“It is important to us as professionals, and it is important for clients to help them understand why we advocate for the procedures we do.” Although veterinary technicians often come into their role expecting to work with animals, we don’t always consider the other aspect of the job: working with clients. The reality is we spend a lot of time communicating with clients. As we must help them learn what is happening with their animals and why certain things are needed for their pet’s health, we play a crucial role in our patients’ long-term well-being. This communication becomes especially vital ..read more

Since late March, avian flu outbreaks have been documented among dairy cow herds across eight U.S. states. A recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in the U.S. marks the first instance of avian flu infecting bovines. The outbreak is also believed to be the first occurrence of mammal-to-human transmission of the virus, as a dairy worker in Texas presumably contracted it after contact with cattle. Since late March, avian flu outbreaks have been documented among dairy herds across eight U.S. states, prompting 17 states to impose restrictions on cattle imports from affected regions. A ..read more

The Japanese macaques surprised researchers by remaining calm during the eclipse. Photo © Bigstock Granby Zoo in Estrie, Que., recently seized the opportunity presented by the April 8 solar eclipse to conduct a study on animal behaviour. Partnering with the Universite du Quebec a Montreal, the zoo’s research and conservation department observed and documented the activities of various animals over three research periods: (i) two days in the week leading up the eclipse; (ii) between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the event; and (iii) another two days in the week following the eclipse. “What we ..read more

Plans for a new strategy, possibly involving purse seine netting in deeper lagoon sections, are under consideration. Photo courtesy The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito Despite multiple rescue attempts, a two-year-old orca calf stranded in British Columbia’s Little Espinosa Inlet, a remote 3-km (1.8-mi) Vancouver Island lagoon, has proved elusive to capture. The whale—who the Ehattesaht First Nation has named kʷiisaḥiʔis, meaning “Brave Little Hunter”—initially entered the lagoon with her pregnant mother, when they swam though a narrow and fast-moving channel connecting to the ocean. However, kʷii ..read more

Credelio® Cat is an easy to administer, tiny, tasty tablet with a flavour cats love1. Tasty: Vanilla provides an attractive aroma; yeast provides a savory flavour1 Easy to give:5% of doses successfully administered by owners to a diverse range of cats2 Effective month-long protection: Kills 100% of fleas by 24 hours and 97-100% of black-legged ticks3* From the makers of Milbemax®: Use Credelio Cat with Milbemax for broad spectrum external and internal parasite coverage Talk to your Elanco representative. Learn more at CredelioCat.ca Toutain C, Seewald T, Jung M. Pharmacokinetics of lotilan ..read more

Credelio® PLUS is a single once-a-month chew for dogs and puppies that protects against internal AND external parasites. This formula is the first parasiticide to combine the two trusted ingredients, extra-purified* lotilaner and long trusted milbemycin oxime. It also contains 50% more milbemycin oxime than Interceptor Flavor Tabs! Give owners and their canines the confidence to enjoy the outdoors with Credelio® PLUS. Learn more at CredelioPlus.ca * Rufener L et al Parasit Vectors 2017 530 (v1.0) – Extra purified active (p.3) R-enantiomer is removed from the commercially available product Cred ..read more

AVC students pose with three-year-old beagle Brett. Photo courtesy Tony Davis/CBC For seven happy pooches in P.E.I., retirement means an end to poking and prodding from eager veterinary students and a start to sunbathing on lawns, playing fetch, and cuddling with their humans. Now that Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) has decided to move away from teaching dogs and instead use models, virtual reality, and client-owned dogs for student practice, the beagles in their faculty are ready for adoption. Aged between two and five years old, these beagles have been cherished fixtures at AVC. Now that ..read more

Press conference video still featuring Dr. Trevor Lawson, CVMA president. Photo courtesy CPAP The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recently took its concerns to Ottawa, to call on the federal government to address workplace shortages and support a robust veterinary workforce. This call for action includes additional investments in programs, projects, and veterinary infrastructure, as well as prioritizing the mental health of all veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals. Canada’s veterinary professionals face pressing challenges, and the CVMA has demanded immediate attention ..read more

Moving can be a disruptive experience for both people and pets. Photo © Bigstock Real estate organization RE/MAX Canada and pet product retailer Pet Valu have collaborated to launch the Complete Guide to Moving with Pets, a comprehensive digital resource for pet owners. The free guide is filled with advice to help facilitate the moving process, providing valuable tips and insights to ease the transition into a new home. Moving can be a disruptive experience for both people and pets, but with careful planning, the process can be made smoother. “We’re very excited to team up with Pet Valu, as we ..read more

Photo courtesy Canadian Animal Health Institute   The Canadian Animal Health Institute has launched its second-annual “Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill” photo contest, celebrating the cherished companionship of pets amidst the political hustle and bustle. This unique contest invites parliamentarians, staffers, members of the press gallery, and Hill affiliates to showcase their beloved pets, for the chance to win the title of the cutest pet on the Hill. Dr. Catherine Filejski, CEO of the Canadian Animal Health Institute, says, “We can’t wait to see the incredible diversity of pets and person ..read more