AU T U M N 2 0 0 9
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE
FOR YOUR BEST FRIENDS
SIGHT SEEKER
CAHF Fellow Dr. Bianca Bauer LIFE ON THE EDGE
Around-the-clock critical care for pets A FAMILY AFFAIR
Meet the Gerber search and rescue teams
C O M PA N I O N A N I M A L H E A L T H F U N D • W E S T E R N C O L L E G E O F V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C I N E
P E T
Ball KR, Rubin JE, ChirinoTrejo M, Dowling PM.
“Antimicrobial resistance
and prevalence of
canine uropathogens
at the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Teaching Hospital,
2002-2007.” Canadian Veterinary
Journal. 49(10): 985-990. Complete
article online.
PROJECT
I N S I D E
4 Sight Seeker
CAHF Fellow Dr. Bianca Bauer has her sights set on veterinary
ophthalmology.
6 An Impressive Research Lineup
The CAHF awards $57,000 to six companion animal health studies.
8 Life on the Edge
Specialized animal health care workers care for the seriously ill
in the emergency and critical care unit at WCVM’s Veterinary
Teaching Hospital..
10 Extreme Health Care for Patients
Despite the pressure, the challenges and the heartaches associated
with emergency and critical care, Dr. Jennifer Ogeer can’t imagine
being anywhere else.
11 Battling Buster’s Bulge with Low GI Diets
Can a common human dietary tool be used to control weight in
pudgy pooches?
14 A Family Affair
Garry and Wendy Gerber, along with Hunter and Jade, are part of
the Canadian Search Dog Association (CSDA) team.
ON OUR FRONT COVER: Veterinary ophthalmology resident
Dr. Bianca Bauer examines the eyes of a patient in the new
ophthalmology examination room at the WCVM Veterinary
Teaching Hospital.
ABOVE: Baxter the bunny eyes the camera during a visit to the
WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Vet Topics is published by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Companion
Animal Health Fund. Visit www.cahf.usask.ca for more information.
Editor: Dr. John Pharr
Managing editor: Myrna MacDonald
For article reprint information, contact
sm.ridley@sasktel.net
Comments? Contact:
Dr. John Pharr, Editor, Vet Topics
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
T: 306-966-7060 • F: 306-966-7174
john.pharr@usask.ca
This study’s objectives were to estimate the prevalence of uropathogens
in dogs with bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) at the WCVM Veterinary
Teaching Hospital between 2002 and 2007. The research team also identified
changes in antimicrobial resistance among canine uropathogens over the fiveyear period.
Between January 2002 and June 2007, WCVM clinicians submitted 1,557
urine samples from 1,149 dogs to Prairie Diagnostic Services (provincial
veterinary laboratory) for culture and susceptibility testing. Of those, the
laboratory obtained a positive bacterial culture in 473 samples taken from 361
dogs, and 112 isolates were from cases where the same bacterial species was
recurrent.
After retrospective analysis of the culture and susceptibility results, the
WCVM research team found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most
common pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus intermedius, Enterococcus
spp. and Proteus spp. The most common recurrent pathogen was E. coli, which
was cultured on two or more occasions in 17.3 per cent of all cases where it had
been isolated.
The authors reported that other studies have had similar results for E.
coli and Staphylococcus spp. prevalence. The prevalence of Proteus spp. at
WCVM is lower than reported elsewhere. The WCVM researchers attribute the
differences in prevalence to the nature of the WCVM hospital’s caseload: many
of the WCVM cases are considered primary care while a smaller percentage of
cases are referred to the facility by other veterinarians. Compared to referral
cases, primary care cases are less likely to have been treated for UTIs on multiple
occasions.
The nature of the caseload may also be the reason why the WCVM research
team saw a lower frequency of mixed infections in this study compared to other
previous reports. Researchers also found no significant association between sex
and prevalence of mixed infections in the study’s population — unlike findings
in a previous study where mixed infections were more common in females.
Overall, bacterial isolates were most likely to be susceptible to the following
antibiotics: gentamicin, fluoroquinolones, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and
third-generation cephalosporins. However, the research team emphasizes that
these results shouldn’t be used alone to select empirical therapy since those
factors are based on in vitro susceptibility data and do not account for drug
distribution in the patient. Culture and susceptibility testing for individual cases
remains the best instrument for guiding treatment decisions — especially for
recurrent infections.
Antimicrobial resistance increased during the study period, particularly
One
that
Hill has
taken
amongreason
recurrent E. coli
isolates.Dr.
TheseJanet
results are consistent
with increasing
prevalence
of
antimicrobial
resistance
— a
growing
concern
in
human
interest in the cat intestine is that thisand
veterinary medicine. Because pathogens isolated from recurrent infections
complex
environment
can
serve
as
are more resistant
and resistance is increasing
over time,
the appropriate
of recurrent
infections is critical
to controlling
antimicrobial
a management
reservoir
for disease
agents
such
as
resistance. V
Campylobacter bacteria.
“If we could find the mutation
and find the cause, then we
could minimize it.”
STORIES BY LYNNE GUNVILLE
Retinal Dysplasia
GENE PURSUIT
W
hen Dr. Bianca Bauer came to the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine (WCVM) three years ago, retinal dysplasia quickly
became her research focus. The veterinary ophthalmology resident
expanded on a previous WCVM investigation that looked at the genetic mutation
causing the eye disorder in miniature schnauzer dogs as well as in other affected
breeds.
“Retinal dysplasia is an alteration in the retinal development that causes
an abnormally formed retina that can lead to blindness,” explains Bauer. “Some
of these animals are blind from birth and some can be blind within a couple of
years due to the condition.”
Retinal dysplasia is most commonly inherited and can exist in many
breeds of dogs. The disorder exists in three different forms: single or multiple
retinal folds, geographic retinal dysplasia and generalized dysplasia with
retinal detachment. “It’s the geographic and generalized forms that can lead to
blindness,” says Bauer, “and those are the most significant forms that we want
to avoid when we’re breeding animals. It’s in a number of breeds and so we
certainly want to minimize the incidence of it and find what causes it.”
Because treatment is limited, Bauer emphasizes the importance of
pinpointing the cause of the disorder. “If we could find the mutation and find
the cause, then we could minimize it. We want to pick that up through the
parents and make sure that the lineage is free from the disease.”
During an eye examination, veterinary ophthalmologists can identify
animals affected by retinal dysplasia — but dogs that look normal may still
be carriers of the disease. That’s why the WCVM group is striving to find some
sort of gene marker or molecular marker that can allow ophthalmologists to
identify carrier animals and minimize their breeding so the condition can be
prevented from reoccurring.
A previous study carried out by Drs. Lynne Sandmeyer, Bruce Grahn
and George Forsyth, Bauer’s mentors through her Master of Science (MSc)
program, had identified specific genes as possible causes of retinal dysplasia.
One of those specific candidate genes is Tfam, a type of gene that helps
to supply energy to the retina. Following up on their information, Bauer
conducted a series of steps in the laboratory to determine whether the gene
has a role in the disease’s development (please go to Vet Topics online at
www.cahf.usask.ca for more details about Bauer’s research steps).
“At the moment there are negative findings,” explains Bauer, “but
that’s a good thing in the sense that we now know that the Tfam gene is
not affected in the miniature schnauzers. The next step is to go back to the
drawing board and look at other candidate genes or other contributing factors
that can potentially cause retinal dysplasia in that breed.”
She credits dedicated breeders of miniature schnauzers — such as
Cathy McMillan of Delisle, Sask. — for assisting the research team. “We
have a wonderful support group of local breeders that are helpful in terms
of supplying us with blood samples so we can go further and look at other
candidate genes based on the original study,” says Bauer.
Bauer emphasizes the importance of Canine Eye Registry Foundation
(CERF) examinations. The foundation’s goal is to eliminate heritable eye
disease in all purebred dogs through a centralized, national registry.
“A board-certified ophthalmologist actually examines these animals
and screens them for genetic disorders — not just retinal dysplasia but
also cataracts and any other forms of inherited diseases that can lead to
blindness,” explains Bauer. “It’s something that responsible breeders do —
get their animals certified and try to minimize the risk of the condition being
passed on further.”
Until some form of gene or molecular marker can be identified, public
awareness of the value of CERF exams is a major concern to Bauer. “It’s
important to make sure that people are having these animals examined by
an ophthalmologist before purchasing —making sure that the breeder from
whom they’re buying these animals has had the parents tested.
“It won’t prevent all retinal dysplasia, but it will screen for it as well as
other hereditary conditions.” V
Lynne Gunville is a freelance writer and editor whose career
includes 25 years of teaching English and communications to adults.
She and her husband live at Candle Lake, Sask.
WCVM EYE TEAM (left to right): Ophthalmologists Drs. Bruce
Grahn and Christine Lim; technician Trina MacPherson;
and Dr. Bianca Bauer, ophthalmology resident. Missing is
ophthalmologist Dr. Lynne Sandmeyer.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 3
She finds the specialized
field very rewarding. “We get to
work on everything from small
animals to horses, cows and
alpacas to exotics like snakes and
birds. That’s one big thing: the
variety of animals we get to work
with.” says Bauer. “The other
thing is that ophthalmology has
a strong component of medicine
and surgery. I love doing surgery,
and being able to practice
surgery and focus on one organ
— I find that very exciting.”
Bauer was named one of
two CAHF Research Fellows in
2008 for her research project
focusing on the mutation
that causes retinal dysplasia
in miniature schnauzers. For
Bauer, the opportunity to work
with her research team has been
invaluable.
“I had the support of my
mentors, Drs. Lynne Sandmeyer,
Bruce Grahn and George Forsyth.
It’s taking everybody’s specialty,
combining them together,
and having the opportunity to
collaborate within the college,
CAHF Fellow Dr. Bianca Bauer has set her sights on helping
within biomedical sciences and
all kinds of animal species regain or retain their ability to see. other departments, and even
within human medicine.”
While growing up on a small hobby farm in Campbellville, Ontario, Dr.
During the research phase, Bauer spent extensive time in the laboratory
Bianca Bauer remembers just knowing that she was going to be a veterinarian
where she learned how to do everything from pipetting to operating scientific
some day. “I’ve always had a love for animals, so I was fortunate when I was
instruments. “My experience was really limited to my undergraduate
accepted into the veterinary program and then was able to continue within the
biochemistry days, and I was fortunate to have help from Dr. Forsyth, the
specialty,” says Bauer.
biochemist, and his technician, Darlene Hall, who guided me in learning the
After graduating from the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary
techniques. It was all new to me, but it worked out well with all their support
College (OVC) in 2002, Bauer spent three years as a general practitioner at
and guidance.”
a small animal referral hospital in Toronto. Then she decided to go back to
Now in the fourth year of her program, Bauer is focusing on the clinical
school: “I’d always been interested in gaining further knowledge and pursuing
aspects of veterinary ophthalmology, fine tuning her surgery skills and
a career in the academics of veterinary medicine, and I was interested in
teaching veterinary students through lectures and fourth-year rotations. Bauer
ophthalmology, so I thought I would go back and pursue an internship and try
looks forward to the final year of her residency and says her experience at
to get a residency in ophthalmology.”
WCVM has been a very positive one. “It comes down to the immense support
In 2006, following her one-year internship in small animal medicine and
— the mentorship is phenomenal. I couldn’t ask for a better residency and for
surgery at the OVC, Bauer was the first student accepted into a unique fourbetter mentors. They’re certainly interested in me and my future. It’s been a
year residency program at WCVM that combines research work with clinical
great experience.”
experience in veterinary ophthalmology.
In August 2010, once her fourth year is completed, Bauer will write the
board examinations for the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
“We get to work on everything from
(ACVO). She hopes to stay at WCVM if the opportunity is there.
“I love Saskatoon, and I’d like to stay within academia at a veterinary
small animals to horses, cows and
teaching hospital. Working in academia would give me a component of
research, a component of teaching and then a component of clinical work,
alpacas to exotics like snakes and
so they’re all incorporated together.” Bauer adds, “It’s the whole WCVM in
general. It’s just such a nice environment to be in.” V
birds. That’s one big thing: the variety
of animals we get to work with.”
4 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
ABOVE: Dr. Bianca Bauer (right) worked closely with biochemist
Dr. George Forsyth (left) and technician Darlene Hall during her
research project.
P E T
Stull JW, Evason M, Carr AP, Waldner C.
“Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis:
clinical and laboratory findings in 83 cases
in Western Canada (1991-2001).” Canadian
Veterinary Journal. 49(12): 1195-1203.
Complete article available online.
Immune-mediated (noninfectious) nonerosive
polyarthritis (IMPA) is the most common polyarticular
disease in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to
describe the clinical and laboratory findings for dogs diagnosed with IMPA in
Western Canada — providing greater insight into the condition.
WCVM researchers studied the case medical records of 83 dogs that were diagnosed with IMPA at
WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital during the 11-year period. Cases were analyzed as total IMPA
cases and as subgroups (breed, system lupus erythematosus or SLE, reactive and idiopathic) and
compared with the general hospital population.
Among their findings, researchers found in this study that middle to older-aged dogs (four to 10
years) were at increased risk of IMPA. As well, small dogs less than 10 kilograms were more likely to
have IMPA than larger dogs (21-30 kg). Researchers didn’t observe a gender predisposition, and IMPA
cases were predominately idiopathic (spontaneous development). In these idiopathic IMPA cases,
there were common laboratory abnormalities. SLE cases were seen more often in summer and fall
— raising concerns of an undiagnosed cause for the disease.
WCVM scientists found that arthrocentesis of the hock joint was the most useful in obtaining a
diagnosis of IMPA. The remaining joints (elbow, carpus, stifle) were fairly similar in their reliability
of obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Based on these findings, if IMPA is suspected, the research team
recommends arthrocentesis of the hock joints and at least one other joint.
The research team recommended further analysis and improved classification of the disease.
Plus, they pointed out that further investigation of the seasonal trend noted in a proportion of cases
is necessary. Future work in this area may lead to the discovery of an antigenic stimuli for the disease
that occurs in Western Canada. V
PROJECT
C A H F
N OT E CA R D S !
For only $20 each, the Companion
Animal Health Fund’s new pet
photo notecard sets are the ideal
present. Plus, your purchase will help
to support vital pet health research
and training programs at the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine!
Each CAHF pet photo notecard
set includes 16 blank cards and
envelopes (4.25” x 5.5”) with four
different images (cat and dog
notecard sets are sold separately).
Want more information? Call
306-966-7268, send an email to
wcvm.supportus@usask.ca or visit
www.cahf.usask.ca!
Governments Back Diagnostic Laboratory Complex
Two separate public funding announcements,
worth more than $11.8 million in total, will allow the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) to
complete the final stages of its infrastructure project
within the next 18 months.
The first funding announcement came in mid-April when Western
Economic Diversification Canada (WD) invested $2.77 million in the
expansion of the WCVM’s diagnostics laboratory and an upgrade of its large
animal clinical services area. Both projects were completed in July 2009.
The WCVM used the money to finish a two-storey addition in its diagnostic
area. The 3,000-square-metre addition contains a consolidated histology
laboratory, a new post-mortem examination room and crucial laboratory
space. That includes a special projects lab where staff can handle potential
high-risk cases of zoonotic disease or suspect foreign animal disease in a
completely separate and biosecure area.
Two months later in mid-June, the Governments of Canada and
Saskatchewan announced a $21.8-million infrastructure package for the
University of Saskatchewan through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program
(KIP). The announcement included $9.06 million that will be used to renovate
the WCVM’s existing diagnostics laboratories and associated areas — the final
phase of the veterinary college’s infrastructure renewal plan that began in
2004.
This construction project involves renovating the veterinary college’s
pathology demonstration laboratory and its previous necropsy area. It will
upgrade and amalgamate some of the supporting diagnostic services including
bacteriology, virology, immunology, serology, toxicology, PCR and TSE
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathies).
Once completed, the new laboratory
design will improve efficiency of
human resources and diagnostic
services, plus it will enhance
overall biosecurity and
biosafety. The renovated
diagnostics area will also
provide WCVM faculty,
staff and students
with an environment
where innovations in
diagnostic and clinical
techniques can be
developed, tested and
practically applied —
all at one centre.
Construction is
expected to start later this
year, with project completion
slated for December 2010. V
The specialist developed and implanted the first anterior chamber
to frontal sinus shunt in dogs, and he has successfully implanted
adjustable valved shunts in dogs with primary glaucoma for more than
a decade. Now, the CAHF is supporting Grahn’s long-term research
goal of developing an electronically controllable valve in vitro that
will eventually allow implantation and lifelong control of intraocular
pressure without surgical intervention.
It’s a project that could enhance the sight of thousands of animals
around the world — and it’s the ideal example of the CAHF’s impact on
companion animal health research. For more than 30 years, the Fund
has supported valuable research studies whose results are relevant to
pet owners and veterinarians — and this year is no exception to that
record. The following summaries give you a sneak peek at what’s in
store for the WCVM’s small animal research program.
What can lung tissues tell us about acute necrotizing
pancreatitis?
CAHF 2009-10:
AN IMPRESSIVE
Research Lineup
T
he Companion Animal Health Fund has awarded $57,000 to six
companion animal health studies that will be conducted at the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) over the next couple of years.
The projects, which will be conducted by teams of researchers from the WCVM
and the University of Saskatchewan, focus on important health issues that
affect dogs, cats and other companion animals.
One of those critical issues is glaucoma — the most common
blinding condition among pets. For nearly two decades, WCVM veterinary
ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Grahn has been working on the development of a
shunt that will effectively treat glaucoma in his small animal patients.
6 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
Drs. Baljit Singh and Anthony Carr, WCVM
A form of pancreatitis called acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP)
is associated with a high rate of mortality in dogs. Researchers believe
ANP occurs when enzymes that normally aid with digestion become
activated within the pancreas. That leads to the death of pancreatic
tissue and is accompanied by an inflammatory response in various
organs including the lungs. At present, there’s little data on the role that
ANP-associated lung injury plays in the high morbidity rate of dogs with
ANP.
During this study, WCVM researchers will examine lung tissues
from dogs that have died from ANP and from normal control dogs.
They will analyze the lung cells — their physical, biochemical and
genetic characteristics. They will also look for the increased expression
of cytokines, proteins produced by the immune system, and TLR4 (Tolllike receptor 4), a protein that may predispose the animals to increased
lung injury and mortality.
The researchers’ detailed description will help to establish the
impact of lung inflammation on the dogs’ mortality rate. This
information, which will lead to better treatment methods and an
improved survival rate, may also be significant to humans as the dog
could be a highly relevant model for acute pancreatitis in humans.
Do post-cataract surgery antibiotics lead to drugresistant pathogens?
Drs. Lynne Sandmeyer, Christine Lim, Bianca Bauer, Manuel
Chirino-Trejo, and Bruce Grahn, WCVM
Intraocular infection is a common, devastating complication of
canine cataract surgery. It’s often the result of contamination during
surgery by bacteria already present in the patient’s conjunctiva, the
delicate membrane lining the eyelid. Because sterilization of the eye is
impossible, veterinarians routinely use antibiotics to inhibit infection during
and after surgery — usually a topical antibiotic for three weeks post-surgery.
As shown in human medicine, chronic use of topical antibiotics
can facilitate the development of resistant bacterial strains by increasing
incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
mutations that are resistant to multiple drugs.
This study will first document and compare the flora (bacteria and
fungi) in the eyes of 15 dogs slated for cataract surgery and the eyes of 15
healthy dogs in the study’s control group. While administering post-surgical
antibiotics to the test group, the researchers will evaluate the dogs’ flora at
For more than 30 years, the
Fund has supported valuable
research studies whose results
are relevant to pet owners and
veterinarians — and this year is
no exception to that record.
health. Drs. Janet Hill and Bonnie Chaban will combine the individual
Campylobacter tests into a single, multiplex quantitative assay that’s capable
of detecting all 14 species of the bacteria simultaneously.
The researchers will then use the Campylobacter assay to analyze
bacterial DNA from the feces of 50 healthy dogs and another 50 dogs with
diarrhea. Based on their observations, Hill and Chaban hope to provide
valuable information about the species in the local companion animal
population. Their results will validate the use of a single-test Campylobacter
assay and help to advance research in canine gastrointestinal disease. Besides
its value in companion animal health, the new diagnostic test will also be a
useful addition to Campylobacter research in the human health field.
Glaucoma shunt development goes electronic
three separate intervals to look for changes — particularly the incidence of
MRSA and the development of antibiotic resistance.
The research team will correlate these findings with the development
of post-operative complications such as infection and will learn more about
whether current post-surgical therapy is effective or whether it’s possibly
contributing to antibiotic resistant pathogens.
Can we find an effective antiviral medication for H3N8
virus in dogs?
Drs. Matthew Loewen and Anthony Carr, WCVM
Influenza A virus causes acute respiratory disease in humans, horses,
pigs and poultry. However, the influenza A virus subtype (H3N8) has recently
emerged as a lethal disease in dogs. Currently, there are only four antiviral
drugs available to treat this disease, and their effectiveness for prevention and
treatment will decrease as the virus mutates.
In this study, Drs. Matthew Loewen and Tony Carr will use computer
technology to analyze millions of commercially available compounds and
identify those possessing the characteristics needed to combat the virus.
Specifically, the researchers are seeking compounds that effectively block
the M2 proton-selective ion channel whose function is essential for viral
replication. Based on their findings, the researchers want to determine the
specific method by which the block takes place. It’s believed that that the block
occurs by either one of two methods or a combination of both.
This study’s findings and future research will establish more effective
antiviral medications that can combat the virus and significantly improve
treatment for dogs suffering from canine influenza.
Can we find an easier way to find Campylobacter
species in pets?
Drs. Janet Hill and Bonnie Chaban, WCVM
Campylobacter species are the most common cause of gastrointestinal
disease in humans. They can also cause disease in companion animals,
especially dogs. However, Campylobacter can be detected in both healthy and
sick dogs. As well, multiple species can be found in one animal. Evidence that
companion animals are reservoirs of the species also indicates health concerns
for owners. But costly and time-consuming culture-based testing isn’t practical
for isolating and characterizing the species.
Developed by Dr Janet Hill and her laboratory team, current molecular
tests can detect 14 individual Campylobacter species using the cpn60 gene
sequence. A single test capable of detecting all 14 species simultaneously
would facilitate routine diagnostic screening and could clarify the role of
Campylobacter in canine health.
This project will devise a time- and cost-efficient method for understanding the multiple species types and their impact on companion animal
Dr. Bruce Grahn, WCVM; and Drs. Sven Achenbach and David Klymyshyn,
U of S College of Engineering
Glaucoma, a disease caused by increasing intraocular pressure, is the most
common blinding condition of companion animals. Surgery or laser treatment
gives only short-term relief, and blindness inevitably occurs.
During the past decade, Dr. Bruce Grahn and his team have developed an
adjustable-valved shunt that successfully relieves the pressure by draining the
aqueous humor into the frontal sinus (patent pending). However, the valve
requires periodic adjustments that involve anesthesia and surgery.
In this study, Dr. Grahn plans to develop an electronically controllable,
bio-compatible shunt in vitro. Once implanted, the silicone shunt will provide
lifelong control of intraocular pressure without requiring further surgical
adjustments to the valve.
After screening possible options for biocompatibility, size and adjustability,
the team will select a prototype valve structure. The structure will then be
developed for optimum adjustability and miniaturized using biocompatible
materials and remotely accessible controls. The team will evaluate optical- and
microwave frequency-based approaches for wireless control, and they will
operate and monitor the specialized device over a number of months.
After the shunt has been bench-tested, the research team will work with
rabbits diagnosed with developmental glaucoma to establish the new shunt’s
validity as a successful treatment for glaucoma.
Is PEG 3350 a safe and palatable oral laxative for cats?
Drs. Anthony Carr and Fiona Man-Yee Tam, WCVM
Recurrent constipation is a common problem in cats that can lead to
megacolon — an enlargement of the colon — and may be secondary to
chronic diseases such as renal failure. Long-term therapy includes dietary
management and laxatives, but if these measures don’t work, surgery may be
necessary.
Although laxatives are often effective, administering them to cats can be
extremely challenging for their owners. Polyethylene glycol oral preparation
(PEG) with electrolyte is an oral laxative that’s proven to be safe and effective
for treating chronic constipation in humans. Its availability in powder form
makes it easy to add to a cat’s regular diet without affecting appetite. Anecdotal
reports indicate that PEG is an effective laxative for cats, but no studies have
documented its safety, palatability and effects on caloric intake and appetite.
This study will first determine an appropriate dose of PEG by adjusting
the dosage for two cats until a desirable stool is achieved. Then, researchers
will administer PEG to six cats for four weeks. Throughout the study, they
will monitor side effects as well as food intake, fecal appearance and animal
weight. Based on the study’s findings, scientists can validate an effective
treatment for chronic constipation that can improve cats’ quality of life. V
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 7
LIFE ON THE A
E D G E
Stories by Roberta Pattison
It’s a place where no pet owner
ever wants to go. But when your
companion animal is suffering
from a life-threatening disease
or a serious injury caused by an
accident, an emergency and
critical care unit for veterinary
patients can have a major impact
on your pet’s health.
8 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
round the clock, seven days a week, three animal health technologists
are keeping a close eye on patients in the emergency and critical care
unit at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching
Hospital (VTH). The unit offers full-time care for a wide variety of seriously ill pets:
trauma patients, diabetic animals and heart failure cases. Animals in need of acute
intervention, oxygen therapy, post-operative pain management or treatment for
severe infections such as peritonitis are cared for in this area, along with patients
that may have suffered complications associated with surgery or anesthesia.
The area has 12 full-time and part-time staff who deal with emergencies, take
care of critical cases, place catheters, perform laboratory work, take X-rays after
hours, set up for surgery and do the dozens of other tasks that are required —
especially after hours — in the emergency room.
“It can be a very busy, challenging and demanding job. It involves shift work
and can be stressful. We do our best to provide incentives and make efforts to
maintain our ICU (intensive care unit) staff and reduce the turnover of individuals
in this specialized area,” describes Dr. Jennifer Ogeer, the faculty member in
emergency and critical care who heads the veterinary college’s specialized unit.
The unit has been in existence for less than four years, but it’s already in the
process of development. While Ogeer is the only faculty member at the moment, the
goal is to expand to two criticalists (specialists in critical care).
“I’ve been here approximately two years, and we have recently interviewed
for a second faculty member in the critical care service. At the moment, the
service provides only critical care support to the other services in the VTH. With an
expansion of the faculty pool, the long-term goal would be to get more involved with
the emergency medicine service
and hopefully integrate both
services.”
Until recently, highlyspecialized practitioners,
facilities and equipment for
emergency and critical care
patients — all of the resources
that people depend on and
expect in the human medicine
field — couldn’t be found in
most veterinary hospitals. That’s
steadily changing: in many U.S.
cities and in some Canadian
centres like Toronto, Calgary and
Vancouver, a growing number
of private veterinary clinics offer
emergency and critical care
services and also specialize in
this area.
While the number of
emergency and critical care
patients in the Saskatoon-based
hospital may be smaller in
comparison to larger cities,
Ogeer adds that the cases can
still be challenging as well as
educational. “This is a good
teaching hospital where there is
ample opportunity for everyone
involved to learn from the
emergency and critical care cases.
The experience and knowledge
gained from every case is
beneficial to the technicians,
students, interns, residents and
other faculty.”
Ogeer has seen an
improvement in medical
management of cases over the
years in the rapidly-growing
field of emergency and critical
care. “There is more intensive
monitoring, and 24-hour nursing care can be provided more readily,” she
explains, pointing to canine parvoviral cases as an example. “Those cases
are kept on IV fluids overnight and monitored closely with fluids. They’re not
sent home and returned to the hospital the following day. The consistency in
patient care and the ability to intervene sooner versus later does improve patient
outcomes.”
As well, Ogeer has observed veterinarians’ awareness and appreciation of
the speciality grow in the last several years. A decade ago, a veterinarian may
have stabilized a dog that was hit by a car and transferred it to a surgeon for
further care of a broken leg or other serious injuries. “Now, practitioners are
more likely to initiate stabilization followed by transfer to a critical care unit for
intensive monitoring and post-operative management. This allows the patients
to get the best care all round from every member of the team involved with its
recovery. The clients are usually happy as are the patients.”
For the most part, Ogeer
says most of the animals in
WCVM’s critical care unit
are patients suffering from a
wide variety of medical and
surgical health issues. The unit
acts primarily as a support
service for internists, surgeons,
ophthalmologists, oncologists
and other clinicians from all
primary services who wish to
consult on challenging cases.
In many instances,
veterinary criticalists extrapolate
from the field of emergency
and critical care in human
hospitals for potential treatment
ideas and solutions. As Ogeer
explains, it is crucial to
maintain a close relationship
with other emergency and
critical care specialists in the
veterinary field and with the
resources of Saskatoon’s Royal
University Hospital for such
things as specialized drugs that
aren’t usually kept in stock at
the WCVM pharmacy.
Ogeer adds that the WCVM
hospital has implemented
adoption of similar policies used
in human hospitals to combat
drug resistance and other issues
that are essential for protecting
the health of critically ill
patients and the staff who care
for them.
“This is a fairly new
specialty in veterinary medicine
that’s about 25 years old.
Specialists in this area aim to
raise the level of patient care
and to ensure every animal in
need gets the best care with collaboration, support and teamwork.”
As veterinary emergency and critical care matures and more research is
conducted in this specialized field, Ogeer and other emergency and critical
care specialists will eventually be able to make their own contributions to the
advancement of knowledge and best practices that save the lives of animals. V
Roberta Pattison is a freelance writer who is a regular contributor to
the national publication, Dogs in Canada. Recently retired from grain
farming, she still lives on her farm near Delisle, Saskatchewan.
“This is a good teaching hospital
where there is ample opportunity for
everyone involved to learn from the
emergency and critical care.”
PREVIOUS PAGE: Dr. Jennifer Ogeer listens to her patient’s lung
sounds as the dog rests in an ICU crib-bed. ABOVE: Ogeer
aspirates a patient’s chest tube for any fluid or air before placing
the pet back in the unit’s oxygen cage.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 9
Her next move was to Tufts
Cummings School of Veterinary
Medicine and Angell Memorial
Animal Hospital in Boston
where she undertook a four-year
residency in emergency and critical
care. Her last clinical year and a
Master of Science (MSc) degree
were completed at OVC in 2005.
After spending one and a half years
as an assistant professor at Texas
A & M University, Ogeer joined
the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine’s faculty in October 2007.
At WCVM, Ogeer teaches
courses, does clinical rotations
and is involved with the Companion Animal Health Fund’s
management committee. She also
finds time to give presentations
about emergency and critical
care practices to professional
organizations such as animal
health technologists’ groups and
the Saskatchewan Veterinary
Medical Association (SVMA).
Plus, she works closely with a
national group called the Student
Veterinary Emergency and Critical
Care Society and acts as a faculty
advisor for the WCVM’s student
chapter of SVECCS.
Ogeer has also undertook a mini research project this summer, involving
intravenous (IV) practices in the veterinary teaching hospital. “At the moment,
it’s routine to change catheters every 72 hours but it is possible to keep them
indwelling longer with proper placement and management technique. This
would be less stressful to the animals and it would also save time and money,”
explains Ogeer. Charlene Laprise, a second-year veterinary student, worked with
the specialist as part of an undergraduate student summer research experience.
“We’re going to check catheter-associated infection rates as drug-resistant
infections are one of the biggest challenges to treat in patients hospitalized in
the ICU.”
Ogeer points out that specializing in emergency and critical care requires
stamina and fortitude. “Critically ill patients may die in spite of heroic efforts
to save them given the severity of their illnesses. Human criticalists have
more support staff to share the daily workload and emotional burdens. As
veterinarians, we are more involved with both the patients and their families. It
can be very stressful and demanding. You have to learn to leave the stress and
demands of the job at work.”
However, the daily rewards make it all worthwhile. “I recently received an
email from a former client in Texas whose 12-year-old dog was treated by our
group for serious complications from an anesthetic accident. The dog is now 14
years old, on a lot of medications, but is still doing fine. The owner just wanted
to let me know how my life had touched theirs, and how all of our lives had
been touched by her beloved pet.” V
EXTREME HEALTH CARE
T
for Patients
here’s no need to ask if Dr. Jennifer Ogeer enjoys her job: her voice brims
with enthusiasm as soon as she starts to talk about her work. Whether
she’s outlining her list of responsibilities as an emergency and critical care
specialist at the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital, describing the operation of
the critical care unit itself, or recalling memorable and difficult cases, you know
this is someone who is doing exactly what she wants to do.
Jennifer Ogeer grew up in Trinidad and Tobago where she completed her
undergraduate work before moving to Ontario and graduating from the Ontario
Veterinary College (OVC) in 1995. She then spent two years in private practice
in Toronto and Pennsylvania — including one year of emergency medicine — before returning to Guelph to complete a clinical internship at the OVC.
“It was during my year in private practice doing emergency work that I
found out it was my passion,” says Ogeer. “I worked all night shifts and had
many tough cases. It was challenging, difficult, stimulating. The not knowing
and trying to figure out what was going on was part of what made it special.”
”It was challenging, difficult,
stimulating. The not knowing and
trying to figure out what was
going on was part of what made
it special.”
10 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
ABOVE: Dr. Jennifer Ogeer, emergency and critical care specialist
at the WCVM. “You have to learn to leave the stress and demands
of the job at work.”
Canine Obesity
Stories by Lynne Gunville
Battling Buster’s Bulge with Low GI Diets
E
ver notice that dogs and their owners often look alike? Well, it turns
huge peaks in insulin,” explains Weber. “It’s believed that one of the common
out we actually resemble each other in other ways, including a shared
complications of constantly eating high GI or highly processed type foods is a
problem with weight control.
predisposition to obesity and diabetes.”
“The rate of obesity in dogs is incredibly high,” says Dr. Lynn Weber, an
Low GI diets, on the other hand, promote healthy weight loss and weight
assistant professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of
control by preventing the spikes in glucose and insulin levels and promoting
Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. “It’s definitely the number one cause of disease
feelings of fullness.
and/or loss of quality of life in pets right now.”
“From a human perspective, owners with dogs that lose weight should see
The many side effects associated with pet obesity include a predisposition to
less disease, lower mortality and a longer life span. We don’t feel their quality
arthritis and joint problems as well as kidney and heart problems — a familiar
of life, but I think we can really see it if they’re not as energetic or as lively and
list of ailments for many humans who are overweight.
playful,” points out Adolphe.
Since people and their pets share the same weight-related problems, Weber
The three-year project, which involves a multi-disciplinary group of
and PhD student Jennifer Adolphe are curious to test whether a dietary tool used
researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, will zero in on the effects
to help combat and prevent obesity in humans could be just as effective for dogs.
of different carbohydrate sources and processing methods on glycemic,
The tool is glycemic index (GI), a popular topic in human health, and
insulinemic and cardiovascular responses in dogs as well as their intestinal
it’s the major focus of
health. The goal is to
a WCVM-based study.
a prototype
Since people and their pets share the same weight- formulate
“High GI foods break
dog food and gauge its
related problems, Dr. Lynn Weber and PhD student
down and release
effectiveness in treating
glucose into the blood
Jennifer Adolphe are curious to test whether a dietary and preventing obesity.
really quickly. They
The research
tool used to help combat and prevent obesity in
cause these huge
team will begin by
peaks in blood glucose
monitoring the GI
humans could be just as effective for dogs.
and then, therefore,
responses of research
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 11
dogs to various carbohydrate sources including rice,
corn, sorghum and peas. Using that information,
they’ll formulate and test a prototype dog food
containing the lowest GI carbohydrate on research
dogs as well as locally-owned pets (see “Step-byStep Study” on page 13).
“We’re predicting that because peas have a
low GI, the dogs will have a good health response
to them,” says Adolphe. The low GI food will also
contain vitamins, minerals, protein and a fat source
and will take two forms: a whole food and a kibble
form.
The PhD student adds that a major strength of the
WCVM-based study is its inclusion of research dogs as well as
pets: “We want to see if the results we find in the research dogs can be
replicated with people’s pets in a real-life setting. That will make our
results much more applicable to pet owners.”
The study is a collaborative effort that will tap the expertise of faculty from
WCVM as well as the U of S College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the
university’s College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.
“The driving force behind this project is actually Jennifer,” explains Weber.
“She completed a Master’s degree related to human nutrition, but she wanted to
take her knowledge in humans and actually switch it to animals.”
Adolphe first approached WCVM animal nutritionist Dr. Marion (Meg)
Smart about a possible doctoral research project that combined Adolphe’s love
of research, nutrition and dogs. They contacted Dr. Murray Drew of the College
of Agriculture and Bioresources who directed them to Weber: “It worked out best
that Lynn take me on as her graduate student but still have Meg and Murray
very involved in the project,” explains Adolphe.
She adds that the research team has grown
to include Drs. Tawni Silver, Andrew Van Kessel,
and Susan Whiting (see “The Project’s Major’s
Players” below). “I’m just really excited that
we’ve got a great team of people who each have
their area of expertise — I think it’ll make for a
strong, strong project.”
With an initial grant from the WCVM’s vitamin
settlement research fund, the project expanded when
additional financial backing from Saskatchewan
Pulse Growers allowed them to apply for a matching grant
from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada’s (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Development
Program. Horizon Pet Foods, a locally-owned manufacturing firm,
also offered “in kind” donations including raw materials and facilities
for dog food production.
“It’s pretty amazing,” says Adolphe. “The time frame and the scope of the
study are a lot larger now, and we’re able to do a laboratory-based controlled
trial where we can control the variables a lot more.”
Weber believes that the low GI diet will offer a healthy alternative to pet
owners. “People are becoming more aware of what goes into dog foods. Pets
are being valued as part of the family, and people are willing to spend more
money on their pets if they can get quality foods that allow their pets to live
longer, healthier lives. I love dogs and anything that can help dogs, I think, is
wonderful.”
According to Adolphe, the study is also significant for humans. “Even
though we’re doing the research in dogs, they can be used as a model for
human nutrition. My training about food production and nutrient requirements
— all those kinds of things would be applicable.”
THE PROJECT’S MAJOR PLAYERS
• Dr. Lynn Weber (WCVM Department of Veterinary
Biomedical Sciences), an expert in mammalian
cardiovascular health, is the principal investigator and
doctoral supervisor for Jennifer Adolphe.
• Jennifer Adolphe has a Master of Science in Human
Nutrition from U of S College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
and is a registered dietitian pursuing her PhD. This project is
her doctoral research.
• Dr. Marion (Meg) Smart (WCVM Department of Small
Animal Clinical Sciences) is a veterinary clinical nutritionist
with extensive experience in formulating diets for dogs and
cats and is the co-investigator on the project.
• Dr. Murray Drew (U of S College of Agriculture and
Bioresources) is an animal nutritionist and expert in
carbohydrate metabolism. He will help with food
formulation.
• Dr. Tawni Silver (WCVM Department of Small Animal
Clinical Sciences) is a medical imaging specialist who will
assist with interpretation of ultrasounds and CT (computed
tomography) scans.
• Dr. Susan Whiting (U of S College of Pharmacy and
Nutrition) is an expert in human nutrition and Adolphe’s
former supervisor for her MSc graduate program.
• Dr. Andrew Van Kessel (U of S College of Agriculture
and Bioresources) specializes in nutritional physiology and
intestinal microbial ecology.
12 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
• The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (www.saskpulse.com)
is funded by Saskatchewan producers of pulse crops such
as peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans. The
organization supports the province’s pulse industry through
research, market development and communication in
collaboration with stakeholders.
• Horizon Pet Food (www.horizonpetfood.com) is a locally
owned and operated pet food production company.
The company uses ingredients that come from within 100
kilometres of its facility in Rosthern, Sask.
• WCVM Vitamin Settlement research funding refers to
the College’s $770,000 share of Canada’s largest class
action settlement. Stemming from the alleged price-fixing
of vitamins, the $132-million settlement was distributed
among universities, research centres and consumer groups
in 2006.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada’s (NSERC) Collaborative Research and
Development Grants program allows Canadian-based
companies and industry-based associations access to
knowledge, expertise and education resources available
at Canadian universities. The collaborations will result in
industrial and economic benefits to Canadians.
S T E P - B Y- S T E P
S T U D Y
YEAR 1
SINGLE INGREDIENTS
• Feed a group of six research dogs a cookie similar to
what’s fed to humans when they go to get their glucose
tolerance tested.
• Cookies will contain one ingredient: a carbohydrate
source. Possible sources include corn, rice, barley,
sorghum and peas (which have the lowest GI).
Immediately after feeding, the animals are monitored
for changes in glucose, insulin and heart function.
• Researchers hypothesize that peas are a better lowglycemic carbohydrate when used alone.
“We’re predicting that because peas
have a low GI, the dogs will have a
good health response to them.”
Weber and Adolphe agree that dogs and humans possess many biochemical
similarities, and the results of this study may be extremely valuable to both.
“Obesity is a huge problem in humans and pets,” says Adolphe, “and nutrition
can play an important role in treating it.”
Weber also foresees the opportunity for more extensive research. “We
actually have our eyes on something even bigger. Everything we’re talking about
came first from human health, but we can take it and apply it back,” says the
WCVM researcher. “I think the more information you have, the better. Human
testing is extraordinarily expensive, but that’s the eventual goal.”
As for Adolphe, this study provides her with the chance to combine all of her
interests and make the transition into the animal nutrition world. “I just always
loved animals but was never sure how to pursue that in terms of a career. Now
people are really starting to realize how nutrition plays a huge role in human
and animal health. It’s the ideal time to focus on this area.” V
Photo (page 11): Dr. Lynn Weber (left) and PhD student Jennifer
Adolphe with her dog Roxi, a six-year-old Australian shepherd.
The researchers use ultrasonography to measure dogs’ heart and
vascular functions. For the vascular testing, Weber and Adolphe
will view ultrasound images to measure the diameter of blood
vessels and to determine how well the endothelial cells in the
vessels are functioning. By using a blood pressure cuff (bottom
left), the researchers can see how the diameter in blood vessels
changes once the pressure is released. Previous page: Peas have
the lowest glycemic index (GI) of the project’s carbohydrate
sources. Photo: Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. Above: PhD
student Jennifer Adolphe with her two Australian shepherds, Roxi
and Timber. The dogs are helping Adolphe fine tune her skills in
ultrasonography for the canine obesity study.
DOG FOOD FORMULATION
• The carbohydrates are mixed with other ingredients,
the main ones being a protein source, a fat source, and
various vitamins and minerals.
• Two formulations (one that’s the high GI and one
that’s the lowest GI) will be prepared in two forms
— whole food and kibble. The food is fed to the six
research dogs which are again immediately monitored
for changes in glucose, insulin and heart function.
LONGER-TERM TRIALS
• Six research dogs will be fed a high glycemic diet for
one month. Their health will be assessed before and
after the one-month trial. CT scans will be used to assess
their body fat, especially abdominal fat.
• Dogs will then be given approximately three months
of free access to a high glycemic index diet —
whatever time is necessary to cause them to be obese.
• The next step is to place the research dogs on a
low-glycemic index diet for one month. Assessment of
their overall health will follow. The study findings should
indicate that a low-glycemic index diet improves shortterm glucose control and short-term cardiovascular
function. Long-term effect should be the control of
obesity.
YEARS 2 AND 3
• Two groups of normal-weight dogs (the research dogs
and the pet dogs) and one group of obese pet dogs
will be fed either a high GI or low GI diet for four weeks.
Once the month is over, each group of dogs will be
fed the opposite diet for another four weeks. Physical
examinations and blood tests will be carried out on all
dogs at the onset, at four weeks and at eight weeks.
• Results will allow researchers to see if the effects are
similar between the three groups. The pet groups will
have less control and will contain a variety of breeds.
Some breeds that tend to have heart disease and/or
other health problems will be excluded.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 13
W
hat makes the
ideal search
and rescue dog?
After more than a decade of
experience working with his
canine partners in the field,
Garry Gerber of Sherwood
Park, Alta., certainly knows
what it takes: a dog with a
lot of drive, the willingness to
work in extreme weather and
the tenacity to pursue even the
lightest scent.
“Plus, the dog and the
handler need to have faith
in each other implicitly —
even under very difficult
circumstances,” says Garry.
That bond between
human and dog is something
that Wendy Gerber understands
perfectly. “It’s a partnership
where there has to be trust,”
adds the other Canadian
Search Dog Association
(CSDA) member in the Gerber
household. Wendy and Garry
work closely with their canine
partners, Jade and Hunter
— both certified as search
and rescue dogs. Additional
training also makes them part
of an elite team trained to
conduct searches for cadavers.
Like other CSDA members,
the Gerbers’ search and rescue
work is on a volunteer basis, and it usually isn’t a walk in the park. “You might
be called at 2:30 a.m. and have to slog through snow in -30°C temperatures
until 7:30 a.m. when you need to go home and get ready to work all day at your
regular job. Our work isn’t in parks: it’s in bush and swamps, and the outcome
isn’t always happy,” says Garry.
The extreme, physical challenges of the work demand that the dogs be
healthy and thoroughly fit right from the beginning of dogs’ service careers —
and veterinarians play a key role in maintaining that health.
“Everyone on the team has a close relationship with their veterinarians.
We look to them for advice in so many areas: feeding, ear care, help in noticing
problems early on. Our veterinarian needs to be both reactive and proactive,”
explains Garry. “Since we have the only cadaver search dogs certified by the
RCMP, we travel to far-flung places, and we always make sure we have the name
of a local veterinarian who can be on call.”
“If our dogs aren’t in top shape, they can’t deliver in the field. Our work
— finding missing persons alive — is in the moment. The health of our dogs is
absolutely critical,” adds Wendy. “Part of our training includes reading a dog’s
indication on human scent, but it also includes reading subtle behaviours that
tell us whether a dog is sick or injured.”
It was 1995 when Garry read an article in the local newspaper about
civilian dog handlers assisting organizations such as the RCMP in looking for
lost people.
Canine Search and Rescue
A Family Affair
By Roberta Pattison
When the fate of a lost or missing person is
hanging in the balance, Garry and Wendy
Gerber and their canine partners can mean the
difference between life and death.
14 • Vet Topics • Autumn 2009
Intrigued by the idea, Garry searched for a possible service dog until he
found a yellow Labrador retriever named Trooper. Soon after, Garry and his new
dog joined the RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue Service Dog program (now the
CSDA).
While Garry soon discovered that search and rescue work was very
rewarding, it was also demanding, disciplined work: “I had grown up with
family pets, but for this kind of work you need to know how to read a dog.
You need to know when it’s really working or if it’s just looking for something
because it wants to find something to please you.”
For Wendy, her own beginnings in search and rescue work came after
spending some time doing therapy work with her first dog, a black Lab named
Jazz. “I loved it, but I wanted to do more. I still wanted to contribute to the
community but I wanted to do something outdoors,” says Wendy. When she
called the CSDA for more information, she ended up talking to Garry — her
future trainer as well as her future husband.
“How’s that for a pick up line?” says Garry, laughing.
With Garry’s guidance, Wendy and Jazz became a successful certified search
and rescue team. Wendy is now working with her second dog, another black Lab
named Jade that she found at the local SPCA.
“On the surface, she wasn’t a classic candidate: Jade was seven months old,
timid and very underweight. She had no socialization and had probably never
played with a toy — she didn’t even seem to know what they were,” explains
“If our dogs aren’t in top shape,
they can’t deliver in the field. Our
work — finding missing persons
alive — is in the moment. The
health of our dogs is absolutely
critical.”
Wendy. “It took a lot of hard work to turn things around, but now, Jade goes nuts
for toys and has as much drive as you would want.”
Garry’s current dog had a rather different upbringing. Hunter started out
with a family as an eight-week-old puppy — a cute and cuddly ball of fur
who turned into a big, yellow dog with a huge amount of energy. When he ate
his way through his family’s patio furniture, it was the last straw: Hunter was
returned to his breeder.
Garry, who had just lost his last service dog, heard about the young Lab and
went to see him. “When we saw Hunter, he was grossly overweight but full of
energy — picking up everything from shovels to lawn ornaments,” he recalls.
“We took him home on trial, and we started training the next day. We knew
right away he would be an easy train: he was ready for certification after 16
weeks.”
Training begins in the classroom where handlers — minus their dogs
— learn about how scent works, how scent interacts with the wind and other
theories behind search and rescue work. The student handlers then work toward
group sessions in the field where they conduct simple exercises with their dogs.
“First, the dog gets to chase someone and then he gradually moves toward
searching for a hidden person. Next, the handler throws a cloth for the dog to
retrieve, and proceeds from there — throwing it into long grass, placing it in
grass, waiting longer times before sending the dog, working in new places, over
different terrain, and adding in more distracting scents,” explains Wendy.
Hunter and Jade both have a strong drive to retrieve, making them prime
candidates to succeed as search and rescue dogs. “Hunter is retrieving crazy,”
Garry says. “I’ll use food as a small reward along the way, but when we find the
main object of the search, the big reward is his toy. But for cadaver searches,
we have to use a passive alert where the dog goes down and doesn’t touch. I
switched to a piece of kibble as the reward for Hunter.”
As Garry explains, teaching the search and rescue basics to a dog with the
right temperament and drive in 16 weeks is challenging but achievable for an
experienced trainer. However, when the Gerbers work to train new recruits and
their dogs in the CSDA, the process can last up to two years.
“We recruit once a year. We might start with eight people: that might drop
down to four or less as people find the time commitment too great,” says Garry.
He adds that since this is a volunteer occupation, both dogs and handlers have
to be committed: “Some people come in with a distorted view and think this is a
glamorous job. It isn’t.”
But for those who stay and become part of Canada’s canine search and
rescue network, being able to turn a family’s agony into sheer joy or to provide
closure in a difficult circumstance is all the reward they will ever need. V
Visit www.canadiansearchdogs.com to learn more about the Canadian
Search Dog Association (CSDA).
Previous page: Garry and Wendy Gerber with Jade and Hunter,
their canine team members. Photo courtesy of Garry Gerber.
DON’T MISS
VETAVISION!
October 1-4, 2009 • WCVM
Ever wondered about what you’ll find inside the doors of the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine? Curious about the hectic life of a
veterinary student? Intrigued by the world of veterinary medicine?
Eager to learn more about animal health care? Come to Vetavision
2009 and you’ll find answers to all of your questions — PLUS all kinds
of creatures to visit!
Dates: Thursday to Sunday, October 1-4, 2009
Admission: $2 for preschool children, $5 for
seniors and students, $10 for adults and
$20 for families. Groups: $3 per student.
Location: WCVM, University of
Saskatchewan campus, Saskatoon,
Sask.
What is Vetavision? A four-day
veterinary exposition that’s
organized for the public by
WCVM veterinary students.
Who can come? Children,
students and adults of all ages
are welcome to visit the newly
expanded and renovated
veterinary college. Bring the
whole family!
What will we see? A wide range of
displays, demonstrations and talks
that showcase animal health care,
research, veterinary careers and
public health. Of course, you’ll also see
plenty of animals — including many of
the students’ pets!
Where can I find more details? Visit www.
vetavision.ca for a list of displays, maps, and a Vetavision brochure.
What about student tours? Yes! It’s not too late to book a tour. Please
call 306-966-5020 or email info@vetavision.ca to arrange a tour for
your group. Admission is $3 per student for group tours.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 15
BITS & BITES
WCVM GRADUATES HONOURED: Besides
receiving their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
(DVM) degrees on May 27, more than a dozen new
graduates received pet health-related awards during
the 2009 Graduation Banquet on May 27:
• Allison Cox: AAHA Award in Small Animal
Medicine and Surgery, American College of
Veterinary Ophthalmologists Award.
• Amanda Evans: American Association of Feline
Practitioners Award, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. Award for
Clinical Excellence in Exotic Pet Medicine.
• Neil Versavel: American College of Veterinary
Radiology Senior Award in Veterinary Diagnostic
Imaging.
• Devin Nobert: American College of Veterinary
Surgeons Award (Small Animal Surgery).
• Robert Campbell: Aventix Animal Health
Award in Small Animals.
• Melanie van der Loop: Buddy and Dr. Snead
Award in Small Animal Care.
• Leah Frei: Calgary Academy Proficiency Award
in Small Animal Clinical Medicine.
• Jessica Robertson: Dr. Bohdan S. Balko
Award in Small Animal Orthopedics.
• Laina Knorr: General Veterinary Hospital
Award in Oncology.
• Allison Murray: Reine Aleta Jaeck Memorial
Book Prize in Small Animal Medicine.
• Andrew Toma: Veterinary Emergency and
Critical Care Society Award for Proficiency in
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.
• Tyler Udenberg: Bowden Award in Veterinary
Medicine.
• Ashley Ziegler: Dr. Dennis Jackson Memorial
Award.
• Janice Reid: Dundee Bryne Memorial Award.
• Deanna Jenner: Hill’s “Buddy” Award.
WCVM STUDENT EARNS SCHOLARSHIP:
Erin Hilberry, a second-year WCVM student from
Duncan, B.C., is the only Canadian to receive one of
four CANIDAE DVM Scholarships for 2009. Organizers
selected recipients for the $2,500 awards based on
their grade point averages, their dedication to the
well-being of animals and their insightful essays
about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods is a manufacturer
and distributor of natural pet foods that are sold
throughout North America. This is the second year
that CANIDAE has awarded its scholarships.
KUDOS FOR WCVM ALUMNI: Two WCVM
graduates received awards during the Canadian
Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting
in June. Dr. Dewey Stickney (WCVM ’76) of
Manning, Alta., was awarded the CVMA Humane
Award for his efforts to provide veterinary services
in northern parts of Alberta and in the Northwest
Territories. Dr. Steve Marsden (WCVM ’88)
received the CVMA Small Animal Practitioner Award
for his progress in small animal medicine and
surgery. Marsden and his wife, Dr. Karen Marsden,
operate the Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic and
Natural Path Clinic.
Check out Vet Topics online at www.cahf.usask.ca
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40112792
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
Research Office, WCVM
University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 5B4
E-mail: wcvm.research@usask.ca
AWARD RECIPIENT: 2009 WCVM
graduate Milly van der Loop of
Marsden, Sask., received the Buddy
and Dr. Snead Award in Small
Animal Care during the College’s
Graduation Awards Banquet
on May 27. The annual $7,000
award, created by L. David Dubé
and Heather Ryan, recognizes
senior veterinary students who
demonstrate compassion and
exceptional care for their patients
during the College’s fourth-year
small animal medicine rotation.
See below for more award news.
We Want to Hear
FROM YOU!
Take Vet Topics’ online
reader survey, and we’ll
enter your name in a
draw for a handy pet
health care book!
How are we doing? Does Vet Topics give you
insight into new companion animal health projects
at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine? Do
you find useful pet health management tips between
our covers? Have you read about some of our faculty,
students and donors in past issues?
To help us ensure that Vet Topics continues to
be a vital resource for our readers, we want to hear
from you! Please take about five to 10 minutes to
visit www.cahf.usask.ca, respond to the Vet Topics
survey questions and let us know what you think.
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you complete and submit your survey before
November 30, 2009, we’ll enter your name
in a draw for one of several pet health care books
including the Merck-Merial Manual for Pet
Health!
WANT MORE HEALTH NEWS? SIGN UP
FOR e-Vet Topics!
All you need to do is to visit www.
cahf.usask.ca and join our mailing
list for our regular e-newsletter. Once
you register, we’ll deliver more vital
pet health news and useful links
right to your email box — FREE OF
CHARGE!
Printing Services Document Solutions • 966-6639 • University of Saskatchewan