http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz en-us Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:18:25 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/170763/mating-mastery-a-guide-to-preparing-heifers-for-breeding-success/ One of the first and most important challenges heifers face is their first calving – the outcome of which can determine whether or not they become a productive member of the herd in the next seasons. This means that setting them up for reproductive success is crucial.But what does reproductive success look like in a dairy herd? Heifers, and cows in general, must follow a reproductive cycle throughout the year: they must be able to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, calve with minimal damage ... Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:53:59 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post170763 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/170739/iodine-in-mating/ Iodine is critical for dairy cow reproduction, helping regulate metabolism, promote oestrogen production, and improve overall in-calf rates during the mating period.... Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:17:24 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post170739 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/169289/understanding-itchy-skin-in-cats-and-dogs/ Identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment and management. Some common causes of itchy skin in cats and dogs include:... Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:05:46 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post169289 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/169003/gaponly--pet-insurance-payment-service/ GapOnly® is available at Vet Clinic Morrinsville!We’re excited to offer GapOnly®, a payment service that works with selected pet insurance brands. This means you can access your pet insurance benefit on-the spot for eligible claims, making your visit simpler and less stressful.Rather than paying us the full invoice upfront and waiting to be reimbursed, we submit your claim on the spot, on your behalf, while you’re at the clinic.Your claim is generally assessed in around 5-10 minutes, and i... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:56:36 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post169003 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/168702/udder-oedema-swelling/ Udder oedema can be a problem in first calvers, high-producing cows and over-conditioned cows. Genetic and environmental factors influence the occurrence of it, and while it generally self-cures within a week, we can reduce the severity and discomfort it causes. ... Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:26:34 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post168702 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/168700/bird-flu--how-might-it-affect-you/ Bird flu is a topic of conversation, with a few birds found infected in NZ with the current strain of interest, Avian influenzas, H5:N1.It is a topic for all of us, as wild birds are not separate from our lives and businesses. We have pets - cats and hunting dogs- that catch wild birds, free-range chickens, and cows who often have birds competing for scraps in feed bins.... Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:57:38 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post168700 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/168698/nursing-the-down-cow/ Any cow that is down and unable to rise requires nursing care. All down cows should be assessed to identify the underlying causes, which can include metabolic disease, mastitis, paralysis, injury or other serious illness. If the cause is unclear, contact your vet for advice. Caring for a down cow takes time and attention – if these cannot be committed to (in the busy calving time) then euthanasia should be considered. ... Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:34:54 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post168698 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/168697/dirty-cow-problem-why-should-we-metricheck/ When it comes to what is the biggest cost for any dairy farmer, the answer will always be feed (most of the time). But here we focus on post-calving infection (and its ramifications) that silently affects next season’s in-calf rates. Uterine infection/endometritis is a major player in pulling the in-calf rate down. It is estimated that the cost to lift the in-calf rate to more than 70% for the dairy sector is about $110 million annually.&n... Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:22:15 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post168697 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/167771/farm-focus-newborn-calves-day-1/ Their management, on day 1 particularly, is critical to how they perform for the rest of their lives.   ... Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:14:21 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post167771 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/post/167770/navel-ill/ Often these are still in the early stages, but some will progress to more severe cases.Risk factors for developing navel infections areInadequate colostrum antibody uptake by the calfCalving in pugged paddocksDirty pick-up trailersDelayed picking up of calves when in muddy conditionsDirty bedding in calf shedsCalves sucking each other's navelsWhile it is easy to just think about navels discharging pus and later on abscesses at the navel, in reality, the bacteria introduced at the navel can be sp... Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:03:30 +1200 http://www.vetclinicmorrinsville.co.nz/blog/#post167770