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.
‘Everyone needs a Chonk’: how one cat changed a girl’s life
Passing time in a pet store in a city that’s 250 kilometres from home isn’t where you might expect to meet the pet that will change your life — but that was the case for the Helgason family of Kindersley, Sask.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Workshops make equine anatomy come alive
Tired of memorizing the intricacies of equine anatomy? Put that textbook aside — Dr. Madison Ricard (DVM, PhD) offers an entertaining way to help make learning about horses’ limbs, organs and systems much more memorable for people of all ages.
Yas Ranjbar: 'It's creating an understanding and respect'
As a student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Yas Ranjbar knows how important diversity and inclusion is to the strength of a community.
Award-winning professor enjoys helping students achieve ‘aha moments’ in learning
For Dr. Tasha Epp (DVM, PhD), the rewards of teaching all aspects of epidemiology and zoonotic disease to undergraduate veterinary students and graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are twofold.
New veterinarian’s passion for horses leads to WCVM equine internship
After years of “living and breathing horses,” Laura Callaghan is savouring her new role as an equine field service intern at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
USask veterinary medallist envisions career in medical imaging
Dr. Maya Kliewer (DVM) of Saskatoon is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Gold Medal, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) highest honour for a graduating veterinary student.
USask scientist receives coveted federal funding for fruit fly metabolism research
Tiny fruit flies are helping Dr. Adelaine Leung (PhD) learn more about how a molecule found in flies as well as people could eventually lead to better, sex-specific approaches for preventing and treating obesity in humans.
To catch a cat killer
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a life-threatening disease with an increased incidence in cats that have spent time in humane shelters or other multi-cat environments.
Health science researchers to receive Governor General’s Gold Medals at USask
Dr. Scott Dos Santos (PhD), whose health-focused doctoral studies were based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is one of two University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students to receive a Governor General’s Gold Medal — Canada’s most prestigious academic honour.
USask team’s aerosol vaccine protects poultry from fatal bacterial disease
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has developed an aerosol vaccine that is proving effective in protecting young broiler chicks against necrotic enteritis, a deadly disease in poultry and a One Health issue affecting both animals and humans.
‘Chance favoured a distractible mind’: USask professor’s curiosity leads to career award
French chemist, pharmacist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur once said, “Chance favours the prepared mind only” when describing discovery through research.
WCVM researchers excel at USask Life and Health Sciences Research Expo
Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM)’s research community excelled at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2024 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo on May 2.
WCVM researcher earns award for graduate student mentorship
A cancer researcher and faculty member at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has received a University of Saskatchewan (USask) award for his exceptional efforts in student mentorship.
Three WCVM faculty members among USask distinguished professors
The honorary title of distinguished professor recognizes exceptional achievements in research, scholarly, and artistic work.
Study’s insights may help expedite Addison’s disease diagnosis
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have identified some unique characteristics that most dogs show when they’re critically ill due to Addison’s disease — insights that may help veterinarians identify severe cases more quickly.
USask scientists explore new ways to protect bees from wily disease
If you haven’t caught up with the latest buzz, a bacterial illness called European foulbrood disease (EFB) is having a devastating impact on honey bee populations across North America.
WCVM graduate research celebration attracts record number of entrants
The 2024 Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) Graduate Student Research Poster Day on April 3 attracted 52 entrants — a record number for the college's annual celebration of graduate research.
Ask the Alumni Expert: Dr. Karen Machin (MSc’97, PhD’02)
For National Puppy Day, veterinarian Dr. Karen Machin—an expert in animal behaviour and a founder of New Hope Dog Rescue—shares her tips on puppy socialization and how to choose the right dog for you.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists test more roles for smart farm tools in livestock production
“Data left in the field are dollars left in the field” aptly describes the mindset of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers who are experimenting with “smart farm” technology at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.