Rideau - St. Lawrence Veterinary Services

08/30/2024

08/15/2024

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

We would like to provide a notice to our clients that in recent days there have been several horses diagnosed with EEE in the Ottawa area and several suspect cases that are awaiting testing results.

EEE is a virus spread by mosquitoes that causes encephalomyelitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord) resulting in severe neurologic disease that is fatal in 90% of cases. Cases usually occur in the late summer or early fall. Infected horses are not contagious to other horses or humans.

The EEE vaccine is the most effective way to protect your horse from the disease and it is still extremely rare for a properly vaccinated horse to develop it. Proper vaccination includes initial boosters 3-6 weeks later when receiving the vaccine for the first time and timely re-vaccination every 12 months. We are recommending that all horses be routinely vaccinated for EEE.

Healthy horses that have received proper routine vaccination do not require a booster at this time, however those that may be at high risk (less than 3 years old, more than 20 years old, or those that are immune compromised) may benefit from a booster 6 months from their last vaccine.

Foals that are over 4-6 months old, or who have been recently weaned, should begin their initial vaccine series promptly. They should also receive a booster vaccine 6 months later or in spring of next year (whichever occurs first) ahead of the mosquito season.

Pregnant mares who are routinely vaccinated every 12 months should receive the routine pre-foaling vaccines 4-6 weeks from their due date. If they are unvaccinated or their vaccine history is unknown, it is recommended to begin the initial vaccine series immediately and booster again 4-6 weeks before foaling.

Please contact our office if you would like to confirm your horse's vaccine status or set up an appointment to have them vaccinated.

For further information on EEE in horses please consult this factsheet. For information on EEE in humans, please consult Public Health or your healthcare provider.

07/29/2024

Master Shepherd's Course (Professional Development) To learn more about the Scotiabank Yield More Financing Program click here   Registration and Course fees: Registration is limited to North American residents at this time with Ontario Sheep Farmer members given preference. Full course:    Limi...

04/08/2024

Join us in Navan April 11th for a FREE in person Small Flock Workshop! Get tips from a nutrition consultant on feeding & housing. Learn biosecurity from OMAFRA's Poultry Specialist, & about the Small Flock Ontario resources that are here to help. Sign up: https://ow.ly/7lar50R4B8c

03/08/2024

Happy International Women's Day!

02/15/2024

Check out our very own Dr. Jaimee Gardner on her Vets Without Borders mission over in Kenya!

01/22/2024

Dr. Knoepfli, Dr. Simpson from Williamstown and RVT/ Manger Carla from Rideau St. Lawrence travelled to Orlando Florida to attend the VMX Veterinary Conference. 🧳 We strive to provide progressive medicine for our patients. Continuing education for all our team members is very important to us! The more we learn the more we can share with our clients and provide the best care to our furry friends! 🐶🐱

01/08/2024

PLEASE NOTE:

12/13/2023

Scanning for pregnancy in your sheep flock is a great way to plan for winter management.

Knowing which animals are pregnant, and how many lambs they may be carrying, can help you plan for feed requirements over the winter.

Ewes carrying multiple lambs have higher requirements than those carrying singles, so knowing what you are dealing with can help prevent disease at lambing time.
Scanning can also identify open (non-pregnant) animals to help reduce feeding costs over the winter.
While scanning animals they can be checked for body condition score and evidence of some parasite burdens as well.

Pregnancy checks in sheep are ideally done between 45-90 days post breeding, so plan ahead and speak with your veterinarian about booking pregnancy checks for your flock.

12/11/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Sara McFadden

Sara McFadden was born and raised on a dairy farm in Navan. She graduated from Trent University with an undergraduate degree in business administration. Currently, she works for the Government of Canada and weekdays at Navan Veterinary Services since 2013. Sara is a sporting enthusiast as she plays hockey and baseball. She enjoys living in the country and spending time with her family, friends and her yellow lab/husky Buckshot.

12/07/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Wenda Bradley

I began working with Navan Veterinary Services in 1988 as manager of both their large and small animal practices. When the small animal practice was sold I had to make the choice to either stay with small animal or move to the new building with large animal. I chose to move with the large animal crew and the rest is history as they say. It has been a pleasure to joining forces with the Rideau St. Lawrence team. I am married and my husband and I live just outside of Vankleek Hill where I have been involved in breeding, showing and competing in dog sports with purebred dogs. For 25 years I bred rottweilers and cairn terriers and now I have the pleasure of breeding the Portuguese Water Dog and I still compete in dog sports but on a much smaller scale. Of course we still own one cairn terrier to keep the porties in line. I also have a horse and like nothing better than to go riding with my dogs.

11/30/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Kim Spence

Hi I am Kim Spence, I have worked at Navan Veterinary Services for over 30 years. I began as a high-school co-op student when we were a mixed animal practice and I stayed working part time while finishing high-school and completing my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Carleton University. My full time career began in 1997 and by then Navan Vet had transitioned to a large animal clinic. My roles at Navan Vet include working on Dairy Comp, in clinic lab work, inventory, and trying to keep the vets organized and scheduled.

I was raised and reside 10 min from the office so Navan has always been my home. In my off work time I help my parents manage our cow-calf herd of Blonde d'Aquitaine along with our Australian Shepherd, Rosie. I also enjoy spending time with my nephews and niece and family. I like to work in my flower gardens, camp with my RV and play 3 pitch ball and slow-pitch ball.

11/27/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Dr. Elisabeth Begley

Hi! I'm Elisabeth Begley and I grew up in Ottawa and completed my bachelors degree here before moving to Guelph to complete my veterinary education. I spent another 6 years in Southwestern Ontario practicing large animal medicine with a short lived stint in mixed animal practice. My main interests lie in bovine medicine, surgery and herd health as well as in small ruminant herd health.

I moved back to the area with my 3 year old dog, Esmeralda, to be closer to my family. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with her as well as staying active. I also partake in a multitude of crafting hobbies. This year I started competing in trail races, it is such a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors, just don't trip!

11/23/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Dr. Val Higginson

Hi everyone. My name is Val Higginson and I am one of the large animal veterinarians at Navan Veterinary Services. I am originally from Vankleek Hill, ON where I grew up on my family’s sheep farm. I attended the University of Guelph to complete my Bachelor of Science degree before attending McGill University for my Master of Science degree, focusing on dairy cattle nutrition.

This spring I graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with my DVM degree. While at OVC, I was able to travel to many practices for external rotations, most memorably to Cornell University for their Summer Dairy Program, to Alberta for a feedlot health management rotation, to a large dairy practice in California as well as an equine referral hospital in Florida.

I have been loving my time so far working with producers and meeting new clients! Outside of work, I can usually be found at the barn with my horse, Brava or helping my partner Andrew with our beef cattle. I also enjoy kayaking with my dog Daisy and anything outdoors.

11/20/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Dr. Chelsea Allan

My name is Chelsea Allan and I am one of the large animal veterinarians at Navan Vet Services.

Since I was 4 years old I wanted to be a vet and this dream came true in 2015 when I graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College. In my years as a practicing vet I have had the fortune of working with both amazing veterinarians and clients while practicing in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario.

To complement my work as a vet, I started volunteering my time with the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners and this year have been appointed president of the organization.

In 2020 I returned home to the Ottawa Valley with my partner Arjan to rejoin the team at Navan. Since returning to Navan we bought a farm of our own. Arjan kindly tolerates my need to be surrounded by animals and as such we share our space with two German Shedders, Tess and Tilley and four cats, Jack, Fred, Frankie and Jasper.

We also have a cow calf operation and get great enjoyment out of working with our beef cattle. Most of my time outside of work is spent working on our farm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I do have the time, however, I love a good hike, time on the water sailing or traveling and exploring new places.

I am inspired daily by the connections that I am able to make with our clients and their animals. I look forward to continuing to support the Navan/RSL community for years to come!

11/16/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition featuring Dr. Jean Cyr

Hi, my name is Jean Cyr and I am one of the partners at Navan Veterinary Services. I graduated from the University of Western Ontario way back in 1987 and went on to finish vet school at OVC in 1994. I have been working as a large animal veterinarian in Navan since graduation. My main interest has always been practicing food animal medicine in the dairy sector and I’ve been lucky enough over the years to accomplish this alongside a fantastic group of producers. Equine work has also been a pleasure and a great way to round off large animal medicine. I live in Clarence Creek with my fantastic wife Twyla. We have four grown-up (ie. off the deficit side of the ledger….woohoo! ) children Joseph, Kathryn, Luc and Sarah. Two dogs, Dexter and Maggie and Sgt. Pepper, a cat that lives in our house, round up the crew! When not at work, I love to be outdoors, hunting, fishing, adventure motorbiking or just hanging out in the woods!

11/15/2023

Our Prescott office will be closing at 4:00pm tomorrow Thursday, November 16. The Kemptville office will remain open until 5:00pm.

11/15/2023

Reminder for everyone to RSVP by this Friday for our beef producer meeting that is on Nov. 23/23.
We look forward to seeing you all!

11/13/2023

Meet the Team- Navan Edition Featuring Dr. Dave Douglas

I’m Dave Douglas and I’ve been at Navan Veterinary Services for 41 years. Navan provided me with a great opportunity to work with Dr Alan Rathwell and become a partner in the practice. My interest in dairy health and nutrition was well received and we were able work with many clients helping improve production through rations and management decisions. Improving production and working with our great clients has been a motivating force in my career.

I grew up in the Eastern Townships in Quebec on a dairy farm. I have a degree in Animal Science from Macdonald College and then attended Ontario Veterinary College. I’m married to Shelley (42 years), we have two daughters and five grand children. We are blessed that that they all live close by. We are an active family and love the outdoors- skiing, skating, hiking, golf, and swimming. I have backpacked the Long Trail through Vermont- 275 miles, carrying a tent and food.( not with Shelley)

I am semi-retired and looking forward to travelling more and improving my golf game, that's not going to happen is it?

I have been very fortunate to work with some wonderful veterinarians over my career. Early on I was fortunate to work with older seasoned veterinarians. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable. Now I am fortunate to work with and mentor younger veterinarians. They push me to keep up and stay relevant.

This is a great group to work with. A dedicated team of veterinarians providing a wide range of service to clients across Eastern Ontario.

11/11/2023

We’d like to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of all those who served for their country and for the peace they fought to achieve. Thank you to all the men and women who bravely served their country.

11/09/2023

Meet the Team featuring Niki Linton

Niki is a graduate of U of Guelph, Kemptville campus where she completed programs in Agriculture and Equine studies. An avid horse lover and rider since a young age Niki spent many early mornings in the barn, doing chores, lessons or prepping for shows. In 2013, she represented Team AWR NorthAmerica and spent 2 weeks competing in Sweden where she won a 3rd place Free Jump Judging award and the team won the Overall Grooming Award. Attending many fox hunts with the Caledon Hunt Club was an enjoyable part of her job while working as a private Groom. Originally from Guelph, Niki moved permanently to Kemptville after completing her studies, where she met her husband, who’s family owned a dairy farm. Working alongside and gaining critical experience on the business aspect and operations of farming, she and her husband Steve, now own and run their own dairy farm just outside of Merrickville. They reside there on the farm with their sons Wesley and Blake, horses Echo & Aberdeen, their dogs Belle & Blue, Jax the cat, and the herd of Jersey cows. When she is not working, you can find her in the barn tending to her calves, riding her horses, walking the dogs or spending time outdoors with her family.

11/06/2023

Meet the Team featuring Elizabeth Dupuis

Elizabeth has been serving our large animal clients at Williamstown Veterinary Services for 21 years. She has a deep affection for all animals and spent much of her childhood on a hobby farm with Hereford cattle and horses. Born in Montreal, she has called South Glengarry home since 1972. She was quite the trail rider, once upon a time.

An avid promoter of purebred dogs, she currently owns 2 Golden Retrievers and 3 Persian cats. She was a proud breeder and exhibitor of Poms in the 80s and 90s. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and answering questions with clients who are “expecting” a litter.

Elizabeth is a passionate cruiser, as this allows her to continue visiting ports of the world! She’s also a film buff at heart and an ardent trivia fan.

Life is good; especially when it’s full of animals.

11/03/2023

Congratulations to Locus Lane Farm and the Connell Famly. Very well deserved!

11/02/2023

Meet the Team featuring Shelley Vanderschuit

After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science, Shelley worked in the non-profit sector for 22 years. Shelley brings administrative skills to the team with experience in management and accounting and now works as Business Manager for RSLVS and the associated group of clinics. You will likely find her answering the phone and helping with tasks around the office. Shelley and her husband Peter enjoy travelling when they can and outdoor pursuits are the norm--they enjoy hiking, paddling, camping, and skiing. A favourite summer holiday is in backcountry Algonquin Park.

10/30/2023

Meet the Team featuring Adrienne Legault

Adrianne grew up in South Glengarry and currently resides in Ingleside. She graduated from Boreal College Alfred Campus Animal Health Technician and began working immediately as veterinary technician. Adrianne is bilingual, quiet, soft spoken and compassionate with any animal she meets. She is continually ensuring people and their furry family members receive the best care. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a particular interest in lab work and anesthesia. (LA Anesthesia). When not at work she enjoys spending time with her two children Matias and Aaliyah and furry family members “BB” a domestic short haired cat and American bully “Riggs”.

10/26/2023

Meet the Team featuring Emily Nash

My name is Emily Nash. I was born and raised in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and moved to Kemptville 18 years ago to hopefully pursue a career with horses. I graduated from the University of Guelph in Kemptville in 2007 and started working at KCAT in 2008 in both equine and dairy facilities. I started working in the small animal sector of veterinary medicine in 2015, and am happy to now be following my passion for large animal care. I work full time in our Kemptville office, where I spend my time doing call backs and follow ups, lab work, inventory, invoices and, my favourite, customer service! I live in Kemptville with my husband Jordan, our two kids Connor (6) and Nora (3), our dogs Henry and Poppy and cat Kitty, as well as my horse Juno. I feel very lucky to enjoy coming to work every day and we have the greatest and most supportive team here at Rideau St. Lawrence. I am a huge believer in preventative medicine and am always asking lots of questions to our doctors :) I enjoy meeting new people, chatting with our clients and finding out more about them. In my (rare) spare time I love the outdoors, hiking with my family and listening to podcasts, visiting my horse and being creative with my kids' Bento box lunches!

10/23/2023

Meet the Team featuring Jessica Peeters

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica Peeters and I am the farm animal technician for Rideau-St.Lawrence Veterinary Services and Navan Veterinary Services. I graduated from the veterinary technician course at College Boreal, University of Guelph, Campus d’Alfred in Dec. 2011. I have been with RSLVS since Sept. 2018 and in between there I worked for multiple dairy farms (calf/heifer manager, relief milking, AI tech, etc.) and as a small animal technician at Williamstown Veterinary Services, who is now part of the same big family that RSLVS is part of. Part of my duties at RSLVS and NVS include going out on farms and performing multiple different tasks such as calf wellness programs, dehorning, data collection, vaccinations, ketone testing, etc. When not out on farm calls you can find me at the Prescott clinic doing office duties, lab work and assisting with in-clinic patients and surgeries. On top of having an awesome work family to be surrounded with everyday, my favourite part of my job is that every day is different. I have herds that are on my schedule regularly and I love getting to know our clients in the farming community but I also can never fully predict what my day will look like or maybe what species I will end up working with that day and that is so much fun.

When not at work you can find me in Glengarry where my roots are. I live with my boyfriend Shawn, his son Zackery, our labrador Diego and our three cat’s Cash, Brutus and Oscar. My hobbies include making a huge vegetable garden in the summer, riding my horse Amy, thrift shopping and doing various crafts. If I am not doing any of those things, then I am most likely at my parents working on our small beef herd which is probably one of my proudest projects. My goals are to hopefully one day be able to have purebred Simmentals and maybe bring back my horse show days and get back into the show ring, this time with a cow.

Agriculture is a huge part of my history and of who I am day to day. I strive everyday to make that world better and thank everyone who lets me come on their farms and work with their animals. I look forward to a lifetime of working within the eastern Ontario farming community.

10/19/2023

Meet the Team featuring Sarah Jackson

Sarah graduated in 2002 as a Veterinary Medical Receptionist from the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph. She gained experience working in a few clinics before she joined the team at Prescott Animal Hospital in 2008. In 2012, Sarah rose to the challenge of trying to deal with the chaos of the large animal vet's schedules and keeping them on schedule (which is much like herding cats) for Rideau-St. Lawrence Veterinary Services in the Prescott location. This transition coincided with the opening of the Prescott Animal Hospital Large Animal Surgery & Medical Referral Centre. Sarah maintains the surgery suite and the hospital stalls. Many of her days start with performing treatments, feeding and caring for the hospitalized patients—mostly horses, but cows, sheep and goats too. Sarah is an avid horsewoman and an accomplished rider. She competed for many years on the hunter circuit. Sarah is kept busy with her three cats, Mowgli, Hammer and Winky and has a soft spot for a good Pinot Grigio.