Veterinarians Flock to Calgary for Canada’s Only National Multi-Species Convention

Over 500 veterinary professionals are convening in Calgary, Alberta, to attend the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) annual convention. CVMA hosts Canada’s only multi-species event. Highlights of the convention this year will include anesthesia, pain management, ophthalmology, endocrine and metabolic diseases, nutrition, pharmacology, biosecurity, disease control, bovine lameness, infectious diseases, shelter medicine, clinical pathology, social media, etc. Over 40 speakers from all over the world will be presenting at the convention.

The conference started on July 16th and will continue to July 19th. It offers over 100 hours of educational material. The convention has also received approval from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards to provide continuing education credits.

2014-15 CVMA President, Dr. Jean Gauvin said, “CVMA is the national and international voice for the veterinary profession across Canada. Our annual convention has been going strong for 67 years and provides an opportunity for veterinary professionals from around the world to connect with colleagues and attend three full days of continuing education focusing on companion animals, large animals, ruminants, animal welfare and more.”

READ THE FULL NEWS RELEASE

Pet Nutrition Assessment Video for Veterinarians

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has produced a pet nutrition assessment video. This video is designed to help veterinarians conduct nutrition assessments and share this information with clients. The video was supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada Inc., Procter & Gamble Pet Care, and Purina.

The CVMA is a member of the Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA). The PNA includes several veterinary organizations that provide global awareness about pet nutrition. The PNA website provides valuable resources for veterinarians and pet owners. Resources for veterinarians include nutrition assessments, communication strategies, nutritional calculators, and feeding guidelines. Pet owners can find information about understanding pet food labels, nutrition myths, and pet food safety.

   

READ THE ARTICLE

CVMA Seeks Member Opinions on Dangerous Dog Legislation

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is hoping to receive members’ views on “Legislation Concerning Dangerous Dogs.” All CVMA members are asked to comment on the proposed position statement prior to July 12th, 2015.

To provide input:

1. Access the revised Legislation Concerning Dangerous Dogs position
2. To comment on the proposed statement, click the log-in link at the bottom of the page and open a session using your first/last name and personal password (if you forget your password, you can request it from the automated system or contact the CVMA office).
3. Post your views in the comment box and click ‘submit comments’.

READ THE ARTICLE

Highlights of the 2015 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Convention

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is hosting their annual convention in Calgary, Alberta this year from July 16th to 19th. A Preliminary Program is available for interested parties to view.

Highlights will include:

• Kelly Lynn Cronin with Advanced Animal Hospital Group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will discuss financial concerns and inventory management.  
• Dr. Jason Coe with the Ontario Veterinary College will discuss client communication.
• “Skills Taught, Skills Needed: The ABC’s of Veterinary Credentials.” Speakers will examine veterinary school accreditation nationally and internationally and the effects it has on licensing Canadian veterinarians.   
• Dr. Kevin Stepaniuk, with Columbia River Veterinary Specialists in Washington state, will give six presentations on dentistry issues.
• Dr. Kerry Ketring, owner of the All Animal Eye Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio will discuss ocular examinations, diagnosis, and treatments.
• Dr. Robin Downing, hospital director of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, LLC, will discuss anesthesia and pain management.   “Exploring Contemporary Issues in Animal Welfare”. Speakers will introduce current animal welfare issues of companion animals to wildlife.  
• Dr. Shawn McKenna, Associate Professor at Atlantic Veterinary College, will discuss paratuberculosis and Canadian control programs.
• Dr. John Gilleard, Associate Dean and Professor at the University of Calgary will discuss the biology and epidemiology of gastro-intestinal parasitic nematodes in cattle.
• Dr. Nicholas Frank, Professor and Chair at Tufts University in Massachusetts will discuss how to recognize the physical characteristics of horses affected by equine metabolic syndrome. Management techniques will also be covered.

Online registration is currently open. The early bird registration rate ends June 1st.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

PetLynx Welcomes CVMA as a 2015 Urban Animal Sponsor

PetLynx Corporation is pleased to welcome the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association as a 2015 Urban Animal sponsor.

CVMA has sponsored Urban Animal programs and events since 2008. Chief Executive Officer, Jost am Rhyn has been a keen supporter of the collaboration and communication facilitated by Urban Animal.

“The Summit for Urban Animal Strategies brings the industry together out of silos where we spend much of our time,” he said. “This event and other Urban Animal™ programs promote the exchange of ideas, the development of consensus and drives us toward collaboration. This is more important now than ever before.”

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine.

“The members of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association are important stakeholders in the quest for a positive experience for people and pets in urban municipalities across Canada,” said Larry R. Evans, Managing Director of PetLynx Corporation. “Veterinarians are not just the medical practitioners we depend on for the health of our companion and service animals. Vets have far reaching contributions to public health, community relationships and pet owner behaviors.”

To add your support or to become involved in the Alliance for Urban Animals, please contact Shannon Woodward 403.208.1972

May is the Puuurfect Month to Promote Preventive Healthcare for Cats

Care for Cats declares May as the ‘purrfect’ month to raise awareness about the most popular pet – the cat. Their campaign message this year focuses on preventive healthcare and wellness for cats. Studies have shown there has been a decrease in the number of visits to veterinarians by cat owners, and, at the same time, the overall health of cat population has declined.

According to Dr. Liz O’Brien, a board-certified feline practitioner from Hamilton, Ontario, pet caregivers need to know that cats, just like dogs, need yearly preventive healthcare.

O’Brien, who is also the spokesperson for Care for Cats, points out that there is a pervasive “Myth of the Indoor Cat” which even the best intentioned and caring pet owners can fall for.

“It is a myth which continues to this day, that because a person has their cat indoors, they do not need to worry about health concerns or preventive health care because their cats are safe at their caregiver’s side,” says Dr. O’Brien.

Dr. O’Brien also notes that the statistics show 58 per cent of people who know their cat's needs for professional care still do not bring the cat to the vet because of difficulty getting the cat there and once there, they may have a poor experience.

Veterinarians are trying to help these clients now by educating them regarding proper use of comfortable cat carriers for transport, and training to transport safely with minimal stress. Veterinarians increasingly are respecting the adage “cats are not small dogs” in the way their clinics are designed and in how their cat care is implemented to help make cat's visits less stressful.

Throughout the month of May, and for the rest of the year, a number of resources will be available for download through www.careforcats.ca to help deliver its unified message throughout the community.

Other events planned for 2012 include:

• Sept. 23 – Oct. 2 — National Cat ID Week focusing on permanent identification, licensing and registration
• December — Hoping for Fur-ever homes adopt-a-thon

“We know that being part of the Care for Cats initiative the changes we want to see happen will not occur overnight,” says Dr. O’Brien. “However, with the support we have received within a short period of time from veterinarians, municipal animal services, animal welfare and the pet industry, I am more than hopeful that we will see a positive change in the near future.”

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is working with Care for Cats in their vision to increase the value of owned, homeless and feral cats in Canadian communities, in addition to increasing the level in wellness by promoting regular vet visits.

For more information:

Dr. Liz O’Brien                             Tanya Frye
Volunteer Chair, Care for Cats        Communications, CVMA
drliz@careforcats.ca                     tfrye@cvma-acmv.org