| Large Animal Articles |
| All Livestock |
PASTURE MANAGEMENT
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
It is in the fall that I think most about changes that should be made to improve spring and summer pastures. While I am not by any means an agronomist, I do see many examples of successful techniques used by clients. Unfortunately, I also see many example |
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| Bovine |
Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV)
Monica L. O'Brien, DVM
Bovine leukemia virus is a retrovirus that causes lymphosarcoma (cancer) in cattle. It can cause economic losses to producers in the form of death of cattle, loss of milk production, cost incurred in treatment and diagnosis, and premature replacement cost |
Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD)
Monica L. O'Brien, DVM
There are many things that have changed over the years with this disease. The most important thing that has not changed is that after nearly 50 years of vaccination and management, the incidence of disease has not changed at all. |
Johne's Disease
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
Johne's (pronounced yo-nees) disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the intestines in ruminants caused by the Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MpTB) organism. It causes diarrhea and weight loss, and progresses to emaciation and eventually death over |
National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
At press time, Virginia is well on its way to the goals set by the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The deadlines imposed by the USDA are still adjusting somewhat, but the goal to have every state capable of assigning a premise identification |
Syndromes in Dairy Cattle Caused by Mycoplasma
Monica L. O’Brien, DVM
Mycoplasma bovis can result in several different syndromes in dairy cattle as well as in beef cattle. Mycoplasma can cause mastitis, pneumonia, polyarthritis (multiple joint infections), and middle ear infections. It also has the ability to cause keratoco |
Early Winter Feeding Ideas for Cattle
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
As we enter another winter, it is wise to evaluate your feed inventory. Check hay stores and quality and then make a feeding plan. If you plan to feed any grains or additional supplements, make sure you have sufficient inventory available to carry the her |
Pneumonia/Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex/Shipping Fever
Derek S. Vandrey, DVM
The changing season stresses cattle. Warm days and cold nights, weaning time, new pen mates, wet, cold, windy weather, and dusty, moldy winter feed all contribute to an increased incidence of bovine respiratory disease. |
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| Equine |
Common Diseases in Springtime
Derek S. Vandrey, DVM
As a young horseman, I was taught by those with more experience to look upon the emerald pastures of April and May with dread. “Don’t turn your pony out on that grass or he’ll founder,” they would warn me. I didn’t know what founder was but it s |
Equine Ehrlichiosis
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
This is a disease that has been seen with increasing frequency in our area over the past few years. It affects horses of all ages and the symptoms are usually noted suddenly. Unlike many diseases, this condition causes less severe symptoms in younger hors |
Equine Vaccine and De-Worming Schedule
Rose Hill Veterinary
This timeline is meant to be a general guideline. Ask us about specifics for your situation. |
Non-Surgical Equine Embryo Transfer
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
This technology is rapidly developing and huge strides have been taken over the last five years. The process allows us to non-surgically collect embryos from a healthy mare at day six or seven following ovulation and transfer them fresh, or freeze them in |
Preparing Your Equine Facility for Disaster or Emergency
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
The primary concern for most horse owners in the event of an emergency/disaster is knowing the contact information for neighbors and their veterinarian. These are extremely important, but may not be so helpful in the event of a widespread emergency. |
Winter Colic in Horses
Monica L. O’Brien, DVM
Now that it is getting colder, it’s a good idea to talk about the prevention for winter colic. We tend to see an increase in the incidence of colic during the winter months, especially in older horses. |
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| Small Ruminants & Camelids |
BVD Virus - How can it affect your herd?
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
In recent months, we have become increasingly aware of the existence of bovine viral diarrhea BVD) virus infections within our llama and alpaca herds. It has long been suspected that BVD virus could infect these camelids with a similar frequency to cattle |
Caseous Lymphadenitis
Monica L. O’Brien, DVM
Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is caused by a bacteria called Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It is a disease that affects goats and sheep and causes abscesses in the lymph nodes and lungs. |
The Parasite Problem in Small Ruminants & Camelids
Derek S. Vandrey, DVM
Raising sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas in Virginia can be interesting, rewarding, and challenging. Many of these animals produce high quality fleece, milk, and meat for Virginia farmers, and provide a unique farming and 4-H experience. |
Rickets
Thomas B. Massie, Jr., DVM
In recent months, we have been presented with several cases of rickets in juvenile and weanling alpacas. We have not yet seen a case in a llama, but there is little reason to think that this will not occur. |
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| Small Animal Articles |
Arthritis - an Easy Thing to Miss
Betty L. Myers, DVM
We all have our image of an older dog or cat lying around, snoozing in the sun. They are not as active as they once were, they love sleeping by the woodstove, and they have some difficulty getting up once they have been napping. |
At-Home Formulary
Kim S. Cole, DVM
These forumals will help you in dealing with your small animal companion at home. |
Canine Influenza
Betty L. Myers, DVM
This fall we received a number of questions concerning the public announcements and outbreaks of a newly identified dog disease, Canine Influenza. We would like to share the information that we now have about this disease with you. |
Common Urinary Problems in the Dog and Cat
Kimberly S. Cole, DVM
Urinary problems in the dog and cat are quite common. Signs that your animal may have a urinary problem include urinating in strange places (such as the sink or kitchen floor), frequent urination (peeing small amounts in short periods of time), suddenly |
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Betty L. Myers, DVM
Knees --- we all have them. We walk on them, kneel on them, lift with them rather than with our backs. Our animal companions have knees as well; it’s the joint at the top of the rear leg where the leg leaves the body. They have a kneecap there just like |
The Holidays & Your Pets
Betty L. Myers, DVM
As the leaves are again changing colors and about to fall, it is hard to believe that the holidays are soon to be upon us. For many of us, this is a busy and joyous time of year, filled with friends, family, decorations and food. |
How Important Are Those Teeth?
Betty L. Myers, DVM
Our small animal companions share our homes and our lives. We feed them, make sure they have regular veterinary care, play with them, and treat them like members of our families. We all want them to be happy and healthy, and to make sure they have the bes |
Is It an Emergency?
Kim S. Cole, DVM
It might be helpful for you to know what injuries or symptoms can wait until our office reopens, and what injuries or diseases need to be treated immediately. |
Lyme Disease & You
Betty L. Myers, DVM
Lyme disease is carried by the Ixodes tick and can infect deer, horses, dogs, other animals and people. The Ixodes tick is very active in the fall and early winter, and often transmits Lyme disease during this time period. |
Recommendations for Whelping Bitches
Kimberly S. Cole, DVM
Nutrition: We recommend that bitches in whelp be fed a commercial brand dog food for the first half of the pregnancy. About three weeks prior to whelping, we suggest switching to a puppy food formula. No vitamins or calcium supplements are needed unless y |
Routine Medical Testing Recommendations
Kim Cole DVM
This article gives you recommendations for medical testing of your small animal companion. |
Special Holiday Tips
Kimberly S. Cole, DVM
The holidays can create special dangers for your pets.Here are a few tips to help keepyour pets safe during this special time of year: |
Which vaccinations are important and how often they need to be administered
Betty L. Myers, DVM
I hope this article will help explain why vaccinations are so important. The first and most important vaccine that is required by state law is Rabies. The Rabies vaccine is given to puppies and kittens at 12 weeks of age and one year of age. |
Why Veterinary Dentistry?
Kimberly S. Cole, DVM
Dogs are diagnosed with dental disease more than any other infection. Most periodontal infections begin simply as plaque which is composed of bacteria, salivary proteins and food debris. |
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