Animals

Life As A Farm Vet

By Laura Sage BVSc (Dist) MRCVS

Here at Damory Veterinary Clinic in Blandford the majority of our farm work involves looking after dairy cattle, but we also see plenty of beef herds and sheep flocks; along with smallholders owning a variety of species including goats, poultry and alpacas.

We have six full-time dedicated farm vets, alongside our small animal & equine teams. Our days can be extremely varied, with a mix of pre-planned and emergency visits. For example I could be ultrasound scanning cows to see if they are pregnant, TB testing, dealing with emergencies such as difficult births, treating poorly animals, operating on a cow with a displaced stomach - the list is endless.

Not knowing what you might do each day (or night!) is one of the most exciting aspects of our job.

Some parts of farm veterinary work are very seasonal, with Spring being notoriously busy. However there are some moments that make it all worth it: treating a severely dehydrated calf with a fluid drip, watching them go from listless to bouncing around the pen in a matter of hours! Or ultrasound scanning a cow and seeing that she is “in calf” (pregnant), after you nursed her back to health from severe illness a few months earlier. Calvings and lambings, including C-sections, are also immensely satisfying - the feeling of

bringing new life into the world never gets old!

As well as visiting farms, there is also technical office-based work looking at farms’ data to keep us busy. We have several software programmes enabling us to analyse data and advise farms on how they can improve their herds’ health most efficiently. Personally my special interest is infectious disease control, so when I’m not out on visits you might find me analysing results or advising farmers on control plans, including vaccination, tailored to their individual farms.

It is so rewarding to get to know our clients and their farms, working with them to improve herd health. I am also enrolled on a post-graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. My colleagues have particular interests in areas such as fertility, dairy cow lameness, mastitis, youngstock and suckler herd management. To see more about our services & what we get up to, find us on Facebook “Damory Farm Vets” or Instagram @damoryvetsdorset_ farm

Lottie having an I/V line placement

These Doggos Need A Forever Home Now - Can You Help?

Staffie and Stray Rescue (SSR) specialise in taking in more difficult dogs that are considered in the rescue world harder to rehome - often dumped and unclaimed, with no real history. The rescue works with local dog wardens and the best dog behavioural therapists in the area to ensure that all dogs in need find the perfect home and the happy ever after that they deserve. Although predominantly a Staffie rescue, SSR will never turn away other dog breeds that need their help. Below are some of SSR’s current long term residents who are desperately in need of a loving forever home. Can you be the person one of them needs? (simply click the dogs to see more about them, and/or to register your interest with SSR)

• Missy has had a really tough time in her life so far. She is a happy, giddy girl, a little clumsy sometimes and a comical character! She loves to say hello to everyone she meets. Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, previous dog owners

MISSY - 3 YRS

VINNIE - 11 YRS

• Vinnie was found 3 days after his owner passed away, laid loyally next to his owner, alone and starving. Vinnie is a shy boy looking for a retirement home - he loves cuddles and snoozing! Needs: Pet-free, quiet adult-only • Mable was taken into the pound after a welfare issue. She is a nervous girl, looking for a patient and quiet home. We feel she has been through quite a traumatic time - but once she is comfortable, she is very loving and will make a fantastic companion. Needs: Pet-free, adult-only, Doberman experience DENZIL - 2 YRS

• Denzil was found as a stray with lots of scars; we fear that Denzil has gone through a lot. He is looking for a very special and experienced home. He is a shy boy who likes his own space and prefers to get to know people in his own time. Denzil is a lazy young man and loves his sleep, although he really enjoys walking a few miles a day. Needs: Pet-free, adult-only, large breed exp.

• Barney is a Jack RussellxChihuahua from a well loved home. Unforeseen circumstances mean he is now looking for a new home. He is an anxious little boy, but where he feels safe, Barney is very loving! Barney would love to be the centre of someone’s world Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, quiet home.

• Lola has had several homes, some traumatic. We are looking for a very experienced and special home who can help Lola thrive through lots of love whilst working with our team of behavioural therapists. In the home, Lola is a couch potato! Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, large breed exp. BARNEY - 2 YRS

MABLE - 6 YRS LOLA - 5 YRS