horse

When horses ‘choke’

Horse Health: The condition in horses refers to the inability to swallow rather than an obstruction of breathing

Whenever the term “choke” is used in horses it refers to an obstruction or blockage in the esophagus. This is very different than the extreme medical emergency of choking in humans, whereby an obstruction of the airway or trachea has occurred. The choking horse can still breathe — but the choking horse cannot swallow. Choke

Beef 911: The revised Beef Code of Practice a win for everyone

Beef 911: The revised Beef Code of Practice a win for everyone

Everyone involved in the cattle industry should keep a copy handy and consult it frequently

There has been a lot written about the revised Beef Code of Practice, which was released in 2013 and was the first revision since 1991. It is most definitely worth a read, whether you are a beef producer, transporter, marketer, nutritionist, veterinarian, or are involved with the cattle industry in any way. At 56 pages,


cow being vaccinated

Regulatory changes would limit farmers’ vet drug imports

Proposed Health Canada changes will affect how antimicrobials are imported into Canada

For John Prescott, a move to end farmers’ right to import certain veterinary drugs marks a significant turning point in the fight against antimicrobial resistance in Canada. The Public Health Agency announced last year that Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate would introduce new regulations requiring veterinary oversight of antibiotics used in food animals, such as

Little piglet in piggery with other pigs

Pork pain management rules begin July 1

All castration and tail docking will require pain management, a change the industry says it’s ready for

Another component of the updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs is about to come into effect, with the deadline to begin use of anesthetic and analgesics when castrating or docking tails set for July 1. While nearly all hog farmers are prepared for the new pain control requirements, a recent


Beef 911: Ways to reduce incidence of navel ill

You need to pay close attention to this costly problem and take steps to reduce it

Much has been written about omphalophlebitis — inflammation of the umbilical veins also known as navel ill — in calves. The bovine species appears to be fairly susceptible to developing infection, with the incidence increasing when calves are born into wet or damp conditions and in close confinement. With more producers calving later — many

Beef 911: When the need arises, fetotomy is the best solution

The goal is always to protect the cow from further trauma 
and hopefully give her many more productive years

Fetotomy — a veterinarian’s fancy word for cutting up a dead calf within the cow during the birthing process — still has a valuable place in a competent veterinarian’s bag of tricks. The whole object with a fetotomy is to minimize trauma or damage to the cow. The calf at this point is a lost


Beef 911: Calving problems are decreasing, but stay vigilant

Vets aren't called out during calving as often as they used to be, but producers need to know when to call for backup

With genetic selection of lower birth weights and easy calving bulls, calving problems due to fetal oversize are becoming rarer and rarer. But there are still common problems, which are worth reviewing to help producers recognize and assist these deliveries to save more calves as calving season is upon us. Fetal malpresentations today are the

Pig producers warned to be on the lookout for virus

Pig producers warned to be on the lookout for virus

Seneca Valley virus is a concern because its symptoms are the same as those for foot-and-mouth

Pork industry leaders are warning producers to be on the lookout for a new virus that has been showing up in hogs in the midwestern U.S. and Canada in recent months. Producers are advised to contact their veterinarians immediately and not move hogs if they detect blisters around their mouth, hoof, or nose. Seneca Valley


Social licence requires animal welfare

Social licence requires animal welfare

Don’t expect cows to be sleeping at the foot of the bed any time soon, 
but farm animals are being extended new welfare consideration

It was an uncomfortable moment for producers at the annual Manitoba Dairy Conference, held in Winnipeg earlier this month. It was an image of downer cows, about to be shot at an American slaughter plant, displayed during a presentation by Jennifer Walker to bring home the message that just because something has become routine, doesn’t

Canadian producers are being asked to take part in an online survey on stress to help researchers advance industry support services.

Gathering an industry baseline on stress

A new research project is looking for producer input on current stress levels and looks to develop industry-specific resources

A recent survey conducted by researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College has found high rates of stress, anxiety and depression among veterinarians. Now they are investigating whether agricultural producers are also suffering. The preliminary findings of a survey of 500 Ontario veterinary practitioners are alarming, the lead researcher says. “We used some validated health measures