News
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VMC hosts spring equine education day
Local horse owners, breeders and riders can learn more about equine gastric ulcers and basic hoof care at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre’s spring equine education day on Wednesday, May 14. The free event, which will take place in Ryan/Dubé Equine Performance Centre, begins at 9:30 a.m. with a two-and-half-hour presentation by Dr. Fernando Marqués on equine gastric ulcer syndrome …
April 16th, 2014 Full story »
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Seminars bring horse health to communities
A series of six “backyard horse seminars” this spring will deliver vital equine health management information to Saskatchewan horse owners right in their own communities. The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan (FACS) is organizing the seminars in partnership with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Saskatchewan Horse Federation (SHF) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. The seminars aim to …
March 27th, 2014 Full story »
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Study focuses on lung failure in foals
Last summer, I was part of a research group at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) that’s working to gain a better understanding of why young foals often die of respiratory distress and lung failure. During the first few months of their lives, foals are highly susceptible to bacterial infections and toxins because of their immature immune system. As …
March 25th, 2014 Full story »
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Vet students visit Alberta equine centres
Horses are what led me to veterinary medicine. One of the first times I put the two together was during a visit to Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alta. I was in awe of the racetrack’s equine athletes — and that’s when I began wanting to pursue a career in performance horse medicine. Of course, I have a lot of questions about …
March 25th, 2014 Full story »
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Red Deer hosts equine education event
As an equine-minded veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my first weekend back to class than at the Alberta Horse Breeders and Owners Conference on Jan. 10-12 — Canada’s premier horse industry event. The annual conference, which celebrated its 32nd year in Red Deer, Alta., is hosted …
February 02nd, 2014 Full story »
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Protein may help diagnose septic arthritis
Last summer, I was involved in researching a protein called serum amyloid A (SAA) that may help veterinarians reach a proper and early diagnosis of joint infection — a severe and potential life-threatening illness in horses. Infected joints (septic arthritis) is a particular problem in Saskatchewan, mainly because of the widespread use of barbed wire that’s often the culprit behind puncture …
January 20th, 2014 Full story »
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Equine expo a welcome mid-winter break
Western Canada’s equine community is looking forward to the third annual Saskatchewan Equine Expo at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon from Feb. 14-16, 2014. “We have a full schedule once again this year,” says Brenda Sapergia, livestock manager for Prairieland Park Ag Centre. “Our headline events – the Trainer’s Challenge and the Cowhorse Competition – will of course be returning. New …
January 13th, 2014 Full story »
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Becky Gilday receives Markel/AAEP award
Becky Gilday, a fourth-year student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was one of eight North American veterinary students to receive the 2013 Markel/American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation scholarships in early December. The students received their $2,500 scholarships on December 8 during the AAEP’s 59th annual convention’s student luncheon in Nashville, Tenn. The annual program recognizes …
December 16th, 2013 Full story »
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EHRF donations make great gifts!
Struggling to find a meaningful Christmas present for your family’s horse enthusiast, your local veterinarian or your riding coach? Here’s a great option for you: make a donation to the WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund (EHRF) on their behalf! Unlike a coffee gift card or a box of chocolates, a contribution to the EHRF is a gift that keeps on …
December 07th, 2013 Full story »
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WCVM scientists focus on moon blindness
Six years ago, Shelley and Ray Ruiters purchased an Appaloosa mare named Annie from friends who thought she would be a great fit for the couple. It turned out that the Ruiters’ friends were exactly right. “From the first day I met her we just rode off on our own and she never missed a beat,” says Shelley. About a …
December 07th, 2013 Full story »
