Veterinary student on path to swine medicine earns $5,000 award

Samantha Nixon of Winnipeg, Man., was one of 10 North American veterinary students who each received a $5,000 scholarship on Feb. 26 during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

USask veterinarian earns top award for bovine work in Western Canada

Dr. Nathan Erickson (DVM) of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has received the 2024 Veterinarian of the Year Award from the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

USask mourns the passing of Dr. Leslie Dubé

The Saskatoon philanthropist, who died on March 13, 2024, at the age of 91, was bestowed with an honorary degree in 2007 for his many contributions to the University of Saskatchewan and to organizations across the province.

Award-winning students represent future of animal care in North

Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary students from Canada’s North have received scholarships from Veterinarians Without Borders-Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Canada (VWB/VSF).

USask’s VIDO selected to join DIANA innovation accelerator

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has been selected to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. VIDO is one of 13 new Canadian test centres chosen to be part of the network—and the only centre with biotechnology as its main focus.

WCVM alumnus honoured for dynamic career in beef industry

Dr. Allan Preston, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) during the cattle organization’s annual general meeting in February 2024.

Making a difference for patients and families

USask alumni Tannis Nicholson (BusAdm’06) and Tyler Moss (BusAdm’08, CEBAC’11) are organizing a second memorial golf tournament to support the Comfort Care Fund at the Hospice at Glengarda

Veterinary student earns Indigenous Achievement Award for leadership

Kree Byrne, a second-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is a 2024 recipient of an Indigenous Student Achievement Award in leadership from the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask vet team’s herculean efforts save mare’s life

May 15, 2023, began as a day of celebration for Mikhaela Thrasher when her five-year-old purebred Clydesdale mare, Nya, gave birth to Hercules — a healthy, strapping colt that weighed a hefty 76 kilograms (168 pounds).

Networking for success: the academic advantage of connectivity

The first time a professor/friend at Sydney University introduced me to the world of extracellular vesicles over coffee, I was captivated by these small, bubble-like structures that carry crucial materials and aid various body processes.

Preparing for the worst is the best plan for horse owners

No one wants a life-threatening disaster to occur at their barn or stable but very few horse owners make the time to develop a plan for preventing emergencies, says Dr. Rebecca (Gimenez) Husted, a primary emergency response instructor with expertise in large animal emergency rescue.

WCVM faculty awarded CIHR research funding

Through its latest round of funding, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is investing $4,862,701 in 13 projects led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers and research teams — including scientists who are part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) faculty. 

Husted wants to help save your horses and your barn

Ask Dr. Rebecca (Gimenez) Husted to describe her work and she’ll tell you that she’s “the chief cook and bottle washer” of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, Inc. (TLAER) — an organization that guides animal owners in handling and preventing emergencies.

Personality traits play key role in invertebrate research

Scientists are recognizing the importance of considering personality in research — even when studying invertebrates.

USask veterinary scientists bite into evasive equine disease

Pain in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) — the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull — is a common human health issue with up to 60 per cent of adults experiencing symptoms of TMJ disease at some point in their lives.

USask veterinarian earns top research prize

Dr. Nathalie Reisbig’s research work on an often-overlooked part of the equine anatomy earned the Western College of Veterinary Medicine veterinarian a top prize of $10,000 at the Calgary International Equine Symposium in September 2023.

K+S Potash Canada invests in Saskatchewan youth through USask SCI-FI Camps

A generous gift of $150,000 from K+S Potash Canada (KSPC) will allow SCI-FI Science Camps to continue to offer free programming to Saskatchewan youth interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Probiotics for pregnancy: does the uterine microbiome influence a cow’s fertility?

Since the community of microorganisms (or microbiome) living in your gut can influence digestion and overall health, eating yogurt or taking probiotics can improve your gut function. But what about the microbiome in the uterus: could the bacterial composition inside the womb influence pregnancy rates?

USask scientists test agent for controlling tiny mite that's a big issue for honey bees

Canadian beekeepers lost a third of their bee hives during the 2022-23 winter due to a “perfect storm” of factors that killed off millions of honey bees across the country.

Horse Health Lines (Spring 2024) now online

The Spring 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.

Acts of love and generosity support Milo's miracle

On Valentine’s Day in February 2023, Abi Bashorun made a connection that proved to be her perfect match.

Social media channel delivers microbiology to students worldwide

When physical distancing and lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic forced educators to adapt their coursework for virtual classes, Dr. Joe Rubin (DVM, PhD) saw a unique opportunity to engage veterinary microbiology students around the world.

A growing fetus may lead to preterm labour

The statistics reflect a stark reality: about 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, with preterm birth accounting for 70 per cent of newborn deaths worldwide.

The limb chill factor: study explores cold therapy options for laminitis

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers hope their recent review of previous studies assessing different types of cold therapies for preventing and treating equine acute laminitis will help veterinarians and serve as a starting point for the design of a new cost-effective cooling boot.

Bilyk gains coast-to-coast experience to prepare for vet career

While growing up in Nanaimo, B.C., Joel Bilyk was surrounded by a variety of pets that included cats, dogs, chickens and Lucy the lamb. His passion for animals was only reinforced during the summers when he helped his grandparents operate their thoroughbred racing stable in Langley, B.C.

Harmful algal blooms: alarming threats lurking in waters

Have you ever walked by a pond and noticed a thick green or bluish-green layer covering the surface of water? These thick layers are becoming increasingly common in oceans, lakes, ponds and other water bodies — threatening aquatic life and human health.

Chicoine builds student resiliency through confidence and perspective

A recipient of the 2023 University of Saskatchewan (USask) Provost’s Outstanding New Teaching Award, Dr. Al Chicoine says students need to know that their professors care about their success.

USask veterinary professor new CGPS associate dean

Dr. Jaswant Singh, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary professor and reproductive scientist, is the new associate dean, academic excellence and innovation, at the university’s College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS).

‘Training public health professionals to meet the needs and challenges of today, and the future’

Dr. George Mutwiri (DVM, PhD) has been appointed to a three-year term as executive director of the School of Public Health (SPH) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Agriculture Development Fund bolsters WCVM-based research projects

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers who are also part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) faculty have received over $1.75 million in financial support from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for livestock-focused research projects in 2024.

USask livestock and forage research receives nearly $6 million

Livestock-focused research projects spearheaded by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and USask-affiliated centres received almost $6 million from the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and are supported by industry co-funders.

Art exhibition springs from USask dog-human relationship research

An art exhibition featuring representations of the bond between dogs and humans, and based on work led by a University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher, will be unveiled at Wanuskewin before touring the province for two years.

Cows, curling and clinical practice hit the button for Manitoba vet student

Living in a rural area on the Canadian Prairies often means spending your winters at the curling rink, and for Matthew Pauls, he grew up living that exact lifestyle in the tiny Manitoba community of Purves.

WCVM alumnus named member of Order of Canada

Dr. Lorne Hepworth, a 1971 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan, was named a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and research.

One Health reflected in northern student’s life and studies

Kandis Villebrun has great memories of growing up in Yellowknife, N.W.T., a city with a strong sense of community that offered many opportunities for her to volunteer and participate in sports.

Camelids help USask researchers explore reproductive health mysteries in mammals

The United Nations has declared 2024 as the “International Year of the Camelid” in recognition of the animals’ contributions to maintaining healthy ecosystems around the world.

Animals at heart of veterinary student’s life

After constantly pestering her parents, Abigail Cunningham was given her first pony: a small Shetland rescue pony named Princess Leah that eventually became the hero of a book she wrote and published when she was 11 years old.

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.

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.