Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

04/02/2026

As we celebrate Easter this spring, many homes and public spaces are filled with fresh flowers, especially lilies. While they look beautiful, many types, such as Easter, tiger, and Asiatic lilies, are highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount, such as licking a few pollen grains off fur or drinking water from the vase, can cause serious kidney problems. Dogs are less sensitive but can still get an upset stomach.

Tips to keep pets safe this Easter:

- Keep lilies away from homes with cats

- Clean up any fallen petals or pollen right away

- Choose pet-safe flowers whenever possible

If a pet comes into contact with lilies, contact a veterinarian right away because early care makes a big difference. Celebrate safely this spring and keep your pets out of harm’s way.

Please note our office will be closed on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, and Easter Monday, April 6, 2026.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day - an opportunity to recognize autism and celebrate neurodiversity across all professions, including veterinary medicine.

People with autism and other forms of neurodiversity are part of veterinary teams across Alberta. Their perspectives, strengths, and ways of thinking bring real value to how we solve problems, connect with clients, and care for animals.

We’re sharing an article that highlights neurodiversity in veterinary medicine and why it matters to our profession.

Take a moment to read:
https://albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/content/neurodiversity-veterinary-medicine

04/01/2026

As warmer weather approaches, ticks will soon become more active. Now’s the time to start checking your furry (and not-so-furry) friends.

Ticks can affect pets like dogs and cats, as well as livestock such as cattle, sheep, and horses.

Regular checks after time spent in grassy or wooded areas can help you spot ticks early.

If you find a tick on an animal:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
• Pull straight upward slowly — avoid twisting or squeezing the tick
• Clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic
• Wash your hands thoroughly after removal

Prompt and proper removal can help reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Want to learn more about ticks and tick-borne diseases in Canada? Watch this presentation from Canadian tick expert Dr. Robbin Lindsay:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=286088359130922

For more information on tick prevention and safe removal, visit:
https://albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/content/tick-prevention-removal

If you have questions about ticks or prevention strategies, talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your animals.

03/31/2026

As warm weather approaches in Alberta, mosquitoes—which are the main carriers of West Nile Virus will soon become active. Not every horse exposed will get sick, but the virus can cause serious neurological illness and, in some cases, be fatal.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your horse. Administering vaccines before mosquito season allows time for immunity to develop, and annual boosters help maintain that protection. Your veterinarian can help determine the right schedule for your horse based on local risk.

Along with vaccination, reducing mosquito exposure, such as removing standing water and avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, adds another layer of protection.

Work with your veterinarian this spring to review your horse’s vaccination plan and keep them healthy through the season.

03/31/2026

We were very pleased to join Minister Sigurdson yesterday in support of updates to Alberta’s Animal Protection Act.

Veterinary professionals play a critical role in protecting animal health and welfare across Alberta - caring for animals in clinics, supporting producers, and stepping in when animals are in distress. The proposed amendments help close gaps, strengthen enforcement, and better support those on the ground in responding to animals in need. These are meaningful steps that will help improve outcomes and ensure animals receive appropriate care when it matters most.

We appreciate the Government of Alberta and Minister Sigurdson for taking these steps and look forward to continuing this work together.

03/25/2026

ABVMA Legacy of Service (Posthumous Award).

Honouring a member whose exceptional dedication and long-standing service have strengthened the ABVMA and the veterinary profession. Dr. Ken Keeler’s life embodied integrity, compassion, and unwavering service.

Born in St. Catharines, ON, and raised on his family’s vineyard, Ken carried early lessons in hard work and kindness into a lifelong veterinary career. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1975, he moved to Edmonton, where he practiced for decades with a special interest in birds and became deeply respected for his meticulous care and calm, compassionate presence. Even after retiring in 2012, Ken continued serving the profession through investigative work with the ABVMA until April 2025. His service extended far beyond veterinary medicine — donating blood for over 50 years, volunteering on committees, cycling in MS Bike Tours, and mentoring countless veterinarians.

Ken was a devoted husband to Maureen, father to three daughters and proud grandfather to three grandchildren, one of whom was born very recently, after Ken’s passing. Remarkably healthy and active throughout his life, Ken was unexpectedly diagnosed with ALS in April 2025. He passed away suddenly in October 2025 after a short but hard-fought battle.

Above all, Ken embodied quiet integrity. He believed that small, consistent acts of kindness mattered — and he lived that belief every day. His legacy is one of service, humility, and compassion. The award was presented by Dr. Troy Bourque and Dr. Annabelle Denson and received on Dr. Keeler’s behalf by his wife, Maureen.

03/20/2026

Each year, the ABVMA presents Student Leadership Awards to one student from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) and one from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The award celebrates leadership shown through involvement with the ABVMA and other professional associations, and highlights the meaningful contributions students are making while balancing the demands of their studies.

Congratulations to our current ABVMA Student Representative, Stephanie Cheung, who received the 2025 UCVM Student Leadership Award! It's much deserved.

03/19/2026

During Poison Prevention Week, remember that many common household items can pose a risk to pets.

Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters, is one example. While safe for people, even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, in severe cases, liver failure.

Xylitol is just one of many substances that can pose a risk to animals. Foods like chocolate and grapes, certain plants, medications, cleaning products, and pesticides can also be harmful to pets if ingested. Keeping potentially hazardous products stored safely and checking ingredient labels can help prevent accidental exposure.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

03/18/2026

Our Registrar, Dr. Megan Bergman, spoke yesterday at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) convention about the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession, particularly in rural communities.

The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration to address workforce shortages and support recruitment and retention across rural Alberta. She also spoke about ensuring access to care, including access to pharmaceuticals, so veterinarians and animal owners have the tools they need for prevention and treatment.

Dr. Bergman highlighted the work of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, including admissions processes that consider experience and background alongside GPA, and curriculum changes that give students early exposure to a range of veterinary practice areas.

This work is part of our ongoing efforts to support a strong, sustainable veterinary workforce and maintain access to care across Alberta.

03/16/2026

ABVMA Outstanding Mentor Award. Honouring an exceptional mentor whose guidance has profoundly shaped the journeys of other veterinary professionals.

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Lomsnes, whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service to the veterinary profession. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, Lisa moved to Alberta, where early “sink or swim” experiences were shaped by supportive veterinarians who encouraged her questions and growth.

In 1998, she founded Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital in Red Deer, discovering that strong leadership rooted in intentional mentorship was essential to building a thriving practice. Lisa has remained deeply engaged in the profession through community volunteering and active involvement with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, including serving as ABVMA President in 2019.

Her proudest legacy is her family: her son Tanner and his wife Natalie, and her daughter Kaitlyn, who is now pursuing a specialization in equine practice at Mid Atlantic Equine Specialists in New Jersey.

03/13/2026

Thank you to the Government of Alberta for supporting the next generation of veterinarians and strengthening rural veterinary care across the province.

Alberta’s government is investing in the next generation of veterinarians to help strengthen animal health care in rural communities. The new program, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will support veterinary students who choose to build their careers in rural Alberta—helping ensure farmers and ranchers have access to the care their livestock depend on.

Strong veterinary services are essential to a thriving agriculture sector, and this initiative will help keep Alberta producers competitive while supporting rural communities across the province. 🐄🐖🐑

Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=95822DBC51D77-9A0D-96F6-C0509AB877821263

03/12/2026

ABVMA Early Career Veterinarian Award. Honouring an early career veterinarian whose passion and leadership are shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Congratulations to Dr. Colin Nicholas, a dedicated father, husband and owner of two goofy dogs. Born and raised close to downtown Calgary, he now lives in Delburne, AB, a small town of 1,000, east of Red Deer.

He earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology in 2014 and graduated from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. After graduating, he worked primarily as a cow/calf clinician for six years. In 2024, he expanded his horizons and locumed as a mixed animal clinician before starting his own practice, Nomad Veterinary Services, in the fall of 2024. Now, he drives all over the countryside serving central Alberta.

Colin has involved himself with county meetings and discussions with local representatives to find innovative solutions to the rural veterinary shortage. His motto in life is that “if there’s a problem, there’s a solution,” and he uses this to drive both his clinical reasoning and his thoughts on the veterinary industry.