WCVM Today

The risk of lead poisoning in Saskatchewan cattle increases when temperatures rise. According to veterinary toxicologist Dr. Vanessa Cowan, warning signs can range from tremors and seizures to teeth grinding and agitation.

To test for lead poisoning, veterinarians collect whole blood samples and submit them to Prairie Diagnostic Services, the province's veterinary diagnostic lab. The WCVM's Disease Investigation Unit also investigate many of these lead poisoning cases.

Read more in SK Agriculture: https://ow.ly/MQXR50Zft3L

Dr. Cheryl Waldner, professor and research chair in beef cattle health, recently delivered a webinar for the Beef Cattle Research Council on the importance of water quality in beef cattle operations.

Poor water quality can increase the risk of disease, reduce weight gains in calves, and lower the number of calves on the ground — issues that can lead to economic losses for producers.

Waldner encourages producers to test their water quality more frequently.

Read more in AgProud: https://www.agproud.com/articles/63576-water-quality-the-problem-child-on-beef-operations

Before professor Dr. Barry Blakley passed away in March 2024, he and his wife Dr. Pat Blakley—an associate professor in the USask College of Medicine—worked to establish two awards celebrating veterinary students and graduate students.

Now Pat is following in her husband's footsteps and creating her own legacy of supporting future generations of students.

Read more: https://wcvmtoday.usask.ca/articles/2026/06/carrying-forward-a-legacy-of-student-support.php

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence Summer Field Day! Special thanks to our presenters and sponsors!

Save the date for next year: Tuesday, June 15, 2027!

Last Chance to Register! Registration Closes soon

Don't miss your opportunity to join SAVT's upcoming webinar:

🎓 Strychnine Poisoning in Animals: Clinical Features, Management, and Diagnosis (FREE for Members)

Strychnine poisoning is a serious toxicological emergency that requires prompt recognition and intervention. This webinar will provide veterinary professionals with valuable insights into clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies to help support the best possible outcomes for patients.

Whether you're an RVT, veterinary student, or member of the veterinary team, this session offers practical, evidence-based knowledge that you can apply in clinical practice.

📅 June 25, 2026 Register now: https://savt.ca/event/Webinar-June25
FREE FOR MEMBERS | NON-MEMBERS: $ 10

Invest in your professional development and stay current on important toxicology considerations in veterinary medicine. Registration closes on June 24th. Save your spot today

We’re still buzzing from the success of this year’s LFCE Summer Field Day, held June 16, 2026.

One of the day’s standout presenters was Aiden Wallace, a USask master’s student supervised by veterinary toxicologist Dr. Vanessa Cowan. His research explores whether soybeans could help reduce the negative effects of ergot in feed for beef cattle.

Read more: https://ow.ly/pA9u50ZfrYu

Congratulations, Dr. Yaremchuk! Great news for Elders Equine and for all of your fellow Manitobans! 🐴👏

BIG NEWS!

We are excited to announce that we have a new vet coming to Mantioba - Dr. Robyn Yaremchuk is joining Elders Equine

Dr. Yaremchuk may be a familiar face to some in Manitoba having grown up in West Man. She is coming back to Manitoba and joining our practice bringing with her a strong equine veterinary medicine background and coming from an excellent internship program in Alberta at Burwash Equine Services

A little bit about her:

Dr. Yaremchuk was born and raised in Rossburn, Manitoba, where she developed a passion for horses through showing quarter horse, and active involvement in 4-H equine programs. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025. Following graduation, Dr. Yaremchuk completed an intense one-year equine internship at Burwash Equine Services in Calgary, Alberta, where she gained advanced training in internal medicine, sports medicine, reproduction, preventive care, and surgery within a combined general and referral practice.

Dr. Yaremchuk’s primary interests are equine sports medicine, lameness, and preventive care, with a focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to managing equine athletes. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and skiing, as well as riding and showing her horses.

Dr. Yaremchuk is scheduling appointment now for early July and we can't wait for you all to meet her!! YAY!

Appointment available in the Oakbank area, Stonewall area, La Salle area and throughout the Winnipeg area!!!

Welcome to the practice and back to Manitoba!

Elders Equine

Experience. Professional. Care.

MVMA - Manitoba Veterinary Professionals
WCVM Today
Burwash Equine Services

Tick Talk: USask researcher’s tips for limiting risk - News You don’t have to tell hikers, golfers and dog walkers that tick risk has increased this spring in Saskatchewan.

Congratulations to the -based recipients of the USask Provost's Teaching Awards, who were honoured at the USask Staff and Faculty Awards event on June 17.

➡️ Provost's New Teacher Award: Dr. Madison Ricard (DVM, PhD), WCVM Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Ricard is well known by her students and peers for her communication skills, clarity, passion for veterinary work and commitment to student success.

➡️ Provost's Graduate Student Teaching Award: Dr. Gabrielle Achtymichuk (DVM), WCVM Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Achtymichuk's ability to tailor her teaching strategies to meet the needs of her students has made her a class favourite.

➡️ Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching: Dr. Michael Wu (PhD), WCVM Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Wu has developed a reputation for his willingness to go beyond his areas of expertise and find new ways to teach challenging subjects.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/C5aY50ZeK02

: Dr. Claire Card, a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, is among the professors honoured with the Distinguished Professor title this year.

Card is a renowned scientist who has conducted groundbreaking research in equine reproduction and is well known for her One Health work in African countries. A dedicated clinician, teacher, mentor and activist, Card is a changemaker on campus, in her community and around the world.

Congratulations! 🎊

Read more about the university's newest Distinguished Professors: https://ow.ly/8hEQ50Zaz3B