one of the ewes in their care had delivered six healthy lambs.
Horse Health Lines (Spring 2023) now online
The Spring 2023 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.
Researchers snap, share the beauty of USask research
From ecosystems in peril to the intense gaze of an Arctic fox, winners in the 2023 University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Images of Research competition celebrated the art and artistry of research, scholarly, and artistic work at USask.
Are off-leash dog parks a ‘ticking’ time bomb?
For many dog owners, warmer weather means that trips to the local off-leash dog park are a regular occurrence. But more time at the park may mean a higher chance of picking up a few passengers on the way — including ticks.
Northern veterinary students earn $10,000 scholarships
Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) students from Canada’s North have each received $10,000 scholarships from Veterinarians Without Borders-Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Canada (VWB/VSF).
Lightning learning
Eequine-focused graduate students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) recently participated in a “lightning rounds” session — part of the college’s annual EquineED Talks series.
Renowned virologist at USask leads pandemic fight
She is one of the world’s most recognized virologists, recruited to serve on the front lines of the pandemic and preparing for the next global threat.
Award-winning Indigenous artist donates bison artwork to USask
Award-winning Siksika artist Adrian Stimson (MFA’06) is gifting artwork to the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
USask launches new University of Saskatchewan Insect Research Facility
Today the University of Saskatchewan (USask) launched the University of Saskatchewan Insect Research Facility (USIRF), the first insect research facility with quarantine capabilities in a western Canadian university. Research conducted in the new facility will boost Canadian agriculture, protect the environment, reduce risk to food security, and provide fundamental insight into insect ecology.
Saskatchewan invests in chronic wasting disease research at USask
The Government of Saskatchewan announced a $90,000 grant to support innovative University of Saskatchewan (USask) research that studies the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and meningeal worm in woodland caribou and other boreal species.
Understanding the genetics behind antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle
Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investigating antimicrobial resistance by establishing relationships between antimicrobial resistance genes in beef cattle and examining the impact of various exposure events on patterns of antimicrobial resistance.
WCVM researcher uses ultrasound images to explore alpacas’ reproductive patterns
As a professor and prolific researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Jaswant Singh has explored the reproductive physiology of cattle, bison and a variety of other mammals.
Does blueberry pollen diet make honey bees more prone to disease?
Did you know that honey bees and humans face similar challenges when it comes to diet and health? Just as people require proper nutrition to stay healthy, bees also need an ample supply of their primary food and protein source — flower-collected pollen.
B.C. continues expanded support of WCVM and student seats at USask
The Government of British Columbia is permanently doubling the number of subsidized seats for B.C. veterinary students attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).