Valley Vet Supply

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

From Baby to Billy

They grow up so fast! I’ve often said that if everyone knew how cute goat kids were, everyone would want one. We raise Boer/Spanish cross goats, and when our first solid brown buckling was born 3 ½ years ago, we knew we’d keep him. This is MJ at one day old, full of energy and ready to be freed from the kidding pen.

Fast forward to the 2011 kidding season. MJ had grown up to become the most senior billy at our farm. We hoped to gain several solid brown doelings to add to our crew. Well, we did have 10 solid brown babies, but there were 9 boys and just 1 girl! Here is a grown up MJ with his lone daughter, and her mom in the background.

We try to keep a healthy respect for any billies on the farm. While it’s hard to imagine that the little guy we raised could ever cause harm, the reality is that his brain is very small and memory very short.

We follow a modified health care program for billies. It’s a “no frills” plan that provides for just the basic health care needs. We follow the FAMACHA guide to deworming, so goats aren’t wormed until necessary. Perhaps because their bodies aren’t faced with the stresses of kidding and kid raising, billies don’t seem to require worming quite as frequently. We generally deworm with Copasure COWP boluses and Dectomax (both off-label) at the time of spring vaccination for C D & T overeating disease/tetanus. They are dewormed again in the fall or as dictated by the FAMACHA guide. Supplementation with goat mineral is a good practice throughout the year. Additional selenium may be advisable if your area is deficient. Instead of the routine hoof trimming that other goats receive, MJ’s hooves are allowed to grow until he really warrants a trim. This is a good time to break in a very new, very sharp pair of hoof trimmers.

In general, we’ve found it a good practice to keep the handling of billies to a minimum, while still providing care that will ensure herd health. Lori H

Dog Dental Health

Many dogs show signs of gum disease before their fifth birthday. Early signs of gum disease include especially offensive breath, receding or inflamed gums, tartar, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or loose teeth. Proper dental care for your dog starts at home, and might be easier than you think. Chew toys or rawhide can fulfill your dog’s natural desire to chew.

Many dental toys are designed with dental nubs and rope, to give teeth and gums a deep cleaning. Gnawing and chewing help to massage the teeth and gums, cleaning away plaque, tartar and food particles.

Many dental chews contain chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial that helps prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque.

Enzymatic toothpaste is formulated especially for dogs and doesn’t require rinsing. It can be applied with a dog toothbrush or soft gauze two to three times per week, to remove plaque and food debris. Dental care at home is easier if you begin when your dog is young. Once your dog is used to the idea of having its teeth brushed, the routine becomes much easier and can prolong time between veterinary cleanings. Proper dental health keeps your dog healthier and happier. Fresh breath is a bonus! Lori H

Year Long Wormer Packs

Being a horse owner myself, I know that it is important to find the best products for my horses, at the best price. My husband and I worm our horses every 2 months, trying to keep them healthy and in good shape. Because we have a routine worming schedule that we use, the 2X premium one-year wormer pack is a perfect fit for us. It has tapeworm control for one horse up to 1200 lbs. for the spring and fall, along with all the other wormers we need for the rest of the year. For those horse owners who don't find it necessary to worm your horse for tapeworms in the spring, the premium one-year wormer pack would be the package you’re looking for, having fall tapeworm control and wormers for the rest of the year. Valley Vet also offers a standard one-year wormer pack, that has all the worming tubes that a horse will need in a year’s time, but there isn't any tapeworm control in this package. The nice thing about all these wormer packs (besides the amazing savings you get), is each package comes with an instructional technical card that explains when to use each tube of wormer. Savings, convenience, and safety for your horses' health; what else could you ask for? Rhonda

Find the Perfect Gift

WOW, I can’t believe Christmas is only a few weeks away!!! Shopping is in full swing at my house. It seems I’m constantly checking prices online and running to the stores to find the perfect gift and best deal, deciding what is going to be the best item for each person on our list. Because I already work at Valley Vet, shopping for a lot of our friends and family members was easy. The gift section of our Valley Vet website has everything I need for all the horse people we need to get presents for. Jackets for the little ones, home decor for the women in the family, and of course new boots from our huge boot selection. All these wonderful items are just a click away for you and me, with great selection choices and awesome prices! Check it out today! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rhonda

Electronic Identification (EID) Basics

Electronic Identification tags enhance animal traceability and management because no two animals share the same 15-digit EID tag number. Each EID tag is printed with the unique 15-digit number that is stored within the tag’s transponder. EID allows automated data collection and management of individual animals. FDX vs HDX format
	FDX (Full Duplex) tags provide standard performance and read range. Sufficient for capturing data manually or with a handheld reader. Approx 6” read distance with stick reader; up to 29” with panel reader. Read range is dependent upon antenna and reading system.
	HDX (Half Duplex) tags provide high performance and read range. Optimizes signal transmission for the greatest possible read range. Approx 12” read distance with stick reader; up to 40” with panel reader. Read range is dependent upon antenna and reading system. Ideal for packing plants, automated reading systems or a walk-thru reader.
982 vs 840 format
	982 tags represent the standard numbering sequence used for EID tags produced by Allflex USA. Each tag’s 15-digit number begins with 982. Available with FDX or HDX technology.
	840 tags were developed to comply with the USDA’s National Animal ID System (NAIS). Each tag’s 15-digit number begins with 840. Available with FDX or HDX technology. Premises ID number required for purchase
In order to purchase 840 tags, producers must have a premises ID registration number. It is a 7-digit alpha/numeric code. Premises ID numbers are assigned by each state’s animal health authority, often the state’s Department of Agriculture. Many state websites offer online application forms. You will be required to provide your name, address, and farm information, as well as information specific to the property on which your cattle are located. Manufacturers report sales of 840 tags to a national database, including a record of all 840 tag numbers sold and which Premises ID they were issued to.
Matched Pair Sets
982 EID tag plus visual panel tag Panel tag is Laser-Ink printed with corresponding 15-digit EID tag number EID tag available with FDX or HDX technology. Panel tag in Large or Maxi size, blank or numbered tags. Customization available. Panel tags available in blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, or yellow.
Tag Applicators
	Universal Total Tagger Apply Global panel tags. Apply EID tags and tamperproof tags (remove clip).
	EID Ultra Retract-O-Matic Apply EID tags and tamperproof tags. Pin retracts before animal can react.
RS340HD Stick Reader Provides reading, display, storage and transmission of data. 3000+ tag memory. Internal battery allows cable-free operation. Includes Tag Manager software for download of data into Excel, etc. Optional Bluetooth Module Stick Reader improves efficiency, but is not required for participation in Age & Source Verification programs and/or other EID management programs. Implementing EID into your operation can be as simple or complex as the data you wish to keep. A combination of EID tags, your computer, and software (i.e. Excel) will have you off to a good start. Lori H