Dr. Kathryn Kewish – DVM, MVSc, Dip ACVP (Clinical Pathology)
Dr. Kewish graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1995 and practiced as a small animal clinician for 6 years in Ontario and Oklahoma. She then pursued graduate studies in clinical pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, becoming a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2005. She worked as a diagnostic clinical pathologist for 3 years at a private laboratory in Edmonton. However, realizing that she missed the furry faces and wagging tails, she returned to private practice. Her training in clinical pathology and passion for diagnostic medicine allows for rapid and accurate diagnostic assessment, resulting in timely implementation of therapeutic options.
Dr. Kewish strongly believes in educating animal owners regarding veterinary care for their animals. Since 2007 she has been a regular host of Pet Talk, a phone-in radio show heard on 630 CHED at 0700 every Sunday morning. The goal of this show is to offer expert advice and information to pet owners regarding problems with their pets.
Dr. Kewish considers self-regulation to be an important privilege of the veterinary profession. In 2009 she became a member of the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards committee. This is a legislated standing committee of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. The mandate of this committee is to ensure that veterinary practices in Alberta meet the minimal practice standards for the practice of veterinary medicine.
Pathology is the study of disease processes. Clinical pathology is a branch of veterinary pathology which deals with assessment of blood, tissue, and fluid samples to aid diagnosis. Blood assessment includes evaluation of cell numbers and appearance, which can help to diagnose infection, anemia, leukemia, and blood parasitism, for example. Assessment of the liquid portion of blood (called plasma or serum) includes quantification of enzyme activity and the concentration of proteins, electrolytes, and other molecules. This evaluation helps to diagnose metabolic problems, such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure etc. Tissue analysis usually reflects needle aspiration of a lump or mass; fluid can be obtained from inside the abdomen, chest, urinary bladder, or other fluid-filled structures. Tissue or fluid assessment involves microscopic analysis to discriminate between inflammation and neoplasia (literally “new growth” and includes growths and cancer) and further diagnose the disease process. Thus, inflammation or infection can be treated and cancerous growths can be detected early, allowing for determination of a clinical course. Clinical pathology is a tool used for diagnosis with relatively little invasiveness and discomfort to the patient.