Canada's most modern University Veterinary Hospital Centre (UVHC), the cornerstone of the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was inaugurated in St-Hyacinthe today. Federal and provincial governments invested over $74 million to double and renovate the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's outdated facilities to establish a new multidisciplinary animal healthcare pole.

The Government of Canada invested $35.4 million towards the new facilities; while Government of Quebec invested a total of $41.1 million - $23.9 million for the centre and an additional $17.2 million for research and training - while the Université de Montréal provided remaining funds. The opening took place among dignitaries, partners and guests that included Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for the Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière constituency, and Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

"Thanks to its new University Veterinary Hospital Centre, the Université de Montréal will remain a leader in veterinary care, research and education," said Rector Luc Vinet. "The Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is North America's sole institution to provide French instruction in animal care and we thank our partners for investing in the UVHC - a 21st Century training ground for Quebec's next generation of veterinarians."

For Parliamentary Secretary Jacques Gourde, the Government of Canada's support for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in St Hyacinthe demonstrates a firm commitment to maintaining world class scientific institutions in Canada. "The new facilities will help veterinarians optimize their role as guardians of animal health, which is a key element in the economic prosperity of the Canadian agri-food industry and its recognition in export markets," added Mr. Gourde.

Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, said his ministry and the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine have developed a longstanding relationship. "I am proud to see tangible results of that partnership today," he said. "With its cutting edge facilities, the new University Veterinary Hospital Centre will further develop its expertise and contribute to both animal and public health."

Modern and open 24/7

Open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, the UVHC was designed as a fully integrated medical facility where equine, bovine, farm, domestic and exotic animals can be diagnosed, admitted and treated.

The UVHC will serve as the hub of 60 professors and researchers, 100 support staff as well as 40 interns and residents. The veterinary professionals will also work to advance research on major illness that affect mammals, from cancer to arthritis, which may one day have human applications.

"Animals play a central role in our lives. Indeed, the health of all species is interrelated and diseases that affect animals can have an impact on people, which makes the UVHC's mission of teaching and research in animal health a great benefit to society," said Dr. Jean Sirois, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. "Expansion of the University Veterinary Hospital Centre will allow the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to provide the best in animal health care that will benefit everyone."

Four sectors under one roof

The UVHC treat about 14,000 animals each year. Most hospitalizations average two days. The UVHC is comprised of four sectors:

- A domestic pet hospital treats up to 12,000 cats and dogs. Specialties include surgery oncology, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology and neurology. A new observation room allows specialists to analyze and treat animals with behavioural problems. What's more, the expanded UVHC includes a novel exotic animal clinic that treats all kinds of pets such as ferrets, lizards and snakes. The hospital also features a birds of prey clinic, which treats about 350 injured creatures per year. The bird of prey clinic is one of the five largest centres of its kind in North America.

- The farm animal hospital provides medical and surgical services to a variety of livestock: pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, goats, lamas and ostrich. The hospital admits about 700 cases per year.

- The equine hospital treats up to 1,500 elite race or sporting horses per annum. Most horses admitted to the equine hospital are referred by veterinarians across Quebec, Eastern Ontario and the eastern United States. Specialities include surgery, internal medicine and reproduction.

- The roving clinic features a team of specialists who provides about 3,600 on-site farm visits per year to treat livestock. Calls can be made to milk, beef, pig and poultry producers.

About the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Farm, domestic and wild animal health is a priority for the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Since its 1886 foundation, North America's only French veterinary medical school has been a leader in the teaching, treatment and research in its field. The Faculty, based in Saint-Hyacinthe, features 120 professors, clinicians and researchers, 420 undergraduate and 200 graduate students, as well as 300 support staff. Thanks to its new University Veterinary Hospital Centre, the Faculty provides both quality education and unique expertise for businesses, government agencies and the general public.

Université de Montréal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine