Amy E. Tuominen, DVM

02/24/2024

Hi everyone! It’s a new year and I’m currently upgrading to a new software system that will make invoicing, scheduling and record keeping significantly more streamlined. If you’re a current client, you’ll get a client intake form emailed to you. If you can fill that out (please include the breed(s) of horse, cows, etc!), it will help immensely with the transition. I have a great assistant that’s helping with all of this, and she appreciates if you can fill those out. Makes it easier for her to export everything into the new system. There is also a form that offers having a credit card on file. This is not necessary to do, just an option for those that would like to do so. If you prefer not to, you can select your preferred form of payment and that will be input under your client profile. I will still be accepting cash, check or credit card at time of service. Thank you!

01/06/2022

Important info for sheep and goat breeders!

I had been planning a post about this as I’ve been seeing this, 1st in a client’s goat herd and unfortunately now in my own flock. This is a good informative sheet about the virus. The prime time for seeing affected lambs/kids born is Nov-Jan because of the timing for exposure. But with the extended warm weather we had this year, it’s certainly not out of the question to get affected ewes and does lambing/kidding with issues later into the winter. So just something to be aware of for any sheep or goat producers.

FYI to our Sheep & Goat Clients – In light of the tremendous increase in the number of suspected Cache Valley Virus (CVV) cases in kids and lambs this winter, we've created an info sheet to learn more about the disease. Feel free to call the office 860-974-2780 or email us at [email protected] with further questions or concerns.

03/23/2020

Just another quick update regarding COVID-19. I am still providing routine and emergency care at this time. I realize everyone wants to get spring shots, etc done while they’re home from work. In an effort to reduce the amount of people I see each day, I will only be scheduling 2 farm appointments per day. Emergencies will still be dealt with as they come up but only 2 appointment slots each day will be filled with routine appointments. This allows me to interact with as few people as possible while still providing routine care. So please be patient as I work you into my schedule. The following are just a few things to keep in mind during your appointment:

1) Please limit the number of people at the appointment to 1 person. I realize in some cases(such as working cattle) we need more hands on deck but please have as few people as possible there.

2) I am following the social distancing rules of 6+ feet so please don’t be offended when I keep my distance

3) If you or anyone in your household is sick, or has a recent travel history, please call me before your appointment. Many times I can handle things alone if need be. Please be forthcoming and don’t hesitate to call me

4) As always, I am cleaning and disinfecting everything between farms. I am also taking extra care to wipe door handles, steering wheel, etc constantly.

I just want to keep everyone safe, including myself, so I thank you all for your cooperation.

03/16/2020

Fun way to start the morning! Flopsy needed a bit of help as her first kid was in a breech position. Once I got him sorted out, I helped her get the other 2 out. Triplets for this mama! Always a great call when all the kids and doe do well!

03/13/2020

With the growing concerns about COVID-19, I want to assure my clients that I will be operating as usual. I do ask that if you’re sick, please reschedule your appointment. If the animal needs to be seen immediately, please catch them prior to my arrival or have someone there who isn’t sick and hasn’t been in contact with anyone who is sick. As a medical professional, I understand the concerns about this virus and appreciate what the government is doing to help mitigate the speed at which it spreads. I’m lucky to be in the category of people that if I should get exposed, it would likely be mild. My main concern is becoming a carrier. I see many elderly folks, as well as some that are immunocompromised. I think as a community, we can do our best to prevent spreading this virus. I know many folks think it’s nothing to be concerned about, and for most of us, that’s true. But we should do whatever we can to help protect the population that is most at risk. I appreciate everyone’s help with this!

12/19/2019

The weather is going to be very cold the next few days! Making sure that your animals have access to unfrozen water, shelter, and feeding a little extra hay will help keep everyone warm and happy! These fluctuations in temperature can be tough on our horses and livestock, so be keeping a close eye on them for any issues.

11/27/2019

7 month old Miso had surgery today to remove a retained testicle. His testicle was in his abdomen, which I had seen on a previous ultrasound. This required abdominal surgery to remove, which I prefer to do in a clinic setting. Thanks to Dr. Lauralyn Brown and her staff, we were able to do the surgery at her clinic. Miso traveled in style, riding in the back of a Mini Cooper!

08/30/2019

As many of you have heard, there have been human and equine cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Western MA. There is a vaccine available for horses, so if your horse has not been vaccinated, please contact me to make an appointment to get the vaccine. Also, if you had vaccines done in early spring, getting a booster now is also recommended. The vaccine has good coverage for 6 months, so check to see when your equine friends were vaccinated! Take preventative measures to decrease mosquitoes around your barns. This can be done by making sure standing water (water tubs, etc) are dumped out, using fans to circulate air, and utilizing fly sheets and masks can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that can bother your horse.

03/12/2019

Things are getting busy as we head into spring! This little guy chose a pretty nice day to enter the world!

01/12/2019

It's baby season! Make sure to keep a close eye on any newborns to ensure they stay warm, get plenty of colostrum and are kept out of drafts/wind. This little guy was born today which was quite cold and windy! After a little help, he's nursing and he and mom are nestled in a warm pen. No, they didn't stay in the living room:) But he's off to a good start now that he's nursing and warm.

12/24/2018

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

11/30/2018

Started my birthday off with a successful calving!

11/29/2018

Many of you have met Claire, but if you haven't, she's a UMass pre-vet student that rides along with me on Thursdays. Today we ultrasounded my ewes and Claire got to do most of the ultrasounding. You can tell she's enjoying herself! The barn cat decided to join in on the fun.

11/09/2018

Great info in this article! Are your horses ready for the cold weather? If you have any concerns, or still need to get teeth floated, give me a call!

Horses are naturally well-adapted to thrive in frigid weather if they have the basics of adequate calorie intake, palatable water, and protection from wind and severe precipitation.

09/16/2018

I've spent the last 3 days at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners annual conference. I've attended some great talks, and look forward to implementing some of the things I've learned! Thanks to all of you who support me pursuing continuing education, both so I can continue to expand my knowledge and to continue helping you all on your farms!

06/14/2018

This sow needed some help farrowing tonight. But with a little help, she had these cuties

05/11/2018

This handsome group of draft horses just got their spring shots and coggins done!