Big Creek Veterinary Services, LLC

07/16/2025

Part 2/2 of the new check in format for fair!

Please note that the animals will remain in their trailers. BCVS staff will enter the trailers as necessary to examine any animals if concerns are noted upon initial inspection. We do not anticipate needing to enter every trailer nor will we be doing full exams on every animal. Our criteria for taking a closer look at animals is the same as in years prior (see Part 1), but we will be able to catch potential problems earlier and be more proactive in your animal's care!

Also note, Dr. Ramsey has a novice junior showman this year and will be busy with mom duties, as well! ❤️ Dr. R will delegate some of the check in times to her staff, but will be on site for any questions or concerns.

Remember that NOW is the time to reach out if you have any concerns regarding the health of your fair animal! 🐐🐑🐖🐮🐎

🐾 NEW for 2025: Fair Vet Checks! 🐾

We’re excited to share that OSU Extension is partnering with Big Creek Veterinary Services, LLC to implement a vet check process for all animals entering the Clatsop County Fair this year! 🎉

This important step helps ensure the health and safety of every animal at the fair—and after they head home. Vet checks are a common practice at fairs across the country, and we’re proud to be moving forward with this best practice.

💡 We know new systems can take some adjustment, but we’re committed to learning and improving each year to make the process smooth for everyone.

🚜 LARGE ANIMAL VET CHECKS:
✅ Takes place the same as spring weigh-in
✅ Trailers will stop at the usual check-in area (before entering the fairgrounds)
✅ Two-lane setup for efficiency
✅ Animals will remain in the trailer
✅ A gold star will be placed on your stall card once cleared
(Owners do NOT need to be present for the vet check—just for weigh-ins and shows)

🐰 SMALL ANIMAL VET CHECKS:
✅ Held in front of the Small Animal Barn
✅ Happening during the same time as large animal vet checks
✅ If hauling both, get your large animals checked first

🗓️ Vet check times are posted on the 4-H Fair Schedule—check it out and plan ahead!

Thanks for helping us keep fair animals happy and healthy! 🐮🐷🐑🐔🐴🐾

07/06/2025

📣📣 FAIR IS QUICKLY APPROACHING!! 📣📣

(Part 1/2) Let's talk about VET CHECKS at fair. While the format is new this year, what the veterinary team is evaluating remains the same.

There are two categories we consider when looking at the animals:

1) Are they exhibiting signs of a contagious condition?

2) Are they individually fit to be shown and present at a public exhibition?

Let's break it down:

1) If they exhibit signs of a contagious illness, their presence at fair could compromise their health and the health of other animals. Signs we look for include: nasal discharge (respiratory infection), ocular discharge or redness (respiratory infection or pinkeye), cough (respiratory infection), fever (any infection ), warts, hair loss or poor hair coat (ringworm, lice), excessive itching (lice), limping (foot rot), or scabs on the face, feet or udder (Orf).

2) As responsible stewards of our animals, we need to put our best foot forward in bringing animals to the fair. This is a chance to showcase all our hard work and best husbandry practices to the public and ourselves. Signs we look for that an animal is not individually healthy enough to be at fair, but is not necessarily contagious in the fair environment, include: underweight, unexplained lethargy, diarrhea (internal parasites), limping (injury or poor hoof care), and untreated wounds. Trying to show an animal with any of these issues is a detriment to their well-being and reflects poorly on our livestock community.

If you have ANY concerns that your animal might not meet these criteria, NOW is the time to reach out to your leader and/or BCVS regarding your concerns. Early intervention is your best chance to resolve the problem before fair and ensure we can meet medication withdrawal times for market animals.

Stay tuned for Part 2/2 for a discussion on the new vet check format this year!! 🐎🐮🐖🐑🐐

06/13/2025

BCVS teamed up with the Sparkles N Spurs 4H Club to make and present these animal restraint kits to our local fire departments!

While first responders will have appropriate medical supplies to help animals, they don't necessarily have the tools to help handle or keep them secured. We thought these kits would help fill that gap!

Most importantly, these slip leads can be used in a variety of ways on a variety of animals that first responders might encounter.

Nice job, 4H'ers!

05/25/2025

Helpful tips as we gear up for better weather and adventures with our horses!

Whether you're riding familiar trails or exploring new territory, a trail survival kit can help you handle emergencies. Here's what you need, based on type of ride you're planning. >>>https://bit.ly/EQTrailRideSurvivalKit

05/02/2025

🐷🐑🐐 Some tips for this weekend's weigh-in for market pigs and small ruminants! 🐐🐑🐷

04/19/2025

📖📖 We have signed copies of Dr. Hunter's book!
Catch us in the office or on our farm calls and get your SIGNED copy!! 📖📖✒️✒️✍️

04/10/2025

📣 BIG NEWS! 📣

📖 The moment you've all been waiting for is here: Dr. Hunter published a book of his tales as a country vet! 📖

His book is available on Amazon, and we will have some copies available soon for direct sales.

🎉 Get your copy today!! 🎉

https://a.co/d/1QTrFfy

03/25/2025

PART 2

How to apply your duct tape boot.

03/25/2025

PART 1

Follow along to learn how to wrap a hoof and make a duct tape boot!

03/05/2025

☎️ After years of fighting with CenturyLink, bad connections, poor service, and increasing rates, we have cancelled our landline. ☎️

The previous number (503) 458-6185 is no longer active.

Please use the cellphone listed here 📱:

02/20/2025

Big Creek Veterinary Services, LLC is celebrating National FFA Week by Passing the Lamb!

Happy FFA Week!

02/11/2025

💐💐 BCVS is proud to donate these new flower boxes to the Clatsop Co Fairgrounds!

Any of our community groups are welcome to use them -- 4H, OHSET, OET Open Rides, and Friends of the Fair! 💐💐