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the treatments of sarcoids which is always z hotly de-
bated topic. Wrapping things up was Dr Steve O’Grady
of Virginia Therapeutic Farriery. Dr O’Grady is unique in
that he is both a qualified veterinarian and farrier. He
emphasised the important relationship between vets
and farriers and the skills that each profession can bring
to the table for the enhancement of how we treat condi-
tions of the hoof in the horse.
Finally, the event that many had been waiting for arrived
the Zoetis Robin Rous gala dinner! With it being SEAVA’s
50th Birthday the organizers went all out to put on a
spectacular function! With entertainment presented the
amazing Mo Magic to handing over of cheques to the
nominated charities of the Vets with HorsePower and
the lucky draw for a drive in a Ford Mustang sponsored
by Zoetis. What has become somewhat of a tradition at
the gala dinner is an auction for the Saving the Survivors.
This year two bronze rhino sculptures made by Pangolin
Designs were put up for auction. Both were bought by
Dr Cliff Meyer. The rest of the night was dedicated to
letting down of the hair and enjoying each other’s com-
pany before we all had to say our goodbyes and good
wishes for the travels home.
Overall, I think this congress was a huge success and I am
blown away by the generosity shown by all the vets with
their donations to the Saving the Survivors campaign!
At the congress we celebrated SAEVA’s 50th birthday
as an organization and I definitely think the celebra-
tion that we down definitely made this congress one
for the books. Lastly, I would like to extend a big thank
you to the congress organising committee headed up
by Dr Terry Cassey and the Vetlink team for taking on
this mammoth task and coming out triumphant on the
other side! Without all their hard work and vision this
congress would not have been possible.
42
Letter of
Gratitude
Dear Dr Rohwer and members of SAEVA
Saving the Survivors (STS) is a not for profit organisation
that was started in 2012 to care for endangered species
of wildlife that has either been poached or fallen vic-
tim to any traumatic incident. Wildlife most commonly
treated are rhino due to the high number of animals
that are being poached or shot currently.
STS also supports orphanages in South Africa where
young rhino or elephant calves are in need of special-
ised treatment.
The South African Equine Veterinary Association de-
cided to run two fundraisers respectively at their annual
congresses during 2016, and 2017.
During these two events, a total of R 105 000-00 and
R147 000-00 were raised from veterinary colleagues
that attended the gala dinner.
STS is extremely humbled by the support shown by the
profession towards this initiative, and we would like
to thank Dr Manfred Rohwer, SAEVA and everyone in-
volved, as well as everyone that made bids on these two
occasions that assisted in raising these funds.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks
to everybody that contributed.
Best regards
Johan Marais
• Equine Health Update •