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The veterinarian behind Canada’s animal lifeline

When Dr. Ken Mould (DVM’75) picked up the phone on a fall day in 2024, he didn’t expect to hear someone from the Governor General’s office on the other end of the line.

WCVM-based graduate students celebrate academic milestones at USask Spring Convocation

The University of Saskatchewan’s 2025 Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 4 will include a group of 19 post-secondary students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) who have completed their graduate and certificate programs.

Veterinary medicine’s ‘balloon pilot’: Dr. Ole Nielsen

Dr. Ole Nielsen (DVM, PhD), a former dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and one of Canada’s veterinary visionaries, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 95.

Bubbles and Biscuit: equine foaling models advance training at WCVM

When Dr. June Donaldson (MBA, EdD) saw Bubbles the mare model for the first time, she did what anyone might do when reuniting with a beloved childhood horse: she kissed it on the nose.

Provinces renew commitment to veterinary training in Western Canada

Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba have renewed their financial commitment to the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), continuing a longstanding interprovincial agreement that has been in place for six decades.

Rolling the dice for honey bee health

As I made my way to the lecture theatre, a swarm of veterinary students spilled out through the doors, game boards tucked under their arms and dice clutched in their hands.

Accreditation vital ‘stamp of approval’ for veterinary hospital

All facets of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) were recently under the microscope as the facility underwent its latest accreditation site visit — a rigorous process that resulted in renewed accreditation status from a leading North American organization for veterinary hospitals.

USask research team’s discovery breaks new ground in swine disease management

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has discovered a bacteria-killing molecule that enhances a pig’s immune system response and could transform how swine producers treat and prevent contagious diseases in their animals.

USask faculty members honoured with distinguished professorship titles

The honorary title of distinguished professor is an award that celebrates lifetime achievement in research, scholarly, and artistic work. Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty members and two professors emerti were selected to receive the honorary title this year.

Gift honours family’s farming heritage and value of One Health research

A philanthropist with deep Saskatchewan roots and a decades-long commitment to health care ethics has made a significant donation in support of One Health-focused research at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.

Collaboration creates new surgical training opportunity for veterinary students

A cross-campus collaboration between the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) created a new surgical suite that advances critical calf research while giving veterinary students rare surgical training opportunities.

WCVM student leader earns national award for dedication to leadership

Hayley Jenkins’ lifelong passion for working with animals and improving animal welfare has helped the veterinary student from Thompson, Man., earn a 2024 Student Leadership Award from the Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

Canine mammary cancer study explores new techniques for early detection

A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary pathologist is leading new research that strives to improve methods for the early detection of canine mammary cancer — a common diagnosis of tumours in female dogs.

USask project supports health initiatives for African women and girls

A five-year global initiative in community health and One Health — in collaboration with University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty and students — will help empower poor, marginalized farmers in rural Africa, especially female-headed households, women and girls.

Wrestling with success: Allison Kuzub takes skills learned on the mat to vet school

Balancing a demanding academic program in veterinary medicine with high-performance athletic pursuits would seem nearly impossible for most university students. But for Allison Kuzub, discipline, time management and a driving passion for both animal health and team wrestling have helped her thrive as a student athlete.

VIDO trainees selected for National One Health Training Program on Emerging Zoonoses

Two VIDO trainees selected for the inaugural cohort of the Canadian One Health Training Program on Emerging Zoonoses (COHTPEZ), a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded initiative aimed at developing the next generation of experts in zoonotic disease research.

Head of the class: Merck's donations advance equine education

A recent pair of grants from Merck Animal Health Canada has helped the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) take strides to enhance its equine health teaching tools.

Pivotal moment: veterinary college’s 60-year milestone inspires change

As the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) celebrates its 60th year in 2025, the regional veterinary college looks ahead to meet the changing needs of its provincial partners and stakeholders across Western Canada and the North.

Horse Health Lines (Spring 2025) now online

The Spring 2025 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.

Animal health research receives cash injection from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers who are affiliated with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have been awarded more than $2.46 million in financial support from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for livestock-focused research projects in 2025.

New genomic sequencing diagnostic tool targets reproductive failure in cattle herds

A collaboration between researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc. (PDS) has resulted in the creation of an innovative genomic sequencing tool for detecting multiple pathogens associated with bovine reproductive failure.

VIDO researchers collaborate with international team to unlock secrets of bat genomes

Bats are evolutionary marvels that have spent millions of years refining their genetic makeup. This lengthy genetic fine-tuning has likely allowed them to achieve impressive traits that make bats one of the most unique mammals in the world. And while it may seem like we don’t have much in common with bats, these unique creatures actually offer a lot of insight into how humans may get sick and even how we age.

New $24 million funding to spearhead pandemic preparedness research

While the world continues to recover from the last pandemic, a major investment from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) could help the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) prepare the world for the next infectious disease crisis.

Matching passion with practice in equine medicine

For veterinarians who are passionate about equine care, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) offers a gateway to specialized expertise through its internship and residency programs. These programs equip the students with hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and an opportunity to advance their careers in equine medicine.

Young Innovators: USask researcher using bat immune systems to find next generation therapies

Most mornings you can find University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate student Victoria Gonzalez working in one of the level 2 laboratories at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Home sweet home for new vet college

By September 1965, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) had its first class of veterinary students, its first faculty members and its first dean — but it was still waiting for its own permanent building at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Veterinary medicine part of USask history

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) officially became home to a college of veterinary medicine in August 1963 — but the university's close links with animal health and veterinary science began much earlier in its 108-year history.

"Vet college of the West" decades in making

When the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's first class of 33 students met for the first time in September 1965, it was the fulfilment of a dream that was decades in the making.

Vetavision a 45-year tradition at WCVM

One year after the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's new building officially opened in 1969, veterinary students were eager to open the college's doors to the public and share information about their new profession.

College centre of lifelong training for vets

While the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is widely recognized for its role in educating veterinary students, the college has also played a part in ensuring that Western Canada's practicing veterinarians continue to enhance their training throughout their careers.

Student demographics shift at WCVM

As the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) prepared to open its doors in 1965, Dean Larry Smith and his admissions committee pored over 93 applications and chose the WCVM's first class of 33 students.

The blood flow balance: USask scientists test treatment for severe bleeding in trauma patients

During my 10 years of experience as a paramedic on the frontline of human health care, we’ve gained some new tools and technologies that help us do our jobs. But what remains the same is the number of options for treating patients who are severely bleeding from trauma.

B.C. student’s veterinary career choice flowed from salmon farming experience

When Matthew Wilson’s father took him kayaking along the coast of British Columbia, that holiday adventure ignited a new interest in his life — a fascination with the ocean and its unique ecology and biology.

‘Bully breeds’ bans don’t address lack of training and owner awareness

Banning of dog breeds brings up important questions: are dog breeds causing the problem? Or is the problem caused by owners who don’t properly train their animals — or don’t train them at all?

Canada’s pork industry renews financial investment in USask swine welfare chair

A group of Canadian pork industry partners have committed more than $1 million over five years to extend the critical role of a research chair in swine welfare at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Fish, canola, and the future of aquaculture

USask graduate student research investigates canola meal as sustainable fish meal alternative.

WCVM alumnus and Manitoba veterinarian appointed to Order of Canada

Dr. Kenneth Mould (DVM), alumnus of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and a retired Manitoba veterinarian, has been appointed a member of the Order of Canada.

WCVM's first dean shaped college's future

When the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) Board of Governors began searching for the first dean of Western Canada's veterinary college in 1963, their list of criteria was long.

WCVM teaching hospital's humble roots

As Western Canada's new veterinary college came to life in the mid-1960s, a critical consideration was ensuring that future veterinary students had exposure to hands-on clinical experience with a diverse range of animals and cases.

Raising the bar for the livestock industry

USask alumnus Dr. Tyson Buyer (BSA’12, DVM’16) started his business to help bring breeders together.

Canada’s first veterinary social work program celebrates 10 years at the WCVM

A decade ago, Erin Wasson was completing a Master of Social Work degree program at the University of Regina (U of R) when two of her mentors approached her with the idea of establishing a veterinary social work program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Watch for holiday dangers to family pets

While the holidays are a joyous time for many people, the extra hustle and bustle of large gatherings can make it easy for household pets to get into trouble unnoticed.

MRI and LINAC installation project begins March 2025

While the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) has been planning a construction project that will significantly enhance its technological resources, the hospital's leadership team has secured an alternative provider for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic services.

‘Veterinary medicine chose me as much as I chose it’

Enzzo Cepeda is no stranger to change. At the age of 14, he and his family moved from the largest city in South America — São Paulo, Brazil — to Winnipeg, Man., where the population and the climate were radically different from anything Cepeda had ever experienced before.

New veterinary program aims to support Canadian swine industry shortages

Nearly a decade ago, Dr. John Harding (DVM) noticed an alarming trend across Canada. As the country’s swine veterinarians grew older and reached retirement age, the number of young veterinarians interested in taking their place in the swine industry was dwindling.

From savannah cats to coral growth: diverse experiences prepare B.C. student for vet school

When the BC SPCA gave shelter to a group of savannah cats a few years ago, Ashley Sum Yin U was among the people who pitched in to help the animals.

Designated WCVM seats aim to enrich veterinary profession

As demand for animal health care in rural areas and underserved communities grows, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is leading efforts to address these needs through innovative admissions strategies.

Unlocking the ‘genetic magic’ of beef cattle

The next phase of a University of Saskatchewan (USask) research initiative aims to sequence the entire genome of beef cattle for the selection of optimum physical and behavioural traits and create a Canadian genetic database — two ambitious goals that will have a significant impact on the country’s beef cattle industry.

2024 Agribition serves as ideal training site for WCVM veterinary students

Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary students are preparing for a busy week filled with hands-on experiences and animal health awareness during the 2024 Canadian Western Agribition.

Giving back in life and death

USask graduate and veterinary toxicologist Dr. Barry Blakley (BSc’70, Sc’71, DVM’75, MSc’77, PhD) made a big impact in his profession and in the classroom. After passing away in March from pancreatic cancer, his legacy continues through ocular donations and student scholarships.

Dr. Arran Lamont's life honoured with new memorial scholarship

A unique scholarship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) highlights the value of veterinary students enjoying other passions outside of veterinary medicine.

WCVM-connected graduate students participate in USask fall convocation

Twelve graduate students connected to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) celebrated a major milestone this fall, joining a group of 944 University of Saskatchewan (USask) students at convocation ceremonies held in mid-November.

Delivering through the nose: USask team tests easier way to give lifesaving drug to working dogs

Veterinary researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are working on a safer and easier option for administering a drug that reverses the effects of xylazine in police dogs and other canine working animals that accidentally ingest or inhale this potent sedative.

Volunteering helped Saskatchewan student see variety in veterinary profession

Boden Marley has his mom to thank for helping him to realize his dream of getting accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

‘Let’s get started’: Bev Hughes’ legacy in veterinary medicine education

When Bev Hughes takes her dog Tyme in for appointments at her local veterinary clinic, she always asks the attending veterinarian one question: “Where did you go to veterinary school?”

Vet student’s career interests stitch together animal and human health

Jen Svilik’s interest in human medicine led her to the Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree program at the University of Ottawa, but as she went on to pursue public health studies in France, her viewpoint expanded to encompass human health as well as the well-being of animals.

USask scientists evaluate timing for vaccinating sheep against deadly bacterial disease

In a new study targeting a deadly disease in lambs, scientists at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are evaluating various vaccine protocols and their antibody concentrations to help sheep producers make better-informed decisions about disease prevention.

Friends of VIDO receives $1 million from celebrated Saskatoon philanthropist

A generous donation of $1 million from Ellen Remai, through the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, will support the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), a world-class research facility at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), with an aim to stop emerging infectious diseases and future pandemics.

WCVM alumnus honours parents’ legacy of sacrifice with new scholarship

A recent graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has established a new veterinary scholarship that pays tribute to her parents’ selflessness in immigrating with their family to Canada.

Northern exposure to animals guided Yukon student to vet profession

Growing up in Canada’s North meant that a large part of Claire Campbell’s childhood was spent outdoors, and her memories read like a page out of a travel brochure.

Tissue explants offer promising alternative for swine influenza research

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are exploring an innovative approach to swine influenza research that uses tissue explants as an alternative to conducting live animal trials.

Going batty: debunking myths and uncovering facts about one of Halloween’s spookiest critters

They’re quiet hunters, they’re the inspiration for one of the world’s most popular superheroes and they’re all over Halloween decorations – but how much do we really know about bats?

Flying beyond the yellow: USask scientists explore honey bees’ diverse foraging habits on Prairies

This summer, I teamed up with honey bee researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to learn more about the foraging habits of the pollinator species on the Prairies where canola is a dominant source of high quality nectar.

Veterinary pursuit: B.C. student has what it takes to achieve dream profession

Growing up in England, Christopher Keane had often considered a veterinary career. But that idea was shot down when he was told as a teenager that he didn’t have the capability to become a veterinarian.

‘Technologist of the Year’ award goes to a team player in animal health care

As manager of health services in a busy veterinary teaching hospital, Lindsey Fenez is used to covering a lot of ground during her workdays at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

WCVM Class of 1973 showcases ‘giving spirit’ to simulation centre

More than 50 years after launching their veterinary careers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), members of the college’s Class of 1973 gave a special gift to their alma mater that will support the hands-on education of future veterinarians.

Access to veterinary care critical to health of animals and people

Snarling, yelping and teeth gnashing was all I heard on one picturesque afternoon at my home First Nation in northern B.C. I was 13 years old, and my five-year-old sister and I were playing outside of my Nana’s house when Grizzly, our beloved family dog, was attacked by a pack of roaming dogs.

Professional pivot leads veterinary student to new challenges

To Arisia Swystun of Saskatoon, Sask., the sights and sounds and smells of a busy emergency veterinary hospital are as familiar as the back of her own hand.

USask veterinary student earns North American bovine health award

Jackson Goudy, a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), received a top scholarship from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) for his outstanding efforts in building a future in bovine veterinary medicine.

Veterinary students from 'then and now' compare notes during panel discussion

What was it like to be a veterinary student in the 1960s compared to students today at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)?

Twin sisters share mutual passion for animals and veterinary medicine

Since classes began at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in mid-August, staff and students may have wondered if they’re seeing double when they pass by first-year veterinary students Kaylee and Madisyn Fulcher in the hallway.

WCVM poster day highlights students’ research findings

University of Saskatchewan (USask) undergraduate students presented their summer research projects as part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual undergraduate research poster day on September 4.

Vaping while pregnant: USask researchers develop vital tool to study risks

Vaping while pregnant may disrupt the intricate and captivating process of testis development by exposing the testis cells to toxicants.

USask study flags human drugs as most common cause for canine poisonings

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) study flags accidental ingestion of human drugs as one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs that are brought to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's (WCVM) small animal emergency service.

B.C. vet student aspires to work alongside her mentors after graduation

Rheana Gilbert, a first-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was a young girl when she began helping with everyday chores on her family’s cow-calf operation in Rose Prairie — a small rural community located north of Fort St. John, B.C.

‘I hope to live up to the name of Dr. Langelier’

A familiar and endearing face was among those welcoming University of Saskatchewan student Rory Langelier to the veterinary profession on Sept. 23 during the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual white coat ceremony.

USask beef cattle ethologist receives bovine welfare award

Dr. Diego Moya (DVM, PhD), a beef cattle ethologist at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), has received the 2024 Metacam Bovine Welfare Award for his exceptional work in advancing the scientific understanding of bovine welfare and implementing improvements in the beef cattle sector.

Breathing new life: harnessing hypoxia to heal spinal cord injuries

University of Saskatchewan scientists are studying how therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia (tAIH) works to promote spinal cord plasticity after an injury and identifying molecules and pathways activated by tAIH.

USask’s VIDO awarded NIH contract to develop critical models for global research

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has been awarded a major new research contract in the global fight against infectious diseases.

USask PhD student takes animal pathogen research international with journey to Scotland

In a research journey that has taken her all the way to Europe, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral student is investigating the functions and effects of different infectious diseases in animals – and how these could potentially be combatted with vaccines.

Switching ‘off’ equine herpesvirus

The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has awarded US$99,846 over three years to University of Saskatchewan virologist Dr. Kristen Conn in support of foundational research targeting equine herpesvirus (EHV).

Horse Health Lines (Fall 2024) now online

The Fall 2024 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.

Dr. Cheryl Waldner receives 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) leader in beef cattle health and welfare has been awarded the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation.

USask co-leads of first-ever nationwide One Health training program

Six universities across Canada have partnered to develop a cutting edge One Health training, mentorship and education program.

Personal ties lead scientists to bacterial research collaboration

An antimicrobial resistance research project initiated through a collaboration between British Columbia’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) all began with a personal connection.

USask scientists study link between Brucella infection and poor semen quality in rams

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has confirmed that the presence of bacteria — primarily Brucella ovis — is the culprit behind poor semen quality found in male sheep (rams).

Curing cuts with cod: can fish skin grafts help heal horses’ wounds?

Dr. Alannah Friedlund (DVM) has gained firsthand experience treating all kinds of bloody, nasty cuts, gashes and slices on horses’ legs during her time at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Horse health recharged

This spring, researchers and graduate students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received over $132,000 in support of equine health studies and student training.

‘There’s no other place for me to be’: neuroscientist joins veterinary college at USask

From a young age, Dr. Olamide Adebiyi (DVM, PhD) has loved animals and teaching — two interests that eventually led to her career in veterinary medicine and academia.

B.C. philanthropist’s gift inspires veterinary graduates to ‘pay it forward’

Pauline Sang’s selfless spirit and devotion to animal welfare advocacy brought joy to everyone around her during her lifetime.

BIG project requires a large and diverse team

What do a veterinarian, an ecologist, a virologist, a conservation officer and a structural engineer-turned-veterinary-student have in common? They are all vital members of a diverse team that’s working toward the conservation of Canada’s once-great bison herds.