Veterinary clinic undergoes changes

Details

Published on Thursday, April 7, 2016

Photo by Kate Jackman-Atkinson. Dr. Liz Ostendorf, of Neepawa Veterinary Clinic, stands with her new signage at the municipally owned vet clinic in Neepawa.

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

While there have been some changes, much has stayed the same at the Neepawa and District Veterinary Clinic.  The clinic building is owned and operated by the Neepawa and District Veterinary Board, which contracts with a veterinarian who rents the space and provide services. At the beginning of this year, the Neepawa Vet Clinic took over the contract from Brydges & Taylor Veterinary Hospital.

Brydges & Taylor Veterinary Hospital has moved to a new location, at 123 Main St. in Neepawa, and continues to offer veterinary services to large animal clients.

The Neepawa Vet Clinic practice is owned by Dr. Liz Ostendorf, who has been working in Neepawa since December 2012. Earlier this year, the clinic welcomed a second veterinarian, Dr. Rhian Beever.

The change has made for some confusion when it comes to records. While all of the small animal records remained at the Neepawa Vet Clinic, Ostendorf explains the electronic records for large animals prior to January 1, 2016 were retained by Brydges & Taylor Veterinary Hospital.

The Vet Board is funded by the Town of Neepawa and the surrounding municipalities of Rosedale, Glenella-Lansdowne and North Cypress-Langford. Ostendorf explained that as a municipal clinic, they need to operate as mixed an operation as possible. “We provide full service, large and small [animals], we do everything,” she said.

Besides a coat of paint, not much has changed at the clinic so far, though Ostendorf said, “I have a big wish list.” But added that it all takes time and money, with many of the upgrades dependant upon the board’s budget and funding. She added that some repairs to the building, which was constructed in the 1970s, are planned for this year. 

One new piece of equipment has been added to the clinic, a portable ultrasound. This was acquired in February and Ostendorf said it will improve speed and accuracy when preg checking cows. 

The change over has led to some expanded services. The clinic has two fully equipped vet trucks, which means that both vets are able to respond to farm calls at the same time. “We’re able to provide more services,” said Ostendorf.

As a municipal clinic, Neepawa Vet Clinic also acts as the area’s pound. Ostendorf said that one change they have implemented is that after three days, any stray animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and dewormed before being re-homed.

Ostendorf plans to do additional outreach programs to benefit the community.  One such program was a barn cat spay and neuter program, which ran through the month of March. This program, which offered discounted procedures aimed at semi-feral cats, was very successful and she said they plan to hold another one later this year.

Ostendorf would also like to work more closely with potential veterinarans. This includes plans to hire a vet student for the summer and working with high schools to offer work study programs and the opportunity for students to experience the profession. “I think mentoring is important,” she said. 

On April 29, the clinic is planning to host a grand opening celebration.  The event will include tours of the facility, information about how a municipal clinic works and an opportunity to meet the clinic’s staff. “It will let people see where their tax dollars go,” said Ostendorf.