Seven Springs Mobile Veterinary Services

01/07/2025

👁️🐄 Pinkeye Season is Here – Protect Your Herd! 🐄👁️

Summer brings sun, dust, grass, and flies—the perfect storm for pinkeye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) in cattle.

🦠 Caused by Moraxella bovis, pinkeye is highly contagious and can lead to weight loss, severe discomfort, and even blindness if untreated. Pink eye has the potential to reduce daily average gain of your herd.

🚨 What to watch for:
-Watery eyes or squinting
-Redness, swelling, or cloudiness
-Ulcers on the eye
-Sensitivity to light
-Reduced feed intake
Calves and young stock are especially vulnerable!

💡 Prevention tips:
✅ Control flies with tags, sprays, and feed additives
✅ Provide shade and reduce dust
✅ Keep pastures trimmed to avoid eye injury
✅ Talk to your vet about vaccines, early treatment, minimizing fly load, rotational grazing, and chemical control.
👩‍⚕️ Early treatment = better outcomes. Call your vet if you spot signs—don’t wait until it spreads!

Protect your herd this summer pasture season. 👁️☀️

29/06/2025

🚨 GOAT OWNERS: COCCIDIOSIS ALERT! 🚨

Warm (and wet!) conditions increase the risk of coccidiosis in young goats. 🐐💩

🦠 Coccidia are microscopic parasites that damage the lining of the gut. Kids under 6 months are most vulnerable, but adults can be affected too—especially under stress or overcrowded conditions.

⚠️ Watch for signs:
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Poor weight gain or sudden weight loss
Lethargy
Rough coat
Dehydration

🩺 Prevention is key:
✅ Keep pens clean and dry
✅ Avoid overcrowding
✅ Rotate pastures
✅ Talk to your vet about coccidiostats or preventative treatments

If you're seeing symptoms or are concerned, don’t wait—early treatment can save lives.

05/06/2025

🧬 What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)? 🐴

Equine Metabolic Syndrome is a hormonal disorder in horses that’s a lot like type 2 diabetes in humans. It’s most common in easy keepers—think ponies, mini horses, Morgans, Arabians, and Paso Finos.

⚠️ The 3 key signs of EMS:

Insulin resistance – the horse’s body can’t properly regulate blood sugar.
Fat deposits – especially along the crest of the neck, shoulders, and tailhead.
High risk for laminitis – a painful hoof condition that can become life-threatening.

📉 What causes EMS?
Genetics, high-sugar/carbohydrate diets, and lack of exercise are major contributors.

🩺 How is it managed?
✔️ Low-sugar, low-starch diet (soaked hay, no grain), limiting pasture access
✔️ Weight loss if needed
✔️ Regular exercise (when safe)
✔️ Possible medication for severe cases

EMS is different from Cushing’s (PPID) but can sometimes occur together. Bloodwork helps clarify the diagnosis. Although there is no 'cure', proper treatment and long term commitment to care can reduce clinical signs and make your horse more comfortable.

➡️ If your horse has a cresty neck, unusual fat pads, or recurring laminitis, it might be time to schedule a visit with your vet to discuss EMS.
828-222-0477.

31/05/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office Investigating Cattle Theft in Glade Spring, VA- REWARD $15,000

The Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the theft of multiple head of cattle from a farm near Exit 32 off Interstate 81 in Glade Spring, Virginia. The theft is believed to have occurred between the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The stolen livestock, owned by C.H. Cattle Company, includes:
• 1 bull
• 5 cows
• 3 calves

Description of the animals: All are black in color. Most have a number freeze brands. The cows have large yellow ear tags along with blue fly tags. The calves have smaller yellow ear tags and blue fly tags. The yellow tags are marked with “CH.”

The estimated total value of the stolen cattle is approximately $27,000.

Mr. Hammond is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office at (276) 676-6000 or submit anonymous tips via TIP411 for WCSOVA by texting WCSOVA followed by your tip to 847411.

Please help us bring these animals home and hold those responsible accountable.

25/05/2025

🌾 Is Your Horse Sneezing More Than Usual? It Might Be Allergies 🐴

Just like people, horses can suffer from allergies—and they can impact comfort, performance, and overall health.

🔍 Common Equine Allergy Signs:
• Coughing or nasal discharge
• Itchy skin or hives
• Watery eyes
• Head shaking or rubbing
• Breathing difficulty
• Poor performance or restlessness

🧬 What Causes Them?
Allergies in horses can be triggered by:
• Dust, mold, or pollen
• Insect bites (especially Culicoides)
• Certain feeds or supplements
• Bedding or environmental irritants

🩺 Managing Allergies Effectively:
• Reduce dust with wet hay or pelleted feed
• Use fly sheets/masks or sprays to protect from insects
• Keep stalls well-ventilated and clean
• Work with your vet for testing and treatment options such as medications

A customized plan can make all the difference. If your horse is showing signs of allergies, we’re here to help them breathe easier and feel better. 🐎💨

📞 Contact us to schedule. 828-222-0477

22/05/2025

🥣 Grain & Goats: When to Feed It — and When to Skip It 🐐

Grain can be a helpful supplement in a goat’s diet—but only when used wisely.

✅ When Grain is Appropriate:
• Pregnant or lactating does need the extra energy
• Growing kids benefit from the protein for development
• Working or show goats may need added calories

🚫 When to Avoid or Limit Grain:
• Healthy adult goats on good pasture or hay don’t usually need it
• Overfeeding grain can lead to bloat, acidosis, or urinary stones
• Bucks and wethers are especially sensitive—watch their intake closely as their risk of urinary stones substantially increases.

💡 Tip: Always introduce grain gradually and make sure goats have access to plenty of clean water and quality forage.

Have questions about your goats’ diet? We’re here to help with personalized nutrition and herd guidance. 828-222-0477

20/05/2025

✨ New Reproductive Services Available! ✨

We’re excited to announce that our veterinary practice is now offering Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) services for cattle!

These advanced reproductive technologies are powerful tools for improving herd genetics, enhancing reproductive efficiency, and supporting more sustainable herd management.

✅ Why AI & ET?
• Improve herd productivity with proven, high-quality genetics
• Boost conception rates with expert veterinary support
• Reduce disease transmission from natural breeding
• Preserve valuable genetics through embryo banking
• Maximize the reproductive potential of cows

Whether you're aiming to grow a more productive herd, protect your investment, or optimize calving intervals, we’re here to help with tailored, expert care for your herd.
-
📞 Call us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Let’s take your herd to the next level! 828-222-0477.

09/05/2025

🦷🐴 Why Equine Dental Floats Matter! 🐴🦷

Just like us, horses need regular dental care to stay healthy and pain-free. Floating - filing down sharp points, hooks, and uneven wear on a horse’s teeth - is essential for:

✅ Better chewing and digestion
✅ Improved bit comfort and performance (we can create a 'bit seat')
✅ Prevention of painful mouth sores and infections
✅ A thorough look in the mouth to identify any issues or teeth that may require further care or attention
✅ Happier, healthier horses overall!

Most adult horses benefit from a dental float every 12-18 months, but some may need it more often depending on age, workload, and dental history. We utilize safe standing sedation and a power float to make the experience comfortable for your horse.

📍 Call us to book your appointment or ask about a dental assessment during your next farm visit.
828-222-0477

06/05/2025

SPRING VACCINATIONS 🐄🐎🐐

With spring in full swing, livestock face increased exposure to diseases from insects, wildlife, and even other animals. Spring is the ideal time to vaccinate because:

🔹 Immunity before exposure: Vaccinating before peak insect and wildlife activity gives your animals time to build protection.
🔹 Prevention is cheaper than treatment: Treating outbreaks of diseases like tetanus, blackleg, or West Nile Virus can be costly—or deadly.
🔹 Protecting young stock: Calves, foals, and kids are especially vulnerable. Spring vaccines help build early immunity.
🔹 Boosting reproductive success: Vaccines can prevent reproductive losses due to diseases like leptospirosis and IBR/BVD in cattle.
🔹 Essential for travel & shows: Equine vaccines are often required for events and interstate travel. Don’t wait until the last minute!

💉 Work with your vet to create a tailored vaccination plan based on species, age, and risk. Protect your animals—and your bottom line—this spring.

📞 Call us to schedule your herd health appointment today!
828-222-0477

17/04/2025

🚨 EMERGENCY CALLS – IMPORTANT REMINDER 🚨

As a large animal veterinarian, I’m always here to help when emergencies arise. Without a valid VCPR, I am not required to come out for emergency care. To establish a valid annual VCPR, I must examine your animal(s) in person for a non-sick visit. I cannot prescribe or dispense medications without a VCPR.

Annual wellness exams aren't just a box to check — they help me get to know your animals when they’re healthy, so I can better care for them when they’re not.

✅ Schedule your yearly check-up now to ensure I can be there when you really need me.

Let’s keep your herd healthy and ready for whatever comes their way! 🐄🐎🐐

14/04/2025

Nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive herd. Weight = profit, especially in today’s beef market. Maximize your herd’s potential with a nutrition consult.

🔎Fetal Programming in Focus: Mineral Matters✅

Research highlights how consistent gestational mineral supplementation supports improved colostrum volume, weaning weights and long-term growth. Backed by a university-led study, Wind and Rain® mineral showed measurable results in fetal development and postnatal performance.💪🌾📋

https://loom.ly/1PXfpOs

08/04/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Seven Springs Vet is more than just a veterinary provider– we’re committed to supporting and connecting with our wonderful local community! 🏡❤️

This month, we’re excited to be involved in a variety of events. We believe in the power of community and are honored to be part of events that bring people and animals closer together. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to stop by and say hello at one of our events! 👋