Welcome to Dr. Albert Torrent Crosa, who recently joined the OVC Department of Clinical Studies as an assistant professor in large animal surgery.

Dr. Albert Torrent

In 2005, Torrent obtained his LV (Licencia Veterinaria) from the Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU in Valencia, Spain. He went on to complete internships at several private equine practices around Europe and in Canada, as well as at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Torrent obtained additional work experience from private equine practices as well as private large animal practices in France, Belgium, and Canada. He then attended the University of California-Davis to begin a large animal surgery residency, completing his residency in 2017. Torrent was designated an American College of Veterinary Surgeons Diplomate (Large Animal) in 2019 and has worked for the last 3 years as an equine surgeon at the University of Montreal.

While at the Ontario Veterinary College, Torrent will focus on equine clinical work primarily in the OVC Large Animal Clinic as an equine emergency surgeon. He will participate in teaching in the OVC DVM and graduate programs. His research interests include projects with direct clinical application that will result in quality of life and outcome improvements in equine patients. Currently, Torrent is working on projects related to the gastrointestinal tract and feet of horses.

He has been a fan of horses and riding since he was a child and used to have horses and a dog at home. Currently, Torrent has no pets, but he would love to have a dog again sometime soon. He loves everything related to the sea such as sailing or diving, and he is looking forward to living near the sea in the future.

A leader in establishing veterinary anesthesia as a specialization is being recognized by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

Dr. Wayne McDonell

Dr. Wayne McDonell, Professor Emeritus, in the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Clinical Studies, is the 2021 winner of the ACVAA Career Achievement Award.

The award recognizes an ACVAA Diplomate for accomplishments throughout a long career of outstanding performance in advancing the art and science of veterinary anesthesia and/or analgesia.

McDonell received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from OVC in 1965, and after a year in private practice returned to OVC as a junior faculty member to establish anesthesia as a specialization — the first in a Canadian veterinary school.

During his academic career at the University of Guelph, he served as the departmental graduate coordinator, as area coordinator for the small animal, and then the large animal clinic, as well as a three-year term as hospital director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, now known as the OVC Health Sciences Centre. He served as the College Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs for the final seven years of his career.

Along with Dr. Ole Nielson (OVC Dean 1985 - 1994), Dr. Alan Meek (OVC Dean 1994 - 2005) and Roger Warren, a founding member of the OVC Pet Trust board, McDonell was instrumental in the establishment of OVC Pet Trust as the first charitable fund dedicated to the health and well-being of companion animals in Canada.

After retirement, he helped establish the Canadian international veterinary charity organization, Vets Without Borders - Canada in 2005, serving as board member for years.

Earlier this year, McDonell was recognized with a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Life Membership, presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards, and committees or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

Congratulations Dr. McDonell from your friends and colleagues at the Ontario Veterinary College.

OVC researchers are looking for current foster parents of young kittens (7 to 9 weeks of age) to participate in an online survey about your kittens’ behaviour and experiences while in foster care!

This REVAMPED research study was relaunched October 14, 2021.

Participating foster parents must be 18+ years of age and fostering at least one kitten between 7 to 9 weeks of age.

Participation will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can also enter for a chance to win a $100 CAD prize ($25 kitten supplies and $75 donation to your shelter)!

**Please note: This version of the project DOES NOT include a behaviour test and no shelter consent is needed—online survey only**

To learn more and participate, visit: https://uoguel.ph/kittencommscisurvey

This study is part of Courtney Graham’s PhD research at the Ontario Veterinary College, which focuses on understanding factors that influence kitten behavioural development.

If you have any questions, contact Courtney Graham at courtney.graham@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Lee Niel at lee.niel@uoguelph.ca

Please SHARE! Open worldwide!