Canasta.Vet Insights

For international graduates and professionals considering further education in Canada, choosing the right program involves much more than selecting a university or finding the lowest tuition. A graduate program can influence future career direction, professional opportunities, location of employment, and the skills a graduate develops for the Canadian labour market. For 2027, several areas of graduate study may be particularly worth exploring for applicants with backgrounds i

From new medications and artificial intelligence to changing disease patterns and virtual care, veterinary medicine in Canada is evolving rapidly. Canada is a nation of pet owners. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute’s 2024 Canadian Pet Population Survey, the country has an estimated 7.2 million dogs and 8.2 million cats, with pets living in more than half of Canadian households. Those animals are also generating significant demand for healthcare. Nearly half of

Veterinary professionals require reliable, up-to-date resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. The right books provide essential information on animal health, diagnostics, treatment, and care. This post highlights some of the top veterinary books that serve as valuable references for veterinarians, students, and support staff. These books cover a range of topics from clinical practice to specialized fields, helping professionals stay informed and effective in their wo

Pet nutrition is no longer just about choosing between dry or canned food. Artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, sustainability, and advances in nutritional science are transforming how we feed companion animals. For veterinarians, these changes present exciting opportunities—but also new challenges as pet owners seek guidance in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Here are seven trends likely to shape the future of small animal nutrition in Canada over the next fe

Canada continues to face veterinary workforce shortages in many regions, creating significant opportunities for internationally trained veterinarians. However, becoming licensed in Canada is often a complex, multi-year process that requires careful planning, financial preparation, and a clear understanding of the National Examining Board (NEB) pathway. Many veterinarians begin the process without fully understanding the examinations, timelines, costs, and provincial licensing

Salaries, Shortages, Clinic Types, and Industry Trends Introduction The veterinary profession in Canada continues to evolve rapidly. Rising pet ownership, increasing expectations for animal healthcare, expanding specialty services, and growing public health responsibilities have created significant demand for veterinary professionals across the country. At the same time, many communities are facing veterinarian shortages, particularly in rural and remote regions. These workfo

For many veterinarians trained outside Canada, one of the biggest challenges has been proving broad competency across multiple species — even when their actual experience is focused in one area. For example: A veterinarian who has spent years working in small animal practice may want to work with dogs and cats in Canada — but traditional pathways often require broader assessment across species areas such as livestock or equine medicine. That may be changing. The CVMA recently

Canada’s veterinary workforce shortage is becoming an increasingly important issue affecting animal welfare, public health, food security, and access to veterinary care across the country. Veterinary teams continue to face growing pressure from increasing caseloads, workforce shortages, burnout, and limited access to veterinary professionals in rural and underserved communities. These challenges affect not only private practices, but also shelters, livestock medicine, and com

Understanding when decreased appetite in dogs and cats may be mild, urgent, or a veterinary emergency. Loss of appetite (anorexia) in pets is one of the most common concerns seen in veterinary medicine. While some cases may be related to mild stress or temporary stomach upset, others can indicate serious underlying disease requiring prompt veterinary attention. Dogs and cats may stop eating for many different reasons, including gastrointestinal illness, pain, infection, toxin

Introduction Differential diagnosis is a core clinical skill in veterinary medicine. However, in real-world practice, clinicians often face time pressure, incomplete information, and limited diagnostic resources. To address this, a structured approach is essential. PEDIAS In & Out provides a systematic framework to guide clinical reasoning, helping veterinarians think clearly, consistently, and efficiently. Why This Framework Matters Traditional approaches rely heavily on: Sy

Clinical decision-making is a core professional skill that directly impacts diagnostic accuracy, client trust, resource utilization, and patient outcomes. In North American veterinary practice, clinical reasoning follows structured frameworks designed to balance medical evidence, patient welfare, client constraints, and system-level realities. This article introduces a practical, system-based approach to clinical decision-making that can be applied in both private clinical pr

Veterinary medicine is changing rapidly. The needs of animals, pet owners, clinics, shelters, and veterinary professionals continue to grow, but the systems supporting them often remain fragmented, outdated, or difficult to access. At Canasta.vet, our mission is simple: to create practical, modern solutions that support veterinary professionals, strengthen animal care, and connect the global veterinary community. Why Canasta.vet Exists Veterinary teams work hard every day und