FARM HEALTH NEWSLETTER
MEDFORD VETERINARY CLINIC
August 2013
Medford office 715-748-2341
Dr. R.L. Shiffler
Dr. H.H. Hildebrandt
Dr. J.M. Osen
Colby office 715-223-2858
Dr. M. Ortengren
Dr. C.A. Miller
Dr. B.M. Grandaw
www.medfordvet.com
Dr. H.J. Grandaw
Dr. M.R. Moodie
Dr. A.L. Ahles
Serving the dairy industry by providing prevention, treatment, and promoting efficiency – since 1958
Bloodwork in Colby
Pinkeye
We are now offering blood work to be run
in Colby for cows and horses. This is especially
useful in down cows with suspected milk fever.
Be sure to pull a blood sample BEFORE you treat
her and we can run it if the cow doesn’t respond.
Keep the blood sample refrigerated. We can then
check calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels
to ensure proper treatment. We can also check for
signs of severe muscle damage, liver and kidney
function, and several other health parameters in
cows with difficult to diagnose diseases. Be sure
to keep blood tubes on hand so you can bring
these into the Colby or Medford office to be run
right away.
August is the time when we see peak
outbreaks of pinkeye. Fly populations are high,
and tall weeds in pastures can irritate eyes. The
face fly is the main culprit going from animal to
animal. Heifers are especially vulnerable because
they have low immunity and are not seen
regularly. Infection can lead to permanent
blindness if not caught in time. Prevention
includes fly control with dusts, sprays, or
insecticide ear tags, as well as mowing off
pastures to reduce tall weeds as eye irritants.
Vaccination needs to be done before you see the
outbreak. Treatment includes long acting
tetracyclines, topical antibiotics, keeping cattle out
of bright sunlight, and suturing eyelids in severe
cases.
Check into our Drug Prices
Last year we changed our drug pricing so
you can get products in the clinic, from the
catalog, or off our trucks all at the same lowest
price possible. Our new prices are as low as we
have ever had so if you buy from another provider,
it may be worthwhile to cross check with our
price.
West Nile Confirmed in Wisconsin
The State Health Department has
confirmed over 10 animals this summer infected
with West Nile Virus in several different areas
across Wisconsin. For animals, this disease is
most concerning for horses. Make sure to
vaccinate your horses for West Nile as well as
Eastern and Western Encephalitis Virus, which
have been in our area in previous years. These
vaccines do require a booster if the horse has
never been vaccinated before.
Calf Heat Abatement
Young calves experience heat stress
starting over 78 degrees. Heat stress can cause
decreased feed intakes, weak immune systems,
decreased growth rates, and increased water
intake. Heat abatement strategies include:
1. Shading
2. Fresh and clean feed and bedding- give
fresh starter in evening to prevent spoilage
3. Fresh cool water 2-3x daily- heat stressed
calves can drink up to 6 gallons of water
daily
4. Breeze- natural or fans
5. Timing stressful events- moving,
vaccinating, dehorning- do these early in
the morning while it is still cool.
6. Feed calves in early morning and late
afternoon – avoids having peak digestion
during peak temperatures
7. Be quick to feed electrolytes- early
hydration correction can prevent sick
calves.