An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage.
Tag Archives veterinary medicine
Veterinary association calls on federal government to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
How to manage in a veterinarian shortage
Hauling an animal to a clinic is one solution, as are larger clinics with satellite sites
There’s huge talk about the shortage of veterinarians — especially large-animal, but also small-animal and emergency animal care. There was a recent announcement that the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) will raise the number of training seats to 100 from the current 50, when an expansion is completed next year. I would […] Read more
Vet product licensing process needs improvement
Canada can miss out on products that take too long or cost too much to register
Having been both a licensed veterinary practitioner and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for several years, I have seen a few things about how the product-licensing process affects the production animal industry in Canada. While every situation is unique, the process can indirectly affect cost of production in some cases, while in others access is […] Read more
Impact of heat stress in dairy cows can last for months
Dairy Corner: A few hot days in summer can have a significant impact on reproduction and milk production
Good research demonstrates that summer heat stress reduces the performance and health of lactating and dry dairy cows. The funny thing is most people forget that a good bout of heat stress during the summer can cause many problems that extend into the cooler autumn months. Therefore, we should be aware of the ways that […] Read more
Banding can be used for more than castration
Properly applied, it’s a safe alternative to surgery, provided veterinary advice is followed
The Callicrate bander was developed for a safe, blood-free method of castrating larger bull calves in both the beef and dairy industries. It’s a procedure that producers and processing crews can be trained to do, but veterinarians in some clinics still do lots of castrations with the bander or by other surgical methods. We know […] Read more
Keep foot rot locked out of the breeding season
Manage high-risk conditions and be prepared to treat as needed
Most cow herds have been grazing green pastures for the last few months. Many are still in the midst of the breeding season, and I believe just by sheer probability that most producers have already successfully treated one or two cases of foot rot. To me, that’s a good thing, because lame cows and bulls […] Read more
To butcher or not to butcher that cow?
Animal Health: Have a proper diagnosis of a sick or downed animal before administering any treatments
Which bovine conditions might prevail if butchering the animal to salvage the meat would produce the most practical or successful outcome? We often think of this after the fact when products such as antimicrobials or painkillers have already been administered. That is where the dilemma begins. What is the slaughter withdrawal period if you plan […] Read more
How to avoid scours getting at your calves
Several factors to hopefully reduce the impact of disease development
In this day and age, when you have the first case of scours develop, most veterinarians would advise to give electrolytes to counter dehydration, other ancillary treatments such as NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications) and if necessary, antibiotics. If a second case arises it’s a good idea to get it diagnosed to know exactly what you’re dealing […] Read more
Miscellaneous health problems in calves
Animal Health: A little extra time spent checking newborn calves might help reduce losses
It has always been my premise that spending a bit more time on specific cases during the calving season may reap benefits for those calves with ailments. I know one must spend their time wisely at calving season, but even just keeping a cow-calf pair in isolation a bit longer may be all that is […] Read more
Important tips on birthing backward calves
You need to confirm their actual position before you start pulling
Most calves are born head first, front feet extended, but a few are positioned backward and may not survive unless you are there to help with delivery. The backward calf usually suffocates because his head is still inside the cow when his umbilical cord breaks or pinches off as his midsection comes through the cow’s […] Read more
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