On-Call / Vet

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is arguably the most economically significant health concern for the beef cattle industry. Shipping Fever, respiratory disease complex and pneumonia are all common synonyms used to describe BRD. Given its significance, there is a wealth of information available regarding the condition. The purpose of this article will be to provide a general overview and a basic understanding of BRD and the diagnostic and treatment tools available to cattle producers as well as currently recommended prevention strategies.

It is summertime, and with rising temperatures combined with high humidity, heat stress will play an important factor in all cattle operations for the next couple of months.

In the last issue we introduced the topic of bacterial pneumonia in cattle and discussed the significance of the disease, the basic mechanisms involved that result in pneumonia and effective prevention strategies. In this issue our focus will be on prompt and accurate diagnosis, followed by currently recommended treatment protocols.

One of our readers had requested an article in regards to trichomoniasis. This happens to be a very timely topic as Missouri has seen a recent increase in the diagnosis of this disease and has implemented more rigorous testing requirements for bulls entering the state in an effort to limit its spread.

This is the time of year many area farmers are calving. Usually this time of year is not as cold as it has been this year. The weather definitely presents difficulties we don’t have when we calve in later spring and fall.

Spring calving season is just around the corner. This also means calving problems and the need to intervene and assist in the delivery of the calf. While this may seem a straightforward procedure, many things can make for a more difficult and less successful outcome. Here are several mistakes made before, during and after calving that can lead to problems for the calf and the cow.

Spring is the classic time of year for booster vaccinations on horses.

Abomasal bloat, or abomasitis, is a condition seen in calves less than three weeks old. We have recently seen several cases at our clinic, and unfortunately, most cases are fatal without very rapid intervention. The good news is that good management and preventive measures can all but eliminate this disease.

While dealing with the ice and cold weather I have noticed our nutrition gurus are looking more and more into balancing rations of essential amino acids instead of protein. I ask the question “Is their requirement of protein for animals in their diet?” Actually “NO.” Animals must have the 10 essential amino acids and cats require 11 amino acids.