Uterine prolapse is relatively rare. Estimates suggest that approximately two cows in every 1,000 calvings will have this condition. | File photo

Uterine prolapse serious and requires prompt attention

Uterine prolapse is one of the true emergencies in food animal veterinary medicine. This condition is relatively rare. Estimates suggest that approximately two cows in every 1,000 calvings will have a uterine prolapse. However, it is a serious life-threatening condition for the animal and prompt action is required. If the cow is straining badly after […] Read more

A recent study has once again demonstrated the importance of making sure calves receive adequate colostrum at birth.  |  File photo

New study reinforces importance of colostrum to calves

Newborn calves are born with virtually no immunity of their own. They have a functional immune system at birth, but because the cow’s placenta does not allow antibodies to pass from the mother to the calf during pregnancy, the calf must receive most of its initial immunity from the antibody rich colostrum, or first milk […] Read more

This year, during calving season, I encourage you to consider tracking the calving distribution. It will provide more information than simply evaluating open rates. | File photo

Calving distribution could help address open rate riddle

There have been lots of anecdotal reports this year about exceptionally high open rates in beef cow herds at pregnancy checking time. I’ve spoken to many producers and veterinarians across Western Canada who describe open rates of 20 percent or higher. This is distressing for anyone who experiences it, and nothing can be done now […] Read more


The three main causes of eye problems in newborn calves are bovine viral diarrhea virus, vitamin A deficiency and inherited congenital eye conditions.  |  File photo

Sort out nature of eye lesions and diagnosis becomes easy

Occasionally, our herd investigation team gets called out to look at a problem with calves being born with eye problems or appearing to have them shortly after birth. These eye issues can manifest themselves as cataracts, micro-opthalmia (small eyes that haven’t developed fully) or a variety of other eye lesions such as retinal abnormalities or […] Read more

Risk factors for vitamin A deficiency include grazing on bleached pasture, drought-grown hay, weathered forages, harvested crop residues and prolonged feed storage.  |  File photo

Vitamin A deficiency associated with drought conditions

I recently took part in a regular webinar series produced by the Beef Cattle Research Council. I try to listen to these webinars regularly because they provide a great learning resource and I encourage producers and veterinarians to sign up for the series. In this webinar, we discussed the long-term implications of drought, which was […] Read more


Recent research suggests Ureaplasma could be a potential bacterial cause of respiratory disease in cattle, but more research will be required to prove it conclusively.  |  Mike Sturk photo

Ureaplasma may be more than just a fertility problem

The bacteria Ureaplasma diversum, a common inhabitant of the genital tract of cattle, was first isolated in 1969 and originally wasn’t considered to be a disease threat. However, subsequent research, mostly in Canadian veterinary colleges in the 1970s and 1980s, suggested that Ureaplasma could be associated with failure of pregnancy at various times of gestation […] Read more

BRD is the most common reason for administering antimicrobial drugs to cattle and is probably one of the most important economic diseases of beef cattle in North America. | File photo

Microbiome helps understand bovine respiratory disease

It’s approaching the time of year when most beef calves in Western Canada are weaned and sold. Many calves travel to feed yards via auction markets and one of the major disease risks associated with the stresses of weaning, mixing and transportation is the syndrome known as bovine respiratory disease. BRD is the most common […] Read more

The virus is spread in the saliva, milk, or semen of infected animals but is mainly excreted in aerosol form in respiratory secretions. | File photo

Conference provides insights into FMD preparedness, control

I recently attended the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization’s Animal Health Summit. The conference provided veterinarians, producers and other industry stakeholders an update on the current status of foot and mouth disease (FMD) worldwide. VIDO was founded more than 45 years ago at the University of Saskatchewan and is a leader in infectious disease research […] Read more



Cattle in a dry, brown pasture.

Feed tests especially important during drought

Several areas in Western Canada are suffering from drought again this year. Drought creates many difficulties for ranchers, who must struggle with the immediate and long-term problems that can arise from not having enough forage for their cattle. I know some areas of the Prairies have received more adequate precipitation, but many ranchers are facing […] Read more