Check the OVC Research Announcements page for regular updates current information on graduate and grant funding opportunities.

Research into ovarian cancer at the Ontario Veterinary College has yielded some promising advances in fighting the advanced stages of this lethal disease.

If diagnosed early, ovarian cancer is very treatable, says OVC Biomedical Sciences researcher Dr. Jim Petrik. But early detection is difficult. Symptoms of the disease, such as nausea, bloating and abdominal pain, are often subtle and can be easily attributed to other sources.

Current treatments for late-stage ovarian cancer have limited effectiveness, says Petrik. His lab is searching for ways to change this with novel therapies to treat advanced stage ovarian cancer.

He has researched ovarian cancer at the University of Guelph for almost 15 years, focusing on anti-angiogenic therapies to inhibit growth of new blood vessels to tumours.

A cancerous tumor grows rapidly and develops a rapidly expanding blood vessel system, “but it is a poorly functioning blood system,” says Petrik.

His lab has developed an animal model for advanced stage ovarian cancer which mimics the advanced stage of the disease in humans and has dramatically increased survival in affected animals.

“In our animal model, we induce regression of the tumour and also normalize the tumour blood vessels,” he adds. This provides a fantastic opportunity – “now we’ve provided a good blood supply to tumours and can use it to deliver treatment such as chemotherapy.”

He is also working Drs. Byram Bridle and Sarah Wootton, Pathobiology, in research using oncolytic viruses, which fight cancer cells, to fight tumours. Research has shown that virus uptake is also increased with improved blood vessels.

Improved delivery means tumours have less time to develop drug resistance.  “We can shrink the tumours and increase the efficacy of drug delivery to the tumours so that they can’t develop chemotherapy resistance,” says Petrik. This also allows for lower doses of chemotherapy, reducing side affects.

Now, Petrik is looking to the next stage of this research and advancement into a Phase 1 Clinical Trial. Petrik points out he’s ideally located at OVC for this.  “I collaborate with Toronto, Hamilton and London with access to hospitals and patients in Southwestern Ontario.”

In addition, “we have a fully functional cancer centre at the Ontario Veterinary College,” he adds. “It’s the ideal place to investigate these therapies in dogs and cats with spontaneous disease and also offer these treatments to animals and their owners.”

Petrik’s research is one of 10 UofG projects highlighted in a crowdfunding initiative beginning December 1. He will use the campaign to raise awareness of his research and clinical trial plans and help cover some of the costs involved in reaching that next step.

Petrik originally came to OVC to study domestic animal reproduction – thrombospondins –which are an important regulator of anti- angiogenesis. In addition to ovarian cancer research, he continues to research reproduction and factors that affect normal ovarian function.

Petrik often talks to women’s survivor groups about ovarian cancer research underway at OVC, but it comes at a bit of a cost. There are many advances in this area but “women with the disease are looking for therapies,” adds Petrik. It takes time to get these to them.

Dr. Jim Petrik’s lab: Kathy Matuszewska, Madison Pereira, Joshua Antunes, Lisa Kellenberger, Jim Petrik, Kata Osz

Monday, November 30
12:30 - 1:30 Room
1713 LLC, OVC

Title: Evolving One Health Frameworks and Future Global Veterinary Opportunities

Free event - Everyone is welcome to attend!

Presenter (with picture):  Dr. Gary Vroegindewey DVM MSS DACVPM is the Director, One Health Program, CVM, Lincoln Memorial University; Chair, OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) ad hoc Group on Disaster Management and Risk Reduction in Relation to Animal Health and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health; former member White House Security Council Food and Agriculture Working Group; former Department of Defense Liaison to Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, and US Food and Drug Administration; and former practice owner.

Can’t make the event?  Watch it LIVE on line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wdzQB1ecg

Tuesday, December 1
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Room 1810 Pathobiology-AHL

Poultry Health Research Network Seminar Series – Dr. John Prescott, Pathobiology

Wednesday December 2
8:00  - 9:00 AM
Room 1438

Primary ciliary dyskinesia - Ana Avellaneda
Case advisor: Maureen Barry
Program Advisor: Alexa Bersenas

Imaging of the Equine Head - Monica Jensen
Program Advisor: Dr. Heather Chalmers

Thursday, December 3
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Room 1715, LLC

The Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE SEMINARS - FALL 2015
Historical Attitudes in Ethical Issues in Livestock Industries
Dr. Margaret Derry, University of Guelph

Thursday, December 3
3:30 - 4:30 PM
1715, LLC

POPULATION MEDICINE SEMINAR NOTICE

Bluetongue is Here: What This Means To Canadian Livestock

Drs. Paula Menzies, Department of Population Medicine
and Andrew Peregrine, Department of Pathobiology

OVC Global Vets is a charitable organization that works in partnership with professionals, practices, and organizations in developing countries all over the world. Together we improve the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the ecosystems they live in, as well as increasing local and national awareness about the global role of veterinarians. The Global Vets program strives for an international and intercultural exchange of ideas and knowledge to promote the international application of veterinary skills and education. This year there are 19 students traveling to different countries in Southeast Asia, Central America and South America as part of the initiative.

This year OVC Global Vets will once again be selling greeting cards.  Proceeds from the sale will help support the Global Vets 2016 volunteering initiatives.

This year’s card feature *NEW* designs with images from the 2015 Global Vets’ experiences this past summer.

Cards will be on sale over the lunch hour (12:20 - 1:20 PM) just outside of the OVC cafeteria and will continue most lunch hours from now until the holiday break!

Cards come in sets of 8 for $10 (pre-packaged), or 3 for $6 (pick-your-own).

So please stop by, help support the Global Vets 2016 and get some cards to send out to friends and family for the holidays at the same time!

For more information please email info@globalvets.ca.

Be sure to mark you calendars……

The Canadian Association of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine will be hosting their annual conference (CAVEPM 2016 – Thinking Outside the Epidemiological Toolbox) at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario on May 16 and 17, 2016.

Details concerning keynote speakers, post-conference courses, abstract submissions, and conference registration will be available on December 15th, 2015 at https://ovc.uoguelph.ca/conference/cavepm/

Each week we will be highlighting three posts to share what’s new on Instagram for those that do not have an account. Thank you to everyone who has shared with us so far.  

Post #1:

“Thanks Mark from Tender Moments Alpacas for sharing great Alpaca facts with us today on our snap story (user: OntVetCollege). This weekend Alpaca Ontario is hosting an Alpaca Education Weekend at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. This two day seminar is packed with education sessions of interest to alpaca breeder with presentations from Drs. Gregg Adams (University of Saskatchewan) and Dr. Joanne Hewson (Ontario Veterinary College). Sessions include learning aboutTooth Root Abscesses how to recognize, when and how to treat; Common Medications; Eye care – Ulcers & wet eyes; Skin Conditions – mites, Bacterial issues, foot pad issues, fibre loss; Anatomy; Neonatal care; Breeding management; Reproductive technologies and more.

Alpaca Ontario represents the collective interests of Alpaca Owners and Breeders in Ontario to actively promote the awareness of the Alpaca and related fibre industry which is encouraged through education on the highest quality Alpaca husbandry and breeding practices and fosters interaction among its members. Learn more at alpacaontario.ca"

Post #2:

“4th year Marissa learning how to use an ultrasound and interpret images on her fourth year Large Animal Medicine Rotation “Ultrasonography is a great diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine as it allows practitioners and students to "see” inside our patients and assess what is going on in real-time. In large animal medicine, it can be used to assess the gastrointestinal tract for causes of abdominal pain as well as the chest for signs of respiratory disease. It may look like fifty shades of grey, but it can provide a wealth of information if you know what you’re looking at!“ Thanks for sharing Marissa and Dr. Arroyo!”

Post #3:

“Movember grant funded researcher Dr. Geoff Wood and members of OVC’s Pathobiology team sporting their #Movember support. "Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men, according to @ProstateCancerC, with one in eight diagnosed during their lifetime. “Many men live with early stage prostate cancer and manage the disease with a variety of different treatment options,” Wood says. “Prostate cancer can often become resistant to treatment over time and advance to a condition known as castration-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC.” In this advanced stage of the disease the cancer tends to not only be more aggressive, but it is also unresponsive to known therapies. Why and how prostate cancer becomes resistant to treatment over time is what Wood seeks to answer through his current research (which exams the role of inflammation in treatment-resistant prostate cancer).

Finding a way to manage inflammation in prostate cancer patients may be the key to unlocking valuable answers. Many cancers have been linked to inflammation; for example, chronic colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon) is a major risk factor for colon cancer, and there has been increasing evidence that prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) may be a predisposing factor to developing prostate cancer. “ Read the full article on the OVC Pet Trust website.”

OntVetCollege now has 6960 followers from around the world that include prevets, vet students, practicing veterinarians and veterinary teams, alumni, industry, graduate students and more.

We are always looking for photos to share on Instagram.  If you have an interesting case, images of your team working in your lab or research out in the field, student learning,  currently on 4th year rotation or other images that would help show what it is like to learn and work at OVC  please email:

Jane Dawkins
OVC Marketing Communications/Social Media Manager jdawkins@uoguelph.ca with “Instagram Post” in the subject line or PM us at @OntVetCollege on Instagram.

Monday, November 30th
12:30pm - (Rm 1714) - CVSA: THE INSIDE RIDE!!
This pizza lunch talk kicks-off the annual tradition of Inside Ride for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. They help support children living with cancer through camps and many other programs that help them live a happier life. Dr. Tom Gibson, from Small Animal Surgery at OVC will be presenting this amazing event!

Tuesday, December 1st
12:30pm - (Rm 1713) - IVMC: International Cheetah Day Fundraiser for Cheetah Conservation Canada
The IVM club will be showing the Disney Nature documentary “African Cats” on the projector screen, and have baked goods and snacks for sale.

Wednesday, December 2nd
12:30pm - (Rm 1714) - OMVA: Pizza Lunch Talk
Topic to be determined.

Thursday, December 3rd
12:30 - (Rm 1714) - Food Animal Club: Anti-biotic use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario
A CVO study of the current practices and perceptions of Ontario veterinarians.

12:30pm - (Rm 1438) - SCAVIM (Internal Medicine Club): Problem Based Learning
Students present an go through an internal medicine case.

Friday, December 4th
12:30pm - (OVC Cafeteria) - Class of 2017 holds the ELF AUCTION!
School-wide elf auction - a charity event where students bid on prizes and experiences donated by OVC faculty and staff.

This college-wide event will feature the announcement of the First Annual OVC Door Decorating Challenge, Musical Performances (sign up sheet coming soon), Photo Booth, Door Prizes.  Festive sweaters encouraged.

Updates each week in the Bulletin or talk to your department representative:

Pathobiology: Marni Struyk or Nathalie Lemieux
Clinical Studies: Linda Wing
Health Sciences Centre: Christine Hagen or Cheryl Haber
Biomedical Science: Kim Best
Population Medicine: Linda Kraemer
Dean’s Office: Carol Ann Higgins, Sally Maclachlan or Jane Dawkins

Wednesday Dec 9
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Room 1438 

Grand Rounds

‘Intrauterine glass marble in a mare’ - Firdous Khan 
Case Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Scholtz
Program Advisors: Dr. Elizabeth Scholtz & Dr. Tracey Chenier

'Gossip Girl: a case of coxofemoral luxation’ - Michelle Hasiuk  
Case advisor: Dr. Tom Gibson
Program advisor: Dr. Alexa Bersenas

Thursday, December 10
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Room 1715, LLC

Population Medicine Seminar Series

“National Dairy Study - NAHMAS North or Herding Cats?”
Dr. David Kelton, Department of Population Medicine

Friday, December 11
10:00 AM
Room 1715, LLC
Examination to follow in Room 113 Clinical Research Building, Ontario Veterinary College 

Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of
Andreia Goncalves Arruda, Department of Population Medicine

Thesis Title: “Investigation of the spread, control and surveillance of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) using novel epidemiological approaches”

Examination Committee:
Dr. Olaf Berke (Chair)
Dr. Zvonimir Poljak
Dr. Robert Friendship
Dr. Terri O’Sullivan
Dr. Montserat Torremorell, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota

Advisory Committee:
Dr. Zvonimir Poljak (Advisor)
Dr. Jane Carpenter
Dr. Robert Friendship
Dr. Karen Hand

Reminder of time-sensitive research studies announcements:

Grant Opportunities:

• The Cancer Research Society 2016 Operating Grants Competition. 
Letter of Intent (LOI) due: December 7th, 2016
Submission of Complete Application due: February 17th, 2016

Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI)
Deadline Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
• Addressing Evidence-based Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interaction

Graduate Studies Information:

• Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program 2015-2016
Find more information on the American Veterinary Medical Foundation website.
Application deadline: December 31st, 2015

Check the OVC Research Announcements page for current information and submission dates for grant opportunities, Graduate Studies information and funding opportunities.

Applications now are open for the OVC In-Program Graduate Awards. The deadline for all 2016 applications is January 8, 2016.

A full listing of all available OVC internal awards and their criteria, the application form for all awards, the application form for travel grants and the nomination form for the Graduate Student Recognition Award are posted in the Current Graduate Students section of the OVC Research website.

Awards, except those based solely on financial need (bursaries), will be presented at the Graduate Awards Ceremony in April 2016.

All submissions, communications and questions should be directed to OVC Graduate Program Services.

Dr. Gordon Kirby, Associate Dean, Research, with students at the 2015 Graduate Award Ceremony.

Congratulations to the winners of this years OVC United Way Raffle.  

Sarah Birch, OVC HSC Avian Exotics Service RVT won top prize: 2016-17 Parking Pass

Other winners:
Bahram Shojadoost - Pathobiology
Jeff Wichtel - OVC Deans Office
Deb Robinson - OVC HSC
Paul Woods - Clinical Studies
Karen Mantel - OVC Deans Office

A big thank you to all who bought tickets, over $600 for the United Way!

Wednesday, December 9:
Developing Stress Hardiness and Resilience through Mindfulness Practice by Dr. Singh from McMaster

Dr. Parmjit Singh is Assistant Clinical Professor (A) with Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and has a PhD in psychology. He has Clinical Training in Mind-Body Medicine from Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA and has participated in an intensive retreat on Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in mind-body medicine under the direction of Drs. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli. He is also a Certified Yoga Teacher and a dedicated Vipassana practitioner. He did his Post-doctoral training in psychology from University of Southern Queensland, Australia and McMaster University, Canada.

Dr. Singh was nominated for Excellence in Teaching Award by students of Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Canada for 2013-2014 year.

He was one of the invited speakers at TEDx McMaster University for 2013 where he spoke about how mindfulness meditation practice initiates deep structural changes in brain thereby establishing support for healthy habits and mental patterns.

He teaches in the Faculty of Health Sciences courses such as Body, Mind, Spirit and Health, Attitudes and Behaviors, Professional Transitions and Deceptions in Decision Making. He is involved in MD program’s professional competencies stream in the area of self-care. Since 2011, he is running eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course for medical students at McMaster University. Dr. Singh’s teaching methods are popular amongst students for their innovativeness and applicability to real life. One of his academic courses was featured on television for its unique content and perspective.

OVC Global Vets 2016 is excited to announce that OVC’s 7th annual Discover Vet School series is now open for registration! This season Discover Vet School will include lectures and labs covering a variety of topics in veterinary medicine.

Do you know someone who is considering veterinary medicine as a career, an animal lover, or just wants to learn more? They’re sure to find these lectures fascinating – and would make an awesome holiday gift for a budding veterinarian!!  All ages welcome from 12 to 112.

Learn more or register here:  http://ovc.uoguelph.ca/globalvets/discover-vet-school

The City of Guelph, with the assistance of the Animal Control Working Group, is reviewing its animal control bylaws to make sure they meet the community’s needs for regulating poultry, and domestic and exotic animals in Guelph.

Public meetings have taken place, however there’s still an opportunity to provide input

An online survey is open until December 31, 2015.  The survey and additional information is available on the City of Guelph website.

Each week we will be highlighting three posts to share what’s new on Instagram for those that do not have an account. Thank you to everyone who has shared with us so far.  

Post #1:

“The Theriogenology Rotation for the Rural Community Practice stream at OVC is highly hands on with an emphasis in giving students opportunities to learn and practice technical skills in reproduction in small animals, horses and cattle. Dr. Cathy Gartley runs a busy small animal theriogenology clinical service, and students participate in clinical cases including pregnancy diagnosis, whelping, breeding management, semen collection and evaluation and breeding problems. Dr. Tracey Chenier and Dr. Elizabeth Scholtz teach students palpation in cows and horses, with the assistance of our DVSc graduate student Dr. Firdous Kahn. Students have the opportunity to use the ultrasound during their reproductive examinations. Students on rotation also get to collect semen from the stallion, and learn other common reproductive techniques.  In pic: Dr. Tracey Chenier reviews the finer points of equine pregnancy diagnosis. The students are learning to identify equine embryos using real-time ultrasound. #ovc2016“

Post #2:

“We love our students and their dedication to giving back to community.  Thanks for sharing Kevin (@futurevetbarbosa) “My team for community outreach clinic. It is amazing how much pets can do for people who struggle. Providing friendship, care, love and sometimes even save people’s lives. You truly don’t know what a dog or cat can do to someone’s life until you are blessed with a ‘thank you’ from someone in need who only has their pet. I had an amazing time helping out wherever I could and learning from the upper year students. Definitely will get involved in this again. Great practice too :). #OVC#veterinarianstudent#community@ontvetcollege” #ovc2019“

Post #3:

“Great Day at @uofguelph working with @intriguemedia to raise awareness for the Ontario Special Olympics and #GivingTuesday@guelphgives#guelphgives@specialolympicsontario“

OntVetCollege now has 7150 followers from around the world that include prevets, vet students, practicing veterinarians and veterinary teams, alumni, industry, graduate students and more.

We are always looking for photos to share on Instagram.  If you have an interesting case, images of your team working in your lab or research out in the field, student learning,  currently on 4th year rotation or other images that would help show what it is like to learn and work at OVC  please email:

Jane Dawkins
OVC Marketing Communications/Social Media Manager jdawkins@uoguelph.ca with “Instagram Post” in the subject line or PM us at @OntVetCollege on Instagram.

Monday, December 7th
12:30pm - (Rm 1714)
SVECCS: Holiday Toxicities Talk
Dr. Luis Bosch, senior resident with the OVC emergency and critical care department, will be discussing common toxicities the team at OVC encounters during the winter holiday season. Timbits will be served!

Tuesday, December 8th
12:30pm - (Rm 1800)
ZEW and Nutrition Club: Assessment of Apple-Browse as an Edible Dietary Item for Monogastrics
Sarra Gourlie, a MSc Candidate and intern at the Toronto Zoo will be leading the discussion.

Wednesday, December 9:
Developing Stress Hardiness and Resilience through Mindfulness Practice by Dr. Singh from McMaster
1714, LLC

Thursday, December 10th
12:30pm - (1714)
SCVMA: CVMA One Voice Pizza Lunch Talk
Students will learn about the CVMA and what is has to offer its student members. Students will also get a chance to discuss the hot topic of cosmetic alterations in veterinary medicine and learn how the CVMA position statements have helped in the development of legislation around banning these procedures. Pizza will be served!

Training of masters and doctoral students is something that pays rewards at many levels. Firstly, our graduate students at the Ontario Veterinary College are a great source of pride to us, individually and institutionally. They keep us intellectually engaged in our area of specialization and shoulder much of the hard work getting our research completed and published. Taking a larger view, graduate training addresses an important mandate given to Ontario’s universities: to provide opportunities for students to access the highest caliber training in this province. Finally, it provides a pool of highly trained individuals to become future teachers, and to join companies, agencies, and institutions to drive research, innovation and leadership.

Our funders recognize the value that graduate programs provide. Clear incentives are in place, as reflected by several recent announcements of funding to stimulate graduate program growth and quality. I encourage you to talk within your research groups and departments to see how we can put these funds to work in the most effective way. Please talk to your Chair, or Associate Dean Gord Kirby, for more information on these opportunities. I suspect graduate training will bubble up as an important theme in our Strategic Renewal initiative. To that end, I will be interested in your thoughts on how we can enhance the OVC doctoral and postdoctoral experience to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the very best career and life skills to maximize their chances of success after graduation.  

I heard some great ideas this past week when I met with the Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab in OVC’s Biomedical Sciences. This is a group that is doing a fine job with their graduate students, many of who are finding excellent jobs in non-academic fields such as IVF clinics. Thanks to all the members of that lab for the stimulating tour and discussion.

Dr. Pavneesh Madan and students in the Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Rm 1810, PATH

Interested members of the University Community are invited to attend the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science in Epidemiology by Courses, of

Jessica Reimann
of the Department of Population Medicine on

“Perioperative analgesic use by Ontario veterinarians, 2012″

Thursday December 17, 2015
1:00 PM
Rm 1810 (Seminar/Defense)
Rm 3829 (Examination/Defense)

Interested Members of the University Community are invited to attend the Final Oral Examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of

Kristin Bondo      Advisor: Dr. Claire Jardine
of the Department of Pathobiology on

“Epidemiology of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistant enteric bacteria  in raccoons and their environment on swine farms and conservation areas in southern Ontario"

Examination Committee:
Dr. Jeff Caswell, Chair (Pathobiology)
Dr. Claire Jardine, Advisor (Pathobiology)
Dr. Richard Reid Smith, Advisory Committee Member
Dr. Scott Weese, Additional Examiner (Pathobiology)
Dr. Tasha Epp, External Examiner
(University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK)

Friday, December 18, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rm 1713, LLC

Interested members of the University community are invited to attend the
Final Oral Examination for the degree of Master of Science in Epidemiology, of

Krysia Walczak
of the Department of Population Medicine on

“Insight into Epidemiology of Swine Dysentery by Using Analysis of
Treatment Records and Simulation Modelling”