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WCVM: The animal side of critical care

One early Monday morning last October, the clinical team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) was preparing for rounds when an emergency patient was brought in to the hospital.

Llama drama: Research into the mechanics of llama ovulation reveals a rare tumour

All it took was one ultrasound image to change all of our plans. I was part of a research team from the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) investigating how llamas ovulate. The season was just gearing up and we were doing the usual reproductive-function exams on the 25 research llamas at the college’s llama and alpaca farm near Saskatoon.

Boehringer Ingelheim forges partnership with USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

The University of Saskatchewan has announced a five-year partnership and $250,000 contribution from research-driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. that will support advancements in innovation and leadership at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

WCVM grad returns as emergency and critical care specialist

Becoming a veterinarian was never a question for Dr. Jennifer Loewen, who had her career planned out since she was attending elementary school in her hometown of Winnipeg, Man.

Researchers seek clues to better treatment for deadly dog disease

Taking your adorable new puppy to play at the dog park: priceless. Potential cost of not fully vaccinating your puppy first: several days in the veterinary hospital, thousands of dollars in intensive-care fees … and still no guarantee your puppy will survive.

Prairie vet: ‘I can’t think of a better profession’

Dr. Julie de Moissac couldn’t be happier with her lifestyle and work environment as the sole veterinarian at her practice near Outlook, Sask.

Clinic tour part of 2019 Equine Expo

Curious about how veterinarians identify a lameness problem or a reproductive issue in a horse? Want to learn more about the tools that equine specialists use to diagnose and treat lameness, colic, infectious diseases and more?

WCVM Today’s top five stories of 2018

It’s been a busy and exciting year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), and to celebrate the end of 2018, here are five stories that were readers’ favourites on the WCVM Today website and the college’s social media channels.

Six world-first vaccines among USask’s VIDO-InterVac contributions to global health

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) has established itself as a leading global institute in protecting human and animal health since 1975, with six world-firsts among the eight vaccines it has commercialized.

Feeding centre opens in WCVM Small Animal Clinic

When it’s feeding time in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Clinic, all food for hospitalized pets now comes from one spot: the new Nestlé Purina Inpatient Feeding Centre.

Leading by example

As I walk down the halls at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), I pass by walls lined with graduation portraits dating back to the first students in the 1960s. From a then-majority of sepia-toned moustaches to today’s colour photos featuring predominantly female students, we can spot the faces of our mentors, many of our teachers, and for some, even family members.

Pet protector

Horses have always been a big deal for Dr. Katherine Ball, who was seven when she got her first horse. After that she spent every possible moment riding or working in the barn.

Alberta student happy to return to her ‘Plan A’

Jude Morton was only five years old when she told her mother that she wanted to be a veterinarian. It seemed like the ideal career for Morton, who grew up surrounded by pets and farm animals on her family’s home in Scotland. The daughter of a shepherd, she helped her father with lambing, feeding the lambs and ewes, and many other jobs.

Animal health and food safety in hands of vets

Victor Kernaleguen first started working at a veterinary clinic when he was just 12 years old. His boss was his aunt, Dr. Anne Kernaleguen — a 1978 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — who owned and operated a mixed animal practice in Stoughton, Sask.

Manitoba vet student following in mother’s footsteps

First-year veterinary student Chris Jermey has been shadowing a veterinarian since he was a baby. Early pictures show him sitting in a stroller watching his mother, Dr. Helen Metner-Jermey, at work on farm calls for her large animal ambulatory practice in Moosehorn, Man.

Volker Gerdts named new USask VIDO-InterVac director and CEO

Following an international search, Dr. Volker Gerdts has been selected to lead the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development.

Veterinarian finds path in public health

A love of horses drew Dr. Megan Jurasek into a veterinary career. But a love of learning and an eye for opportunity are taking the recent graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on a track to public service and regulatory medicine.

Sled dog racing roots drive student’s vet career

While growing up in northern British Columbia, first-year veterinary student Alannah Friedlund’s life revolved around sled dog racing and working with her family to maintain their kennel of Alaskan huskies. She was six years old when she ran her first race.

Vet’s world built on community connections

Relationships and trust — these two words sum up the core values that have guided Dr. Tom Schmidt throughout his veterinary career. Since his graduation from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1989, Schmidt has been a trusted clinician, adviser and friend to his clients in the North Battleford area.

Puppy love: caring vets generously treat rare disease

Inspired by the tremendous care her dog Max received at the WCVM as a result of a rare disease, Katelyn Maruca pledged to help veterinary medicine students succeed through scholarship support.

USask researchers find changing environment bringing bear species together

In an unprecedented finding, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have recorded all three species of North American bears occupying overlapping territory in Canada’s subarctic.

Agriculture integral part of vet’s work and life

Most people know Dr. Andrew (Andy) Acton first and foremost as the owner-operator of Deep South Animal Clinic in Ogema, Sask., a mixed-animal practice where he spends his days working to make both small and large animals alike live happy, healthy lives.