Calf health is a major focus for beef cow-calf producers and their veterinarians for good reason. A recent paper in the journal, Translational Animal Science, highlights some of the findings from the western Canadian cow-calf surveillance network focusing on calf health issues. Dr. Cheryl Waldner and colleagues from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the […] Read more
Stories by John Campbell, DVM, DVSC
Veterinarian shortage likely to be long-lived
Staff shortages and being overworked are common themes at veterinary clinics in Western Canada. At the last few conferences I’ve attended, it seems to be the most prevalent topic of conversation. Several factors are cited as causes for the shortage. We have at least anecdotally seen an increase in retirements of the baby-boomer generation of […] Read more
Sexually transmitted infections can hurt bull performance
Bulls can be long-term carriers of various infectious bacteria and parasites that can potentially cause a loss of fertility in cow-calf herds. Some of these pathogens are transmitted through sexual activity and can lead to early embryonic loss or abortion, which results in a higher percentage of cows being open at pregnancy testing time. I […] Read more
One iodine navel dip does not prevent umbilical infections
Umbilical infections are a common problem many cow-calf producers will occasionally deal with in young calves. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta during gestation, allowing the movement of nutrients and water to the fetus, as well as the removal of waste products. The umbilical cord is a complex structure that encompasses two […] Read more
Pneumonia outbreaks can affect nursing calves on pasture
Pneumonia is often considered a disease of weaned calves in the feedlot and that is the most common presentation of the disease in cattle. However, in some situations, nursing calves on pasture can be severely affected by pneumonia outbreaks. This disease is sometimes known as summer pneumonia or enzootic pneumonia. It can affect calves as […] Read more
Penile hematoma is common breeding injury among bulls
It’s that time of year where most of the bulls have been turned out and are hopefully taking care of business this summer. However, a common breeding injury can interfere with the bull’s success during the breeding season. That injury is sometimes known as a “broken penis” but is probably better named a penile hematoma. […] Read more
Coccidia parasites could develop resistance to toltrazuril
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease in western Canadian beef and dairy herds that can cause significant disease outbreaks and economic losses. The primary clinical signs are usually diarrhea, unthriftiness and poor growth rates. It can infect all farm animal species including poultry, pigs, sheep and cattle. However, the parasites that cause coccidiosis are host […] Read more
Growth implants can aid development in nursing calves
The use of growth-promotant implants in nursing calves is one of the most cost-effective strategies for improving growth and feed efficiency in the pre-weaning period. Implants have been shown to make a significant increase in weaning weights of calves in many research trials. The weaning weight improvements are often at least 15 to 30 pounds […] Read more
Grass tetany can have dramatic consequences for cattle
Earlier this spring we had some desperately needed rain in parts of Western Canada. We still need more moisture in many areas but the rain in some locations will at least give the grass a good start in the pastures. However, after a recent phone conversation with another veterinarian I was reminded of a condition […] Read more
Lead poisoning often seen when cattle are put on pasture
I was recently working on a herd investigation that involved neurological symptoms in young calves. We are suspecting that the symptoms are caused by some sort of toxin because there is no evidence of infectious disease. At the time that I am writing this column, I still don’t have a definitive diagnosis, but the case […] Read more
