Dalehead Veterinary Group - Farm Animal

03/07/2025

Fluid Therapy and the Role of LifeAid Xtra
Regardless of the cause, scour damages the lining of the bowel, leading to significant fluid loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
LifeAid Xtra is a 3rd generation oral rehydration solution designed to support calves during recovery, it contains high levels of sodium, bicarbonate precursors and glucose. It’s easy to mix with milk, milk replacer or water, making it a practical option for farmers managing scouring calves.
Prompt and appropriate use of oral fluids can significantly improve recovery times and reduce the need for further interventions. Effective fluid therapy alone can often lead to full recovery, but if a calf shows no improvement within 24-48 hours, veterinary advice should be sought.

02/07/2025

All roads lead to Sykes Farm Dunsop Bridge, the centre of the UK, when we had a great turnout to our Flockclub meeting a couple of weeks ago.

Elanco sponsored our meeting with Matt Colson, Livestock Veterinary advisor, taking on his remit of “Talking Ticks” and “Pondering Pour-ons” with his usual expertise.

There was a lengthy question time discussion over maximising immunity, the changing pattern and increase of tick disease, tailoring control to your farm environment, potential vaccine development for Louping- Ill. Unusually for a sheep meeting we also discussed game birds, local gamekeepers and estate managers who have shown a keen interest as ticks have a huge effect on grouse survivability.
Genny Calvert from YDNP discussed another beastie that in contrast to ticks we need to encourage. They are essential for soil health and our pasture management.
Thanks to Elanco for sponsorship and The Robinson Family (Stephen, Helen, Emma and Sam) for hosting our meeting.

01/07/2025

Tomorrow Karen is heading up the Bentham Auction Mart for the afternoon for any chats or queries about bluetongue.

27/06/2025

Don’t forget we’re at Gisburn Auction Mart again tomorrow morning talking about all things bluetongue!
Come and have a chat if you have any queries 🐄

26/06/2025

Recognising the Signs of Calf Scour and Dehydration
Scour often begins with faecal staining under the tail, accompanied by a change in the consistency or colour of the calf’s faeces, which typically becomes more watery and pale. As the condition progresses, other signs may develop, including reduced appetite, lethargy, sunken eyes, a dry nose or gums, and cold extremities.
Dehydration can set in quickly, and the degree may be indicated by several physical signs. See the table above for more information!
Monitoring calves closely and recognising the early signs of illness can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.

19/06/2025

The Importance of Colostrum in Preventing Scour
Colostrum is essential for the newborn calf, providing not only energy and vital nutrients for growth but also antibodies (immunoglobulins, or IgG) that offer early immunity. Calves are born without any natural protection, so colostrum is their first and most important defence against disease, including scour.
To give calves the best start, they should receive high-quality colostrum as their very first feed. This ensures they absorb enough antibodies before gut closure occurs, reducing their risk of infection in the crucial early days of life.

18/06/2025

GISBURN AUCTION PARCELS‼️️
Due to staffing levels at the practice we are unable to have our Gisburn Office open as usual however we will be doing a parcel drop off into the main office. If you need anything taking down, please make sure your order is in on Wednesday at the latest.
Thank you

18/06/2025

16/06/2025

Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Moran!!! 👰‍❤️🤵‍

Our farm receptionist Louise got married on Saturday in the glorious sunshine to her new husband Ashley.
We wish you all the best in new married life together!

16/06/2025

We are holding our next 'Responsible Use Of Medicines Course' meeting on Tuesday 1st July, 1-3pm at the Settle practice.
On 1st February 2025 changes were made to Red Tractor Standards.
For our DAIRY clients, this included changes to medicine administration training. At least one person who is responsible for administering medicines must have undertaken a responsible use of medicine course within the last 5 years.

12/06/2025

What Causes Calf Scour?
There are multiple causes of scour in calves, with both infectious and management-related factors playing a role. Infectious organisms damage the lining of the gut, leading to fluid loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
However, even when pathogens are present, environmental and management conditions heavily influence whether a calf becomes sick. Poor hygiene, overcrowding, low-quality colostrum intake, and stress all reduce a calf’s immunity and make infection more likely.
Understanding both the infectious causes and the broader risk factors is essential for effective control and prevention.

10/06/2025

We have recently updated our telephone system and no longer need to use a different number to contact the emergency out of hours receptionist.
You now just ring the normal surgery number – 01729 823538
and press 9 to be connected out of hours.
The old out of hours number will be discontinued in the near future so please delete this from your mobiles and just use the normal surgery number.
All of our calls are answered by experienced members of our own staff (Ruth, Tracy, Kat and Natalie) rather than a remote answering service with no local knowledge. We believe that this is an important part of an independent local practice providing an effective and reliable 24-hour service.