Articles

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

The Benefits of Sheep Scanning – Harry Whiteside

What a challenging season it has been and continues to be in CHB this autumn! We have seen very little rain across the region since early January and covers are such that it wouldn’t be too hard to find a golf ball hit onto most properties! Supplementary feed has been used extensively throughout the district…

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The silent sufferer – Sharné Boys

As vets and as owners we are very aware of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. However, recognition of this condition in cats is often a lot later in the piece than in their canine counterparts. In recent years we have hugely improved in our diagnosis and subsequent treatment of OA and we have also recognized that…

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Thinking about purchasing a new working dog?

When you buy a working dog, you often find yourself looking in a hurry so you can get on with your day to day activities. Although you may be feeling pressure to purchase a new dog quickly, a little patience and time may save a lot of heart ache in the long run. During the…

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Thinking of converting to shedding sheep?

Earlier this year Vet Services hosted a Wool Workshop looking at the future of the NZ Wool industry. Professor Steve Morris from Massey University, Dean Martin of Glenlands Farms, Morrison Farming, and Focus Genetics shared what they have learnt while introducing shedding breeds in to strong wool flocks. Prof Steve Morris – Massey University Many…

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Ticks in Deer

Ticks thrive in warmer climates and so are commonly distributed across the North Island, although they are becoming an increasingly widespread issue. During their lifecycle they move on and off a host three times. Eggs are laid on the soil in summer, hatching to larvae in late summer/early autumn. The larvae migrate up the pasture…

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Toxovax & Campyvax4 now available!

Sheep performance vaccines Toxovax & Campyvax4 are now available to order. These vaccinations can be given to maiden hoggets and ewes anytime from now until 4 weeks prior to any ram being introduced to the flock. (Shearing may be a good opportunity).  

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Transition management of the dairy cow

Naomi Barrett, Vet Services Dannevirke  The transition period for a dairy cow is recognised as the interval extending from three weeks prior to three week after calving. These weeks are the most critically important period of the year for a cow, as her body undergoes significant physiological changes. In the space of only a few…

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Treat your working dogs like athletes

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 it is important to provide the best care to allow dogs to reach their full…

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Unusual Hind Limb Gait Abnormalities

There are a number of conditions of the hind leg in the horse that cause very specific, atypical type lameness and gait abnormalities. These include stringhalt, shivers, upward patella fixation, fibrotic myopathy and rupture of the peroneus tertius muscle. Dave Kruger outlines each of these medical conditions and what to look out for below. STRINGHALT…

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Urinary Tract Disorders – Neil Stuttle

Urinary tract disorders are very common in cats and dogs and are a regular part of our case load here at VSHB. The urinary tract system enables the production of urine to eliminate metabolic waste products, storage of urine and then the appropriate emptying of urine. The urinary tract itself is divided into the upper…

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Vet Services claims top Hawkes Bay Business Award 2022

Vet Services Hawkes Bay received Excellence in Innovation and the Supreme Award at the Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards 2022. The annual awards are presented by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce and celebrate business resilience, community connections, innovation, tourism, leadership, emerging business, and sustainability across the region.   In September we had two…

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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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