We're loyal, not just local.

Christmas Hours

Over the Christmas period our clinics will be closed on the following days:

Tues 25 December & Wed 26 December
Tues 1 January & Wed 2 January

If you have an emergency please call your local clinic for the phone number of the on-call Vet.

Latest News

Flystrike Season

Wow, what amazing (unusual) weather we have been having. Warm and wet! But when the suns shines there are plenty of flies. We have already had reports of bad fly strike outbreaks so please be vigilant.

The rain has made it a real challenge to get shearing, crutching and dagging done. Let's hope for a few more dry days. If you need advice on the best chemical options for treatment or prevention of flystrike then please call one of your Animal Health Reps or Vets.

Call Catherine Smith for Electro-dip bookings 027 2950095

Dog Poisonings with Agriculture Chemical

This week we have had several cases of Organophosphate (O/P) poisonings in dogs (O/P dips are used for fly strike treatment and control).

It is a timely reminder that we need to keep both our dogs and ourselves safe from chemicals. Both poisonings this week involved chemicals being spilt on the back of truck decks, dogs then standing in the chemicals and subsequently licking their paws.

Clinical signs of poisoning with O/P dips can include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, wobbliness through to convulsions and death due to respiratory and cardiac arrest.

Call the clinic immediately for advice if you think animals have been exposed. Keep chemicals safe and secure.

Ill Thrift in Lambs

Despite an abundance of feed, lamb growth rates have been slow. There are several reasons why lambs may not be growing as expected. Pasture quality, parasites, pneumonia and trace elements to name a few. We are happy to discuss issues or concerns you might have.

- Cobalt/B12 deficiency is often associated with lush spring growth (like we are currently experiencing) so it may be worth checking levels to ensure growth rates won’t be compromised. We can do this on lambs sent to the meat works or with liver biopsies or blood tests. Selenium deficiency is common in our area, it can also be tested at the same time. We have a number of products which can be used to supplement with B12: long or short acting, as-well as some Clostridial vaccinations, Ultravac 5+1 B12, Multine B12.

- Parasites: Ensure a regular drenching regime is adhered to over the summer using an effective product. If you haven’t done a FECRT, at least do a “10 day post drench check” to ensure that the drench you are currently using is working effectively. This involves bringing in 10 faecal samples, 10 days after drenching for a FEC. Ensure all drench guns are calibrated and working correctly and staff are well trained. Shake containers well and always read the labels for correct doses and withhold periods.

- Clostridial vaccination programmes (5in1, 6in1, 10in1): Remember to get these vaccines done on time. There will be plenty of lush feed around so risk factors will be high.

Toxovax & Campyvax Orders

Remember to place your Toxovax and Campyvax orders well in advance of when these vaccines are required on farm.

This order can be placed in your local clinic.

Merry Christmas

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your business for the year of 2018. We think we are fortunate to have a great bunch of Farmers to work with, in a fantastic community so we hope we have delivered our best to you all over 2018.

Remember to take time to enjoy family and friends this Christmas season and we’ll catch up with you all through 2019

We're loyal, not just local.

www.ncvets.co.nz | enquiries@ncvets.co.nz