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.

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.

NSERC awards more than $700,000 to WCVM research projects

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received over $700,000 in research funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.

Veterinary students assist in injured calf’s recovery

During a calving rotation at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) this spring, a team of senior veterinary students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) gained hands-on experience assisting a young calf with a fractured limb.

WCVM vet student and faculty member part of national honours

In a celebration of outstanding achievement and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary student and a faculty member of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) were among the recipients of awards recently presented by the Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

Banned rodenticide still endangers pets’ lives

It’s been a year since Saskatchewan banned the use of strychnine to control rodents, but a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary toxicologist is warning that the highly toxic poison continues to threaten the lives of animals in the province.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WCVM scientist among USask's top research award recipients

Recipients of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) top honour of Distinguished Researchers for 2023 are Dr. Cheryl Waldner (DVM, PhD), and Dr. Wen Jun (Chris) Zhang (PhD), internationally recognized experts in their fields who have contributed their talents to USask for more than two decades.

Celebrate World Book Day with WCVM authors

It’s World Book Day on April 23, 2023, and if you’re on the hunt for a good book, here are some options that have been written by Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) alumni and faculty.

WCVM employee honoured for dedication to USask graduate students

When University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students first enter the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Department of Veterinary Microbiology, one of the first to greet them is Linda Nemeth — the department’s graduate programs co-ordinator and assistant.

USask team plans unique facility to develop, test alternative fish food

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is partnering with an array of industry groups to establish a “globally unique” facility on campus to develop and test plant- and insect-derived proteins to replace the fishmeal that has no great substitute in aquaculture feed today.

WCVM hires pollinator health research chair

A new University of Saskatchewan (USask) research chair position at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will focus on the health of pollinators that play an integral role in global food production and agricultural sustainability.

WCVM faculty receive federal research funds

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers in diverse disciplines were recently awarded over $7 million in federal government grant funding. Faculty members at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive $682,500 in research funds as part of this announcement.

Five questions with Dr. Candace Lowe

For Candace Lowe, DVM, MVetSci., Dipl. AVDC, hard work, determination, and a life-long adoration of animals were all essential to the foundation of her career in veterinary dentistry.

WCVM PRIDE club creates space for community

When Madlyn Lung sent an email message to the entire Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) community asking about interest in a Pride club, she was overwhelmed by the response.

USask honours Wastewater Surveillance Team for public engagement

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Wastewater Surveillance Team, which responded swiftly to the arrival of COVID-19 by developing a monitoring program that provides reliable forecasts of infection outbreaks in communities, is being recognized with USask’s 2022 Publicly Engaged Scholarship Team Award.

WCVM faculty earn awards for their international efforts

Two faculty members at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have received international awards from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in recognition of their exceptional efforts to improve the lives of people and animals around the world.

Ching’s ‘can-do’ attitude earns recognition

Dr. John Ching (PhD) is someone who goes out of his way to assist students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — whether it’s during the college’s laboratory courses or outside of class.

The tops in teachers

Dr. Elemir Simko (DVM, DVSc,) believes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Equine vet brings world-class sports medicine expertise to WCVM

As a new clinical associate with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Nathalie Reisbig is ready to round out the range of horse health expertise available at the college’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) with her world-class knowledge of equine sports medicine.

What’s the best approach to boosting calves’ immune response?

A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) study co-led by Drs. Nathan Erickson and John Ellis is investigating whether different vaccine prime-boost approaches can help calves develop a better immune response against pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease.

Health information in the veterinary world

When you think of health information, you likely picture medical settings like hospitals and clinics. But health information isn’t just limited to humans; it’s easy to forget that animals have health information that requires managing, too.

Dean steps down from USask veterinary college

Dr. Douglas Freeman, dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), will step down on June 30 and go on administrative leave from the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Hospital's triage service offers stress relief

An innovative triage program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) is providing timely information and guidance to anxious owners who are seeking emergency help for their pets.

Dowling masters the art of change

It may seem unusual to walk away questioning your own judgments and biases after a conversation with a veterinary pharmacologist, but this is exactly the type of deep thinking Dr. Trish Dowling inspires.

2019 Fall Convocation award recipients

More than 900 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be awarded to University of Saskatchewan (USask) students at the annual Fall Convocation ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Merlis Belsher Place.

Cow-calf survey shows successful move to spring calving

Results of the Western Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network study led by researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have shown producers are increasingly moving to a later calving season as a means of expanding herds.