Valley Vet Supply

February Dental Month Giveaway!

February is dental month. Let’s celebrate! Tell your pooch to pucker up and prepare to win an awesome assortment of breath-freshening, teeth-cleaning swag.

The winner will receive:


Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chew Pantry Packs-Extra Fresh Flavor
Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chew Pantry Packs-Filet Mignon Flavor
Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chews-Extra Fresh Flavor
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Corn & Wheat Free Medium Chews
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Corn & Wheat Free Regular Chews
Nylabone Happytime Edible Chews
Nylabone Happytime Edible Puppy Chews
Nylabone Small DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Medium DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Large DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Medium DuraChew-Bacon flavor
Nylabone Large DuraChew-Bacon flavor

FEBRUARY DENTAL MONTH GIVEAWAY!

TO ENTER:
1. Answer this question in the comments section of this blog post:

What are the names of your dogs and what is the approximate weight of the dog who will eat the most treats?

Be honest. Your dogs can’t read.

and

2. Share, Tweet or Like this post. Spread the word!

THE RULES:
One entry per person, please. (Note: Your entry will not appear immediately.) No entries after 8:00 am Central Time Wednesday February 8,2012. One winner will be chose at random and announced on Thursday.

Good Luck! Lori H

Hypothermia in Cold Stressed Calves

I just read the January issue of “The Colostrum Counsel” newsletter from The Saskatoon Colostrum Co. Ltd. Its timing was perfect. The topic of the newsletter is calf hypothermia, the subject of much discussion (and blogging!) here this time of year.

The USDA estimates that 95,000 calves die each year from hypothermia. It’s an alarming figure. Prevention is best, but swift diagnosis and treatment will go a long way to mitigate cold stress and hypothermia.

Symptoms of cold stress include shivering, rapid pulse, rapid breathing and a cold nose. In the early stages, body temperature often drops a couple of degrees from the normal 102°. If the progression continues to more severe hypothermia, calves may stop shivering as muscles stiffen. Movement may become clumsy. Pulse and breathing rates slow. Body temperature continues to fall. A veterinary thermometer helps you assess the situation fairly quickly. When temps fall into the mid-90° range, vital organs are becoming chilled.

Begin treatment by getting the calf dry and warm. The Roy-L-Heat Animal Warmer utilizes a 110-volt heater to circulate warmth, quickly drying and warming newborns. A Calf Coat repels moisture and wind, offering a degree of protection for newborns or young calves. It’s also important that the calf receive adequate warm, high quality Colostrum. This warms them from the inside and helps them achieve passive transfer of immunity from disease.

To learn more, read “The Colostrum Counsel” by Sam Leadley, PhD, PAS (Download January Colostrum Counsel) Lori H

Go Dog Go!

It is hard to stop a dog that has seen something is off on a chase. Whether it is a dog that is hunting with its owner or just your average dog that takes off and goes! At some time in every dog’s life there is bound to be an injury. No matter what the injury may be, you can try to be prepared for a few events. In our family we have a short dog (Corgi) and tall dogs (Weims), and each have their own problems.

Being a short dog means your chase is close to the ground where weeds and dust are the thickest. We had noticed Ansley (the Corgi) had one eye that kept tearing up and decided to have it checked out at the vet. Amazingly, she had a sticker in the eye itself, and they recommended she go to a higher authority… our local K-State vet college. This wasn’t our first trip there for one of our animals, and they gave great attention as usual. After checking the eye out thoroughly, they removed the smallest of slivers. All should be ok, but there is a slim chance it can affect her later.

The Weims, although taller, can run through brush and have the same problems with twigs and grasses hitting them in the face. Since they are such a short- haired breed, their coats are easier to clean, but unfortunately, their skin is not protected from sharp objects. A couple of times they have caught and torn their chest or back. One night (of course it was a late Saturday night) we let the dogs in, and as one of the Weims passed by, I saw a red blur. When I caught up with Max, I noticed he had a fairly large gash on his back. It was a rather nasty three corner tear. We cleaned it up as best as possible, used liberal amounts of triple antibiotic, tried to get the flap of skin in place, and bandaged with a telfa pad and LOTS of tape. I know you can imagine that lasted about all of ummmmm, a minute?? Amazing how dexterous a dog is when it comes to the middle of a spot and licking something off themself. We re-applied everything and humiliated Max by putting one of my t-shirts on him. No flowers, but it may have been pink. Pulled up snugly and tied with a ponytail holder, he looked so nice! When Monday came we made a trip to the vet, but by then he said it could not be stitched with out trimming the edges to close the gash cleanly. He suggested letting time heal the gash as we would have to put him under anesthesia. Keeping a close watch on the wound, Max made a quick recovery and has just a slight mark to show what happened.

The lesson we learned was, if in doubt, call the vet and don’t wait. Always keep on hand good quality bandage materials, wound wash/spray, eye wash, scissors, and bandaging. A small tool box can hold all supplies for emergencies. On our website we have kits already assembled for many types of animals (large and small). Like your children, there isn’t any way to guarantee an accident can’t happen, but you can prepare the best way possible. Helen

How Mice Led to Healthier Joints

Sometimes the research that leads to development of a product is particularly fascinating.  I find that true with the story of cetyl myristoleate and how it came to be used for joint support in horses, dogs and people.

Cetyl myrsitoleate is a unique esterified fatty acid derived from myristoleic acid. It was first discovered by Dr Harry Diehl at the National Institute of Health during his research of Swiss albino mice. While studying the mice, Dr Diehl noticed that they had remarkably healthy joints, and a surprising resistance to joint stress. He theorized that the mice carried a trait that made them special, and ultimately discovered that it was their ability to synthesize cetyl myristoleate that made them unique. Most animals (and people) can not make cetyl myristoleate on their own. In order to benefit from its unique joint health properties, it must be taken in supplemental form. Cetyl myristoleate is found in the African Kombo nut, beef tallow or whale fat.

Today, countless horses, dogs and people have benefited from Dr. Diehl’s research and the power of cetyl myristoleate. It’s hard to imagine that it all started with a little white mouse!

Watch the video. It’s amazing! Lori H

Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere!

In my house, organization is key! If you get something out, you put it back where you got it because that's where it belongs, not on the floor or on the counter. And if you have used it to where it's dirty, then it is your responsibility to clean it, and then put it back. I was raised that way, just as my kids will be raised that way as well (I'm still working on training my husband! :D ) That is the way our house is ran, and that same attitude is reflected in everything we have: the garage, the vehicles, the back shed, and especially the horse barn.

Now some may say it’s silly to keep a horse barn clean, but I disagree. It's important to keep the barn clean and organized. That way you know where everything is and you have access to everything in a moment’s notice in case of an emergency.

Valley Vet offers a lot of products that can help you keep your tack organized, which I believe is the hardest thing because of so many parts and straps. There are stationary saddle racks for one or more saddles, rotating saddle racks, tack hooks, bridle racks, the list goes on and on.

We also have stable forks that will conveniently pick up some unwanted "clumps" (ha ha, didn't want to use the other word). A key factor in organizing is using the correct tools and stable equipment to put things in a safe and secure place. For a house, it’s hooks, containers, and storage. For a barn, its racks, hooks and scoops! Rhonda

What A Sale!

I am a big believer in looking through the clearance rack. It is in fact the very first part of a store I go to. In my opinion, why pay full price on one shirt, when I can find just as good of a shirt that is marked down 75% off?! I also enjoy looking through the clearance section at valleyvet.com! There is a wide selection of books and gifts, farm supplies, equine supplies and tack, and so on. In fact, just the other day I found a Carhartt insulated vest for my husband for $39.95. I saved $15 on the vest!!!

Being the extreme couponer that I am, I just can't stop bragging about all my savings. In that same order, I also got Dan a new Carhartt reversible hat. I'm not going to lie, I actually bought the hat because the picture on the Internet sporting it is my brother, so of course I had to get it!

Then, my sister-in-law is expecting a baby in June.... OMG I got the cutest little John Deere baby boots ever, for $5 off!!! Want even more savings? Subscribe to our secret weekly sales by simply putting in your email address. Coupons and savings code come directly to your inbox. How much easier can it get?

What savings can you find?! Check it out! Valley Vet Supply Clearance!

Rhonda

Wichita Farm & Ranch Show

Valley Vet Supply recently had the opportunity to co-sponsor the Wichita Farm & Ranch Show in Wichita KS. It was an expo for livestock producers that featured a series of live cattle chute demonstrations. In each demo, a pen of calves was split between 6 cattle squeeze chutes for processing. Dr. Preston Hickman, Wichita, joined our team of Jay Frerking (Valley Vet Supply), Dustin Baker (Powder River) Livestock Handling Equipment  and Tod Adams (Allflex USA) to process the calves.

Calves received vaccinations, dewormer, an Allflex Electronic ID (EID) tag, a visual ID tag and other health care, as needed.

Watch Dr Hickman’s interview with Bryan Hallman. Learn  more about Beef Quality Assurance and watch our chute demos. 

Watch Tod Adams’ interview with Bryan Hallman. Learn more about Electronic Identification (EID) and see more chute demos. Lori H

     

Improving Survial Rates of Winter Calves

Cold weather is stressful for calves and makes them more vulnerable to sickness and mortality. By giving calves the right start, you can help improve survival rates.

Maternal Scour Protection - Since the cow provides protection via the colostrum, prevention should start with her. When pregnant cows are vaccinated against bacterial and viral pathogens like E coli, Rotavirus and Coronavirus, they pass along the protection to calves through their colostrum.

Prevent Hypothermia – Cold stress presents a significant challenge to the survival of newborn calves. Warm calves quickly after birth to restore core body temperatures. The Roy-L-Heat Animal Warmer utilizes a 110-volt heater to circulate warmth, quickly drying and warming newborns. A Calf Coat repels moisture and wind, offering a degree of protection for newborns or young calves.

Colostrum - It’s important that the calf received adequate colostrum to achieve passive transfer of immunity from disease. Supplementation may be desirable, especially during inclement weather, which can increase pathogen load and weaken the calf’s immune system.

Antibiodies – Provide some scour protection until the immune system is functional.

Respiratory Protection – against respiratory diseases IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV and Mannheimia haemolytica (pasteurella). Modified live (MLV) products for calves have the advantages of a fast immune response and long duration of immunity.

Antibiotics - Scours and pneumonia caused by bacterial infections may improve with the use of sulfas and antibiotics.

Calf scours that are resistant to treatment may be caused by Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto). The organism invades cells in the intestines and can quickly spread through a high percentage of the calf crop. Avoid buying calves to cross-foster, as this is the usual source of the organism. Clean, dry calving areas also help prevent infection. Lori H

Joint Help Comes in Cosequin for Cats

Got a favorite cat you hope will be able to stay your companion for years to come? Unfortunately, cats get old too, and suffer the same joint problems as people. It can be a challenge to find a product that a cat will eat, and that actually works. If you are trying to keep an old friend comfortable, there is Cosequin for Cats.

It's a carefully studied and proven formula that Nutramax Laboratories is proud to describe. It uses a really pure form of glucosamine and a low molecular type of chondroitin that is bio-available. Most chondroitin doesn't work because the molecules are too large to enter the cells, so it ends up useless in the body. Nutramax has patented a way to make the molecule tiny enough to do its job where it's needed. They finish the formula off with 1 mg of manganese and natural flavors of tuna and chicken.

On joint products, it's important to do a "loading phase" where the amount is doubled for a few weeks until results are seen, and then it can be lowered to a maintenance dose. Cosequin for Cats is sometimes also recommended by vets for urinary bladder support.

So if you are looking for something to keep your furry friend purring, don't forget that Cosequin is a popular joint essential that dogs, horses and yes, even people use...but they also have an exclusive formula for cats. Ellen

Cosequin for Dogs

Cosequin has been used to maintain joint health in animals since 1992. Cosequin differs from other joint support supplements because of the exclusive, patented ingredients it contains. Cosequin contains TRH122® chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49® glucosamine, and manganese ascorbate. This particular combination of ingredients has been proven to work together to help support cartilage production and protect the existing cartilage from breakdown.

Older dogs are more susceptible to joint pain and decreased mobility. Part of the natural aging process involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Because cartilage acts as a shock absorber between joints, its breakdown can lead to joint pain and decreased flexibility. Other factors can lead to cartilage breakdown, including injury, trauma, exercise and excess weight. Some dog breeds are more susceptible, particularly large breeds or working breeds of any size.

Cosequin for Dogs is available in nine different formulas, each designed for specific needs:

Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula for joint health and mobility. Roast beef and cheese flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Plus MSM Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Capsules - Double strength formula in capsule form. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Capsules - Regular strength formula for dogs up to 25 pounds. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Soft Chews - Contains patented ingredients chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Soft Chews Plus MSM - Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Multi - Combines Cosequin ingredients with multivitamins and minerals. Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Beef flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets - Basic joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl and MSM. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets Plus - Joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl, MSM and Perna canaliculus (green lipped) mussel. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Since Cosequin is a nutritional supplement and provides nutrients to maintain joint health, its benefits can range from gradual to dramatic. For best results, it is important to consistently feed any nutritional supplement. Lori H

Spring in Janaury

It may be hard to believe, but in the heart of the country, we are enjoying spring in January. We have had one of the warmest January's ever in Kansas.

The best thing to do on a day like today is of course go riding. The horses aren't used to days like this, especially since they all already have their winter coats on them. But when I pull up to the barn tonight with my husband, and pull the saddles out of the barn, they all know what's coming. It’ll be soooo nice to go for a relaxing horseback ride in January, without piling on the 30 layers of clothing and feeling like the Michelin Man on top of Tex.

I'm sorry for all of you who are suffering in the colder weather, snow, rain, and wind. Have you had a chance to ride this Winter? What are your favorite Winter activities with your horse? Rhonda