The University of Prince Edward Island held a special ceremony on Thursday, May 4 to celebrate the official reopening and rededication of the Duffy Science Centre. Since November 2004, the centre has undergone a complete $6.9 million renovation.

The Duffy Science Centre is home to the departments of Biology and Physics. The renovations have added first-class research laboratories as well as improved teaching facilities, including the 280-seat lecture theatre. The north lobby has been expanded, all windows have been replaced, and an elevator has been added for improved accessibility.

Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education, opened the event. "The provincial government was pleased to contribute to the renovation. Up-to-date facilities are especially important to teaching and learning science where labs and technology are essential and learning is greatly enhanced by spaces to share ideas and collaborate," said Minister Dover.

"This is a splendid achievement, a complete renewal of our teaching and research facilities in Biology and Physics," said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "With generous support from the Province and private donors, the new Duffy Science Centre will be a platform for success by UPEI students and staff for at least a generation."

The open-concept research laboratories group scientists with particular interests together in theme-orientated facilities including Aquatic Ecology, Cell Molecular Biology, Terrestrial Ecology, Computational Physics and Material Science. Improved classrooms and teaching laboratories, as well as computer access and study space provide both undergraduate and graduate students with new learning opportunities not present before the renovations.

"The original building needed substantial remodeling to meet the needs of faculty members with vibrant research programs and to provide students with a study environment that embodies opportunities to be part of the research endeavors. The new Duffy building does precisely that," said Dr. Roger Gordon, Dean of Science and host of the ceremony.

The celebration included acknowledgment of a special leadership gift of $500,000 made in December to the Building a Legacy Campaign by Mrs. Margaret Duffy, widow of Dr. St. Clair Duffy. Dr. Duffy was an alumnus of St. Dunstan's University and an honorary graduate of UPEI (SDU'20, LLD Hon 1963.) He made a substantial leadership gift to UPEI in 1963 to help construct the Duffy Science Building. His nephew, Dr. Regis Duffy, is the current Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors.

"My uncle, Dr. St. Clair Duffy, was very proud of his PEI background and his alma mater, St. Dunstan's University. He and Margaret retained a strong love and attachment to the land of his birth," said Dr. Duffy.

When the building officially opened in May 1967, Dr. St. Clair Duffy's gift was acknowledged by a special plaque. Dr. Regis and Mrs. Joan Duffy unveiled a new plaque on May 4, 2006 that rededicates the Duffy Science Centre to Mrs. Margaret Duffy and the late Dr. St. Clair Duffy.

The PEI chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF-PEI) has recognized the University of Prince Edward Island and l'Universitand#233; de Moncton for their support of linguistic duality and Canadian unity. Both universities are recipients of the Lieutenant Governor of PEI Leading the Community Award which was established in 2005 in the name of the Honourable J. Land#233;once Bernard to celebrate success, innovation, and contribution to our community.

UPEI and l'Universitand#233; de Moncton offer a joint Bachelor of Education in French Immersion, which is a two year post-degree program consisting of 20 three-hour credit courses in education, 10 of which are offered on the UPEI campus, and the remaining 10 at land#145;Universitand#233; de Moncton.

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 37th Convocation exercises on Saturday, May 13 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Over 780 diplomas, certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees were awarded during two ceremonies.

"Our graduating students have worked hard to arrive at this day, and they have good reason to celebrate, along with their families, friends, and the many members of the UPEI family who have played an integral role in their growth and success," said President Wade MacLauchlan. "There is a very special sense of community between the graduating students and the many dedicated people who have worked with them, as teachers, advisors, mentors, supporters and friends to achieve this great moment in their lives."

The Marshal for both ceremonies was Marva Sweeney-Nixon. The Honorary Marshals in the morning were Gordon Ellis, PWC'69, and Bruce Garrity, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Mellissa Yuen, Class of 2006. In the afternoon, the Honorary Marshals were Arleen Harris, PWC'62, and Gordon Whitlock, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Shaun Coady, Class of 2006. The Governor General's Medals were awarded to Dianne McFarlane and Trenna Adams.

A record number of postgraduate degrees were conferred this year, reflecting the recent growth in master's programs at UPEI. Ryan Boulter of Victoria and Janice MacKendrick-Muir of Charlottetown were the first graduates of the new Master of Arts in Island Studies program, and Beverly Carol Gerg of Charlottetown received UPEI's first Master of Applied Health Services Research degree. Over 70 students graduated with a Master of Education, 19 of them from Alberta where the UPEI Faculty of Education has delivered innovative new distance programs. Another area that saw a significant increase was the Family and Nutritional Sciences undergraduate program. The number of graduates more than doubled this year.

The University conferred honorary degrees on five individuals whose exceptional professional and community achievements have made them inspiring role models for new graduates. They were: Alice Patterson (Pat) Webster, Suzanne Land#233;vesque, David Wallace Rodd, Joseph Fenwick (Fen) Watkin, and Elaine Campbell. Pat Webster, founding president of Canadian Parents for French, gave the morning convocation address. The afternoon address was delivered by Elaine Campbell, one of the co-creators of "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical."

Norman Webster, former UPEI Chancellor, was honoured during the ceremonies. In recognition of his outstanding service from 1996 to 2005, and his ongoing commitment to the University, he received the distinguished title of Chancellor Emeritus.

The valedictorian for the morning convocation was Cynthia Lynn Collins of Alaska who graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "In school, we have learned to compare ourselves rigorously to each other, to a bell curve, to a class average, to a national percentile. Today we graduate from this mentality," she told her fellow graduates. "Instead, we will be assessed by the words we choose and the actions we take. Whatever you perceive your achievements and abilities to be, there are people for which your encouragement, your acceptance, and your style of communication will be very valuable. The things you say and do are an important example. We are all leaders. Let's choose to encourage. Let's choose to accept. Let's choose to communicate. Today we leave as equals. Success is now a choice we make every day."

Arts graduate Peter Richard Fraser of Kilmuir, PEI gave the valedictory address at the afternoon ceremony. He challenged students to look inside themselves and ask how they can positively influence society.

"Your actions will help ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to benefit from the type of experience we have enjoyed at UPEI," he said. "Never forget that the most powerful form of human existence is not one that involves material possessions; it is living a life where you genuinely affect the lives of those you meet. Every day we create who we are by what we do, what we think and how we behave. Use the education UPEI has afforded you as the foundation from which you can continue to acquire the knowledge you need to live your best life."

Convocation day represented the end of an era for the Read family of New Haven whose members have been involved with UPEI for over 35 years. Mike Read, as Associate Registrar, has been a popular mentor to many generations of new students. After 25 years on staff, he is now retiring. Mike and his wife Ellen, both UPEI alumni, celebrated the graduation of their son Geordon who received his BBA and their son Tyler who received his BA in Political Studies. Their remaining son Brodie previously of graduated from UPEI in Religious Studies.

As always, it was a day filled with mixed emotions, as graduates celebrated their accomplishments, looked back at the challenges and joys they had experienced as students, and looked forward to their new lives ahead. Valedictorian Cynthia Collins expressed it this way:

"The rigors of our degrees and diplomas are behind us: all of the lectures, the endless hours of studying, and examination after examination. Now, it is our great privilege to begin pursuing rewarding careers," she said. "We all have abilities that we don't yet understand. Trust the choices you have made. Respect what you have accomplished. Be patient and work hard. We will get where we want to go. We will achieve the things we want to achieve. We have already started. To the University of Prince Edward Island, my classmates at the Atlantic Veterinary College, and to the entire Class of 2006: thank you and congratulations."

UPEI is hosting its 14th annual Graduate Studies and Research Days from May 16 to 19. This annual event showcases the work of graduate students from the faculties of Science, Veterinary Medicine, Arts, and Education.

"The University of Prince Edward Island is a very rich research environment, with results making a difference in the lives of Islanders and those around the world," says Dr. James Bellamy, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, AVC at UPEI. "We believe it is important to share and celebrate this remarkable environment. This week will build awareness of how much research is being carried out right here at UPEI."

The first presentations took place on Tuesday, May 16. Students in the Master of Arts Island Studies (MAIS) program presented on research topics that ranged from and#145;The Energy Regime in Small Island Jurisdictions' to and#145;Land and Identity amongst Islanders.'

On Wednesday, May 17 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., graduate students in the Faculty of Science will present their research in Lecture Theatre 104 of the K.C. Irving building. The Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education will deliver the opening remarks followed by messages from UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan and the Dean of Science, Dr. Roger Gordon. At 9:30 a.m., Dr. Bob Chapman from the National Research Council - Institute for Nutrisciences and Health will deliver the keynote address entitled "Chemical Coatings for Applications in CE-ESI-MS and Drug Delivery". Graduate student research presentations will begin at 10:30 a.m. Research topics will include using wild roses as an alternative crop, looking at compounds containing metals as possible chemotherapy agents, and larval infestations in potatoes. Awards and closing remarks will begin at 3:00 p.m.

The Faculty of Education will host their presentations starting at 3:30 p.m. in the K. C. Irving Lecture Theatre 104. Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies, will give the opening address. Topics will include: 'The Socio-cultural and Socio-political Realities of Teaching French as a Second Language in Canadian Public Schools' and 'Listening to Voices of Children with Disabilities.' The closing discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Atlantic Veterinary College hosts its program of graduate research studies on Thursday, May 18 and Friday, May 19. The opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday and will include greetings from Pat Binns, Premier, Province of Prince Edward Island; UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan; Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean AVC; and Dr. James Bellamy, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, AVC at UPEI. The special guest lecturer presenting the AVC R.G. Thomson lecture is Dr. Wayne Martin, Professor of Epidemiology, University of Guelph. Over the two days, the presentations will be divided into four themes: Biomedical Science, Clinical Research and Animal Welfare, Popular Health, and Aquatic Animal Research. The awards reception will begin in the AVC Cafeteria on Friday afternoon at 2:45 p.m during which the Graduate Student Pfizer Award, the G. Murray and Hazel Hagerman Scholarships, the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence (faculty), the Best Paper Presentation and more will be presented.

The University of Prince Edward Island has 155 full-time and part-time graduate students enrolled in the various graduate studies programs.

Contact:

Sarah Wright, AVC, UPEI - (902) 894-2844 or swright@upei.ca

Heather Hughes, Faculty of Science, UPEI - (902) 566-6022 or

hhughes@upei.ca

Anne McCallum, Communications, UPEI - (902) 566-0760 or aemccallum@upei.ca

The L.M. Montgomery Institute is offering a special condensed version of English 333, The Literature of L.M. Montgomery, in June. "L.M. Montgomery: The Journals, the Novels and the Mystery of Creativity" will be delivered jointly by Dr. Elizabeth Waterston, world-renowned Montgomery researcher and co-editor of The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery, and Dr. Jennifer Litster, an up-and-coming researcher and popular conference speaker from Edinburgh, Scotland. "Those familiar with the study of Montgomery will recognize these women as scholars at the forefront of the research being done on L.M. Montgomery's life and works," says Institute Director, Elizabeth DeBlois. "To have them both here at UPEI to deliver a course like this is a huge coup."

The course begins on June 15 and is being offered in association with the L.M. Montgomery Institute's 7th international conference, "Storm and Dissonance: L.M. Montgomery and Conflict," which runs from June 21 to 25. Students will have five two-hour classes with Waterston and Litster and will then take part in the conference, having the opportunity to hear speakers from around the globe address the theme of conflict in relation to the life and works of the Island author. "This will truly be an international course in every way," says DeBlois "from the instructors to the conference speakers right through to the participants in the class. We even have a woman traveling from South Africa to take this course."

The class, like the conference, is open to the public and interested individuals are encouraged to visit the LMMI website at http://www.lmmontgomery.ca/ or to contact the L.M. Montgomery Institute directly for more information at (902) 628-4346.

The names of the first four students to benefit from a substantial UPEI scholarship program that was established to honour the memory of one of PEI's best-known community-minded and successful entrepreneurs have been announced. In December, the family of the late Harry W. MacLauchlan created a series of renewable entrance scholarships aimed at exceptional students entering the School of Business Administration who are planning entrepreneurial careers on PEI. The first recipients were acknowledged recently at a special luncheon at the University. They are Matthew Cassidy, Sarah Gillis, and Kathryn Hood from Colonel Gray High School, and Colin MacNevin from Bluefield.

"Our family is proud to establish these scholarships in Harry's memory," said Marjorie MacLauchlan on behalf of the family. "Harry always had a keen eye for talent and took a special interest in encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs, in business and in community life. We look forward to seeing the benefits of these scholarships to the recipients and to Prince Edward Island."

The Harry W. MacLauchlan Scholarships in Entrepreneurial Leadership are for students with high academic standing who show the qualities that MacLauchlan himself exhibited and admired: strong entrepreneurial initiative, high levels of accomplishment, and genuine commitment to the PEI community. They were created through a leadership gift from the MacLauchlan family to the UPEI Building a Legacy campaign.

"These scholarships will help us attract high-achieving students who have a commitment to entrepreneurship. The quality of our students ensures that the UPEI School of Business stands out regionally and nationally," says Dean of Business Roberta MacDonald. "This gift is a wonderful example of leadership-giving from the community. Such strong support is critical to our development, especially at this pivotal time when we are constructing our new School of Business."

Four renewable $3,000 Harry W. MacLauchlan scholarships will be awarded to business students entering UPEI each year, for a total of sixteen scholarships valued at $12,000 each over four years of studies.

The final report from a key study to identify the current and future skills and knowledge required by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) on Prince Edward Island has just been released. Respondents to the study identified a high need for formal and informal continuing education, indicating nurses' commitment to maintaining competence in their profession.

The study was guided by the Nursing Continuing Education Task Group, with representatives from the UPEI School of Nursing, Holland College, PEI Nurses Union, Association of Registered Nurses of PEI, Licensed Practical Nurses Association of PEI, PEI Licensed Practical Nurses Registration Board, the PEI Department of Health and Department of Education. The group mailed questionnaires to the 1541 members of the Association of Registered Nurses of PEI and to the 650 LPNs registered with the PEI Licensed Practical Nurses Registration Board.

Janet Bryanton, an assistant professor at the UPEI School of Nursing and co-principal investigator for the study stated, "We were really pleased with our response rate of 48.7 per cent, with 731 RNs and 326 LPNs completing the survey. Ninety-nine per cent of those who responded, regardless of age or area of work, identified a very strong interest in continuing education across a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge. There was a striking similarity in the continuing education needs of RNs and LPNs."

Keys findings of the study included:

and#149; There are major barriers to addressing current and future knowledge and skills gaps including not being able to get time off from work (no one to backfill shifts); too many work demands; and lack of financial support from professional associations, employers, and post-secondary institutions.

and#149; Nurses in rural areas identified barriers to accessing continuing education resources, such as access to hospital or university library resources, and to high-speed Internet.

and#149; The most commonly identified topics for continuing education included stress management, legal issues, computerized charting, pain management, and assertiveness training. Nurses also require support to improve general computer skills.

While LPNs identified a need for further education in specific areas, many also highlighted the fact that their existing competencies are not always recognized. Forty per cent of LPNs

indicated that they have no opportunity in their work sites to practice to their level of training and education. Sharon Drake of the LPN Association of PEI remarked, "The study confirms that LPNs believe they are not able to practice to the level that they are educated. We informally heard this from our members but now have the evidence to substantiate this belief."

The study's findings gave rise to 22 recommendations that address the barriers to continuing education and building nursing capacity within the health care system, and that reflect the shared responsibility of all stakeholders. The first two recommendations are seen as key to addressing many of the issues identified by the study. They focus on the need for PEI to develop a comprehensive human resources strategy for nurses, and they stress the importance of reinstating a nursing leadership position to coordinate such a strategy. The report notes that in other jurisdictions a Chief Nursing Officer plays such a leadership role.

Helen Flynn, President of the Association Registered Nurses of PEI stated, "This is the most comprehensive study of educational needs of RNs and LPNs ever conducted on PEI. The findings will guide the advancement of continuing education and will assist in retention of nurses in the workplace. Task group members will work together to develop a strategy to address the recommendations."

Funding for the project was provided through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market

Development Agreement, co-managed by Service Canada and the provincial Department of

Development and Technology. More information on the study is available at

http://www.upei.ca/nursing/Executive_Summary.pdf or contact Janet Bryanton, UPEI School of Nursing, at jbryanton@upei.ca. A copy of the final report is available at http://www.upei.ca/nursing/Compressed_repor_app.pdf.

---

Contact Information

Janet Bryanton, UPEI, 902 628-4344 (study methodology and findings)

Sylvia Poirier, ARNPEI and co-chair of the study, 902 566-9517 (concerns of registered nurses)

Margaret Duffy, PEI Nurses Union, 902 892-7152 (nurses' working conditions)

Sharon Drake, LPNAPEI, 902 894-2192 (concerns of licensed practical nurses)

Dr. Kim Critchley, 902 628-4300, UPEI School of Nursing (degree programs)

It all started nearly 20 years ago with a lobster supper that the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club prepared for over 800 veterinarians. The Lions cleared $5000 from the supper and decided to donate the proceeds to UPEI to create an endowment fund for scholarships. Since then the club has donated enough money to the University each year to substantially increase the size of the endowment. This level of support means that future generations of students will benefit as well as current students. The value of the annual scholarship is now $2000 and the total fund has topped $60,000.

"The way that this Lion's Club has gradually built up a substantial scholarship fund is very impressive and we are grateful," says Tracey Comeau, Stewardship Officer at UPEI. "This is a prime example of how service clubs can support the needs of our students today, while perpetuating their scholarships through an endowment fund."

The Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club Scholarship is awarded during Deans' Honours ceremonies every October. The most recent recipient was Jacques Arsenault.

Killam Properties, a professional management company that has recently purchased town houses in Brown's Court across from UPEI, is introducing a new Academic Scholarship Program as part of its initiative to improve Brown's Court to make it a safe and comfortable place to study and live. "At Killam we want to encourage UPEI students in their studies. That is why we are pleased to offer good students several awards," says Wayne Beaton, Killam Property Manager PEI.

The company is offering a $1,000 scholarship for the top new Killam tenant, a $1,000 for the top returning Killam tenant, and Mid-Year Academic Achievement Awards worth $250 for the top ten Killam students. Other prizes such as bookstore credit and free rent will also be available. The deadline to apply for these awards is August 15, 2006. Please contact Killam Properties Inc. at (902) 394-5417 for more details on living in Brown's Court and the Academic Scholarship Program.

Eight projects that will benefit dogs, cats, and horses recently received a total of $240,000 in funding through the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC) at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI. More than 100 projects have been funded by the Centre since it was established in 1994.

"We are very grateful to the Friends of the Christofor Foundation for their ongoing support of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre," says Dr. Alice Crook, the Centre's Coordinator. "This year the Centre has funded five new research projects and renewed funding for three service projects. We are particularly excited about the new Chinook Project, through which AVC clinicians and students will provide veterinary services to a small community on Baffin Island."

This year's projects, which were determined to be eligible for funding through the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre's 2006 funding competition, will be carried out by faculty and students at the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI.

Originally established as the Animal Welfare Unit in 1994, the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre funds projects that benefit companion animals, horses, and wildlife. Since 1994, approximately 85 faculty, 12 graduate students, and hundreds of veterinary students from the Atlantic Veterinary College have been involved in animal welfare projects funded by the Centre. For information on the Centre, please visit the web site at: www.upei.ca/awc

Funded by the four Atlantic provinces, the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI is committed to excellence and innovation in education, research and veterinary service. Over the past 20 years, the College has graduated approximately 1,000 doctors of veterinary medicine, has become known around the world for its research capabilities, and is the Atlantic region's only full service veterinary referral hospital.

Information is provided below on each of the eight projects funded through this year's competition:

Evaluation of platelet function in ill dogs (Dr. Shelley Burton)

Platelets are small blood cells that are important in the formation of blood clots. Dogs with various illnesses, including liver, kidney, heart or inflammatory disease, or cancer, can have changes in platelet function that can lead to serious complications or death. Existing tests of platelet function are crude in nature and somewhat uncomfortable for patients. Tests may require shipment to specialized laboratories, which is expensive and time-consuming.

The situation has improved recently in human medicine with the development of a simple machine, the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100, that assesses the function of platelets through a measurement called closure time. In a pilot project funded through the SJDAWC last year, Dr. Burton established normal AVC reference values for healthy dogs using the PFA-100. The current project will use the analyzer to assess results in ill dogs with possible increased or decreased platelet function. This knowledge will assist in diagnosis and treatment of these ill canine patients, and, once the results are published, of future patients at AVC and elsewhere.

Survival profile of Standardbred horses on PEI (Dr. Susan Dohoo)

There have been few studies looking at longevity of horses. The profile of the life span of Canadian Standardbreds, including reasons for career termination, is not known. This is a very specialized breed, and few of the horses that are unsuitable for racing or breeding move into a second career as a performance or recreational horse.

PEI has a very strong Standardbred industry, with many stables involved in breeding and racing. This study will provide a profile of a sub population of horses involved in all sectors of the industry, over a one-year period. For each horse enrolled in the study, baseline data will be collected, including age, sex, breeding and racing history, present health status and management factors. Each month, the farm owner/manager will be visited, and data collected on any changes in health status, management factors, or racing performance of the individual horses, as well as changes to the herd, including reasons for culling. The data will be analyzed to describe the life span of Standardbreds on PEI, and to identify major risk factors for early end of career. This will provide guidance for future studies to modify these risk factors, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life and longevity of Standardbred horses in Canada.

Health management services for the PEI Equine Retirement Society, Inc. (Dr. Wendy Duckett)

The PEI Equine Retirement Society Inc. (PEIERS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of horses destined to be destroyed or shipped for the meat industry, and to finding new homes for them as pets or pleasure horses. Since its founding in O'Leary in 1996 by Mr. Dale Cameron, the Society has taken in 27 horses, of which 14 have been placed in new homes, six have been euthanized due to intractable health problems, and seven are currently at the facility. Through the support of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, AVC has provided preventive medical care to the horses at the Society from the beginning.

Funding for this project has been continued for two more years. The program includes a physical exam on all horses that come to the PEIERS, a parasite monitoring and control program for the facility, dental work, routine vaccinations, and minor surgical and medical procedures as needed. The program includes vaccination against Eastern, Western, and West Nile Virus Encephalitis, and screening of all horses arriving at the facility for equine infectious anemia. AVC senior veterinary students, interns, and residents all participate in the care of these horses. This project provides significant benefits to the horses through basic preventive medicine in preparation for adoption, and by minimizing respiratory disease and parasite burden at the facility.

Health management services for Handibear Hills Equine Sanctuary, Inc. (Dr. Wendy Duckett)

Similar to the project outlined above, this project provides preventive medical care to the horses at the Handibear Hills Equine Sanctuary, Inc. For 20 years, this facility in South Granville, PEI has provided a refuge for horses needing a home. Through programs such as the Trailblazers Club, young people and adults spend time at Handibear Hills learning to ride, groom, and generally care for the horses.

Funding for this project is continued for two more years. The program provides regular dental care and vaccinations for the 21 horses currently at the sanctuary, as well as parasite monitoring and control. The program includes vaccination against Eastern, Western, and West Nile Virus Encephalitis. AVC senior veterinary students, interns and residents all participate in the care of these horses.

The Chinook Project - Providing veterinary care to Kimmirut, Nunavut (Dr. Lisa Miller)

This project will provide basic veterinary care to an isolated community on the south shore of Baffin Island. The community has a population of 450, many of whom maintain a traditional lifestyle involving hunting, fishing, and several strong sled dog teams. There is an estimated dog population of 115. No veterinary care is currently available.

A volunteer team of one co-ordinator, two clinicians, one senior veterinary student, and up to four additional vet students, will travel to Kimmirut for one week in August. Team members will provide veterinary care for sled dogs and homebound dogs in the form of vaccinations, examination and treatment for parasites, spaying and neutering, and some medical and surgical treatments (such as tumour removal). The AVC volunteers will also provide an educational program for interested community members. Adults will be given basic information about emergency care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention; and supplies will be left with them to improve the well-being of their animals. Children will receive information about animal welfare and caring for the dogs.

Chinook team members will also participate in a cultural exchange, to allow them to broaden their understanding of Canadian diversity. Participants will also keep journals during their stay, which will be compiled into a record of the experience. This inaugural project provides funding for two summers; it is anticipated that the programme may travel to other Northern Canadian communities in the future.

Development of an objective scoring system for changes to the equine pituitary gland in aged horses (pilot project) (Dr. Lisa Miller)

Equine Cushing's disease, or PPID, occurs in about 30% of horses over 20 years of age. The disease results from overproduction of hormones by the pituitary gland, with resulting impairment of immune and metabolic function. This causes an array of clinical syndromes, including laminitis (frequently resulting in euthanasia), pneumonia, muscle wasting, and diabetes. There is effective treatment available for PPID, but there are difficulties with diagnosis, due in part to inconsistencies among veterinary pathologists in interpreting histopathological changes in the pituitary gland.

This pilot project will involve three pathologists who will evaluate, individually, histopathological changes in the pituitary glands of aged horses which were euthanized for unrelated reasons. Information about the horse's age, clinical history and hormone levels will be collected before death. The pathologists will develop and verify objective criteria for grading the changes, which will eventually allow veterinarians to more accurately diagnose, and subsequently treat, PPID.

Medical and surgical care of homeless animals (Dr. Caroline Runyon)

Since first receiving funding in 1994, more than 2,750 dogs and cats have received care through this program. Funding has been granted to this project for a further two years to continue to address the problems of pet overpopulation and homeless animals in the region. Injured or ill animals brought in to the AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital by the PEI Humane Society or Good Samaritans receive physical examinations, x-rays, and/or other diagnostic procedures, emergency medical care, and continued medical or surgical care (including neutering as required) in consultation with the shelter. Some lost animals are claimed by their owners, while most, once healthy, are placed in homes through standard shelter adoption. Some animals are placed in "special needs" adoptive homes because they require specific care during recovery. Animals with severe illness or extensive injuries are humanely euthanized.

Assessment of a new diagnostic test for inflammatory airway disease in the horse

(Dr. Maureen Wichtel)

Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) causes cough and reduced performance in horses of all ages. It affects a large proportion of stabled horses and, if left untreated, may lead to chronic lung damage, commonly known as "heaves." Equine pulmonary function testing (PFT) can lead to earlier diagnosis of airway inflammation; however such testing is not available in Maritime practices or at the AVC because of equipment costs and lack of portability.

This project will look at a new, non-invasive, portable PFT system (Open Plethand#153;) which shows promise as a practical screening test for IAD. Dr. Wichtel will compare lung function, using the Open Plethand#153; system, with lung inflammation, as assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology and other traditional diagnostic techniques. If the non-invasive, portable and affordable PFT system correlates well with the results of BAL, then it will likely become the method of choice for the diagnosis of IAD in horses. Earlier diagnosis will prevent the progression of IAD to heaves, one of the most debilitating respiratory diseases in the horse.