Upper Grand Veterinary Services

06/21/2024

Congratulations to Dr Renaud. We feel so fortunate to have you as part of our team here at Upper Grand Vet Services too!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HyiKU7U7ubjaUbkr/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Our very own Dr. David Renaud, Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine, received the Lallemand Forward Award for Scientific Excellence in Dairy Nutrition. The award recognizes his advances in research, teaching and industry, identifying factors associated with improving cattle health, specifically in calves and evaluating alternative management strategies to reduce antimicrobial use. Read more: https://uoguel.ph/to7f1

06/17/2024

You can never start too early!

Our Herdsman in training was busy taking notes beside dad today

05/30/2024

Thanks to West Luther 4H Veterinary Club for inviting us to help with last nights meeting.

Our ever energetic Dr Mike Scolaro taught the members not only the importance of raising healthy calves, but how to monitor calves along the way to ensure they stay healthy.

Dr. Mike is helping Upper Grand Veterinary Services show the world our commitment to the serving the agricultural community and helping educate the next generation of future farmers and veterinarians. To find out some of the other core values of our business check out our website at www.uppergrandvets.ca.

04/27/2024

Considering Saturdays are only for emergencies it is my hope you don’t get a chance to wish our hard-working veterinarians happy world veterinary day today😉
However, Monday feel free to wish them a belated happy veterinarians Day 😁

Happy World Veterinary Day from AABP!

04/06/2024

Austria meets Canada. 🇦🇹/🇨🇦
We were happy to have Austrian vet student Silja join us for the last 4 weeks but sad to see her go.
We have been so fortunate to host veterinary students from the vet school in Vienna for several years now. Each time a new one comes we tease them about what big shoes they have to fill from the last one. It’s hard to imagine anyone better than Silja. Her kind personality, competent veterinary skills and strong work ethic had her fitting into the Upper Grand Vets’ team like a glove
Thank you to all our staff and clients who made Silja feel welcome and at home in our practice. We hope she will return for another visit sometime soon!

03/28/2024

We would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter Weekend! 🐣🐰

Our offices will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday, and will re-open on Monday, April 1st for regular business hours.

In the event of any emergencies or if you are in need of products please contact (519)767-9191 and our on-call vet will be available for you!

03/15/2024

Dr. Alina here answering some questions to allow you to get to know her a little better!
💙 What is something you love about your job?
I love the connections I make with clients when helping them with their animals' care, whether through farm visits or providing educational materials. I think there's a very special bond that gets created when someone has been looking for help with a sick animal and you're able to say "I'm here and I'm going to help you." That feeling- when you're able to get the breech lamb out, or the down cow stands up, or the goat starts eating again- is second to none for me.
💙 What excited you most about veterinary medicine?
I get really excited about setting new clients up for success with their animals. I strongly believe you don't have to come from a farming background to become a farmer, and helping new small-scale farmers get started on the right foot is something I'm really passionate about. I recognize that every farm is unique, so whether it's discussing management, vaccine/sick animal protocols, biosecurity, etc, I always aim to tailor plans to each client's individual goals.
💙 What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of the job for me is probably solving the tricky cases. I do a lot of sick animal work in this position, which can be challenging because our patients can't tell us what's wrong! All they can do is show us, and it's up to the vet to go digging for the cause of illness through our exam and diagnostics. It can get really frustrating when, despite my best efforts, an animal isn't responding to the first few rounds of treatment. I often have to start thinking outside the box to figure out what's wrong.
💙 What strategies do you use to overcome some of these challenges?
I make sure to go back to the basics when I've been dealing with a difficult case. There's a saying in medicine: "when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras". It essentially reminds us to think of the most common causes of illness first, and then start looking at the uncommon. When I've been managing a sick animal for several days, it's easy to get wrapped up in all the diagnostics and the "what ifs", but the best thing for me is to go back to the beginning of the case and go through it step by step again. Consulting with colleagues is also a very important strategy for me! I'm so lucky to have the ✨BEST COWORKERS IN THE WORLD✨ who are always down to brainstorm ideas, and reaching out to other resources, such as the specialists at the Animal Health Laboratory and the OVC Large Animal Clinic, is also very helpful!
💙 What is something you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking locally or going backcountry camping. I have a very active young lab, so we spend a lot of time outside when I'm off. I'm also really into cooking; I love trying new recipes and have an unhealthy addiction to buying cook books haha. Let me know if you have any must-try recipes!! (I'm the world's least picky eater, I'll try anything!)

03/08/2024

Hi, Dr. Mike Scolaro here! 👋 Hopefully you know this about me already but I have the best job in the world. I get to help make people’s lives better through the animals they work with - what’s more rewarding than that?
Some of my favourite kinds of emergency calls are hooking calves up to IV fluids - it's amazing how quickly we can breathe life back into those little guys and that is just so satisfying for me. Better yet, I love when clients call with a challenge; maybe they have think they can do better with calves, or have questions about how to reach their next milestone and I relish the opportunity to put on my detective hat and get to the bottom of it. Finding ways to make farms more profitable through data driven decisions is a real passion of mine. Like I said earlier, I do it for the farmers, getting to work with cows is just a huge bonus!

You may have seen some of my gadget collection in the last few years. Here are my favorites!
ATP Luminometer - This allows me to instantly test a surface for bacterial presence. Great for testing bottle hygiene and hutch cleanliness after washing.

Anemometer - This digital pinwheel is a way to measure how fast air is moving. It helps us assess various ventilation systems and determine if our intended ventilation goals are being met.

Vadia - This superpowered device (And associated rubber spaghetti) is for assessing vacuum dynamics in parlors. Dr. Megan and I team up to assess milking equipment, prep routines and other risk factors for herds that want to improve udder health. These help us make sure that cows get milked quickly, cleanly and gently!

Outside of UGVS, I’m currently working on a new year’s resolution of running 1000km in 2024, which includes a handful of races. Even though I’m off the clock, my passion for dairy is an important part of training. My recovery drink of choice is chocolate milk and I’m still searching for running clothes that tell other runners and passers by that I help cows, and in return cows help me. 🏃‍♂️

What gadgets are you most interested to see in action? Are there any others I should bring to UGVS? Where can I get great dairy running shirts? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s continue to work together to do better yet every day!

03/01/2024

Think you know everything about Dr. Megan?? There may be some things you are surprised to learn, read below to find Dr. Megan's answers to a handful of questions!

🐮 What is something you love about your job?
I love working with the farmers/producers just as much as I love working with the animals. I really enjoy being a helpful resource for producers and working as part of their team to achieve goals and promote good animal health and welfare. Getting a positive outcome after treating a sick animal is also high up on my list for things I love about my job. Nothing beats that feeling of success!

🐮 What excited you most about veterinary medicine?
I was inspired in vet school when I realized that large animal medicine isn’t just about palpating cows. Even though ultrasounding and treating sick animals is a big part of my job, I was excited to be able to help producers on a larger scale in other ways as well. For example, I can analyze data to recognize successes and suggest areas of improvement, help problem solve through arising issues, share current knowledge on what’s working or ways we can do better, offer consultation services, and provide preventative medicine services such as milking evaluations, breeding soundness exams, etc.

🐮 What is the most challenging part of your job?
There are some calls that I go to where the animal I’m trying to handle is very big or the prolapse I’m trying to put back in is very swollen and heavy and I just don’t quite have the same amount of strength as my colleagues. I’m able to get the job done, but there have been a few times where I’ve been completely WINDED and exhausted by the end. Luckily, this doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can be quite frustrating for me.

🐮 What strategies do you use to overcome some of these challenges?
I try to make it a priority to work out whenever I can and stay in shape so that the physically demanding calls aren’t quite as daunting. Working out and running are enjoyable hobbies for me, so I try to stick with it as much as I can so that my body can better handle those physically demanding calls. My cardio tends to get better in the warmer months because I start running outside with our dogs and they seem to make me run faster (LOL).

🐮 What is something you like to do outside of work?
I’m a bit of a sports fanatic, so whenever I have time and can get tickets to watch some live sports, you can bet I’m there! My favourite thing to do is travel back to East Lansing, Michigan where I went to school to watch football or basketball games. Michigan is like a second home for me, and I love being back to cheer on MSU with my fellow Spartans. GO GREEN! 💚

02/26/2024

Dr. Mike Scolaro's dog Dora wanted to represent UGVS and be featured as ! Dr. Mike enjoys staying up to date with the latest veterinary news to provide the best information for his clients reading The Journal of Dairy Science and Nutrient Requirement of Dairy Cattle, Dora is often by his side during this time. UGVS is a team that is continuously expanding their knowledge to be able to provide each individual farm with its needs.

02/23/2024

A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Megan attended the AABP Recent Grad Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee and participated in a hands-on seminar covering lameness treatment and protocols in cattle. This annual conference is an opportunity for cattle veterinarians across North American to gather and share their tips, stories, and words of wisdom for new graduates who have been in practice for less than 8 years.

Dr. Megan was able to listen to a variety of experts speak about topics covering:
- Sustainability in large animal practice.
- Practical fluid therapy in the field.
- Tips and tricks on dystocias and cattle restraint.
- Reproductive management and protocols.
- Breeding soundness exams.
- Data evaluation.
- Vaccination.
- Anesthesia and surgical procedures in the field.

The large animal veterinary field is constantly changing and improving, which is why continuing education has remained an important priority for the UGVS team. It keeps our knowledge and skills current so that we can provide the best medicine and recommendations for our clients!

Look out for Dr. Megan’s article in our upcoming newsletter which covers some key points she learned during the cattle lameness seminar!

02/20/2024

Pluto was busy being assisting our RVT Pam with disbudding, following from hutch to hutch making sure no one gets missed! ✨

02/19/2024

Just a reminder our Guelph and Arthur Office are closed today for Family Day! 🥰
Please contact (519)767-9191 if you are in need of an emergency visit or product drop off. Our offices will be open regular hours for the remainder of the week!

02/16/2024

We hope that everyone enjoys the Family Day long weekend ahead! With that being said, our Guelph and Arthur Office will be closed on Monday, February 19th, 2024 for the day.

Please contact (519)767-9191 at any time if you require emergency service or products!

02/14/2024

Let's spread the LOVE this Valentine's Day!💕

Comment below or share a photo of something you love about the agricultural world that we play such a huge part in!

02/13/2024

Today we get to celebrate Canadian's Agriculture Day! 🌾👩‍🌾
We are grateful for our farmers and producers, those who work hard to provide for the food we love. We are honoured to be able to work along side and be a part of this community! 🎉

02/12/2024

Luna became Dr. Megan's assistant while pregnancy checking a flock of sheep, using our new ultrasound probe specific for sheep and goats to help detect pregnancies!

02/08/2024

At the end of November 2023 the Upper Grand Veterinary Services team got together with our Dairy Producers. We had the privilege of listening to Dr. Shannon Walsh with HIPRA share a discussion on Core Vaccines in Dairy Cattle.

Dr. Shannon recorded her discussion and has shared it with us to provide to clients that were not able to attend the meeting. Please see the link below or visit our website: https://uppergrandvets.ca/ to learn more about the importance of vaccines! 🩺💉

2024 NewslettersNewslettersUGVS Newsletter – January 2024January 18, 2024 Core Vaccine Presentation   https://uppergrandvets.ca/wp-content/uploads/Core-Vaccine-Presentation-Narrated-Compressed-1.mp4   Download PDF Handout

02/05/2024

Our is Taffy and Tiffany, these two girls are making sure the hay quality is up to standard!

Nutrition plays a vital role in cattle production and growth, setting up a meeting with your nutritionist and herd veterinarian is beneficial for you and your farm!

01/31/2024

Dr. Mike Krystolovich was recently featured in the Ontario Animal Health Network for a case report involving Salmonella Dublin. Veterinarians are continuously learning to be able to provide the best care for their clients. With the help of the Animal Health Lab at the University of Guelph we were able to see the value of the PCR Salmonella Dublin test, this is beneficial for the veterinarian community in finding ways to help their clients and to know of all options available for them to test.

See the link for more information and the article!

01/29/2024

Meet this weeks Goose and Mila from Pittens Famiy Farm!

What is better then one heartwarming greeting - TWO! These two are always ready to greet us when we arrive for regular scheduled appointments along with any emergency appointments that come up! 🥰

01/26/2024

Today is National Fun at Work Day, what a better way to celebrate then to share some of our veterinarians favourite moments working on clients farms!

- Parlour milking assessments with Dr. Megan and Dr. Mike Scolaro, they will be there for morning or night milking
- Dr. Mike Scolaro is extremely passionate about calf care and health
- Teaching students
- Completing surgeries
- A little extra help when setting up an IV line to a calf
- Seeing the next generations out on the farm
- Our vet team getting together to discuss different cases
- You will never see our team turn down the opportunity to give a little extra loving to cattle
- The new and different people we get to meet like a tow truck driver!!

Thank you to everyone in the agricultural industry that we get to work along side! 🥰

01/22/2024

Our feature for goes out to Bella Brander! 🤍

This sweet girl stayed huddled up in straw bedding while helping out with Dr. Mike Scolaro and Dr. Megan as they did a milk testing assessment!

01/20/2024

“Why do you this job? Aren’t the hours long? Don’t you get cold this time of year?”

Yes on occasion we feel a bit grumpy working the long hours and sometimes we get cold.

But tonight was 100% the reason large animal vets love their job. I was warmed from the inside out because of the warm feeling I got from this family. And I was reinvigorated and full of energy after completing this call.

Madeleine’s mom called because their goat was sick.

On arrival at the barn I found Madeleine and her parents in the barn waiting patiently.

I examined the goat and treated her.

Before leaving Madelaine presented me with the friendship necklace she had made while waiting for my arrival. It says “thank you”. Wow! There is no better feeling than helping great people like this. The dedication to their animals and kindness to the people that help them is over the top!

Madelaine says she wants to be a vet one day. I think she’s off to a great start!

Thank you to Madelaine and her family for reminding me of the joy in being a large animal vet.

01/19/2024

🐄🥛 The Importance of Milk Hygiene for Healthy Calves 🥛🐄
At UGVS, we understand that the well-being of your calves is paramount to the future success of your herd! 🌟 Let's talk about something crucial that often goes unnoticed but plays a huge role in the overall health of our calves: Milk Hygiene.

Why Does Milk Hygiene Matter? Bacterial contamination in milk is like a hidden adversary. It can be difficult to detect, but its impact on calf health can be significant. Just like in any aspect of life, prevention is key. Maintaining proper milk or milk replacer hygiene ensures that your calves receive the nutrition they need without any unwanted hitchhikers.

The unseen challenge bacteria can be tricky – they're often invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult to gauge their presence. But fear not! 🦠 We're here to shed light on this invisible challenge and provide solutions to elevate the hygiene standards of your dairy operation.

Introducing our Milk Hygiene Testing Services, curious about where your milk hygiene currently stands? 🤔 With a simple sample, we can assess the level of bacterial presence. If we do find high levels, our cutting-edge testing tools can investigate the source of contamination, unveiling the unseen world of bacteria. 🧪✨

Taking control for healthier calves knowledge is power, and armed with the insights from hygiene audits, we can work together to formulate a strategy to enhance and maintain impeccable milk hygiene.

How Can You Get Started? Contact us today to discuss testing or schedule a milk hygiene audit! 📞🐮 Let's embark on a journey to fortify your dairy operation, one healthy calf at a time.

Remember, a little attention to milk hygiene goes a long way in securing the well-being of your herd. Together, let's create a healthier, happier future for your dairy farm!

01/10/2024

Some local Guelph talent at the PDO symposium. Even more reason to consider going or sending family or employees

01/10/2024

Dairy producers check out the PDO website and serious consider attending their triennial symposium. Some really great topics and speakers

01/08/2024

Good article which reinforces some key points

Don’t quit feeding milk. Add electrolyte feedings between normal milk (or replacer) feedings. They need energy to fight the disease

Clean environment. As few as 17 organisms can start a clinical infection

Ensure good quality colostrum is fed and absorbed

Cryptosporidia is one of the most common scours-causing pathogens in preweaned calves, surpassing coronavirus, salmonellae, and E. coli, according to Lea Poppe, Regional Technical Manager for German feed additive manufacture EW Nutrition.