Paton and Martin Veterinary Services

07/19/2025

We are very happy to introduce Morgann Rollin, our second intern on the 2025/2026 rotation.

Morgann grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. She spent every waking hour at her grandparents’ dairy farm and at the local stable. Her passion for animals moved from the barn into the clinic during a high school co-op with a local veterinarian.

Morgann completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph (2021) and subsequently her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Ontario Veterinary College (2025). She was active in campus life - competing with the university equestrian team, raising an autism service dog, leading the Global Vets and also the International Veterinary Club, and working part-time with neonatal foals at the Ontario Veterinary College Large Animal Hospital.

After hours, Morgann can be found crafting, hiking, watching sunsets and planning her next adventure!

Welcome to the west coast, Morgann!!

07/18/2025

Our first new intern for the 2025/2026 rotation has arrived!

Montana Takalo grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario where she completed her undergraduate degree in Applied Bio-Molecular Science. She then attended the Royal Veterinary College in London, England for her veterinary degree, where she was able to work closely with their surgeons on Kissing Spine research.

Montana has a specific interest in sports medicine, lameness, and rehabilitation but also enjoys general practice and client education. Additionally, she's very passionate about inspiring the next generation of veterinarians!

Outside of work, Montana competes in 3-day eventing, enjoys a good book, and loves to hang out with her Labrador - Groot!

Please join us in welcoming Montana to Paton and Martin for the next year of her internship!

07/15/2025

Summertime is here and we need to keep our horses well hydrated. Ensuring fresh, clean water is always readily available is just common sense. Keeping water buckets and tanks in a shady location can help cut down on algae growth as well as frequent scrubbings.

FUN FACT: horses have a unique way of drinking that differs from our cats and dogs. They don't just scoop up water with their tongues; instead, they use their lips to create a seal around the water and then lower their tongue to form a kind of straw.

By lowering their tongue, they create a low-pressure area inside their mouths like a vacuum.This pressure difference causes the water to be drawn upwards into their mouth.

Once enough water is inside, the horse triggers its swallow reflex, and the water is pushed down the esophagus and into the stomach.

Water comprises approximately 70% of a horse’s body so yes, it’s pretty important!

07/13/2025

Latest update on the confirmed EIA case in Surrey.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection among equids nearly worldwide.

07/11/2025

The owner, farrier, veterinarian relationship is the foundation of successful equine management.

Thank you, farriers, for all that you do for the horses. Happy Farriers Week!

07/07/2025

Many of our horses are enjoying more turn-out at this time of the year. Inevitably there will be some scrapes, an occasional missing shoe and other assorted issues.

Wounds in horses are very common and can vary significantly in severity, from minor abrasions to deep lacerations or puncture wounds. Proper wound care is crucial for preventing complications like infection and ensuring optimal healing.

A basic first aid kit and understanding how to assess and manage wounds can make a big difference.

Always call your veterinarian if in doubt!

07/04/2025

Our amazing PMVS operations manager Jacqui and her fiance Nick tied the proverbial knot on the weekend and naturally there had to be horses and her sweet little Paisley (who loved her first)!

Please join us in wishing Jacqui and Nick a lifetime of love and happiness!!

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”

07/03/2025

Our front office team Jenny, Lisa, Jess and Susan met up with Allana at one of our great local wineries last night. Loving these summer nights!

07/01/2025

Our office will be closed on Tuesday July 1. Please call 604-856-3351 if you have an emergency during this time and our on-call veterinarian will be able to assist you.

Happy Canada Day!!

06/25/2025

In equine dentistry, using a light source is an indispensable tool for conducting a comprehensive oral examination.

A light, frequently mounted on the veterinarian's head or attached to a speculum, illuminates the oral cavity, enabling excellent visualization of all teeth and soft tissues, including areas that are challenging to access.

Here, Dr.Paton is performing a dentistry on a 15 year old horse that receives annual exams. He was starting to develop sharp points on the buccal (cheek) surface so rectifying this now prevents discomfort in the future.

It is recommended that all horses have a veterinary oral and dental examination at least annually. More frequent visits may be necessary for horses aged 2-5, those over 20 years old, and those with existing dental problems.

FUN FACT: Equine dentistry has a long history, with evidence suggesting it dates back over 3,000 years!!

06/22/2025

Love is in the air at Paton and Martin with several of our staff planning upcoming weddings.

Jessica from our office and her fiance Alberto celebrated their engagement this weekend.

Wishing you both all of the happiness in the world!