Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic Large Animal Services

07/30/2023

Happy International Friendship Day!

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." -George Elliot

07/24/2023

07/21/2023

Heat stress in farm animals can be a serious issue during the summer months. If you suspect that your farm animals are experiencing heat stress, here are some steps you can take to help treat and alleviate the condition:

- Provide Adequate Water
- Create Shade
- Improve Ventilation
- Adjust Feeding Practices
- Wetting the Animals
- Reduce Physical Activity
- Monitor Animals' Behavior
- Seek Veterinary Assistance

Remember that prevention is key in managing heat stress. Implementing proactive measures, such as providing proper shade, ventilation, and access to water, can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress in farm animals!

07/19/2023

You can look for many signs of heat stress in your animals.

Some general signs include:
- panting
- increased respiration rate
- increased water intake
- loss of appetite
- listless or lethargy
- increased salivation
- in severe cases may become unconscious

Make sure you are well informed on the signs of heat stress for any species you own and watch them closely during days of extreme heat.

07/17/2023

So that climatic extremes that are likely to compromise the animals' welfare can be avoided, transport of animals should be carefully planned out.

The journey plan should minimize the effects of hot weather on the animals:
- pre-determine your route
- mark out a map with places of shade and water availability (such as rest stops)

07/14/2023

Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is recommended not to handle animals in extreme heat.

If it is necessary, make sure it is done as early or late in the day as possible when temperatures are lower.

07/12/2023

During the summer, farm animals require shelter that provides protection from the heat, sunlight, and other weather conditions. Here are some types of shelters commonly used for farm animals during the summer:

- Barns
- Shade Structures
- Open-Sided Shelters
- Trees and Natural Shade
- Misters and Sprinklers
- Ponds or Water Sources
- Portable Shelters

When designing or selecting a shelter, it is essential to consider factors such as ventilation, access to clean water, and the specific needs of the farm animals in question. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and airflow within the shelter is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment for the animals during the summer months!

07/10/2023

It is essential to provide a plentiful supply of clean, cool water and shade to your animals during the summer.

Water troughs or containers should be large enough and designed in such a way that all animals have easy access.

If a large number of animals are kept together, the number of watering points and water flow should be increased.

07/06/2023

Good forward planning is required to manage animals in high temperatures.

Keeping an eye on the weather forecasts and developing a plan for days of high to extreme temperature is essential to ensure that your animals will have enough shade and water.

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July! Our office will be closed today to observe the holiday. Normal business hours will resume tomorrow, July 5th at 8:00 a.m. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

07/03/2023

Your horse’s cough could indicate an underlying condition in need of treatment, like severe equine asthma. Aservo® EquiHaler® (ciclesonide inhalation spray) is an effective treatment, with improved lung function after only a 10-day treatment period. Call us today to set up an evaluation with Dr. Naylor.
419-422-3292

06/30/2023

🐐 It's finally Saturday! Sit back and relax, and take a day to do whatever makes you happy!

06/27/2023

Do your large animals need veterinary services? Let us come to you! Dr. Naylor and our staff are available for farm calls every Tuesday morning. A deposit is required to schedule and varies based on number of animals and mileage from the clinic. Please call us for an estimate or to schedule today at 419-422-3292. We look forward to seeing you!

06/24/2023

Nose to tail, we love them all 💕

06/23/2023

It's ! 💦

It's important that all of your animals are property hydrated, especially during these hot summer days ☀️

06/21/2023

Happy International Yoga Day! It's never a bad day for goat yoga! 🐐

06/12/2023

Banamine should be a part of every barn's first-aid kit, but there are a few things to keep in mind before administering this common drug to your horse:
*Banamine (flunixin meglumine) is an NSAID, commonly used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever in horses.
*It comes in two forms: oral paste, or injectable liquid.
*Banamine should ONLY be injected in the vein. Intramuscular injection can come with a high risk of a severe muscle infection called Clostridial myositis. Opportunistic bacteria release toxins that cause large pockets of gas and fluid to collect in the damaged muscle tissue, and the infection can be fatal if left untreated.
*More is NOT better - Banamine should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours, or in addition to other NSAIDs to avoid overdose.
*ALWAYS consult your veterinarian before giving Banamine! Let us know what symptoms you are trying to treat, and if the horse has received any other medications that day. We are always a phone call away - please don't hesitate to reach out!
419-422-3292

06/09/2023

Also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), Cushing’s disease is the most common endocrine disorder diagnosed in horses. Although Cushing’s disease in horses carries the same name as an similar disorder that affects people and dogs, the disease process is different because the equine version affects a different aspect of the pituitary gland. Endocrine disorders are those that affect the production of hormones.

All breeds of horses can be diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, but ponies and Morgan breeds may be predisposed.
At Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Naylor will diagnose PPID through a combination of your horse’s medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. There are two main diagnostics tests for PPID: a baseline plasma ACTH concentration, and a thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test.

Horses that are diagnosed with Cushing’s disease are generally aged (over 15 years old) and therefore also susceptible to non-PPID conditions. Medical management of PPID improves quality of life and can help reduce the likelihood of some diseases. It does not necessarily prolong lifespan and will vary depending on the horse's overall state of health. Left untreated, Cushing’s disease will continue to progress and will cause the horse's weakened immune system to worsen. It is likely that a secondary condition such as laminitis will result.

If you believe your horse is displaying any signs of Cushings Disease (PPID), please give us a call at 419-422-3292.

06/08/2023

Tammy came to visit us today. She is a Nigerian Dwarf goat. She is so cute.

06/07/2023

There are 93 individual products impacted. A full list can be found by following the link below:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/docs/g02112-Antibiotics-impacted-by-GFI263.pdf

Establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship today! Dr. Naylor is accepting new clients and looks forward to meeting you all!

05/29/2023

Wishing you a peaceful Memorial Day from all of us here at Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic.

05/17/2023

Here are a few super easy wellness checks you can perform at home to ensure your horse is healthy:

Normal Re**al Temperature:
Adult: 99°F-101.5°F
Foal: 99°F-102°F

You can listen to your horse's pulse by using a stethoscope, feeling the mandibular artery, or by feeling the heart via the chest -low, down behind/close to the elbows. (this method is best for foals):
Normal Pulse (beats per minute)
Adult: 28-44 bpm
Foal: 50-70 bpm

To check your horse's respiratory rate, count the number of breaths by watching their chest rise and fall, or cup hand over nostrils to feel breaths.
Respiratory Rate (breaths per minute):
Adult: 8-15 bpm
Foal: 20-40 bpm

Gums
Normal: Bright pink and moist; if you press them, it should blanch white and turn back to pink in less than 2 seconds.
Abnormal: Brick red, purple, or blue gums, with a purple line above teeth.

If any results from these checks are abnormal, please contact us at 419-422-3292 as soon as possible to ensure the health and safety of your equine friend!

05/14/2023

Happy Mother's Day! 💐 Wishing you all a wonderful day from all of us here at Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic!

05/02/2023

May is National Pet Month!
🐑🐄🐎🐖🐓
Make sure to celebrate your farm animals and pets all month long!

04/25/2023

🦟Livestock mosquito control is so important because animals that are constantly badgered by mosquitoes will not feed properly. It’s not uncommon for cows and goats to provide less milk while cattle, sheep and poultry may suffer weight loss. Mosquitoes transmit viruses that cause encephalitis in horses and myxomatosis in rabbits.
It’s impossible for agriculture to occur without water, and the same is true for mosquitoes. Here are 3 basic tips to cut down on mosquitos around the farm:
✔Ensure the prevention or elimination of wastewater that has been standing for more than four days.
✔Keep the property irrigated so that there are no puddles/surface water standing for more than four days.
✔Properly maintain the area around ponds, ditches and shallow wetlands.

04/19/2023

Keep Opossums out of the barn! Horses can contract equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) by ingesting food or water contaminated with opossum f***s.
Help keep opossums away by eliminating potential food sources such as accessible pet food and fruit that has fallen from trees. A daily sweep of the barn, especially the feed room, is a good way to keep out rodents, raccoons and opossums—all of them love clutter and stray bits of feed. The trick to controlling wild animals is to control the food source!

04/13/2023

There are 93 individual products impacted. A full list can be found by following the link below:https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/docs/g02112-Antibiotics-impacted-by-GFI263.pdf

To establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship, please call 419-422-3292. We are accepting new clients and look forward to meeting you all!

04/09/2023

🐇 Happy Easter from all of us at Blanchard Valley Vet Clinic! May your Easter be filled with joy, happiness, and peace this spring and always. 🐣

03/31/2023

Please help us wish Dr. Chelsea Naylor a happy birthday today!! Dr. Naylor is devoted to her patients, small or large animal. We appreciate you Dr. Naylor, we hope you have a wonderful birthday!

03/30/2023

Staying current on your vaccinations will optimize the health of your horse and the other horses in the herd. Contact us today at 419-422-3292 to discuss which vaccines are best for your horse!

03/28/2023

Sometimes our horse friends are more accident prone than we would like to admit... it's important to remember that there are many different kinds of lacerations and wounds that need different levels of care:
- Small Puncture Wounds: Try and assess how deep the wound goes and apply pressure if any bleeding is occurring. Consult with Dr. Naylor, let her know where the wound is located and if there is an object protruding from it. If there is an object protruding please leave it alone until Dr. Naylor can remove it for you.
- Abrasions: Sometimes these wounds don't need actual veterinary attention but please consult with Dr. Naylor so she may guide you in how you can address this wound.
- Small Lacerations & Cuts in Muscle/Tendons: Examine the wound and apply a standing wrap to the opposite leg to stabilize the horse. Call Dr. Naylor so she may come out and assess the area to determine if sutures and other medications are needed for treatment.
- Skin Flap Lacerations: Call Dr. Naylor right away so she can determine if suturing the wound is appropriate. Please wait for her before flushing the wound and cleaning debris from it.
- Deep Punctures & Cuts in Joint Areas: Call Dr. Naylor right away. Radiographs (x-rays) are often used to determine the extent of the injury before determining the correct treatment plan moving forward. While waiting for Dr. Naylor you may apply a standing wrap to the opposite leg to provide stability to your horse.

In all of these situations it's important to have a first aid kit ready! This is Dr. Naylor's "At Home First Aid Kit" recommendation for you and your horse to have available until she can make it out to your farm to assess the situation.

03/23/2023

Dr. Naylor will be out of the office on the following days. However, the clinic will be open for any small/companion animal concerns. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

03/17/2023

🍀Happy St. Patrick's Day!🍀 We are so LUCKY to have such amazing clients and patients!

03/14/2023

🥧Happy Pi Day!🥧

"Apple Pi" Horse Treat Recipe:
1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cup cheerios cereal
1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce
1/4 cup white or whole wheat flour
1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a mixer to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
Shape the dough into little cakes and place them on a non-stick cookie sheet, then press a cheerio into the top of each one.
Bake for 14 minutes.
Let cool for at least an hour before feeding to your horse. Refrigerate for long-term storage. (Makes about 20 treats.)

*Be careful with your laminitic, Cushing’s Disease (PPID), Metabolic Syndrome (Insulin Dysregulation), and obese horses! The excess sugar in these treats aren’t the best for them!

03/09/2023

Establishing a good working relationship with your farrier and veterinarian is an important step to ensure your horse stays healthy! Many foot problems can occur in horses. To reduce hoof problems:

✔Schedule regular trimming or shoeing.
✔Maintain good hoof balance.
✔Provide appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions.
✔Provide appropriate treatment when disease occurs.
✔Maintain proper horse nutrition.

Schedule today by calling 419-422-3292 to establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship!

03/07/2023

So, can goats swim? The answer is yes, they're great swimmers and were known to swim long distances and even across seas to populate on close neighboring islands. However, since being domesticated, they usually aren't too keen on getting wet at all, even from the rain!