Chloe & Monacorde – a class act!

Chloe Cheetham (part of Oakhill’s Equine Support Team) and horse Monacorde, won both their classes at the BS Keeping Kate Show on Saturday 18th February.

The show was held to raise money for Kate Ann Douglas who is currently under going treatment for cancer.

Chloe and Monacorde also won a rug for overall leading horse and rider combination – donated by ‘Country Frog’

Well done Chloe and Monacorde!

Lucky Spike after nail injury (Equine Vets)

Jess, one of our Equine Vets, was recently called out to see Spike who was very sore after standing on a nail on the outside of his frog.

Luckily the nail was still in place and we were able to take xrays of his foot to see in which direction the nail had entered. Once removing the nail it was a lot bigger than we were expecting at a whopping 6 inches!

With the size of the nail we were unsure whether the tendon sheath (that runs along the back of the foot and fetlock) had been compromised.

After further tests Spike was given the all-clear and his foot was bandaged with poultice material to help draw out any infection. After a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, Spike has made a full recovery. Well done Spike!

Schmallenberg Virus in Lancashire

The last few months have seen both bulk milk and individual animal blood samples test positive for Schmallenberg virus in the North West.

First recognised in 2011, Schmallenberg was originally associated with birth defects in lambs and calves.

It is important to be aware that the virus has been in the area and thus remain vigilant for signs of birth deformities when lambing or calving difficulties arise this Spring.

National Johne’s Management Plan

The National Johne’s Management Plan is a dairy industry initiative to reduce the incidence of Johne’s disease.

Johne’s disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and is a costly, chronic, debilitating disease. Animals with Johne’s disease are likely to be culled earlier, and more likely to be affected by other conditions, including chronic mastitis and lameness. Johne’s positive cows have been shown to be twice as likely to have a

SCC >200,000 and yield 25% lower than the herd average. In herds with a high level of the disease the cost is estimated to be 1-2 ppl.

80% of infections occur in the first month of life, from infected faeces, colostrum or milk being ingested and it can take several years before signs of the disease appear. During this period, it is difficult to identify these animals. Animals often begin to shed MAP and spread the disease before showing signs of Johne’s. Around the time shedding begins, antibodies are produced and we can then identify these cows.

Testing can be performed on both blood and milk with similar results. In order to control Johne’s on a farm, cow’s likely to be a risk to calves must be identified through regular testing (ideally quarterly) so they can be managed separately at calving.

Tracey, Mike and Andy are trained advisors as part of the initiative, if you don’t already have a Johne’s control plan in place please contact the practice to discuss how Johne’s may be affecting your farm.

2017 Annual Coach Trip: Red Rose Dairy

The 7th Red Rose Dairy Discussion Group Coach Trip took place on 28th February 2017.

48 dairy farmers met at Oakhill Veterinary Centre in Goosnargh for breakfast before boarding a coach to visit 2 outstanding dairy farms in Carlise.

The morning saw a visit to Wormanby Holsteins, run by the Hodgson family, and after lunch at the local golf club, the group visited Justicetown Farm, owned by David Coulthard.

Keep up to date with Red Rose Diary via our Facebook page.

PetPlan Award nominations 2017

Petplan has worked closely with the veterinary profession for over 40 years and sees first hand each day the fantastic work that goes on in veterinary practices across the UK.

This year we have had several members of staff, in various roles and divisions, have been nominated for an award.

Small Animal vets, Judith Lee and Kimberley Ashurst are thrilled to be nominated for ‘Vet of the Year’, as are Leona Bramall and Suzanne Green in our Equine division.

Support team members, Sue Townley (in our Accounts Department) and Aly Heggie (Equine Support) have also been nominated for the first time.

Another big win for Nicola Porter

For the second year running, our Small Animal Head Nurse, Nicola Porter has won ‘RoR North West Regional League’ with her horse ‘King of Chavs’.

An amazing achievement Nicola and Chav, well done!

RHD2 – RABBIT VACCINATION CLINICS

Book in for a rabbit vaccination by contacting one of our clinics.

Over the last few years there has been an emergence of a new strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, which is being called RHD2.

This new strain can affect rabbits of any age and can lead to death in many cases. With confirmed cases in Lancashire, we strongly advise that rabbits are vaccinated against this disease (as well as the usual combined Myxomatosis-RHD vaccine).

Click here for further information about RHD2.

As these vaccines aren’t available in the UK, we need to import batches from Europe. Therefore, to make the process as efficient as possible, we will be running RABBIT VACCINATION CLINICS (including a FREE health check), during the following weeks:

6th – 10th February 2017 & 20th – 24th February 2017

So we can order the correct amount of vaccine, please contact us by Monday 30th January (for 6th-10th Feb appointments) or by Monday 13th February (for 20th-24th Feb appointments).

If you’re not available during this time, please contact us and we can inform you on all available dates.

Contact your nearest Oakhill Veterinary Centre to make an appointment for your rabbit/s.