SPRING 2025
Carolyn Cartwright with one of the WCVM’s new equine nasogastric models. Christina Weese
HEAD OF THE CLASS By Rigel Smith
MERCK’S DONATIONS ADVANCE EQUINE EDUCATION A recent pair of grants from Merck Animal Health Canada has helped the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) take strides to enhance its equine health teaching tools. Merck’s grants, valued at more than $50,000, highlight a longstanding partnership between the company and the WCVM. While Merck’s contributions have supported various initiatives over the years, the company’s most recent investment has made a significant impact on veterinary education.
Thanks to Merck, the BJ Hughes Centre for Clinical Learning — the college’s simulation centre — was able to purchase several additional high-tech models, including three equine nasogastric tubing systems. Manufactured by Veterinary Simulator Industries (VSI) in Calgary, Alta., each life-sized model consists of a horse head and neck along with a portable stand. The devices also function as venipuncture models, allowing students to practise blood draws, intravenous injections and catheter insertions.
“Having these models, like any simulation model, enhances the learning experience,” says Carolyn Cartwright, a registered veterinary technologist and manager of the BJ Hughes Centre. While the models will be used to teach all levels of veterinary students, interns and residents, they will also be an integral part of the equine gastrointestinal tubing lab. This skills-focused session is for second-year veterinary students in the college’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.