horses in a pasture

What if my horse needs colic surgery?

Horse Health: Surgery is sometimes necessary to save a horse’s life

The chance that your horse might require surgery for colic is low, very low, yet mentally entertaining the possibility and having a game plan could make a difference for you and your horse. The reason for this is simply because a successful outcome to colic surgery is time sensitive. While deciding to do colic surgery

cattle in a feedlot

Auditor general slams federal inaction on antimicrobial drugs for livestock

Little progress has been made after more than a decade of discussions

The federal government has failed to take effective measures to contain the proliferation of drug-resistant bugs that threaten human health and to prevent the overuse of antimicrobial drugs in livestock production, says Auditor General Michael Ferguson. The Public Health Agency and Health Canada “have not fulfilled key responsibilities to mitigate the public health risks posed


two calves

Beef 911: Intestinal problems can come out of the blue

Some calves seem to be flourishing but they are suddenly struck down

Every spring, the sudden deaths of apparently healthy calves frustrate good managers. This article will shed some light on the cause of these internal conditions and help producers realize some things are simply beyond their control. We see one to two per cent perforating ulcers every spring on many well-managed farms. These are ulcers on

Acupuncture needles are placed on specific points along the coronary band for the treatment or prevention of disease.  Photo: Carol Shwetz

More horse owners seeking alternative therapies

Veterinary and alternative therapies can be part of an integrated treatment plan

Seeking solutions to help horses heal and feel better outside of traditional and conventional veterinary medicine is becoming increasingly commonplace. Horse owners are not necessarily rejecting conventional medicine, rather they simply feel that alternative modalities offer complementary approaches. For example in addition to using anti-inflammatory drugs to ease muscle pain, they may also use chiropractic,

Beef 911: Working with your vet will improve your bottom line

With higher cattle prices, some consultation can be a good investment


The cattle market has rebounded significantly in recent months to the point where a large, mature bull could bring upwards of $2,000. This will no doubt increase the calls veterinarians will get to look at sick calves, as well as dealing with production losses from decreased weight gains or lack of cows getting pregnant, which


Community rallies around vet given her walking papers

Keri Hudson-Reykdal is fighting to keep her job and 
already has over 500 signatures in petition of support

The Ashern & Area Veterinary Board’s decision not to renew a popular local veterinarian’s annual contract has triggered an outpouring of support and calls for the decision to be rescinded. Dr. Keri Hudson-Reykdal — who has provided her services to the local community for 12 years, married a local third-generation rancher, and put down roots

Guelph opens horse hospital

The University of Guelph celebrated the grand opening June 7 of a new specialized health-care facility for equine athletes. The Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre (ESMRC) is focused on the quality of life and performance of horses through health care, education and research. Located at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) but separate from the

OAC and OVC honour Temple Grandin

The animal scientist was awarded an honorary doctorate Temple Grandin, the renowned animal scientist, bestselling author and consultant to the livestock industry on animal welfare and behaviour, received an honorary doctorate of science at the winter convocation for the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) February 22. “As founding colleges of



Olds Offers Vet Assistant Program

Olds College is accepting students into its new Veterinary Technical Assistant program set to begin Jan. 1, 2012. The 15-week program will consist of four courses. Upon completion, students will have the training necessary to be employed in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, boarding facilities, and pet stores. “Veterinary technical assistants are often the unsung heroes