Preventative veterinary care involves implementing measures such as regular vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control to minimize the risk of diseases and infestations. It also includes routine health checks, proper nutrition management, and maintaining optimal living conditions to promote overall herd health and productivity.

Sick animal evaluations involve thorough physical examinations to assess symptoms, identify potential causes of illness, and develop appropriate treatment plans. We may conduct diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, fecal analysis, and ultrasound imaging, to help us diagnose and ensure accurate treatment for sick farm animals.

Respiratory diseases are common and can significantly impact your herd’s health and productivity. These diseases often result from viral or bacterial infections, causing symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and reduced appetite. Timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures – such as vaccination and maintaining good ventilation – are crucial in managing respiratory disease outbreaks and minimizing their impact on the herd. The treatment of respiratory diseases typically involves a combination of antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and management practices. This may include the administration of antibiotics or immune-boosting medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and fever, adequate ventilation and housing conditions, and addressing any underlying factors contributing to the disease, such as stress or overcrowding. Prompt veterinary intervention and proper treatment protocols are crucial in managing respiratory diseases and promoting recovery in affected animals.

Preventative veterinary care involves implementing measures such as regular vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control to minimize the risk of diseases and infestations. It also includes routine health check-ups, proper nutrition management, and maintaining optimal living conditions to promote overall herd health and productivity.

Vaccinations are crucial in preventing common diseases on farms. We work with farmers to create individualized vaccination plans and administer regular vaccines to protect against respiratory infections, clostridial diseases, and reproductive diseases. Geography and risk play a large role in which vaccinations will best protect your herd; we will provide consultations to ensure that your animals are adequately vaccinated.

Brucellosis is a contagious and infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle, bison, goats, and sheep. Brucellosis infections can lead to the loss of young through miscarriage or the birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. The disease spreads among animals through direct contact with infected blood, placentas, fetuses, or uterine secretions. Humans can contract brucellosis by consuming infected and raw animal products, especially milk and milk products. Unfortunately, antibiotic treatment against the Brucella bacteria in infected animals is not always feasible, effective, or economically viable for producers, which is why prevention is paramount to ensuring a healthy herd. We prevent brucellosis outbreaks with vaccinations and routine blood testing in certain species and help farmers minimize transmission risks via reproductive management.

Rabies management involves implementing preventive measures and responding quickly to suspected cases to protect both the affected animal and human handlers. Prevention includes vaccination against rabies, maintaining proper fencing and biosecurity measures to minimize contact with potentially infected wildlife, and reporting any potential rabies cases to local veterinary authorities. In the event of a suspected case, strict isolation and quarantine protocols may be implemented, and euthanasia of affected animals might be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Wellfarm Veterinary Consultants’ prompt veterinary intervention and collaboration with public health agencies are vital for effective rabies management practices on farms. Any bite wounds from infected cattle require serious evaluation due to the human lethality of the rabies virus and very limited treatment options early on in the course of the disease.

Short for Trichomoniasis testing, trich testing in cattle is a diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of the protozoan parasite Trichomonas foetus. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause reproductive problems, including infertility and early embryonic death in cows. Trich testing involves collecting samples, typically vaginal or preputial swabs, from breeding-age bulls or cows and submitting them to a laboratory for analysis. The samples are examined for the presence of the Trichomonas foetus organism. Trich testing is important for disease surveillance, control, and prevention programs, particularly in areas where trichomoniasis is prevalent. Through this diagnostic test, we can help identify infected cattle and prevent the spread of the disease through effective herd management strategies.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can affect multiple farm species and humans. The test typically involves the administration of a tuberculin skin test. We inject a small amount of tuberculin into the skin, usually on the neck or tail, and the site is examined for any reaction. If a positive reaction occurs, we may need further diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or imaging to confirm the presence of the disease. Tuberculosis testing is crucial for disease surveillance and control programs to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to other animals or human handlers.

We assess the potential poisoning or toxicity of substances and plants that your animals may have been exposed to or ingested. During a toxicity evaluation, we do a thorough workup of the clinical signs and symptoms exhibited by the affected cattle, along with a detailed history of potential exposures. Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or tissue analysis, may be used to confirm the presence of toxins or identify the specific substances causing toxicity. Prompt veterinary intervention and supportive care are crucial to mitigate the effects of toxicity, minimize further exposure, and provide appropriate treatment to the affected cattle. Preventive measures, such as proper pasture management and feed quality monitoring, are also essential to prevent future instances of toxicity.

Wound and injury exams involve a careful evaluation of any cuts, lacerations, abrasions, or other types of injuries on the animal’s body. We assess the extent and severity of the wounds, looking for signs of infection, tissue damage, or underlying trauma. We may clean and dress the wounds, administer appropriate medications or antibiotics, and recommend necessary treatments, such as suturing or debridement, to promote healing and prevent complications. Wound and injury exams help ensure prompt and effective care for your animals while minimizing pain, reducing the risk of infection, and facilitating the recovery process. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent more invasive treatment procedures, such as surgery and amputation.

Both new and seasoned cattle farmers alike can benefit from a farm walkthrough, during which we make recommendations to improve the health, comfort, and production of your herd while maximizing profits.

A balanced diet is essential for optimal cattle health. Ironsides Animal Health may include recommendations for proper nutrition, including feeding strategies, dietary supplements, and access to clean and abundant water sources. The plan may also address specific nutritional needs during different stages of production, such as breeding, gestation, and lactation.

Developing a vaccination schedule helps cattle operations protect against common diseases such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and clostridial diseases. Vaccination protocols are usually based on the age, health status, and risk factors of the animals. Effective parasite control is crucial for maintaining herd health. Regular deworming treatments and strategic grazing management are often included in the plan to prevent or minimize the impact of internal and external parasites, such as worms, ticks, and flies.

Dystocia in cattle, also known as difficult or prolonged labor, occurs when a cow experiences challenges or delays in delivering her calf. It can be caused by factors such as fetal malposition, inadequate uterine contractions, or the calf being too large for a smooth delivery. Veterinary intervention, which may include manual assistance or, in severe cases, a cesarean section, is crucial to ensure the health and survival of both the cow and calf.

Hernia repair in cattle involves surgical correction of a hernia, which is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. The procedure typically involves making an incision near the hernia, returning the herniated tissue to its proper position, and reinforcing the weakened area with sutures or mesh. Proper post-operative care, including pain management and monitoring for complications, is essential for successful hernia repair in cattle, ensuring that your cows are healthy, happy, and productive.

Cattle may occasionally suffer from bone fractures, joint problems, or other musculoskeletal conditions. Ironsides Animal Health offers in-field fracture repairs for some bones and can manage mild- to – moderate musculoskeletal issues. If an animal requires orthopedic surgery, then we’ll refer them to a tertiary referral hospital for further care.

Cesarean sections are surgical procedures performed to deliver calves when natural birth is not possible or poses a risk to the cow or calf’s health. These procedures involve making an incision in the cow’s abdomen and uterus to safely remove the calf.

Urolithiasis management in cattle involves strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat urinary tract stone formation. This includes implementing dietary adjustments to promote a balanced mineral intake, providing ample water supply, and, in severe cases, utilizing surgical intervention or medical treatments to remove or dissolve the uroliths and alleviate urinary blockages, such as a perineal urethrostomy as a salvage procedure for cattle near market weights.

Enucleation surgery in cattle is a procedure performed to remove the entire eyeball, typically due to severe injury, infection, or tumor. The surgery involves making an incision around the eye, dissecting the ocular structures, and carefully removing the eyeball, followed by wound closure to promote healing.