Seven Springs Mobile Veterinary Services

04/17/2025

🚨 EMERGENCY CALLS – IMPORTANT REMINDER 🚨

As a large animal veterinarian, I’m always here to help when emergencies arise. Without a valid VCPR, I am not required to come out for emergency care. To establish a valid annual VCPR, I must examine your animal(s) in person for a non-sick visit. I cannot prescribe or dispense medications without a VCPR.

Annual wellness exams aren't just a box to check — they help me get to know your animals when they’re healthy, so I can better care for them when they’re not.

✅ Schedule your yearly check-up now to ensure I can be there when you really need me.

Let’s keep your herd healthy and ready for whatever comes their way! 🐄🐎🐐

04/14/2025

Nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive herd. Weight = profit, especially in today’s beef market. Maximize your herd’s potential with a nutrition consult.

🔎Fetal Programming in Focus: Mineral Matters✅

Research highlights how consistent gestational mineral supplementation supports improved colostrum volume, weaning weights and long-term growth. Backed by a university-led study, Wind and Rain® mineral showed measurable results in fetal development and postnatal performance.💪🌾📋

https://loom.ly/1PXfpOs

04/08/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Seven Springs Vet is more than just a veterinary provider– we’re committed to supporting and connecting with our wonderful local community! 🏡❤️

This month, we’re excited to be involved in a variety of events. We believe in the power of community and are honored to be part of events that bring people and animals closer together. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to stop by and say hello at one of our events! 👋

04/04/2025

🐎 Managing Equine PPID (Cushing's) in the spring involves key steps to ensure your horse stays healthy 🐎

• Monitor Diet: Limit pasture access to prevent overeating sugary grass. 🌿 Use a grazing muzzle and offer low-sugar hay like grass hay. Keep an eye on weight.

• Coat and Shedding: You may need to assist with grooming since horses with PPID often struggle with shedding their winter coats. Regular grooming can keep them cooler and help with circulation.

• Medications: Ensure consistent use of pergolide (Prascend) and consult your vet for dosage adjustments, as symptoms may fluctuate with the season.

• Regular Check-ups: Watch for PPID symptoms (long coat, sweating, lethargy) and schedule vet check-ups, including blood tests to monitor ACTH levels. Check for laminitis signs.

• Temperature Management: Provide adequate shelter and protection from the weather. Horses with PPID may have difficulty regulating their temperature.

Stay in touch with your vet to adjust care as needed through the season!
📞 828-222-0477

04/02/2025

As we transition into spring, keep these common concerns in mind for your large animals:

🌱 Diet & Pasture: Gradually transition to fresh grass to prevent colic or bloat. Watch for parasite issues as the weather warms up.

💉 Health & Vaccinations: Don’t forget spring vaccinations and parasite treatments to keep your animals safe.

🌦️ Weather Stress: Be mindful of sudden temperature changes and muddy conditions that can affect hooves and joints.

🐣 Breeding & Births: Ensure proper care for pregnant animals and newborns, and watch for complications.

🐾 Parasite & Insect Control: Be ready for fly, tick, and flea season to keep your animals comfortable.

Spring can bring a lot of changes—plan ahead to keep your animals healthy and happy! 🌸🐄🐎

03/27/2025

It's that time of year! Join us at 's Milling & Feed, Inc. for our annual discounted spring vaccine clinic. Contact Johnson's to schedule your slot.

03/24/2025

📢Exciting news for cattle and horse owners! 📢 We’re soon offering artificial insemination and embryo transfer services to help improve your herd's genetics and boost productivity. Stay tuned for more details on how we can support your breeding goals!
828-222-0477

03/23/2025

Hi folks! Dr. Elliott will be out of state for the entire week. You may still contact us at 828-222-0477 for scheduling and questions. If you are a current client with an emergency, give us a call and we can advise you on a proper plan or referral.

03/21/2025

📢📢Attention local dog and cat owners! Need annual vaccinations? We are teaming up with Johnson's Milling and Feed in Taylorsville on Thursday April 3rd for a drive-up clinic.

We have rabies vaccines available for both dogs and cats. Certificate and rabies tag will be provided.

🌟Please note, if you are wanting a 3-year rabies vaccination, proof of previous vaccine is required.

We look forward to seeing you there!

03/13/2025

Spring is near! And with it comes birthing season for many animals. Here are some essential tips to ensure you are prepared to keep your moms and babies healthy.

1️⃣ Pre-Birth Health Check: Make sure your pregnant animals are in good health before giving birth. Regular vet check-ups can help prevent complications.
2️⃣ Provide a Clean, Safe Environment: Ensure birthing areas are clean and dry.
3️⃣ Nutritional Support: Pregnant animals need extra nutrients. Provide a high-quality, balanced diet to support both mother and baby.
4️⃣ Stay Close by: Be ready to assist if complications arise during delivery. Knowing when to step in can make all the difference. Never hesitate to call your vet if needed!
5️⃣ Monitor for Post-Birth Issues: After birth, monitor the mother for any signs of distress or infection. Make sure the babies are nursing well and getting the care they need.
6️⃣ Vaccination & Parasite Control: Keep up with vaccinations and deworming schedules to protect both mom and babies from preventable diseases.

🩺 Useful supplies to have on hand include: clean bedding and towels, gloves, lubricant, temperature regulation tools (heat lamps/boxes), colostrum or milk replacer, livestock bottle and ni**le, scissors, clean syringes, thermometer, fresh water and electrolyte solutions. 🍼

Give us a call to discuss any of your birthing season needs.
📞828-222-0477📞

03/10/2025

A healthy herd starts with careful planning. 🐄🐑 Dr. Elliott works with his clients to develop personalized protocols when adding new animals to the farm. Here are some general tips for a safe and healthy integration.

Whether it's adding new cattle to a large herd, getting your goat a new companion, or starting a farm - planning for the safety and wellbeing of your animal is our top priority. 🐐🐴

📞828-222-0477📞

03/06/2025

Wolf teeth are small, leftover teeth that some horses have, usually just in front of their first molars. They don’t serve any real purpose and can cause problems, especially if they get in the way of the bit when you're riding the horse.

Here’s why they’re sometimes taken out:

1️⃣ Discomfort: If wolf teeth rub against the bit, they can cause pain or irritation in the horse's mouth, making it uncomfortable for them to wear a bridle.

2️⃣ Bit Issues: When the bit is in the horse's mouth, wolf teeth can get in the way, causing the horse to feel pressure or discomfort. This might make the horse resist the bit or act up.

3️⃣ Preventing Problems: If the wolf teeth are left in, they could get loose, infected, or cause more trouble later on. Taking them out early can prevent these issues.

4️⃣ Not Always Needed: Some horses don’t have problems with their wolf teeth, and if they’re not causing any issues, there’s no need to remove them.

⭐ Usually, wolf teeth are pulled out when the horse is young (around 2-4 years old) before they start using a bit. But if the teeth aren't causing trouble, there's no rush to take them out. ⭐

Extraction of wolf teeth is considered routine dental care. The horse receives a standing sedation and local anesthetic prior to removal.

➡️ Here is Dr. Elliott extracting two wolf teeth from a young mare at Red Tail Ranch.

03/03/2025

It is recommended to have your horse evaluated when you suspect any type of lameness. The job of the veterinarian is to evaluate the horse, identify whether the horse is lame, and to pinpoint the exact location and structures involved that cause the horse's pain.

Lameness examinations include:
• Visual evaluation
• Complete neurological assessment
• Manual palpation of the limbs in weightbearing and non-weightbearing positions
• Confirmation evaluation
• Thorough foot and hoof evaluation including use of hoof testers
• Examination of back and neck to detect mobility
• Walking and jogging
• Circling/lunging
• Flexion tests

Additional evaluation methods may include nerve blocks or imaging.

02/28/2025

Esophageal obstruction, also known as choke, occurs when food or foreign objects block the esophagus. One of the most common complications is aspiration pneumonia, which develops when feed and saliva enter the lungs causing secondary bacterial infections. Call your vet immediately if you notice signs of choke.

Causes:
🔹Rapid ingestion of feed
🔹Improper chewing (dental disease)
🔹Swallowing a foreign body
🔹Inadequate water intake
🔹Eating while sedated
🔹Disease/other conditions

Clinical Signs:
🔹Nasal discharge that contains food and saliva (green, frothy)
🔹Excessive salvation or coughing
🔹Excessive sweating
🔹Extension of head/neck after eating

Choke is diagnosed during physical and oral examination. Medical management involves removing the obstruction. Often, a nasogastric tube will be passed to determine the location of the obstruction. Warm water can be added to break up the impaction. Your vet may prescribe medication to manage pain and relax the esophageal muscles.

Prevention is key - soak feeds, ensure clean water is available, utilize strategies to slow-feed, and receive regular oral exams.

📞828-222-0477

02/24/2025

Not to be confused with human polio -- Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a nutritional disorder that causes destruction of neurons within the brain which leads to swelling and inflammation. The most common cause of PEM is thiamine deficiency.

🐐 Symptoms of thiamine deficiency typically manifest neurologically. It can affect all animals but is most commonly seen in younger lambs and kids transitioning from a milk to solid diet, or those with a high grain diet. 🐑

Early blindness can lead, typically within hours or days, to loss of body control, inability to stand, and seizures. In more advanced cases, the animals commonly arch their heads back as far as possible.

The prevalence is sporadic but usually associated with changes in feed of some sort. The significance of thiamine in your goat's diet cannot be emphasized enough! Goats are able to obtain thiamine in their natural environment through the consumption of forages such as clover and alfalfa. 🌿 If goats are reliant on cultivated pastures or supplementary fed, you will need to ensure they receive a consistent supply of thiamine through their diet or supplements.

💉 Most cases of thiamine deficiency/PEM respond to prompt administration of thiamine. You can utilize vitamin B complex, but it is highly recommended to have a prescription for concentrated thiamine after a visit from your vet. Additional anti-inflammatory drugs may be administered to reduce brain inflammation.

828-222-0477

02/23/2025

The amount of space required for horses depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the animal, the breed, and the level of activity. Here are some general guidelines:

🐴 Horses:
For horses that are kept in stalls, the recommended stall size is around 12 feet by 12 feet. For those that are kept in pastures, the recommended amount of space is typically around 1-2 acres per horse.

🐂Beef Cow:
Provide at least 100-200 sq ft per animal in a barn or shelter. They also need plenty of pasture for grazing—ideally, 1-2 acres per cow.

🐐Goat and Sheep:
Goats and sheep need about 10-20 sq ft per animal in a shelter or barn. For grazing, aim for 1-2 acres per 4-6 animals.

🐖Pigs:
Pigs require at least 20-30 sq ft per pig in a shelter or pen. For outdoor space, provide 1/4 to 1/2 acre per pig to allow them room to root and roam.

🐪Camelids:
Camelids need around 50-100 sq ft per animal in a shelter or barn. For grazing and roaming, aim for 1-2 acres per 2-3 animals.

02/21/2025

Looking to castrate your goat or sheep? 🐐🐑

We advocate for surgical castration as it is effective and the length of time in pain is limited. The banding method has shown post-procedural behaviors indicative of pain. However, we want to support our clients in castration protocols that are applicable to each individual farm.

Castration can have many benefits which include unwanted pregnancies, finer wool quality, improved meal quality and tenderness, and avoidance of unwanted behaviors. Castration may be delayed for animals that will remain wethers for the remainder of their natural life such as pets and fiber animals, as this helps in prevention of urinary blockages. The recommendation is to wait at least until 3 months/12 weeks of age. You should also ensure your animal is protected against tetanus prior to castration.

For those that want to band - timing is critical. If you are not using a local anesthetic, banding should occur under 7 days of age but after the maternal bond has been established and colostrum intake completed. Banding performed older than 7 days but under 12 weeks of age should be performed with local anesthetics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult with your veterinarian for appropriate medication and pain management strategies.

Castrations by animals older than 12 weeks should be completed by a veterinarian using appropriate sedation and pain management.

Give us a call today to inquire about castration services.
📞828-222-0477.