We as veterinarians have worked hard to educate producers about dosage amounts and to get away from the mentality of “more is better.” It might require repeated assurances that the label dose of pharmacy company research is appropriate. With higher rates, the withdrawal times and product costs increase. Weighing cattle as they are processed in […] Read more
More is not necessarily better in cow-calf production
Don't up the dose — use animal health products at the proper rate and time
Timing is key for effective use of cattle oilers
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: There is a recommended window for when control products should be used
In light of the ever-increasing issues with lice and flies affecting production in our beef herds on summer pasture, it’s a good time to review cattle oiler pros and cons and suggest a bit on maintenance and a few tips for better utilization of oilers in the battle against these two underestimated parasites. Cattle oilers […] Read more
Be alert to bovines consuming ‘software’
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Twine, plastic, rope — there is a good chance it could end up in an animal’s gut
I just completed an autopsy on an older well-doing calf that got suddenly sick dehydrated and toxic-looking. My daughter, also a veterinarian, did an autopsy on a mature cow that was losing weight and going downhill, becoming emaciated and weak. Even though both these clinical signs seem different, as well as the age difference between […] Read more
Do animal diseases impact humans?
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: COVID-19 is an extreme example of disease transmission between animals and humans known as zoonosis
Not one animal-borne disease in recent memory has affected our lives more than COVID-19. There are lots of other diseases ranging from more minor ailments such as ringworm, to those that have major consequences such as toxoplasmosis or echinococcus (alveolar hydatid disease). Detailed descriptions can be found on line, but both can be very serious. […] Read more
Taking a look at a new antimicrobial product
It's important to look at the pros and cons, if any, and ask questions
These days all antimicrobials, NSAIDs and a few other products are prescription products with most coming under the VCPR (veterinary client-patient relationship) requirement. NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is best that producers educate themselves on new, emerging products that may benefit their operation or management style. Everyone needs to realize that any new […] Read more
Due diligence with Johne’s disease
Have animals tested and cull infected cattle early
Johne’s disease (pronounced yo-knees) as we all know, is the paratuberculosis organism that in livestock can cause diarrhea, weight loss and eventually death from starvation or condemnation at slaughter due to emaciation. Animals that test positive, provided they are still in good body condition, can be slaughtered for human consumption, as the disease does not […] Read more
Tips for a healthy calving season
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: All players should share ideas of what works and what doesn’t
Spring calving season is close upon us and every year after the fact, there are always some things we would do differently. Calving is a humbling experience, even for veterans. I am sure you all have some words of wisdom to share, and I am all ears. We can all learn from each other, and […] Read more
Leptospirosis in cattle is difficult to study
Animal Health: Often affects beef reproduction and can reduce milk production
We struggle in veterinary practice in Western Canada to make sense of the leptospirosis disease complex, as it can be hard to substantially diagnose. Leptospirosis is caused by spirochete bacteria that infect lots of different animal species but only certain serovars (variations within bacteria) are really pathogenic to cattle. Pomona and Hardjo are two variations […] Read more
Snow can work as a winter water source for cattle
Animal Health: But it’s also important to have a fresh source available
Every year at this time there should be talk about winter water sources for livestock. Since water is one of the main building blocks of the body, the quality and quantity of the water source are critical. It has been found in many studies over the years that if good-quality snow is available, mature cattle, […] Read more
Keeping animal diseases away from humans
Animal Health: Veterinarians are part of the team of essential workers during COVID-19
Every year the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has a theme for Animal Health Week in October. This year’s theme was “Understanding Zoonosis” — diseases that humans can get from animals. Not one animal-borne disease in recent memory has affected our lives more than COVID-19. There are lots of other diseases ranging from more minor […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
