Research
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gifts from WCVM pathologist create graduate student scholarships
Even after retiring from the classroom, Dr. Ted Clark continues to provide support for the success of graduate students studying veterinary pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
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.
WCVM graduate students part of USask spring convocation ceremonies
Graduates of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) aren’t the only scholars celebrating during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation.
WCVM researchers earn awards at USask Life and Health Sciences Research Expo
Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) research community earned awards for their showings at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2023 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo on May 4.
‘Long Lyme’ is a growing health conundrum
Lyme disease is rarely fatal in people, but for some, this perplexing bacterial disease can have an impact on the rest of their lives.
USask food science graduate investigates healthier pet food
Yikai Ren’s thesis research focused on low-glycemic pet food made with Saskatchewan pulse crops.
How low can pathogen’s infective dose go before pigs get sick?
An old infectious agent — usually considered harmless — is responsible for the sudden deaths of pigs in North America.
The view from inside: one cell’s harrowing experience with lung disease
I am a lung cell, and I am instrumental to the function of every other organ in the body. My job is to oversee the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air sacs and the blood vessels. Without me, everything else in the body shuts down.
WCVM graduate students take three minutes ‘to win it’ at USask competition
Narsimha Pujari and Hemlata Gautam, both graduate students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), took top honours at the annual 3MT (Three-minute Thesis) Finals held at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on April 11.
Protein from roundworm may unlock a cellular ‘fountain of youth’
A one-millimetre-long worm and its genome may be key to understanding how human and animal cells age, according to new research from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) published in the journal Aging Cell.
Changing my tune: from mezzo-soprano to student scientist
Two years ago, I traded in my evening gowns for a lab coat.
Scientists work toward goal of saving bison, one problem at a time
How can a bison cow have a calf sired by a bull from the opposite side of North America? The collection, disinfection and freezing of semen using novel technologies can make this former pipe dream a reality, and it may be our best chance of saving the North American bison species.
VIDO and VFI collaborate to strengthen pandemic preparedness
The Vaccine Formulation Institute (VFI) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have signed a collaborative research agreement to help drive joint vaccine development.
VIDO scientists receive leadership awards for excellence in vaccine research
Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) have been recognized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for their international leadership in vaccine research for infectious diseases.
Horse Health Lines (Spring 2023) now online
The Spring 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.
Researchers snap, share the beauty of USask research
From ecosystems in peril to the intense gaze of an Arctic fox, winners in the 2023 University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Images of Research competition celebrated the art and artistry of research, scholarly, and artistic work at USask.
Are off-leash dog parks a ‘ticking’ time bomb?
For many dog owners, warmer weather means that trips to the local off-leash dog park are a regular occurrence. But more time at the park may mean a higher chance of picking up a few passengers on the way — including ticks.
Lightning learning
Eequine-focused graduate students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) recently participated in a “lightning rounds” session — part of the college’s annual EquineED Talks series.
Renowned virologist at USask leads pandemic fight
She is one of the world’s most recognized virologists, recruited to serve on the front lines of the pandemic and preparing for the next global threat.
Saskatchewan invests in chronic wasting disease research at USask
The Government of Saskatchewan announced a $90,000 grant to support innovative University of Saskatchewan (USask) research that studies the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and meningeal worm in woodland caribou and other boreal species.
Understanding the genetics behind antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle
Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investigating antimicrobial resistance by establishing relationships between antimicrobial resistance genes in beef cattle and examining the impact of various exposure events on patterns of antimicrobial resistance.
WCVM researcher uses ultrasound images to explore alpacas’ reproductive patterns
As a professor and prolific researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Jaswant Singh has explored the reproductive physiology of cattle, bison and a variety of other mammals.
Does blueberry pollen diet make honey bees more prone to disease?
Did you know that honey bees and humans face similar challenges when it comes to diet and health? Just as people require proper nutrition to stay healthy, bees also need an ample supply of their primary food and protein source — flower-collected pollen.
It’s a gut feeling: measuring stress in waterfowl
Just like people, waterfowl can experience feelings of stress that affect their gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms living inside their digestive system.
USask alumnus Dr. Hugh Townsend to be inducted into equine hall of fame
A lifetime of working to enhance the health and welfare of horses across Canada has earned a place of honour in the Saskatchewan Horse Federation’s (SHF) Hall of Fame for University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus and professor emeritus Dr. Hugh Townsend.
USask scientists study space and sickness in feedlot cattle
As researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) study the impact of stocking density and feed bunk space allowance on the health of beef cattle, they’re pondering the age-old question: “Is less really more?”
Why studying microbiology will make me a better veterinarian
When I tell people that I spent a summer working with bacteria rather than animals, I get puzzled looks and they often ask, “What does that have to do with being a vet?” The answer is simple: everything.
From small-town kid to Vanier Scholar
When Cody Koloski graduated from high school in Rossburn, Man., he headed for university with dreams of becoming a doctor — buoyed by his teachers’ enthusiasm for biology, chemistry and physics.
Cattle producers and scientists 'rub shoulders' at research forum
Livestock and forage scientists at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) seeking to refine their research met with producers and industry leaders at the sixth annual Beef and Forage Research Forum.
Collaborative research team teases out significance of stressors found in pigs’ hair
Stress. We’ve all been there — those moments of acute stress when we’re stuck in traffic or those periods of chronic stress when life seems to chuck all the lemons at us. But did you know that all of this stress information gets stored in your hair?
USask researchers devise strategies for faster disease detection in honey bees
While the rise in antimicrobial resistant pathogens is an issue affecting all species, a team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are focusing their efforts on honey bees — investigating how they can reduce the use of antibiotic drugs for managing disease in the pollinator species.
USask scientists find antimicrobial resistance gene linked to livestock treatment
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have discovered how a previously overlooked gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance — a growing global issue that threatens the health and welfare of both humans and animals.
Baseline for hormone levels in western Canadian horses takes shape
As the percentage of older horses in Western Canada grows, so does the number of animals that are diagnosed with endocrine disorders such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).
Llamas and alpacas: potential animal models for reproductive research?
A study at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) promises not only to provide important information about llama and alpaca reproduction but also to determine if the camelid species could become animal models for reproductive research.
Blood on the double
Dogs can donate life-saving blood to other dogs, just like people can give blood to their fellow humans. But veterinarians are still unsure about the best way to deliver blood from dog donors to the canine patients that urgently need it.
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 researchers probe drug’s potential ability to block pre-term labour
How can we decrease the occurrence of pre-term births in women? Can a cancer research drug help us find a solution? These are questions facing reproductive scientist Dr. Daniel MacPhee (PhD) and his research team at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Beloved cat inspires teen's pet health research gift
Percy Jackson was an affectionate, snuggly kitten who immediately bonded with his new owner Charlie Hoffman. The ragdoll cat was an important support for Hoffman, a 14-year-old high school student, who needed support to deal with anxiety and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Vet Topics (Winter 2023) now online
The Winter 2023 issue of Vet Topics, news publication for the veterinary college's Companion Animal Health Fund, is now available online.
A passion for pets
Growing up in the French countryside, Dr. Mathieu Paulin was always surrounded by pets of all kinds including dogs, a goat and many ducks.
USask research team explores protein’s role in herpesvirus infections
Herpesviruses are nothing new, but what’s surprising are their sheer number: 130 species of herpesviruses infect and cause disease in a wide variety of species — including people.
Range to research: how ranch lessons aid my research job
At first glance, sitting on the back of a horse watching cattle graze seems a whole world apart from extracting DNA at a pristine lab bench. But my experiences in research and ranching have shown me that both disciplines share common principles.
WCABP names WCVM graduate bovine vet of the year
Dr. Calvin Booker of Okotoks, Alta., a Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) graduate, is the 2023 recipient of the Veterinarian of the Year Award — an honour supported by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.
A quarter century of service at USask
Let’s turn back time 25 years to 1997, when Jean Chrétien was re-elected prime minister, the blockbuster movie Titanic premiered in theatres, Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer to win the Masters at age 21, and the first book in the soon-to-be wildly successful Harry Potter series was published.
USask scientists receive provincial honours
Dr. Volker Gerdts (DVM, PhD), director and CEO of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), has been recognized with an Achievement Award by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).
Saskatchewan ag research funding includes over $2.3 million for WCVM scientists
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received over $2.3 million from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for livestock research.
Improving livestock health overall aim of WCVM research studies
Detecting infectious poultry diseases more quickly and developing regional influenza vaccines for pigs are among 28 innovative livestock and forage research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) that will receive funding through the Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) in 2023.
USask scientist looks at link between zoonotic diseases and imported dogs
A veterinary researcher at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is hoping to connect with pet owners or canine rescue organizations that have recently imported dogs into Canada or plan to bring animals into the country.
USask research income growth leads Canada’s medical universities
Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities rankings for 2022 published Wednesday place the University of Saskatchewan (USask) first among the country’s tier of 16 medical universities for research income growth from all grants, contracts, and contributions.
USask study aims to gain understanding of finishing diets for bison
A team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are gearing up to explore the impact of starch concentration in the finishing diets of bison — a specialized livestock species in Canada.
Pollinators, canola and pesticides targeted in USask study
Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are evaluating the effects of pesticides on honey bees and other pollinators that subsist on the pollen of canola — Saskatchewan’s top crop.
USask study finds bulls’ breeding soundness unaffected by ergot-contaminated feed
A study conducted by a team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers confirms that bulls can eat feed contaminated with ergot alkaloids — toxic compounds produced by a plant fungus — for multiple weeks without affecting breeding soundness.
Guide aims to help put the welcome mat out for pets
A team of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are part of an initiative to explore the benefits of welcoming companion animals in places where they wouldn’t normally be allowed.
SREDA study estimates VIDO’s economic impact over half a billion dollars
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) released key findings from its Economic Impact Study conducted on the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).
Four new USask Vanier Scholars demonstrate excellence in research and leadership
Four University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral students — including a Western College of Veterinary Medicine-based graduate student — have been named 2022 Vanier Scholars.
Veterinary professor at USask launches bovine health podcast
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) beef cattle specialist at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has launched a new podcast that gives listeners a Canadian perspective on beef cattle health and nutrition.
$8.1M investment will help VIDO become CL4 facility
The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has received a significant investment from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to establish containment Level 4 (CL4) capacity — the highest level of containment.
He or she: what will it be?
“Boy or girl?” Expectant mothers hear that question a lot, and thanks to ultrasound technology, many human parents have the option of finding out the answer long before their baby is born.
USask researcher asks public to report cougar evidence
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher is building a database to uncover the whereabouts of the secretive and elusive prairie cougar.
Veterinarian earns PhD degree and $10,000 prize for equine research
Through hard work and perseverance, equine surgical specialist Dr. Michelle Tucker has earned her PhD degree as well as a $10,000 prize for her research achievements at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM graduates part of USask Fall Convocation celebrations
A group of students pursuing higher education at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive their graduate degrees and certificates during the University of Saskatchewan’s Fall Convocation ceremonies on Nov. 9.
New season of 'EquineED Talks' begins in November
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has organized a third season of its very popular “EquineED Talks” series for horse owners across Western Canada and around the world.
Horse Health Lines (Fall 2022) now online
The Fall 2022 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.
USask honours faculty members named distinguished professors
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) honours professors from across campus for their exceptional achievements in research, scholarly or artistic work.
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.
Practical veterinarian
Coming to Canada for an equine residency meant starting over for Dr. José Antonio Guerra. Guerra had already become a professor at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México outside of Mexico City, Mexico, after earning a master’s degree at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).