Facilities and Restraint
Most producers know that proper restraint and handling facilities are important for the day-to-day operation of their farms. Milking, administering medications, applying eartags or even moving cattle would be very inefficient and unsafe without the proper facilities. Proper restraint, facilities and environment are also critical for us as veterinarians to most effectively perform examinations, treatments and surgeries. In order to do a good physical exam we need to be able to listen in a quiet environment with the animal restrained so that she cannot move about or kick. While performing rectal exams for pregnancy, it’s important for the cow to be in a headlock, stanchion or tie stall unable to swing from side to side. Rectal exams on cows in freestalls, behind gates or on the end of a halter give suboptimal results and put the veterinarian at undue risk of injury. On-farm surgeries are best performed in a chute in a well-lit, heated part of the barn. Open abdominal surgeries performed in a cold freestall barn with other cows kicking up dust and manure are at increased risk of infection and poor outcomes. Headlocks in calf raising facilities make castrating, dehorning and vaccination a one man job. While we will always work with the facilities that are present on your farm, it should be understood that often times the outcome may not be optimal if the facilities do not allow for proper restraint.

Johne’s Risk Assessment and Testing Reimbursement
The Division of Animal Health will reimburse producers up to $300 for charges incurred in completing a Johne's Disease Risk Assessment.  This assessment is performed by a Lodi Veterinary Hospital doctor who has received special training and is certified to perform Johne's Disease Risk Assessments. 

Charges for Johne's Disease testing that is performed after the assessment will be partially covered as well by the Division of Animal Health.  The Risk Assessment is a great way to attack this profit robbing disease by developing a plan to help minimize the impact of Johne's Disease on your dairy herd.  Many of our dairy clients have been benefitting from this program.