Keeping Dairy Cows Sound: Preventing and Managing Lameness Lameness affects productivity, fertility, and welfare in dairy herds. Poor hoof health, inadequate flooring, and nutritional imbalances are leading causes. Regular trimming, balanced diets, and comfortable housing conditions are essential for preventing lameness and maintaining milk yield. At The Vale Veterinary Group, our BCVA-trained advisers and experienced [...]
When Pets Hurt: Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Pain Because pets cannot tell us when they are in pain, owners must learn to notice the clues. Limping, hiding, changes in appetite, and neglected grooming often point to discomfort. Whether pain is caused by injury, illness, or aging, relief starts with recognizing the signs and seeking [...]
From Calm to Concerning: What Sudden Behavior Changes Can Mean When a once-affectionate pet suddenly becomes distant, irritable, or withdrawn, it’s rarely just a mood swing- it’s communication. Sudden behavioral changes can indicate pain, illness, neurological issues, or emotional stress. Recognizing these signs early allows for faster diagnosis, effective treatment, and better long-term outcomes. At [...]
Building a Healthy Future: Early-Life Care for Calves Strong, thriving calves are the cornerstone of a productive herd. The earliest days of life- when colostrum intake, warmth, and hygiene matter most- set the foundation for lifelong health. Clean housing, balanced nutrition, and attentive monitoring help calves build strong immune systems and resilience against disease. Good [...]
Common Eye Diseases in Cats: Expert Care at The Vale Veterinary Group Feline eye conditions can develop suddenly and, if left untreated, may lead to pain, discomfort, or vision loss. At The Vale Veterinary Group in Cullompton, our team of specialists provides advanced diagnostics and tailored treatment plans to manage a wide range of feline [...]
Feline Asthma: Recognizing Symptoms and Supporting Respiratory Health Episodes of wheezing, coughing, or open-mouth breathing can signal feline asthma- a chronic but manageable respiratory condition. With the right treatment plan, including inhaled medications and environmental control, affected cats can continue to lead active, comfortable lives. At The Vale Veterinary Group, our expert team provides advanced [...]
Kennel Cough in Dogs: When to Seek Specialist Care Kennel cough, formally known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can range from mild to life-threatening. While many cases resolve on their own, some dogs—particularly puppies, elderly dogs, immunocompromised pets, and brachycephalic breeds—may develop severe complications requiring specialist [...]
Healthy Herds: Preventing and Controlling Bovine Respiratory Disease Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains one of the most significant challenges to cattle health and farm profitability. Stress, viruses, and bacteria often combine to cause outbreaks, leading to production losses and animal welfare concerns. Proper vaccination, biosecurity, and nutrition reduce risk and keep herds thriving. At The Vale [...]
Parasite Protection for Pets: What Every Owner Should Know Parasites are everywhere- on the ground where your dog walks, in the grass your cat explores, and even in mosquitoes hovering near your garden. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can all cause serious illness if left unchecked. The good news? Most are entirely preventable. With [...]
The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for our pets, this period can introduce a range of hazards that could dampen the holiday spirit. At The Vale Veterinary Group, we understand the importance of keeping your pets safe and healthy. By addressing potential health risks and offering practical solutions, we [...]
