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Annual VaccinationsVaccinations are an important part of any cattle management program regardless of organic or non-organic status. Recommended vaccines can vary between breeding cows, slaughter cattle, and disease risks associated with your area or herd. Protecting your cows from these diseases will not only reduce herd loss but will increase productivity. While most vaccinations are available over the counter, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to discuss your herd's health and establish a relationship for your herds health. Your veterinarian can also provide you vaccines that are guaranteed to be properly handled.
All vaccines should be boostered according to the labeled directions to ensure the vaccine works effectively. Breeding Cows & Replacement HeifersCommon Vaccines:
Breeding BullsBreeding bulls require the same vaccination as breeding cows & replacement heifers. Steers & Non-Breeding Heifers
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Urinary Calculi, a urinary-tract condition in goats and sheep, prevents both urination and breeding in males. The twists and turns of the male urethra make passing solid particles difficult at best and impossible at worst. Urinary Calculi is a disease that can and does kill animals quickly.
Urinary Calculi is almost always the result of improper feeding by the producer. Proper calcium to phosphorus ratio in feed, hay and minerals is critical; this ratio should be 2 1/2 to 1. Although the disease is called Urinary Calculi, the real culprit is phosphorus -- specifically too much phosphorus in relation to the amount of calcium in the diet. Feeding too much concentrated feed and/or feeding concentrates with an improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is a major cause of Urinary Calculi. Overfeeding or improper feeding of concentrates causes solid particles to develop in the urine; these solid particles block the flow of urine out of the goat's body, causing great pain, discomfort and oftentimes death. Besides concentrates, there are other factors affecting the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the goat's diet. If the minerals being fed have the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and the goats are not being fed a diet heavy in concentrates, then the producer should have both water and hay tested for mineral content. Goats used for show purposes are prone to Urinary Calculi because their owners tend to over-feed concentrates. Young wethers (castrated males) are especially susceptible to Urinary Calculi. Castration stops both testosterone production and the growth of the urethra. Solid particles cannot pass through a urethra that has not been given the opportunity to grow to its normal diameter. The chance of contracting Urinary Calculi in male show animals can be reduced by delaying castration as long as possible -- giving the diameter of the urethra time to grow. The addition of hay or some other type of long fiber to the animal's diet is absolutely critical to help avoid Urinary Calculi. This is a big problem with some show-animal producers because they tend to take animals off long fiber and push concentrates. Urinary Calculi requires immediate medical attention. This condition will not correct itself and if left untreated, the animal will die. Symptoms of Urinary Calculi include tail twitching in males, restlessness, anxiety and a "hunched-up" body posture as the animal strains to urinate. Sometimes the producers misdiagnose the problem as constipation or bloat because of animal’s behavior and body stance. Do not force an animal with Urinary Calculi to drink lots of water; if fluids can't leave the body because the exit is blocked, the only alternative is for the bladder to burst. A burst bladder cannot be fixed and is fatal. The key to avoiding Urinary Calculi is feeding the animal a proper diet. Producers experiencing Urinary Calculi in their animals must change their feeding regimens. Carefully read feed labels for proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios (2 1/2:1). Some prepared goat and sheep feeds contain ammonium chloride in the formulation, but this is no guarantee that Urinary Calculi will be avoided. Most importantly, offer lots of free-choice forage/browse and good-quality grass hay and reduce the amount of concentrates being fed. information provided by Purina If you own 1 or 20, goats and sheep require routine care to keep them healthy and happy in Green Country. The #1 enemy of a healthy ruminant is parasites! A tiny little worm known as the "barber pole worm" or haemonchus contortus can cause severe anemia and lead to death quickly in hot summer months. So how do you compete with this tiny worm for your animal's health?
1. Monthly FAMACHA checks: these scoring cards allow you to estimate the amount of barber pole worms so you can selectively deworm based on your animals need. 2. Stick with the same wormer, and do fecal testing with multiple poor FAMACHA scores. 3. Do not over graze, and rotate pastures often. Parasites transmit easier in short pastures with excessive feces. There are several risk based vaccines available for sheep & goats. For most companion small ruminants, we recommend:
- Sara Miller DVM Donkeys (especially miniature) are becoming increasingly more popular. And why not? Who can resist those ears! They can be very personable and a wonderful addition to any farm. They are similar to their short eared cousins (horses) in many ways, but their dietary needs can be very different to prevent obesity and laminitis.
Diet: Donkeys (Equus asinus) are natural browsers and will graze up to 16 hours a day on a diet of high fiber plant material. They are very efficient at metabolizing their food and therefore their energy requirements are lower than a similar sized pony. This makes them easy to overfeed, which can lead to serious health problems such as hyperlipemia, laminitis and other organ dysfunction. Ideally, donkeys should be fed 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter for maintenance. A donkey at grass will not require more than straw to supplement their grazing, even if they are in light work. As donkeys originate from regions where vegetation is dry and sparse, they have adapted to a high fiber diet and thus pastures in Oklahoma are much more nutritious than the donkey needs and grazing may need to be restricted in the spring and summer. If they are not kept on pasture, a diet of 75% barley straw and 25% hay is adequate for most of the year. The proportions are reversed to 75% hay & 25% straw in the winter with a gradual change between seasons. It is also important to provide them with a mineral lick, free access to clean water, and a vitamin supplement in the winter Hoof Care: Donkeys can grow large amounts of hoof very quickly depending on their environment and diet. Most donkeys should have their feet trimmed by an experienced farrier every 4-6 weeks during warm months and every 6-8 weeks in winter months along with routine cleaning at home. Did you know a donkey's hoof is much more forgiving than a horse? A donkey can suffer from severe hoof overgrowth and laminitis, and with proper care, can make a full recovery! Vaccinations & Deworming: Donkeys require the same annual wellness care as horses. Deworming should be done with the same wormer 3-4 times a year. For more information on vaccines, check out our vaccine page! - Sara Miller DVM Equine Cushings (PPID)What is Cushings?
Equine Cushings, also known as Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is a slowly progressive degenerative disease of pituitary gland causing dis-regulation of many hormones including the excessive production of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone). PPID affects 15% of horses over 15 years old and 30% of horses over 30. Excessive ACTH can cause many problems, including:
How can my horse be tested? Horses are tested by measuring blood levels of ACTH. The most accurate test is the "TRH Stimulation Test". It is performed by taking a baseline ACTH sample, injecting TRH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and then taking a follow up ACTH sample 10 minutes later. Deciding between the two types of testing is based on the progression of the disease as well as financial limitations of the owner. It's important to note that ACTH values naturally vary throughout the year, so your veterinarian will interpret results based on the time of the year as well as clinical signs. My horse has Cushings, what do I do now? Developing a medical plan with your veterinarian is important when managing a horse with Cushings. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed by providing:
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), or Insulin Resistance, is a disorder associated with increased fat deposition and difficulty losing weight. When affected horses consume meals high in carbohydrates, their bodies produce higher than normal levels of insulin and are slow to return to baseline values. The most commonly affected horses are hardy breeds including ponies, donkeys, Arabians and mustangs. When these "easy keepers" are provided excess carbohydrates from lush grass and dense feeds they suddenly consume too many calories for their body to handle. The most common symptoms are chronic laminitis and fat deposits along the neck, back, and hind end. How can my horse be tested? Insulin & blood glucose are measured in horses with suspected EMS. Blood samples are typically taken first thing in the morning before the horse is fed to avoid spikes in glucose and insulin associated with eating. If the insulin concentration is above a certain level (>50 µU/mL), the horse is diagnosed with insulin dysregulation. If insulin concentrations are <50 µU/mL, additional tests may be indicated to decide if the horse has insulin dysregulation or not. We can also evaluate insulin resistance and tolerance to certain feeds/hay/grass by testing blood sugar and insulin levels 60-90 minutes after their normal meal (horses are typically fasted 3-6 hours prior to this test). Blood glucose and insulin can be influenced by many factors, including stress, so it is best to obtain these blood samples when the horse is at home in a comfortable environment and routine. Can my horse be treated? After a diagnosis of EMS, horses often require a lifestyle change and aggressive feed management. Obese patients require a weight-loss diet and maybe prescribed a medication such as levothyroxine or metformin. Many patients will experience a drastic improvement in clinical signs by:
Why should I invest in a pre-purchase when buying a horse? Purchasing a horse is a major investment from $500 to $50,000 horses. The initial cost of purchase can be small compared to the cost of hidden medical expenses. Pre-purchase exams start at $120 which includes a detailed physical exam and lameness exam that is carefully documented and provided as an official report with detailed pictures and conclusions. It's important to know if a horse's health concerns could make or break your purchase.
What should I expect out of the exam? Every exam starts with a detailed account of the horse's provided history (vaccines, Coggins, registration document verification). The next step is a detailed physical exam by Dr. Miller from nose to tail (teeth, eyes, ears, neck, upper/lower back, perineal confirmation for mares, musculature, tendons, skin/hair quality, confirmation, etc). Then our certified farrier, Justin Miller, performs a detailed assessment of each hoof including a detailed hoof tester exam, confirmation, quality of growth, quality of shoes/placement if applicable, and notes any potential concerns. After the initial exams, a detailed lameness exam is performed including flexions, lunging, neurologic assessment, and assessment under saddle when available. This is the point where your veterinary and farrier team go over the details of their findings with you and decide if imaging or tests are recommended/needed. Should I have radiographs (x-rays), blood work, or other imaging done? Most ancillary testing (x-rays, ultrasound, blood work, fecal testing, etc.) is decided on a case by case basis. Imaging can be decided based on the desired purpose of the horse (i.e. athletic concerns), history of injuries, as well as exam findings. There are many other tests that can be selected based on age, history, etc. such as PPID (Cushings) tests on older horses, Insulin Resistance for over weight horses, drug testing, etc. Mares purchased for reproductive purposes should have a culture, cytology, and uterine biopsy. Does the seller get to know what is found in the exam? Whoever purchases the Pre-Purchase exam is the only person who has access to the information from the exam. As a buyer, you do NOT have to disclose any information to the seller and as your veterinarian we will never disclose information without your permission. How will I get my results? The official report will be emailed to you within 48-72 hours of your exam. These detailed reports include pictures of the horse the day of the exam, pictures of any blemishes/concerns, radiograph & ultrasound images with detailed explanations and visual markers, written explanations of all exam findings, and a detailed conclusion of the horse's health and wellness outlook. Some blood work and culture results may take 5-7 days. What vaccines do we recommend?
Every horse should have Core Vaccines once a year. This protects them from diseases present in their environment that are easily prevented with vaccination:
With vaccines readily available at farm supplies stores, online pharmacies and other retailers, it's sometimes tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing and administering them to your animals yourself. Because there are hidden risks and costs associated with vaccinating animals yourself, "cheaper" vaccines aren't the value they first appear to be. Did you know that many veterinarians will develop a customized vaccine program for your horse based on its environmental exposure and other factors? Coupled with other routine services and check-ups, having your veterinarian administer vaccines is always safer, easier and a better value in the long run than doing it yourself. Having your horse on the correct vaccination schedule allows the veterinarian to observe the animal regularly and detect early signs of a disease or disorder. Based on these visits, your veterinarian can suggest other, more in-depth examinations or tests for your horse. Here are several other good reasons why a veterinarian is your best choice for administering vaccines: Proper Handling of the Vaccine Many vaccines require special handling and storage. For instance, a particular vaccine may require protection from extremes of temperature or exposure to light to preserve its effectiveness. Rely on a licensed veterinarian to store and handle the vaccine properly. Another aspect of proper handling is also making sure that the vaccine has not passed its expiration date. Veterinarians are keenly aware of the effective life of a given vaccine. Safe Administration Part of safe administration is a clean environment and injection site, otherwise you may be putting pathogens into your horse's system instead of protecting against them. Some vaccines cannot be given at the same time as other medicines. Your veterinarian will know which vaccines and medications can react with one another. Your veterinarian will document the vaccine’s serial number and administration date—especially important in the event of a manufacturer’s recall. This is one instance when poor documentation could put your animal in peril. Availability for treatment of adverse reactions Any injection can result in adverse effects. Maybe it's only mild swelling at the injection site. Or, it could be lethargy and a slight fever for one to two days. In some animals, it can be as severe as an immediate outbreak of hives or life-threatening anaphylaxis. If your veterinarian is there administering the vaccine, he or she will know what to do to counteract a reaction—and they will have the medicine to do it. When you think about the risks of doing it yourself, it only makes good sense to have a licensed professional administer vaccines. Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Maintaining Your Horse's Well-Being with a Healthy Mouth
The old adage "straight from the horse's mouth" may seem more meaningful when you consider that a licensed practitioner can learn so much about an animal's health by examining its mouth. A Broader Look at Health Equine dentistry is more than just floating teeth. Floating—the term for rasping or filing the horse's teeth—ensures that the horse maintains an even, properly aligned bite plane. While floating is a physical or mechanical process, equine dentistry is much broader and examines the horse's health more systemically. The general goals of equine dentistry include:
Though most people think dentistry is primarily concerned with the teeth and mouth, it also includes the associated structures of the head – for instance the sinuses – and the effect of dental diseases on the health of the rest of the body. Beyond the comfort and good health of your horse, there are other benefits to proper dental care. Your horse will consume feed more efficiently with less spillage or waste and may perform better and live longer. Schedule Exams Regularly Dental disease is a source of pain and infection—it can affect the systemic health of your horse, especially if undetected or left untreated. Routine examination by an experienced, licensed veterinarian will help detect dental disease and other health problems early—before they threaten the well-being of your horse. These examinations make it much easier to diagnose and treat oral diseases early, preventing more severe and costly problems later. A juvenile horse should have a dental examination when it is foaled, at three months and then every six months until age five. For healthy adult horses, a yearly dental examination is recommended. Horses older than 20 or with a history of dental problems should return to a twice yearly schedule. Trust Your Veterinarian Certain observations in your horse may be clues to you or your veterinarian that a complete physical examination and a thorough dental exam may be in order. Has your horse’s general attitude changed? Is the appetite normal? What about the ability to chew? How long does it take to eat? What’s the stool consistency? Is long stem hay present? Are there well-formed fecal balls? The veterinarian may perform a complete physical examination, and other tests if needed, in order to evaluate the horse for possible risks (i.e., fever, severe anemia, ataxia, etc.) prior to carrying out the dental examination Veterinary practitioners are best qualified to perform dental care on your animal because they are:
To safely perform a thorough oral examination, sedation and adequate restraint is recommended. Treatment may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. All are things that a veterinarian is licensed to provide but an owner or layperson is not. An oral exam should be an essential part of an annual examination by a veterinarian. Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental care as well. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable horse. Reprinted courtesy of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Biotin
What is Biotin & how does it work? Biotin is the most commonly recommended dietary supplement in horses for improved hoof quality, and for good reason. Research on the vitamin began in the 1980’s and we’re still learning more about the vitamin today. Like many other beneficial vitamins such as thiamin & riboflavin, Biotin is a B-Vitamin and is found in virtually every cell of the body. While it takes on many rolls (conversion of feed to energy, reproductive health, nervous system stability) its most important roll is in keratinization. The hoof horn is made up of keratinized cells arranged spirally to form long tubules that run from the coronary band to the end of the toe. As the cells thicken around the tubules, the hoof horn becomes more resilient to damage. Where does Biotin come from? Biotin is found naturally in most horse feed ingredients including oats, soybean meal, alfalfa, rice bran, and molasses. However, horses derive most of their biotin requirement from the fermentation of forage that occurs in their hind gut, where it is unfortunately poorly absorbed, but enough to maintain the bodies basic needs. Vitamins are absorbed better in the foregut of the horse which is the reason Biotin is added to most high quality feeds. Why would my horse need additional Biotin? Research has found that horses with poor quality hoof wall have normal levels of Biotin in their blood. When these horses were supplemented with larger “mega-doses” of Biotin, their hoof wall quality improved leading to the conclusion that when it comes to Biotin supplementation: Bigger is better. How much should I give? In general, 15-20 mg of Biotin per 1000lb of body weight is sufficient to improve and maintain hoof quality. For horses with chronic (long term) hoof problems there is a wide dosing range from 30 mg to 100 mg per day depending on severity. How long should my horse be on Biotin? This depends on the problems being treated/addressed. Biotin can only improve the new hoof wall growth, not correct existing hoof wall. It generally takes between 8-15 months for a new hoofwall to grow from the coronary band and replace itself, however, the sole/frog can grow more rapidly in as little as 4-6 weeks. Minor cases can benefit from high dosing (50 mg +) for 30 days, then decrease to a maintenance dose of at least 15mg per day. More severe hoof problems maybe on higher doses for 8-15 months or longer. Biotin has been found to increase the rate of growth in some horses, however, there are a variety of factors such as hoof mechanics and endocrine disease. Which supplement should I buy? There are a wide variety of supplements available on the market. Since there are no government controls on the manufacture of equine supplements, it is important to buy from a reputable dealer to guarantee that the amount promised on the label is indeed in the product. Also keep in mind the shelf life of most Biotin supplements is 6 months due to the vitamin breaking down in fats & oils that are added. Other nutrients such as zinc, methionine, and iodine can also affect hoof quality. A well-balanced supplement will contain all of these nutrients in addition to the 20 mg per serving of biotin. If you have any questions about hoof supplements or concerns about your horses feet, please call our office at (918) 800-3042 to schedule an appointment! - Dr. Sara Miller You might say that horses are a semi-DIY venture: Some care you must perform yourself, and some requires expertise that most horse owners simply don’t have. But the care you perform—and the pros you choose—will mesh to provide your horse with optimum hoof (and overall) health. As the daily, hands-on human in your horse’s life, you provide the first line of defense for any health problems. It’s imperative that you know how to perform daily checks and procedures so you can detect potential problems early and enlist the help of your hoof care professional when needed.
What should I be doing daily for my horse's feet? 1. Pick it out: Clean out your horse's hoof with a hoof pick removing debris (dirt, mud, rocks, etc.) 2. Brush it off: Brush the sole with a wire brush or stiff brush (included with some hoof picks) to check for bruises other concerns that may need to be addressed by your veterinarian or farrier. 3. Hoof Supplements : While not every horse needs supplements all the time, daily hoof supplements can improve the kertanization of the hoof wall improving strength and growth. When should my horse see the farrier? - Every horse is different, by typically a horse should have its hooves trimmed every 5-6 weeks. Some horses may grow faster and require trims every 4 weeks. A good way to gauge how often a hoof needs to be trimmed is not only looking at length, but also noticing if cracks or chips are starting to occur. These could be signs your horse needs to be trimmed more regularly. For more information or to address your hoof concerns, call us today to schedule a podiatry consult! - Justin Miller CF |
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