Transition Calcium Bolus
Transition Calcium Bolus A simple, cost-effective tool to help ease your cows through the ‘freshening’ period. When a cow calves her body’s need for calcium increases rapidly and dramatically (by approximately 400%). She will also be experiencing hormonal imbalances and possibly a general feeling of malaise/fatigue. These changes can supress appetite making it difficult for […]
Parasite of the month – Teladorsagia
Parasite of the month – Teladorsagia Teladorsagia circumcincta, commonly known as the brown stomach worm can be a big threat for sheep and goats. It was previously known as Ostertagia circumcincta but was recently found to have differences to this worm found in cattle. As its common name suggests, this parasite is found in the abomasum. […]
Leptospirosis on your lifestyle block
Leptospirosis on your lifestyle block Leptospirosis or ‘lepto’ is a serious disease caused by several strains of a spiral-shaped bacteria. People and animals can be infected through any mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, nose) or damaged skin. The bacteria are released in the urine of infected animals and can survive in fresh water (puddles and rivers) […]
Food for thought for the winter months
Food for thought for the winter months As we reach some of the shortest days of the year, it is time to think about winter management on your property. At this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, especially for our younger stock. Now is a good time to plan – here […]
Parasite of the month – Cyathostomes
Parasite of the month – Cyathostomes Cyathostome (small strongyle), is a parasite that affects grazing horses. This parasite is particularly nasty as the larvae migrates into the wall of the intestines. Once there, they encyst, like caterpillars in a cocoon, to go through stages of their lifecycle. After some time, they hatch and re-migrate into […]
Mooving Day
Mooving Day Mooving Day is less than a month away and for any dairy farm that has changes in ownership or contracts there is a lot to think about. What change means to you Ensuring that everything is in place will be at the forefront – making lists and checking boxes will help with this. […]
Understanding itchy skin in cats and dogs
Understanding itchy skin in cats and dogs Itchy skin is a common problem among cats and dogs. It can be distressing and frustrating for both pets and their owners and can lead to self-trauma, secondary infections and other complications. Identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment and management. Some common causes of itchy […]
What is veterinary rehabilitation?
What is veterinary rehabilitation? Veterinary rehabilitation is the animal version of physiotherapy. Just as you would go and see a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor for your own injuries, aches and pains, your family pets can have the same care too. Why? Common injuries and conditions cause problems to nerves, bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments. […]
Barber’s pole worm
Barber’s pole worm What is Barber’s Pole? Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s Pole) is a red and white striped parasite which sucks blood from the stomach lining of sheep. The red stripe is the blood sucked from the host animal, and as a result, it can cause debilitating effects and even death in animals with heavy infestation. Significant […]
Karaka Berry Poisoning
Karaka Berry Poisoning Karaka berries are ripening and falling to the ground from January to April. The kernels of the berries contain a highly toxic alkaloid that can be fatal when ingested. Signs of karaka berry poisoning include; Confusion Weakness Vomiting Hind leg paralysis and Convulsions There can be a delay of 24 to 48 […]