Articles

Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles of interest, and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay.

Oh No, My Bitch Was Knotted!

Discovering that your bitch has been accidentally mated can be alarming, but don’t panic. A “knot” or “tie” is a normal part of canine mating and, while it increases the chance of pregnancy, it does not guarantee your dog will become pregnant. If you discover a mating in progress, do not try to pull the…

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Dog Training Day

Working Dog Training Day – Friday 14 August Whether you’re bringing on a young dog or looking to get more out of your working dog team, join us for a free Working Dog Training Day at the Waipukurau Showgrounds. 📅 Friday 14 August 2026🕙 Starts at 10.00am📍 Waipukurau Showgrounds We’ve now closed RSVP’s – if…

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Vet Services Launch Farmers Podcast!

  Vet Services is excited to announce the launch of our new podcast channel! Designed for our Production Animal Clients, this platform will provide valuable insights, expert advice and latest updates in veterinary care. Find it on Spotify to tune in and hear discussions on animal health, management practices and much more. https://open.spotify.com/show/3W2brSXcjT6fuPhPJg7SuF We can’t…

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What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture for dogs, like acupuncture for humans, is a complementary medical practice that involves inserting fine needles into the skin to stimulate points on the body for pain relief and healing responses. Acupuncture has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used for thousands of years. In TCM acupuncture is used to…

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Dangers of calf feed!

  Over the last few weeks, we have had a series of dogs presenting to the Dannevirke & Waipukurau clinic with suspected ionophore toxicity, following ingestion of calf milk replacer or meal.   While these feeds are fantastic for rapidly growing young calves, the products can pose a very serious danger to dogs and other…

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Hastings Working Dog & Ram Run

It is that time of year again. Time for your rams soundness examinations and for your working dog team to have their annual health check examination and vaccination. Rams should be palpated and tested for Brucellosis at least 6 weeks prior to mating.   Our Ram Run visits will begin in early November so that…

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Working Dog Kennels

  Our dogs are not only very hard working members of our farm team, they are also real characters which give us a lot of enjoyment (and strife on a bad day).They hold a special place in our farming community and they are great companions in an often lonely job.   So what can we…

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Working dog bloods 2022

Another successful working dog vaccination run is over for Vet Services in Waipukurau for 2022. Nicole Lansdown, BVSc   This annual run is held from August to October and involves vets and nurses heading out on farm to give working dog teams a check over and vaccination. This year free bloods were also on offer…

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Looking after your working dogs in winter

Working dogs are an asset to any farmer and are becoming an increasingly large investment. The lifetime value of a useful working dog is estimated to be $40,000 with dogs fulfilling roles other staff cannot replace. With this in mind, as the temperature drops and we make sure we have enough firewood and warm socks…

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corn fields during golden hour

Barley Grass

Summer is nearly here which means our vets are starting to see an increase in grass seed related problems.  Barley grass has bristly seeds which stick to anything, anywhere, anytime! Because of their shape these seeds can burrow into fur and skin where they might become lodged. They can also enter nose or ears, get…

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