Farmfirst & Petfirst Veterinary Lincoln

20/02/2025

Keeping cows well in the summer heat, looking ahead to trace element requirements and looking after youngstock are key to achieving the best possible outcomes at your place. Read more here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cant-dairy-feb25

20/02/2025

As the summer days stretch on, we look at preventative measures that will pay dividends in the coming months. Read more here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cant-sbd-feb25

02/02/2025

Our clinics will be closed this Thursday, 6 February, for Waitangi Day. For emergency care, please contact your clinic.

31/01/2025

Farm Friday Lifestyle Lessons : Fun Fact! 🐷🐖🐽

What better way to ease into February than with a fun fact!

Ever heard the term sweat like a pig? Well, did you know pigs CAN’T SWEAT! Pigs do not have sweat glands. This is why it is extremely important to have muddy areas or ponds around for pigs to wallow. Wallowing is a natural behavior pigs do to help cool
themselves down and protect their skin from the sun!

It also means that traditional drenching methods don't work on them. Pour-on dewormers are absorbed through sweat glands. Therefore, we can only use injectable or oral dewormers in pigs.

Photo not owned by FarmFirst - sourced from NZ Lifestyle Block Magazine

24/01/2025

We are cracking back into Farm Friday Lifestyle Lessons after a well-deserved holiday break.

Today is 'When to call the vet; cow edition!' 🐄🐮

The photo today is of a very sweet and friendly cow that made friends with one of our vets a few weeks ago. Isn't she gorgeous?!

- Bloating: If you notice any degree of bloating, you should call your
vet. Bloat is a very serious issue in cattle, and without proper treatment it can have devastating effects.

- Nasal discharge: If you notice your cow is producing an more mucus than usual, or it is yellow, red or green in colour, please call your vet for advice.

- Asymmetry of the head: If you notice any lumps, swellings, or asymmetry of the head, please contact your veterinarian

- Lameness (limping): This can commonly look like arching of the back, reluctance to move, asymmetrical gait, swelling of a limb, or head bobbing when walking.

- Down cow: Cows normally lie down for periods of time to ruminate. However, if your cow has been down for an extended period of time (particularly
after calving), it would be advised to seek veterinary advice. The sooner we start treatment, the more likely we are to get a better outcome!

As always, if you are worried about your animals, our vets are happy to have a friendly chat. Give us a call on 03 325 2808

10/01/2025

In this edition of our Canterbury Dairy News, we look at the latest research and trends in fertility and Johne’s Disease and more ways of looking after your herd – and you.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cantdairy-jan25

10/01/2025

Looking for the next steps in improving profitability in your sheep, beef or deer operation? Check out the latest news from our team here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cantsbdnews-jan25

06/01/2025

A Happy New Year from Monty, Lumi, Pip, Gwen, Polly, Sass, & Rome!
What a great class to finish the year - our fur-tastic graduates are ready for the next chapter! ✨🎓🐾

02/01/2025

It's BBQ season and it's the little extras that make the difference.

Treat yourself while you treat your fur friend! Buy Bravecto this month to be in to win* a Barkers Hamper.

*Terms apply, ask in-clinic for details.

26/12/2024

CONGRATULATIONS to our Winner!!

- Shelley Baikie

Thank you to everyone who participated in the draw! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. 🥰

🎄Christmas Hamper Promo 🎄

We have this AMAZING Christmas Hamper Giveaway running in clinic at present! As you are all active followers of our page, all you need to do is;
-share this post
-post a festive picture of your choice
…And just like that we will enter you.

Only eligible for clients of VetEnt & PetFirst Lincoln! 🎅

This will be drawn on Tuesday 24th December 😊

24/12/2024

Meowy Christmas! Wishing you and your fur friends a pawsome day! 🎄

22/12/2024

Black Hawk cat food is packed with the protein, vitamins and minerals that your cat needs to live their best life. Buy and 4kg bag this month and receive a free storage tin.

*Terms apply, ask in-clinic for details. While stocks last.

19/12/2024

Quality nutrition keeps your fur friend healthy, happy and living their best life right beside you. And this month, save $25* on Black Hawk 15-20kg dog food.

*Terms apply, ask in-clinic for details.

19/12/2024

Looking for the perfect gift for the dog on your nice list? Treat them with Yours Droolly treats and pick up a FREE* reindeer dog toy to get them into the Christmas spirit!

*Terms apply, ask in-clinic for details. While stocks last.

19/12/2024

We've been having some especially festive patients with the build up to Christmas! 🎄🦌
Meet the always graceful Silvana - snuggled up after her dental ❤✨🦷

17/12/2024

Looking ahead is key to maintaining animal health and ROI too, so this month we look at some of the ways you can keep ahead of lameness, drench resistence, Johne's Disease and Yersinia at your place.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cant-dairy-dec24

17/12/2024

In the lead up to Christmas, we look forward to gathering with family and friends while keeping an eye on simple measures for summer success, protecting your farm from Toxoplasmosis, Campylobacteriosis, Facial Eczema, heat stress and drought.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/vetent-cant-sbd-dec24

17/12/2024

🎄Christmas Hamper Promo 🎄

We have this AMAZING Christmas Hamper Giveaway running in clinic at present! As you are all active followers of our page, all you need to do is;
-share this post
-post a festive picture of your choice
…And just like that we will enter you.

Only eligible for clients of VetEnt & PetFirst Lincoln! 🎅

This will be drawn on Tuesday 24th December 😊

13/12/2024

Farm Friday Lifestyle Lessons

When should you call the vet : sheep edition

- Bloating: If your sheep or lamb is bloated, you should call your veterinarian for advice. This can have very serious consequences if not dealt with early, including rupture of the stomach and death.

- Kneeling: If you notice your sheep kneeling to graze in the paddock, it is quite possibly lameness (sore feet). This could be due to a variety of reasons such as laminitis, foot rot, overgrowth or deformed feet, white line disease, as well as others.

- Discoloration of the wool: This is often indicative of fly strike or fleece rot. This is when flies lay eggs in the fleece of sheep, which hatch and feed off the skin and flesh. This can be as subtle as a colour change at the base of the tail as seen in the image on the left, and is much better treated sooner rather than later.

- Teeth grinding: This is often noticed as a strange the sound the sheep is making from the mouth. This can be indicative that your sheep is in pain, so further investigation is required.

- Isolating from the rest of the flock: This is often a sign that your sheep is unwell. Sheep are naturally herd animals, so separating from the rest of the flock is a warning sign that something may be wrong.

11/12/2024

All snuggled up and ready for the holidays—this little 3-day old guinea pig is bringing festive joy from the vet clinic! 🎄🐹❤️

10/12/2024

Following our post on Friday, we asked you which alpaca you think need to be seen by a vet. Alpaca are very good at hiding their pain and often only show subtle signs in their posture.

Picture 1 shows a normal 'cush' position. As you can see, his legs are tucked up neatly under him and his feet are not visible. His head is also held up high and if you were to walk up to him, you would expect he would either watch you closely or get up at your presence.

Picture 3 shows a very sick alpaca with a very severe colic. He is lying on his side with all feet visible - this is very abnormal! You can also see a disturbance in the hay where he has been rolling. However, despite how sick he is, his head is still up and he is still watching the camera. Alpaca will always try to hide how bad they feel!

Picture 2 is much more subtle. At first glance, you may think he is completely normal! However if we look closely, he is in an abnormal cush position. While his front legs are tucked under him, his back legs are pushed to the side and his back feet are visible. This is a sign of pain and sickness so a vet exam is a very good idea! In this case, he also had a severe colic, but an abnormal cush was the only sign. You may also expect him to be a bit slower than the rest of the herd with a decreased appetite.

Let us know how you went with your guesses! And as always, if you have any questions or concerns about your animals, give us a call!

Pictures not owned by VetEnt. Picture 1: Noddy's ark, Pictures 2 and 3: llama and alpaca care, medicine, surgeyr, reproduction, nutrition and herd health - C. Cebra Et Al - pg 525

09/12/2024

Lifestyle Lessons bonus post!

Last Friday, we discussed when you should call the vet for your alpaca.

Alpaca are very good at hiding pain, often only showing subtle signs until they are very sick. We talked about the cush position - go check out that post to refresh your memory!

One of these alpaca is very sick and is showing this in his posture - let us know which one you think it is!

Of the remaining 2 photos, one is normal while the other is showing signs of pain and should be examined by a vet. Which one do you think it is?

Leave us a comment and we will post the answer tomorrow, along with a description of the problem

Pictures not owned by VetEnt. Picture 1: Noddy's ark, Pictures 2 and 3: llama and alpaca care, medicine, surgeyr, reproduction, nutrition and herd health - C. Cebra Et Al - pg 525

01/12/2024

December: Introducing Minnie & Nigel! Adopted from the SPCA 12 years ago by Lidia and Nigel, Minnie has been living large ever since. She stays busy supervising chicken feeds and is a connoisseur of (much-deserved) treats!

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

29/11/2024

November! Introducing Yoda & Janez! Yoda is a wellbeing expert, bringing healing to his whole household. How does your pet make your life better?

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

27/11/2024

Life is expensive! But Petfirst Wellness makes it easy to choose your fur friend, delivering the best proactive veterinary care for less than the price of a snack per week.

Find out more and join here:

Petfirst Veterinary

27/11/2024

October! Introducing Coco & Vana! Coco has grown a bit since this photo but still competes with the cat for the best spot on her family's laps! She adores spending time with her extended family too!

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

25/11/2024

September! Introducing Salem & Ivy! Ivy told us: "Salem is a great friend - he is cheeky, cute and always cuddly and we love to play in the garden". What a gorgeous friendship!

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

24/11/2024

LAST DAYS! Got an itchy dog at home? Get them in this week to see what's irritating them and receive a FREE Simparica treatment. But only until 30 November 2024!

Find out more and book online at

Itchy skin and allergies are among the most frequent reasons pet parents seek guidance from our Petfirst teams. The constant scratching, licking, and biting not only disrupt your pet’s daily activities but can also lead to skin infections and long-term discomfort. We can help!

23/11/2024

Register for mypetfirst pet portal to update your pet's details, add new fur-friends, view reminders, appointments and visits and even upload the CUTEST pic 📸 - all when it suits YOU.

Visit https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/mypetfirst-portal to find out more and register.

Mypetfirst portal for digital services including: Book online, manage your pet online, healthcare reminders, update your details, book an appointment, order prescription medication, buy petfood online and more. WhatsApp us or text 3489.

23/11/2024

August! Introducing Jasper & Terry! I think you'll agree - Jasper is a real charmer! As comfortable patrolling in the garden as he is curling up on the couch with his family, this cat has it made!

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

20/11/2024

If you have an itchy pet, talk to your local Petfirst Veterinary team about how targeted nutrition can help. Loaded with essental elements and low-allergen, high quality protein, these Royal Canin and Hill's diets will look after your fur friend inside and out.

Make the change this month with special offers - and a palatability guarantee. Find out more at

Itchy skin and allergies are among the most frequent reasons pet parents seek guidance from our Petfirst teams. The constant scratching, licking, and biting not only disrupt your pet’s daily activities but can also lead to skin infections and long-term discomfort. We can help!

20/11/2024

July! Introducing Hana & Filip! Hana is a fantastic Kiwi ambassador, welcoming Filip on a visit from overseas! Filip loves Hana - and so do the kids at Wanaka Primary, where Hana visits in her role as a therapy dog

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics

18/11/2024

Getting into Christmas shopping? Tick off the best behaved boys and girls on your list with a free Reindeer Droolly Dog toy with Yours Droolly 200g-500g treats!

Available while stocks last. Ts&Cs apply, ask in-clinic for details.

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18/11/2024

June! Introducing Bailey & Hannah! Mary told us that beautiful Bailey is an active playmate who also loves to cuddle - the perfect balance, we think!

Get your free Petfirst Veterinary calendar from your nearest Petfirst clinic now - while stocks last! https://www.mypetfirst.co.nz/pages/our-clinics