First veterinary class celebrates 50 years
Drs. Ernie Olfert and Peter Rempel were working at a fishing camp at Dore Lake, Sask., in 1965 when they received the letters that would change their lives.
Playing ‘bee’ to study pesticide effects
Pretending to be a honey bee is a lot of work, but researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have proved they’re up for the challenge.
WCVM opens Canada’s first PET-CT unit for animals
Western Canada’s regional veterinary college, based on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus, is now home to Canada’s only PET-CT unit dedicated to clinical use in animals as well as for animal-human research studies.
First cases show potential of PET-CT unit’s diagnostic capacity
The new technology has only been operating for two months, but Canada’s only PET-CT unit dedicated to clinical use in animals is already improving the care of patients at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Does Fido really need that antibiotic?
Most people know the dangers of taking antibiotic drugs for a flu or cold that doesn’t require treatment, but do pet owners understand that the same rules apply for their beloved dogs and cats?
Collaboration helps researchers solve real-world problems
Dr. Arinjay Banerjee (PhD) has always been a gifted student. However, as happens with many graduate students, the way Banerjee thought about his research was flawed at its core. It wasn’t until 2014, when he came to the University of Saskatchewan, that he realized it and changed.
Want your pet to go vegetarian? Be cautious, warns USask expert
As more vegetarian kibble shows up in pet stores, switching Fido and Fluffy to plant-based nutrition may seem like a good idea.
Dipping into mare’s milk
Milk samples are providing vital information about iodine levels in western Canadian brood mares — the focus of a recent study led by theriogenology specialist Dr. Claire Card of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Fund receives legacy gift from Saskatoon vet
The Companion Animal Health Fund (CAHF), a veterinary research fund at the University of Saskatchewan, has received a significant legacy gift from the estate of Dr. Michael Powell, a beloved small animal veterinarian who served the Saskatoon community for 35 years.
WCVM scientists awarded nearly $1.5 million in research funding
Researchers linked to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have been awarded $1,495,000 to address a wide range of issues including preventing pregnancy loss in horses, evaluating tick-borne diseases, and protecting pigs from influenza A infection.
Funds propel $175,000 worth of pet and horse health studies
Have you ever wondered how veterinarians prepare tiny exotic pets for surgery or thought about how equine clinicians can help horses recover from a tendon injury?
Therapy may reduce muscle atrophy in spinal cord injury patients
A team of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is investigating a therapy for spinal cord injuries that could potentially increase patients’ motor function and decrease muscle atrophy at the same time.
USask researchers awarded nearly $11 M in natural sciences, engineering grants
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded nearly $11 million to tackle wide-ranging and critically important issues including cannabis, water quality, and swine flu.
Merck Animal Health announces $250K investment to advance livestock and forage research
The University of Saskatchewan today announced details of a 10-year, $250,000 investment from Merck Animal Health for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) – a visionary research facility located southeast of Saskatoon.
Turning the tide for the bigmouth buffalo fish
The bigmouth buffalo fish, or Ictiobus cyprinellus, is one of 67 fish species found in Saskatchewan waters, but it is also one of the six fish species currently at risk of extirpation (gone from a once-populated area) in the province.
Imported spices and frozen vegetables tested for “superbugs”
A University of Saskatchewan research team has found that some food imported to Saskatoon from certain Asian countries has tested positive for “superbugs”—strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria— but immediate health concerns are likely low.
$1.25M awarded to innovative USask early career researchers
Five University of Saskatchewan early career researchers have each been awarded $250,000 over two years by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, a new federal fund designed to promote exploratory research that crosses disciplinary boundaries and enables researchers to take risks and be innovative.
Wild pigs invade Canadian provinces—an emerging crisis for agriculture and the environment
Wild pigs—a mix of wild boar and domestic swine—are spreading rapidly across Canada, threatening native species such as nesting birds, deer, agricultural crops, and farm livestock, research by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) shows.
Investigating tularemia on the Canadian Prairies
Between June 29 and July 19, 1978, a group of seven monkeys at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo mysteriously fell ill.
USask ecologist receives prestigious Steacie Fellowship
Maud Ferrari, an exceptional University of Saskatchewan (USask) behavioural ecologist who studies predator-prey interactions, has received one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for young scientists.
Shining a new light on old cases: looking to the past to improve cancer care
When an eight-year-old Labrador retriever named Ruby was brought to the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2016, her owner reported symptoms that had started with the loss of sensation in her back legs, followed by the loss of bladder control and eventually her ability to walk.
USask research shows dogs reduce distress of patients waiting for ER care
A visit from a dog can reduce the distress of patients waiting for emergency treatment in hospital, a study by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) shows.
WCVM grad recognized for animal welfare work
Manitoba veterinarian Dr. Jonas Watson has made philanthropy a priority throughout his veterinary career, and these acts of service have earned him a major international award.
New CFI funding will foster long-term sustainability of two USask national research facilities
Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) research centres—the Canadian Light Source and VIDO-InterVac—will receive a total $13.4-million increase in operating support over two years from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)—one third of the total $39 million awarded nationally to seven facilities.
WCVM alumna cares for calving caribou
One WCVM-trained veterinarian is at the forefront of caring for caribou and other wildlife as the official wildlife veterinarian for British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests.