Blog

6 Tips for Tick Prevention

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:00:45 +0000

As summer approaches, it’s time to start considering tick prevention. The cold winter weather is disappearing, but the ticks are soon to make an appearance! It is especially important to be extra vigilant when spending time outdoors. Follow these tick prevention tips for a healthy summer:

1) Avoid heavily wooded or leafy areas. If possible, steer clear of these places as ticks are likely to accumulate in areas with high grass and a lot of leaf litter. Walk or bike in the center of trails. Keep a close eye on your children and/or pets if you decide to go hiking in the woods.

2) Use bug repellant, but not just any repellant. Make sure the product you use contains 20% or more DEET which will offer several hours of protection. It is important to only apply the repellant once a day and to avoid combining it with sunscreen. Follow the application instructions closely.

3) Pre-treat clothing. The best way to do this is by using permethrin on any garment you and your family will be wearing outside. After several washings, clothes will stay protected. Pre-treated clothing is sometimes available in sporting goods stores.

4) Check yourself often. This is essential if you have been in an area that is populated with ticks, such as wooded areas. Use a mirror to view all parts of your body. If you have children, examine them often as well.

5) Bathe or shower after being outdoors. You should do so within two hours of coming inside, which makes it easier to spot any ticks that may be crawling on your body.

6) Examine pets and gear. Check everything you took outside with you for hidden ticks. Pets and other items can carry ticks inside and end up transferring them to you. Ticks can also be dangerous to pets and lyme disease is just as real for them as for you, so make sure you check them thoroughly, especially under ears and tails. For tick prevention in pets, consider a tick repellant such as the Virbac Tick Collar.

Ticks bring disease with them, such as Lyme disease, so try your hardest to protect your family and pets from them. Tick bites are generally painless, so you may not know you’ve been bitten until the tick becomes engorged. Immediately remove engorged ticks from your body. Medical attention may be necessary under the following circumstances:

• If you think the tick has been on the skin for over 24 hours.
• Part of the tick remains in the skin after you have attempted to remove it.
• A rash of any kind develops, especially a red-ringed bulls eye rash, or red spots on the writs or ankles, as this is a symptom of Lyme disease.

Ticks are exceptionally common in many parts of the world, especially during the summer months. The best tick prevention is awareness and consistency when checking yourself, your family and your pets.

Senior Dog Incontinence – Causes and Treatments

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:50:33 +0000

Are you noticing dribble spots on the carpet or a soaked dog bed? As dogs age, they often lose their ability to completely control their bladders. Dog incontinence can often create a problem in households – but don’t worry; there are steps you can take to improve the problem.

Hormone deficiencies are essentially the cause of senior dog incontinence. When testosterone and estrogen in their bodies decreases, they lose their ability to control the urethral sphincter, a band of muscle located near the base of the bladder. Spayed or neutered dog are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs have been removed, therefore they have fewer hormones. Older female dogs are more likely to be affected by incontinence because they have shorter, wider urethras.

Although urinary incontinence is usually harmless, there are some underlying problems that may be the cause of it, including:

•   Cystitis
•   Kidney stones
•   Bladder stones
•   Bladder tumor
•   Bladder infection
•   Urinary tract infection
•   Liver disease

•   Kidney infection
•   Kidney failure
•   Diabetes
•   Cushing’s Disease
•   Steroids and other medications
•   Neurological disorders

Because there are so many possible causes for old dog incontinence, the condition requires veterinary attention. Your vet will need to do some investigation to determine any underlying cause. Initially, your dog will need a full physical exam, a urinalysis and a urine culture to determine if there is a urinary tract infection. Further tests (blood work and X-rays) may be necessary.

Treatment for dog incontinence depends on the cause. Your vet may prescribe medication and provide you with advice as to how to manage the incontinence. Supplements such as Pet Naturals Bladder Support for Dogs are recommended for senior dog bladder control management.

There are several steps you can take to make the incontinence more manageable. Keep your dog as clean and dry as possible to avoid skin irritation. Take your dog outside often to try and avoid accidents. Keep her well groomed, with her fur trimmed short. Make sure to provide her with plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Areas in the house where the dog has urinated should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.

If you notice that you dog’s urinary habits have changed, it is advisable to bring him/her to the veterinarian right away to treat or cure the problem as soon as possible.

Treating Digestive Issues with Probiotics for Pets

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:35:10 +0000

Examining IntelliFlora: Happy pets have healthy digestion!

Let’s face it: raising a pet can get messy sometimes. Who actually enjoys cleaning up that smelly “accident” found on the living room floor?

As gross as poop duty is, it’s a necessary evilsometimes; however, a well-trained pet shouldn’t be having many unexpected “accidents” without cause.

If you’ve been experiencing these stinky surprises, or noticed a change in the health of your pet’s bowel movements such as diarrhea, be sure that it’s not normal. There is something affecting your pet’s digestive track (also known as a gastrointestinal imbalance) and it shouldn’t be ignored.

Bacterial Imbalance
Like humans, animals carry healthy bacteria in their systems which help with immunity, digestion and other bodily functions.

“The quality of the intestinal bacteria is determined for the most part by the presence of multiple stable groups of bacteria, the total quantity of each type of bacteria and their proportions in relation to one another.” - Gerrit de Weerd, Farm Food Dog Food

In short, a healthy intestinal track requires a healthy ratio of “good” bacteria, and a severe and consistent lack of these good bacteria is known to physicians as dysbacteriosis.

What causes bacterial imbalance in my pet’s GI tract?
When the balance of intestinal bacteria becomes disrupted, problems such as chronic diarrhea often occur. Conditions such as Dysbacteriosis are caused mostly due to the use of antibiotics, which kills off any foreign bodies living within your pet – even the good ones!

“Antibiotics alter the normal flora that serves as a protective barrier against pathogens. When these normal, beneficial organisms are killed off, harmful bacteria are free to multiply and cause disease. The best example is severe diarrhea that follows the use of certain antibiotics, which change the normal flora of the bowel.” – pets.webmd.com

So what’s a recommended treatment for the side effects caused by the use of antibiotics?
Reintroduction of beneficial flora!

Buy IntelliFlora Now!

According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, “A daily dose of probiotics, such as Acidophilus and bifidobacteria, is helpful in maintaining the right ratio of bacteria in the intestines. This is especially important if you are taking antibiotics, as these drugs destroy both friendly and unfriendly bacteria indiscriminately.”

The good news is these little problems can be cared for in your own home without the expensive assistance of a veterinarian. Even better news: ProbioticSmart.com has an affordable solution!

IntelliFloraTM – Created and Approved by Veterinarians!

This is one of our most popular products. IntelliFloraTM is created in-house by our veterinarians for the intestinal health of your dog or cat. It comes in an enticing powder form, which you sprinkle on your pet’s food daily.

This wonderful product contains dehydrated living cultures of five different bacteria, which “come back to life” once they are warmed up in your pet’s intestinal tract.

According to our clinical research study, this probiotic is “designed to increase total lactic acid bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium and species of Lactobacillus in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) of dogs and cats.”
The graph below shows the efficacy and colonization of these bacteria in a dog’s GI tract. Examination of the fecal matter showed that the specific bacteria provided by Intellaflora increased greatly in numbers.

IntelliFlora was given daily to dogs as indicated in the directions. Fecal matter was collected after 3 days and analyzed for Enterococcus faecium by a specific microbiological plating method. IntelliFlora use shows dramatic increases of Enterococcus faecium in the fecal matter of dogs. These results are consistent with IntelliFlora for helping dogs that need to obtain a healthy GI tract and lifestyle.

Also present in this product is a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients including Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and Manganese. These supplements are important to your dog or cat’s proper metabolism, vision and immune system function.

More information on this product can be found at the IntelliFlora Probiotics For Pets under the “Product Description” tab.

Ask an expert…
We asked our resident veterinarian, Dr. Vijay Sasi, DVM, MS, some typical questions our customers have about using this product. Please read below for his input and advice.

How do I know when my pet needs probiotics?
Most common reason to give probiotics is poor appetite, digestive upsets etc. related to stress, post antibiotic therapy etc. All these things are, in general, due to microbial imbalance in the gut. If the problem does not resolve with microbial supplements, talk to your vet for further investigation.

Should I treat my pet with IntelliFlora in conjunction with another product?
IntelliFlora is a microbial supplement and in general can be a stand-alone product. For specific conditions when the dog needs specialty food like low protein, low fat, low minerals etc. due to kidney/liver disorder etc. , it is a good idea to consult your vet for advice.

What can I expect when I give my pet this product?
• Improved appetite and digestion.
• Better attitude and energy
• Better stool consistency
• Over all improved health specifically following stressful situations

How long does it take to see results?
This depends on the condition. I have seen results as early as 12 hours. Sometimes it take about 5-7 days.

How long should I keep my pet on IntelliFlora? Is overdose possible?
It is a very safe product. If given in extremely large amounts, mild diarrhea is possible.

Can IntelliFlora spoil/go bad?
These are viable bacteria and they have a shelf life of 2 years when stored as directed. High temperature, moisture, etc., will destroy the bacteria and product will lose efficacy. Always replace the lid after use and store in a cool, dry place.

What are the causes of poor digestion in pets?
• Stress
• Enzymes Deficiency
• Low quality food
• Microbial imbalance

Special Instructions:
• If your dog becomes very ill and develops a fever, don’t waste any time getting him to a vet.
• Administering special intestinal bacteria preparations designed for humans will not benefit your dog. The pH balance (acidity) of a dog’s stomach is so low that virtually none of its intestinal bacteria will survive (unless they are acid-resistant types such as the tripe bacteria and the bacterial spores of ruminants).
• All dry feed is sterile (contains no bacteria). Also canned feed and other products that don’t require freezing are sterile and therefore do not benefit the accumulation and maintenance of intestinal bacteria.

Buy IntelliFlora Now!

Essential Oils Starter Kit

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:26:33 +0000

Those who are new to essential oils and aromatherapy can start home or professional practices slowly. Practice using and blending the oils for health, therapeutic and household purposes. Some oils are considered “starter oils” due to their versatility and ease of use.

About Our Starter Oils

Lavender Oil, helpful for several skin conditions and is well-known for its relaxing effects, is said to be the most versatile of all essential oils. It works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, natural sedative and a topical antiseptic. A few drops of lavender oil can be blended with any carrier oil and used on the skin, in a bath or around the house.

Peppermint Oil is known for its strong, fresh, minty aroma. Regarded for soothing digestion and improving gastric issues, a drop of peppermint oil can be added to your tea or combined with a carrier oil and used on the skin or added to a bath.

Lemon Oil has antiseptic properties and contains substances that help improve immune system function. It has been said to improve vision and act as a skin cleanser. Add a drop to a carrier oil and massage onto the face or hands.

Eucalyptus Oil is helpful for sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sore throat and mouth infections. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to some bath salts and soak a virus way. You can also combine with a carrier oil and massage the bottom of your feet for quick anti-bacterial protection.

Tea Tree Oil has countless healing characteristics, including anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It is helpful for the skin, digestive system and several other health issues. A drop of neat tea tree oil applied to a pimple will do wonders!

Some Easy Ways to Use Essential Oils

- Mix 4-7 drops of one or more essential oils into a tablespoon of a carrier oil for a massage.
This is the perfect recipe utilizing peppermint and eucalyptus oils to rub away sore neck pain.

- Add 3 drops of an essential oil to a cotton ball, handkerchief or piece of cloth and inhale the
essence deeply every few minutes. Utilize lavender for a stress headache or to promote
a restful sleep.

- Add 3 of an essential oil to a hot or cold compress and lay over the forehead or eye area.
Utilizing eucalyptus oil will help to open up the sinuses.

- Add 5-8 drops of an essential oil to a tsp of a carrier oil and mix into a warm bath. Utilize
peppermint and eucalyptus oils to soak away sore muscles or lavender to induce
relaxation or eucalyptus to open the sinuses.

- To bring a clean, fresh smell to the kitchen, add 20 drops of lemon oil to a spray bottle and
fill with water. Wipe down your counters and table with this mixture.

- Got rambunctious kids? Encourage relaxation and sleepiness in the evening. Add 10 drops
of lavender to a small spray bottle and fill with water. Let your children spritz their bodies
and faces.

Essential oils are versatile and have amazing health benefits. The oils listed here are good to start with, but there is a long list of others that are also good for beginners. Don’t forget to use proper amounts that must be diluted with a carrier so you don’t irritate your skin.

Get started with the Essential Oils Starter Kit today!

Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs – Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:40:01 +0000

Mushroom poisoning in dogs is a common hazard because of the amount of time dogs spend outdoors; it becomes a problem particularly in the summer and fall. Toxic mushrooms are classified into four categories (A,B,C,D) based on the clinical signs and their time of onset, and into seven groups (1-7). It is important for dog owners to be aware of mushrooms in their yard and take the proper precautions to make sure their dogs don’t get sick.

Symptoms

The symptoms your dog will experience after consuming a poisonous mushroom depends on the type that was ingested. Here are the specific effects of the different types of mushrooms:

     - Category A: Most toxic, cause destruction of cells, especially liver and kidney cells
   - Category B and C: Nervous system
     - Category D: Gastrointestinal irritation

The most common symptoms associated with mushroom poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy, yellowing of the skin, uncoordinated movements, excessive drooling, seizures and coma. If your pet shows any of these signs of mushroom poisoning, bring him to the vet immediately. If you can, bring the suspected mushroom when you take him for his appointment. This will make it easier for the vet to treat your pet.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When it comes to diagnosing mushroom poisoning in dogs, the vet will perform a complete physical examination as well as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Indicators of mushroom poisoning include: abnormally low blood glucose levels and abnormally high levels of liver enzymes due to liver damage. The vet will usually identify the type of mushroom your pet ate by taking a sample from his stomach. Your pet will be treated with activated charcoal and fluid therapy to eliminate the toxins. If your pet is severely poisoned, the vet may decide to induce vomiting.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your dog from getting mushroom poisoning is by removing them from your yard. They grow best in damp weather and can appear overnight, so it is important for you to check your yard thoroughly every morning before letting your dog outside. Be especially cautious of parasol-shaped mushrooms and all small brown mushrooms. Make sure you properly remove mushrooms by digging them up, not smashing or kicking them. Keep a close eye on your pet when you let him outside to ensure he doesn’t find any mushrooms that you missed. By taking all of the necessary precautions, you are on your way to avoiding mushroom poisoning in dogs.

Increase your pet's digestive health!


$17.99 Fortiflora	$14.99 PSCPets.com IntelliFlora

7 Tips to Get Better Sleep

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:33:17 +0000

Sleep can be a touchy subject, especially if lack of it has you crabby and worn out. There are several factors that can interfere with a good night’s sleep, and to get better sleep, your job is to conquer them. Although you might not be able to control all of the factors that disrupt your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple tips:

1)   Set a sleep schedule
The key to sleeping well is to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Yes, this includes weekends, holidays and days off. By following a sleep schedule, your body will have a consistent sleep-wake cycle which helps promote better sleep.

2)   Pay attention to your diet
The foods and beverages you consume, even early on in the day can determine how well you sleep at night. Don’t go to bed hungry or overly full. This can make you uncomfortable and cause you to wake more often during the night. Limit the amount that you drink before bed to prevent late night bathroom trips. Pay especially close attention to nicotine, caffeine and alcohol which can interrupt quality sleep.

3)   Create a bedtime ritual
Do the same things every night to get your body used to winding down. Engage in relaxing activities, like taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book or listening to soft music. These can promote better sleep. Avoid using the TV or other electronic devices which can interfere with the ability to fall asleep.

4)   Get comfortable
Make sure your room is ideal for sleeping. Everyone is different, but most people prefer a cool, dark and quiet room. Some people benefit from using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other things to create a better sleeping environment. Ensure that your mattress and pillow are comfortable enough for you, too. It’s especially important to keep your TV out of the bedroom, make your bedroom a place for winding down and sleep.

5)   Avoid napping
Sleeping during the day can make it harder for you to sleep at night. Try the best you can to avoid taking naps, no matter how badly you want to! You can wake yourself up throughout the day by taking a walk, talking to a friend or listening to upbeat music. Staying awake during daytime hours will help you get better sleep at night.

6)   Exercise
Including physical activity in your daily routine can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Don’t exercise too close to your bedtime though as this can make you energized and make it harder to fall asleep.

7)   Keep stress to a minimum
Having a stressful lifestyle can make it more difficult to sleep. Learn how to manage your stress to promote getting better sleep. Get organized, set priorities and take breaks! It also helps to write down your worries before you go to bed and don’t think about it until tomorrow.

Everyone has an occasional sleepless night. But if you continuously have trouble sleeping, consulting with a doctor may help. You may have an underlying illness or condition that is disrupting your sleep, and a doctor can help treat this.

Cat Dental Health: 6 Steps to Healthy Teeth

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:43:13 +0000

Before becoming a cat owner most people don’t give two seconds of thought to cat dental health. It is more likely for a dog to have bad breath, hence the term “dog breath”, so we are more apt to pay attention to their dental health over our feline friends. For your cat to be healthy she needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums. Pay attention to your cat’s dental health and follow the steps below for perfect feline pearly whites!

1)   Smell your cat’s breath. Cats are smaller animals so it can be difficult to smell their mouth from a few feet away, unlike dogs. The smell of her breath should not be offensive, if it is, she may have gum problems that should be looked at by a veterinarian. Stinky breath can also signal digestive problems.

2)   Check gums thoroughly. At the same time that you check her breath, you can check her gums too. You will have to gently push the lips back to get the best view. The gums should be firm and pink and white; red colors and swelling can pinpoint dental problems.

3)   Know the symptoms of mouth problems. Your cat’s teeth should be clean and free from brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken. Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in her mouth:

•   Dark red lines along the gums
•   Red and swollen gums
•   Ulcers on gums or tongue
•   Loose teeth
•   Difficulty chewing food
•   Excessive drooling
•   Excessive pawing at the mouth area

If you cat is showing any of these signs, you should bring her to a veterinarian right away. Even though the problem could be small, it is best to rule out serious problems like gingivitis and gum disease. Avoiding these symptoms could lead to tooth loss, inability to eat and even internal conditions such as kidney disease.

4)   Use a dental cleanser such as a gel, spray or tooth paste and brush. There are many options such as PSCPets Dental Cleanser Spray as well as PSCPets Dental Probiotics for Pets.

5)   Give your cat chew toys or dental chew treats. All cats love to play and need to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Chew toys can do the trick, while also making her teeth strong. You can also use a dental cleansing treat such as Greenies Dental Treats.

6)   Keep on top of her diet. Some cats are more susceptible to mouth problems than others. There are special cat foods for cats with dental issues. You can ask a veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet.

By following all of these steps, you will be well on your way to keeping on top of your cat’s dental health.

4 Tasty Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:40:18 +0000

When you find out you’re lactose intolerant, or your body simply doesn’t handle dairy well, the first step is to determine which milk alternative is the best for you. Each dairy alternative tastes different and it is up to you to decide which one (or two, or three) will be the best substitute for your unique diet. Read on to discover more about the options available to you:

1)   Almond Milk
This is a great milk alternative that can be used universally, just like cow’s milk. You can use it for cooking and baking and it tastes great plain too! Almond milk works for cereal, coffee and whatever else you decide to mix it with. Almond milk is high in vitamin E, contains a good amount of vitamin D, and some brands contain more calcium than dairy milk. This alternative is low in sodium and does not have any cholesterol which helps promote a healthy heart.

2)   Coconut Milk
Cocunut milk tastes great and offers a variety of health benefits; it also works well in cooking and baking and coconut milk based ice creams are popular among lactose intolerant individuals. One downfall of coconut milk is that it is not rich in calcium. However, it contains other essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium and iron that are needed to stay healthy.

3)   Rice Milk
Rice milk is thinner than other milk alternatives and has a light and sweet flavor. Just like the others, rice milk also tastes great mixed with your favorite foods such as cereal, granola and coffee; however, it does not work as well as the others when it comes to baking. Rice milk is the perfect dairy alternative for those who can’t drink soy, nut or cow’s milk because it is the least likely of all the milk products to trigger allergies. It is also beneficial because it has no saturated fat or cholesterol. A nutritional downfall of it is that it does not contain very much protein.

4)   Soy Milk
Soy milk is the most well known milk alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. It is quite dense, but lacks cholesterol and saturated fat which is a very good thing. There is nothing about cow’s milk that soy milk cannot replace. Soy milk is also naturally lower in sugar content and calories which is a great advantage for those looking to loose weight.

After reading through these descriptions hopefully you see a dairy alternative that will be right for you. Keep in mind that each option has it's own unique flavor and texture so you should experiment with them to see what you like the best.

Scours in Calves: Causes, Signs & Treatments

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:07:01 +0000

Scours in calves is a serious and complex disease. It is caused by a variety of infectious agents and other conditions. Any disease that attacks the calf in the three weeks of birth will lead to some level of scours (Diarrhea). This happens because the gut of the calf is still developing so it is weak. Absorption of fluids in the intestines is altered which leads to life threatening imbalances. When the calf gets scours it losses fluids and rapidly dehydrates. Treating scours early rapidly increases your calf's ability to recover.

Causes of Scours?

-Scours is caused by two main categories:

-Noninfectious causes are usually caused by gaps or mistakes in management practices.

-Inadequate nutrition of pregnant dam

-Usually in the last third of gestation.

-Nutrition of dam determines the quality of colostrum the calf will get.

-Exposure to environment

-If the calf is born into a dirty environment it can lead to diseases causing scours.

-This causes stress in the new born calves.

-Insufficient attention to the newborn calves

-During difficult births it puts extra stress on the calf right away

-Not making sure the calf gets adequate amounts of quality colostrum.

-Combination of all these

-Infectious causes have 4 main categories:

-Bacteria:

-Escherichia coli.

-Most important cause of bacterial scours in calves

-Most calves are exposed to E.coli in the environment when they are born

-Manure can carry the E. coli and give to calves as young as 16-24 hours of age.

-Salmonella spp.

-Produces a potent toxin or endotoxin

-Antibiotic treatment damages the salmonella and causes it to release the endotoxin

-The endotoxin will poison the animal and will result in shock and illness

-Need treatment to counteract the endotoxic shock

-Calves affected at 6 days of age or older

-More common in young and already sick calves

-Clostridum perfringens

-Commonly known as enterotoxemia

-Enterotoxemia is fatal that is caused by toxins that are being released

-Sudden onset and calves become listless and strain or kick at their abdomen

-Sometimes they have bloody diarrhea

-Associated with changing weather, changes in feed or feeding, or management practices

-Calves may die without any symptoms ever showing

-Other bacteria

-Viruses:

-Coronavirus and Rotavirus

-Disrupt the cells that line the small intestine causing diarrhea and dehydration

-Coronavirus also damages the intestinal crypts. Intestinal crypts produce new intestinal cells. Damage to the crypts

slows the healing process of the lining.

-Damage caused also leads to secondary bacterial infections

-Calves 1-2 days old can be affected but usually happens when they are a week and up.

-If not treated right away can lead to death

-BVD virus

-Can cause diarrhea and death in young calves

-Diarrhea occurs around 24 hours to three days after exposure

-Can last for days or weeks if the animal survives that long

-Erosions and ulcers on the tongue, lips and in the mouth are commonly found

-IBR virus

-Causes digestive disorders in young calves

-Causes erosions and ulcers in the esohagus, dullness, loss of weight, scours, and death.

-Protozoa:

-Cryptosporidium

-Attaches to the lining of the small intestine and damage the mirovilli.

-Control by good hygiene and sanitation

-Coccidia

-Very serious disease in weaned calves but not usually a problem in young calves.

-Outbreaks in calves 3-4 weeks and up have been reported.

-Associated with stress, poor sanitation, overcrowding, or sudden changes in feed.

-Some calves show symptoms of brain damage

-Bloody scours are common

-Yeasts and Molds

-Cause lesions in the stomach and intestines of calves with scours.

-Said that they don't cause the scours but that they are a secondary invaders.

-Seen when calves with scours have been on a overuse of antibiotics.

Prevention of Scours?

-Management practices

-Nutritional

-Environment and sanitation

-Attention to newborns

-Vaccinations programs

Treatment for Scours in calves?

-All treatments are very similar for all types of scours

-Treatments should be aimed toward correction of dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte loss.

-Antibiotic treatments can be used along with treatment for dehydration

-IV fluids can be given for dehydration

-Oral fluids of electrolytes can be used for dehydration also

Scours in calves can be very deadly if not treated right away. When calves come down with scours they dehydrate very rapidly. Giving oral electrolytes and giving IV fluids is a great way to rehydrate them. Try giving some of these electrolyte supplements to your calves the next time your calves have scours.


$181.99 First Defense Fight Scours in your calves with First Defense	$2.49 Re-Sorb Oral Electrolyte Fight Scours with Re-Sorb

Feeding Electrolytes to Calves: 7 Essentials to Remember

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:05:12 +0000

Feeding electrolytes to calves can be a very valuable tool to use when your calves are sick. When a calf comes down with scours giving electrolytes should be the first thing that you do. Many people don't feed enough electrolytes, feed too much, mix electrolytes with other products, or feed inadequate electrolytes. Follow these 7 guidelines to ensure your calves are getting everything out of the electrolytes you are giving them:

1. Dehydration: Needs to be corrected immediately. Electrolytes will replace the lost water and minerals during times of scours. There are 4 different stages of dehydration to be aware of, they are:

-Slight: 5-6% dehydration with no clinical signs

-Mild: 6-8% dehydration with sunken eyes, dry mouth and increase in skin tent time up.

-Moderate: 8-10% dehydration with a loss of body weight, eyes are sunken in more, dry mouth and a increase in pulse rate.

-Extreme: 10-14% dehydration with the calf being unresponsive, body is cool to the touch and a low pulse rate.

2. Beware of Supplements:

-Not all electrolyte supplements are made for scouring calves.

-Some are just for use in times of stress and don't have the proper amounts of nutrients to rehydrate the calf during scours.

-Make sure that your electrolyte is not just a supplement and that it has the proper ingredients and amounts of those ingredients.

3. Quality of Electrolytes:

-Determine the quality by using the Strong Ion Difference (SID) formula.

-SID= ( Na + K) – (Cl)

-This tells you the mEq/L. An optimal SID is between 50-80 mEq/L.

4. Ingredients:

A good electrolyte supplement should contain:
-Sodium: 70-120 mEq/L

-Chloride: 40-80 mEq/L

-Potassium: 10-20 mEq/L

-Alkalinizing agent: 40-80 mEq/L

-Dextrose

-Glycine

-If your current supplement does not contain these or at the amounts suggested you might want to consider another electrolyte supplement.

5. Feeding Amount:

-Depending on how dehydrated your calf is determines how much electrolytes they need.

An example:
-A calf weighing 90 lbs or 41 kilograms that is 10% dehydrated.

-The calf has already lost 4.1 L of liquid (41 kg x .10 = 4.1 L)

-So you need to give this calf an additional 4.1 L of liquid in addition to its usually amount being fed.

-If the calf is drinking 3 L of liquid normally then you will give is 3 L + 4.1 L = 7.1 L to get it fully re-hydrated.

6. Don't Mix:

-One of the biggest mistakes that producers make is just adding electrolytes to the calf's liquid that they are already getting.

-One of the most important things to do is to get the calf fully hydrated again.

-This needs to be done by giving additional liquid.

-So give your calf it normal liquid and then give then the electrolyte supplement in addition.

7. Feeding Time:

-When feeding electrolytes to calves you should feed them their regular liquid feeding and then feed them the electrolyte supplement.

-If you have a AM/PM schedule you could feed electrolytes at noon and if more is needed you can give another feeding a few hours after the PM feeding.

Feeding electrolytes to calves is a great tool to use when you have sick calves. Keeping these guidelines in mind will greatly help you increase your calf's ability to recover faster. Making sure that you have the correct amount of ingredients and giving the calf the right amounts of liquids are essential to get the calf re-hydrated and back to its full potential. Also make sure that you are not just mixing the electrolyte supplement in with the calf's normal amount of liquid. When the calf is dehydrated they need electrolytes and additional liquids to regain what they have already lost.

Buy Today for as low as $19.99

FarmOne Calf Electrolyte Powder

Keep your calves hydrated with FarmOne Calf Electrolytes!

Toxic Mastitis in Diary Cattle: Signs, Treatments & Prevention

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:26:26 +0000

Toxic mastitis in dairy cattle is a very serious and potentially life threatening disease. This type of mastitis is caused by bacteria that enters the udder and produces toxins. The bacteria generally comes from the environment that the cows are being housed in. The incidence rate for toxic mastitis usually increases in the early fall since more cows are fresh and being housed together.

What is toxic mastitis?
-When mastitis causing bacteria enter the udder and start to produce toxins.
-The bacteria, like E. Coli and Klebsiella, usually come from the environment that the cow is being housed in.
-The toxins are then absorbed in the udder and cause a wide range of health problems.
-Medical shock, clotting of the blood in vessels and overall damage to organs

Clinical signs of toxic mastitis in dairy cattle?
-Depression and loss of appetite
-A rapid drop in milk production
-Discolored milk (usually straw colored)
-Scours
-Staggering
-Collapse

Treatment of toxic mastitis?
-Contact your veterinary right away for assistance with toxic mastitis
-Treating toxic mastitis right away is essential for recovery
-If the cow is still standing at treatment there is a 12X more likely chance that she will recover
-IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are usually used
-Keeping the cow hydrated is a very critical part to recovery
-Strip out the infected quarter as much as possible to get the toxins out of the body

Preventing toxic mastitis in dairy cattle?
-About 2/3 of toxic mastitis cases occurs within the first month after calving
-Out of those 2/3 over half occur within the first four days after calving
-Keeping a clean environment for late dry cows and newly fresh cow is essential in preventing toxic mastitis
-Keep as clean and dry as possible
-Dry treat all cows greatly reduces the chance of getting toxic mastitis
-Making sure you have proper dry treating protocol is also essential

Toxic mastitis in dairy cattle is a very expensive and potentially life-threatening disease. Treating toxic mastitis right away at detection greatly increases the cows chances for recovery. Also remember to keep your cow hydrated with IV fluids. Dry treating your cows is a great way to reduce the risk of getting toxic mastitis, but just make sure you have a proper dry cow protocol.

Buy Today for as low as $30.99

Tomorrow Dry Cow Treatment

Prevent Toxic Mastitis with Tomorrow Dry Cow.

Negative Effects of Skipping Breakfast

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:52:25 +0000

Many people have a hard time functioning in the morning, so they wake up as late as they possibly can. Unfortunately this rids them of the time they have to prepare a healthy breakfast that contains all of the nutrients needed to begin the day. Think skipping breakfast every day will help you lose weight and stay healthy? Think again. Read on to learn about the negative effects of skipping breakfast:

Garden of Life Perfect Meal $27.97
for Breakfast on the Go!

1) Lack of Energy

This is one of the most negative effects of skipping breakfast. Glucose levels drop significantly while you’re sleeping. Eating breakfast helps restore glucose (fueling your cells) to your blood, providing energy to be productive throughout the day. By eating breakfast, you will feel energized and able to take on your responsibilities more efficiently; you will find that your ability to concentrate and focus is also improved.

2) Weight Gain

Those who consistently skip breakfast may notice weight gain or failing weight loss efforts; this is a pretty negative effect of skipping breakfast! Eating breakfast helps reduce your appetite later in the day. This helps you avoid reaching for the wrong food or overeating later in the day. Also, waiting until the afternoon to eat will put your body into
‘starvation mode,’ causing it to store more fat.

3) Destabilizes Your Mood

If you feel moody in the morning, it could be because you are skipping or aren’t eating a sufficient breakfast. Consuming breakfast regularly can stabilize mood swings, improve irritability, and even decrease depression. This is due to the fact that eating supplies your body with energy it needs to properly function.

4) Poor Nutrition

Skipping breakfast, or any meal for that matter, cuts out a significant opportunity for you to supply your body with essential nutrients. By eating a nutritious breakfast, you will increase intake of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. It is known that those who eat breakfast are more likely to eat healthier throughout the day.

Hopefully after reading about the negative effects of skipping breakfast, you will be convinced to wake up a little earlier to prepare yourself a healthy meal to jump-start your metabolism. Eating breakfast will prove to be beneficial to your health—start tomorrow to feel the positive effects!

Cat Depression—How to Detect, Treat and Prevent

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:47:43 +0000

People are not the only ones who get the blues. Cat depression is real and often the result of major changes in in a cat's routine, such as the death of an owner or animal friend, loneliness or a change in their living situation. Every cat with depression will behave differently, but you will likely notice a change in her behavior. If she is usually enthusiastic when she’s around you but suddenly stops paying attention to you, she could be depressed.

Some other signs of cat depression include:

* Decreased appetite
* Lack of grooming
* Lethargy or changes in personality
* Aggression
* Increased sleeping
* Hiding in an isolated place for extended periods of time.

Although all of these symptoms are major indicators of depression, they can also be signs of other illnesses. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian immediately in the presence of these symptoms to rule out any underlying health conditions.

What to Do

Of course every owner wants to help their cat when she’s feeling under the weather so be sure to pay plenty of attention to her; try to play with her for at least 30 minutes a day to prevent loneliness. If feasible, adopting another cat is often beneficial in warding off depression. If your cat is not grooming herself as normal, brush and groom her yourself. This can give her a sense of companionship with you that can help the problem.

If you have to leave your cat home alone for extended periods of time, improve her environment by leaving blinds or curtains open. This way, she can have a view of what is going on outside and also some light. Leaving a radio or TV on during the day can also keep her from feeling lonely.

Sometimes cat depression doesn’t go away, no matter how hard you try. That is when the veterinarian comes into the pictures. A vet can properly diagnose your cat with behavioral depression and prescribe antidepressants. He/she can also give you examples of behavioral modification techniques that may help the problem.

Can Cat Depression Be Prevented?
Cat depression cannot be prevented in all cases—some cats are just more susceptible just like people. However, the best thing you can do to try to prevent it is to provide a routine, stress-free, loving environment for your feline. You should schedule regular veterinary exams for her to keep on top of her health.

5 Fitness Facts the Experts Don’t Tell You

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:55:22 +0000

You’ve read the various fitness tips in various health magazines and seen the plethora of articles on the Internet that try to tell you exactly what to do to get your body in perfect shape. But can you believe all of them? The answer to that question is unfortunately... “No.” Read on to learn more about some popular "fitness facts" you have probably heard about… and the truth behind them.

1)    There is no “perfect” diet plan.
That’s right—everyone’s body is different, therefore everyone is going to lose weight differently. This depends in their size, age, gender, level and amount of physical activity, medical conditions and the list goes on. Don’t always believe that the various diets you hear about are going to work for you.

2)    You can survive with less sleep.
Your body isn’t going to fall apart if you go one or two days with an inadequate amount of sleep. Many fitness experts like to say that you must get “x” hours of sleep a night to lose weight. Sleep is still extremely important for this, but you don’t necessarily need a perfect sleep schedule to do so. The key is to try getting a good night’s sleep every night—but don’t fret if you can’t. You can still follow your diet the next day by using some self control.

3)    More reps don’t always mean better and faster toning.
High reps can actually do the opposite of what you want to your body. Fitness magazines like to stress doing tons of reps for better results. In reality, you should actually use heavier weights with lower reps to achieve your goals in a timely manner.

4)   Diet is equally as important as exercise.
Many people think that they can exercise excessively and then eat whatever they want. If you have this mentality…think again! You can do everything right in the gym and not get any of the results you want because of the way you eat. If you have a hard time with this, keep better track of your diet by keeping a food journal. This will help you determine what changes you need to make in your eating habits. There are plenty of food and exercise trackers online that will even tell you how many calories and nutrients you’re eating.

5)    Genetics actually do count.
Everyone hates to believe this, but it’s true. Some people have it easier than others when it comes to losing weight or gaining muscle. Don’t be discouraged—you can outsmart your genetics but it may take longer than others. Just be patient and keep working at it!

There you have it…five of the most important fitness facts that most experts don’t place nearly enough emphasis on. Hopefully you feel more encouraged to exercise and eat healthy now.

Why You Need Interactive Dog Toys

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:19:39 +0000

Is the daily walk you take your dog on just not enough to keep him occupied? Is your dog bored with the toys you provide him with? The truth is that all dogs need stimulation; some more than others. Some dogs turn to chewing furniture and destroying shoes if they get overly bored and no owner wants this to happen. So what can you do… you can turn to interactive dog toys to keep your pet entertained when you aren’t around!

There are a few reasons why interactive dog toys may be necessary in a household, including:

•    Stimulation. Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical stimulation. Remember, physical and mental stimulation are not the same thing! When your dog is mentally stimulated, you will notice that he is more settled, less restless, less hyperactive and less attention seeking. The more you exercise him mentally, the less physical stimulation he will need.

•    Prevent or help separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs. It happens if your dog becomes too reliant or dependent on you, resulting in behavior problems when you are away. Interactive dogs toys can help lessen this behavior by keeping his mind occupied.

•    Keeps destructive dogs under control. If you have a dog that is constantly destructive, interactive toys may relieve the issue. Toys like this will keep your dog from chewing on furniture, destroying clothes and shoes, etc…

There are several different types of interactive toys. The kind that works best for your pet depends on his personality and the reason for giving him the toys. Here is a list of some common toys that may be good for your dog:

•    Food dispensing toys.   Pet stores offer a variety of these. Basically, the toy is filled with some type of food or treats for the animal and he has to figure out how to get to it. This could keep him entertained for hours. If you want, you can use these toys instead of dog food bowls! One possibility would be the Zogoflex Tux toys.

•    Talking toys. Some dogs behave better if they are surrounded by sound. If you don’t want to leave your TV or radio on while you are gone, these will work perfect for your pet. Most of them are motion activated. There are even some that you can record your voice into!

•    Puzzle toys. If your dog likes to rip up and destroy the toys you give him, then puzzle toys may solve the problem. None of these toys are the same—but an example of one may be a plush toy made of three self-contained pieces that your dog can pull apart without destroying it. It can be simply put back together and give back to your dog for long-lasting fun.

Now that you know about all the perks that come with interactive dog toys, you can decide what kind works best for your pet. Say goodbye to boredom, bad behavior, destroyed furniture and maybe even constant barking! Remember that your dog still needs to be physically stimulated, so keep taking him on daily walks or runs and you will see even more improvement.

4 Reasons Energy Drinks Are Bad For You

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:58:09 +0000

Find yourself turning to energy drinks when you feel sluggish in the morning and throughout the day? If so, you could be negatively impacting your health.

Due to our fast-paced lifestyles, the energy drink industry is booming. Energy drinks are consumed for several reasons: improved athletic performance, weight reduction, mood enhancement for the midday slump, or boosts late into the night.

Regular and excessive energy drink use poses several risks that you should be aware of.

Emotional Risks.
Extreme caffeine content in these beverages may cause emotional problems such as irritability, restlessness and nervousness due to its impact on serotonin and endorphin levels. Caffeine-sensitive individuals may experience these issues more intensely than others. Those with anxiety or depression may experience stronger ups and downs.

Physical Risks.
• Rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms
• Increased blood pressure
• Dehydration resulting from intake of caffeine and other ingredients
• Seizures
• Chest Pains
• In extreme cases, risk of heart attack or sudden death

Although these symptoms are unlikely for most individuals, it is best to take caution when consuming them.

Alcohol Hazards.
Though a popular trend, it is dangerous to pair alcohol with energy drinks. Alcohol can contribute to the effects of energy drinks and increase the risk for heart-related symptoms.

Those who drink alcohol along with energy drinks have a greater risk for extreme intoxication because their assessment of their intoxication is reduced (due to depressant-stimulant actions).

Cognitive and Sleep Problems.
Drinking even just one energy drink in the morning can contribute to difficulty sleeping at night. Caffeine and other stimulants can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and focus on important tasks. You may feel like you have the energy to complete a task but may not be able to complete it as efficiently.

If you enjoy sleep, energy drinks are bad for you!

Take caution when consuming energy drinks. Make sure to look at ingredient labels before you drink them—they vary substantially in caffeine content, additional stimulants and other ingredients.

If you find yourself experiencing adverse effects from energy drinks, start cutting back on them.

You can replace them with water, fruit juice or sports drinks, which also work as great energy enhancers. Boost your immune system and energy levels naturally with a healthy diet and natural supplements.

9 Tips to Break a Bad Habit

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:21:21 +0000

Bad habits…everyone has them, unless they’re perfect (which, of course, isn’t possible). No matter how big or small… bad habits are bad habits. Getting rid of them can be an ongoing obstacle course until you figure out once and for all how to kick it. So, how do you break a bad habit and get it off your shoulders for good?

First of all, it’s important to remember that it’s not easy to break a bad habit. You will probably slip up more than once. Make it a goal for the habit to become less and less frequent instead of going cold turkey. Although going cold turkey is successful sometimes, it is more common for people to get back into habits eventually.

1.    What’s the cause?
Bad habits are often the result of a feeling or emotion. Pay attention to your body and your surroundings when you find yourself biting your nails or reaching for that bag of chips. Once you figure out the reason for the habit, it will be easier for you to let go of it.

2.    Pay attention!
Paying attention to yourself is the key when it comes to kicking bad habits to the curb. Habits are something we often do without thinking, so pay attention to when you do it and when you don’t.

3.    Find a habit replacer.
It’s usually easy to find a healthy replacement for bad habit. Instead of chewing on your nails, chew on some carrots. Instead of eating an entire bag of chips, eat some pretzels (but watch the serving size!). Replacements don’t have to be drastic, just something that will trick your mind into thinking you are engaging in the action you did before.

4.    Will power!
You are the one who wants to stop the habit. Don’t blame your actions on anyone or anything else. If you truly want to change your ways, you have to believe you can do so.

5.    Write it down.
Keep track of your bad habits. Write down what you want to change and what’s causing it once you figure it out. That way, you will have something to reference when you feel like slipping.

6.    Distract yourself.
If you find yourself wanting to do your habit, do something else! Listen to music, read a book or go for walk. This list of healthy things you can do instead is endless.

7.    Relax and breathe.
Several people engage in bad habits simply because they aren’t relaxed, therefore they aren’t breathing correctly! Take deep breaths will provide your brain with oxygen, helping you to make more responsible choices.

8.    Set goals.
Whether it’s a short term goal or long term goal, they are great for breaking bad habits. Write them down and keep it somewhere where you can see. You will be more motivated and likely to make changes.

9.    Have a support system.
Meeting goals can be hard to do by yourself! That’s why you should find a support system—friends, family and pets to help you reach your goal. They can be there to listen and offer you encouragement through your journey to break a bad habit.

By following all nine of these steps, you should be able to kick your habits to the curb, no problem! The key is to pay attention to your body and believe in yourself.

Grass Tetany in Cattle: Causes, Signs & Treatments

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:32:55 +0000

Grass Tetany in cattle is a fatal condition if not treated right away. Being able to see the first signs of grass tetany is critical to be able to preventing this condition. Giving supplements to your cows on pasture is a easy way to prevent this fatal condition from occurring.

What is grass tetany?
-Grass tetany or grass staggers (can also be known as hypomagnesaemia or magnesium tetany) is a metabolic disturbance that is caused by a magnesium deficiency in cattle that are grazing young, rapidly growing forages.
-Usually occurs in cool season grasses or winter annuals in the winter and early spring.
-Most common in early lactation cows that are producing high amounts of milk.
-Older cows are more susceptible to this than younger cows.

What causes grass tetany incattle?
-Cattle that are grazing plants with low magnesium content
-Pastures that are fertilized with heavy amounts of nitrogen or pastures with high soil potassium are more likely to cause grass tetany.
-Wet soils are low in oxygen can't take up proper levels of magnesium can cause grass tetany also.
-Pastures that have been over fertilized with animal waste also are more likely to cause grass tetany.

Symptoms of grass tetany?
-Generally the first sign of grass tetany are usually a dead cow that was fine the last time you saw her
-Some early signs are:
   -nervousness
   -staring eyes
   -uncoordinated gate
   -grinding teeth
   -erect ears
   -elevated respiration and heart rate
-As the condition worsens the symptoms are:
   -extremely sensitive to sound
   -muscle tremors
   -convulsions and then death

Treatment for grass tetany in cattle?
-Once symptoms are observed you should give intravenous injection of calcium magnesium gluconate or magnesium enema.
-Always have a veterinarian perform these treatments because if they are not done at the right amounts it can be toxic
-Follow these steps if your cattle have grass tetany:
   -Get immediate treatment for affected animals
   -Get supplemental magnesium into all the animals in the herd
   -Move the herd to a different pasture that contains legumes or supplement them with legume hay

Prevention for grass tetany?
-Lime deficient pastures with magnesium limestone
-Use a nutritional supplement high in calcium and magnesium to reduce the risk to your herd

Grass tetany in cattle can be a very costly disease if not caught early enough. Supplementing animals on pasture with a high calcium and magnesium supplement can be very helpful.

Buy Today for $26.37

CMPK Bolus

Supplement your cattle with CMPK Bolus.

Pet Therapy Dogs 101 – Becoming a Therapy Dog Team

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:04:41 +0000

Pet therapy dogs are extremely useful in the world, especially for people with disabilities and other health problems. There is a common misconception that therapy dogs need to be a certain breed, or raised to be pet therapy dogs from a very young age. However, therapy dogs can come in all breeds and sizes! Whether you want your pet to work in a hospital, a school or a retirement home, he will provide joy to numerous people throughout his life as a therapy animal. If you’re interested in getting your dog certified, follow the steps below.

1)    Find a trustworthy therapy-dog organization.
You can browse on the internet to find an animal assisted therapy organization in your state that offers a training program. Call the phone number of the one that interests you and they will get you started. Make sure to research more than one organization and ask plenty of questions before you decide on one. You can probably meet with a trainer to learn more about the organization, too.

2)    Go through an evaluation and a training course.
Most animal-assisted organizations should offer a thorough evaluation, training program, basic obedience training and follow-up. If they don’t, then you might want to reconsider the program you put your dog through. An experienced trainer will evaluate you and your dog as a team and place you in the appropriate training courses. Proper training courses should approach the dogs using positive reinforcement and patience.

3)    Start Volunteering!
An organization called The Good Dog Foundation maintains relationships with hospitals, schools and other facilities where they help schedule and familiarize pet therapy dog teams as they begin their outreach. After certification by a therapy organization, you and your dog can volunteer on your own. You can even work with that organization to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Becoming a therapy dog team is very rewarding once you get started. Remember, not all dogs are meant to be therapy dogs. If yours doesn’t make it through the training programs, it’s not the end of the world. The key is team work between you and your pet. If you maintain a good relationship with your dog then you will likely form good relationships with the people you visit. Therapy training may take a lot of work, depending on your dog, but it’s all worth it in the end.

Increase your pet's digestive health!


$17.99 Fortiflora	$14.99 PSCPets.com IntelliFlora

Mastitis in Dairy Cattle: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:16:28 +0000

Mastitis in dairy cattle is an inflammation of the mammary tissue of the udder. This inflammation is caused by white blood cells (leukocytes) that are released into the udder. These white blood cells come into the udder when bacteria enter, usually through the teat canal. Once the bacteria have entered the udder they multiply and produce toxins that damage the milk secreting tissue and ducts in the udder. Some types of bacteria that can cause mastitis are:
-Pseudomonas aeruginosa
-Staphylococcus aureus
-Staphylococcus epidermidis
-Streptococcus agalactiae
-Streptococcus uberis
-Brucella melitensis
-Corynebacterium bovis
-Mycoplasma
-Escherichia coli (E. coli)
-Klebsiella pneumoniae
-Klebsiella oxytoca
-Enterobacter aerogenes
-Pasteurella spp.
-Trueperella pyogenes
-Proteus spp.
-Prototheca zopfii
-Prototheca wickerhamii

Although bacteria are the most common reason for mastitis it may also occur from chemical, mechanical, or thermal injury.

Symptoms of mastitis is dairy cattle:
-Udder swelling
-Heat
-Redness
-Hardness
-Pain
-Abnormalities in the milk
-watery apperance
-flakes
-clots
-Decrease in milk production
-Can have permanent tissue damage

There are 2 main classifications of mastitis, they are:
-Environmental Mastitis- caused by organisms like Escherichia coli that do not usually live on the skin or udder but enter the teat canal when the cow has been in contact with a contaminated environment. A contaminated environment can be found in feces in the bedding, in the feed, etc.
-Contagious Mastitis- caused by bacterial that live on the skin or in the udder of the cow. This type of mastitis can be transmitted from one cow to another during milking. There are three sub-categories of contagious mastitis, they are:
   -Clinical- show signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, pain). There are three sub-categories of clinical:
     -Peracute- see inflammation, decrease milk yield, changes in milk yield and systemic signs (fever, depression, shivering, loss of appetite and weight loss).
       -Acute- similar to peracute but fewer systemic signs, usually only fever and depression.
       -Sub-acute- minimal inflammation signs shown with no systemic signs.
-Sub-clinical- see changes in milk composition but no signs of inflammation or milk abnormalities.
    -Chronic- see signs of inflammation for the matter of months and can also see from one lactation to another. Often will appear as sub-clinical with occasional flare ups.

Treatment plans vary for each type of mastitis. Most types can be treated with long-acting antibiotics. When using these antibiotics the milk from the cow is unsaleable and needs to be discarded. Some antibiotics can be injected into the animal's body or with an intramammary infusion. Acute mastitis does require more attention and a veterinarian should be called. Drying off cows at the end of their lactation is a good way to cure sub-clinical mastitis. It is suggested to dry treat all cows to prevent new infections. Using intramammary infusions works best for clinical mastitis cases. Mastitis can be a costly problem on a dairy farm. If you are having problems with mastitis on your farm try one of these products.


$27.49 Today Mastitis Treatment Cure Mastitis Today!!	$25.99 Tomorrow Dry Cow Cure Mastitis during the Dry period