Bison calves leading the way to biobank creation
The wood and plains bison are majestic creatures weighing 1,200 pounds, but their conservation could depend on single-celled gametes (reproductive cells) that are measured in microns.
Second-generation veterinarian receives equine research award
At first, Dr. Jane Westendorf didn’t want to be a veterinarian. As the daughter of two practitioners — both 1991 graduates of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — Westendorf witnessed first-hand some of her parents’ daily frustrations when they came home from their veterinary clinic in Mission, B.C.
Foundation supports infectious disease research
To help protect Saskatchewan residents from emerging disease threats, Hospitals of Regina Foundation (HRF) has invested $150,000 to help establish Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).
New USask chair will focus on forage crops
The University of Saskatchewan's (USask) new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization Chair will connect the study of soils, plants, animals, economics and ecosystems to tap into forage crops’ full range of benefits.
Popular graduate course introduces molecular biology research tools
A highly popular course that provides University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students with essential tools for research returned to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) this spring.
Natural disease challenge model vital for improving pig health
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) swine researcher Dr. John Harding is involved with a unique, long-term disease challenge project that will help to maximize pig health and minimize antimicrobial drug use in commercial swine barns.
Remote veterinary clinics resume
Despite some challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) successfully resumed its annual remote veterinary clinics for northern Saskatchewan communities this spring.
Researchers aim to develop vaccine for infectious poultry disease
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researcher Dr. Susantha Gomis is aiming to help solve a large problem for chickens in Saskatchewan’s poultry industry.
LFCE to host field day in July
Planning for the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) Summer Field Day presented by Canadian Western Agribition on July 20 is in full swing.
Anthrax confirmed in southern Saskatchewan sheep
Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture is alerting the province's livestock producers to be on the lookout for anthrax in their animals after confirmation that anthrax has been found in the rural municipality of South Qu'Appelle #157.
USask appoints Dr. Gillian Muir as veterinary college’s dean
More than three decades after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Gillian Muir (DVM, PhD) is set to become the college’s dean on July 1.
Clinical team maintains critical veterinary services
As the only 24-hour veterinary emergency and critical care service available in Saskatoon, the clinical team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) cares for some of the most ill or injured animals in the area.
Veterinary students awarded for academic performance
Two veterinary students recently earned animal health scholarships for their academic performance at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.
WCVM researchers receive NSERC Discovery Grants
Three researchers from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have received $515,000 in funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program.
Honey bee disease gains ground in B.C. and Saskatchewan
One of the latest projects in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) honey bee health research lab is a tale of two provinces.
Pet and equine funds invest nearly $270,000 in research and training
Two longtime research funds at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investing nearly $270,000 for supporting equine and companion animal health research, education and training for the 2021-22 academic year.
Smartphone survey to collect Saskatchewan residents’ perception of COVID-19
Saskatchewan residents can give their input about the province’s public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic by using their smartphones to respond to a series of five-minute surveys.
Veterinarian pursues 'horse doc' dream in New Zealand
Nearly a year ago, Dr. Reina Fennell (DVM) recalls looking down at a discharge sheet—her first patient, the first case of her first clinical rotation in her final year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.
PhD student receives prestigious Northern Canada research award
Kayla Buhler, a PhD candidate at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has received a prominent award for her research in the Canadian North.
Surveillance project identifies pathogens in dogs on Prairies
A new research project at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) aims to identify disease-causing organisms among dogs — an overlooked population on the Canadian Prairies.
Reproduction scientist receives USask Governor General’s Gold Medal
Dr. Rodrigo Carrasco’s investigation of a protein’s role in triggering ovulation for certain mammals earned him one of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) two Governor General’s Gold Medals for 2020-21.
Graduate finds her own path in veterinary medicine and research
Dr. Gabrielle Achtymichuk of Outlook, Sask., has always wanted to be a veterinarian ever since she was a kid — but a taste of research during a summer job at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) made her question that lifelong goal.
Prairie-born veterinarian ready to test waters of aquaculture medicine
Dr. Paul Thiessen has always wanted to be a veterinarian, but his concept of a veterinary career dramatically changed during the four years he attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
New study evaluates importance of forage for animal health and beef quality
Beef producers have been raising animals in feedlots for decades and they continue to ask an important question: how much forage do beef cattle need to both stay healthy and build its carcass?
Cham receives USask Graduate Thesis Award for male reproduction research
Dr. Tat-Chuan Cham, a graduate student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has received a University of Saskatchewan (USask) Graduate Thesis Award for his master’s thesis on male reproduction.