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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, April 19, 2012 · 10 Vet honoured for her work in pet oncology By John Bkila OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Specializing in cancer treatment in pets is a tough job, as veterinarians aren't usually looking to cure their patients. "We don't often talk about curing cancer in pets, it's more about treating or managing it in animals. The drugs that we use are the same, but the goals and the way in which we use those treatments, is quite different," said local veterinary oncologist Dr. Meredith Gauthier. "That's a big misconception in what I do... Our primary goal is maintaining a very good quality of life for the patient and often times improving their quality of life as it's the cancer that is making them feel unwell. At the same time, the secondary goal is to try and gain them more quality time with their families." Gauthier's work in her industry was recently recognized by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) with an Award of Merit -- the award recognizes individuals for their practice of, or contribution to, veterinary medi- PHOTOS BY JAKE FRY / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Treating patients: Veterinarian Dr. Meredith Gauthier examines Habby Donaldson, an eight-year-old female Goldie Poo (Golden Retriever Poodle mix) that was first diagnosed with lymphoma in October of 2009. Above, Gauthier examines the X-rays of one her canine patients. cine. Gauthier, an Oakville resident with her husband Jake Fry and their two cats (Dexter and Douglas) and dog Madison, has been the veterinary oncologist at the Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital since 2008. "I'd say I wanted to be a vet probably very early on as a child. I didn't have pets growing up, but I would always play with my neighbour's dog and always had a strong affinity for animals, and I loved math and science in school, so it sort of progressed from there," said Gauthier. Born in Toronto, Gauthier moved to Virginia with her family when she was in high school because of her father's job and stayed on to complete her university studies there. See Vet page 12 TM Do some good this Spring Recycle your unwanted electronics ­ April 22nd, 11am to 2pm only* Dorval Crossing, WEST ­ Parking lot near Boston Pizza. Look for the Electronics Drop-off area. The first 100 customers to drop off their unwanted electronics will receive a $10 Boston Pizza Voucher (one voucher per family). Plus, receive a FREE Eco-friendly Tote Bag, while quantities last. *Electronics accepted: computer monitors, keyboards, laptops, printers, digital cameras, cell phones, fax machines, televisions & audio equipment. Sponsored by: And Support Oakville Fareshare Food Bank We will also collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Oakville Fareshare Food Bank. Visit www.farefightforfood.ca for more details. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Over 60 Shops & Services located at the QEW & Dorval Drive Visit dorvalcrossing.com for more information PROUDLY MANAGED BY