Livestock Matters - Autumn 2017

AUTUMN 17 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 2 2 above a threshold for each day that a cow has been recumbent, usually correspond with a poor outcome. ultrasound scanning Another tool that can provide useful information to aid with decision making is the ultrasound scanner. This can be of value for more than just fertility work. In May, I organised a CPD event for eight LLM vets on further uses of ultrasound scanners. This practical session was led by Dr Gayle Hallowell, an internal medicine specialist from the University of Nottingham (Figure one) . The tutorial focused on using ultrasound to diagnose a range of diseases including kidney infection (pyelonephritis), peritonitis and pneumonia. The extra information provided by scans allows us to better assess the extent or severity of disease. In turn, this enables more informed decisions about treatment options and improves our ability to predict the chance of a successful outcome. I demonstrated the use of this in a practical sense a few weeks later by scanning the lungs of two calves, both of which had pneumonia. One calf in the early stages of pneumonia had a high temperature and we could see that only the front lobes of the lungs were affected. However, in the second calf, which had had previous cases of pneumonia and had not responded to treatment, the scans showed that the entire lung was affected (Figure two) . This calf did not have a high temperature and so with no active infection present the lung damage was likely to be historic and irreversible. Building relationships It is important to note however, that technology is only as good as the data it receives and only when high quality, accurate information is entered can it then be used effectively on farm. This also relies on vets and farmers developing the mutual trust and respect which are needed when difficult decisions have to be made. For me, having a good working relationship with farmers is one of the best parts of the job. Time spent discussing the weather, milk and meat prices and other areas of farming outside of veterinary helps build these relationships. Moreover we can discuss the complex subjects of dairy cow nutrition, transition management and fertility etc, but ultimately the productivity of a whole lactation or the health of a herd in general can depend on what the weather does in May and the quality of first cut silage! GRADUATE D I ARY Figure one. LLM vets receiving extra training on further uses of the ultrasound scanner. Figure two. An ultrasound scan of diseased lung tissue in a young calf. Born and bred in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland I grew up in the heart of Mid Ulster and prime farming land. It was here, helping my grandfather with his Texel sheep, that first got me interested in farming and on the path to becoming a farm animal vet. This led to undertaking work experience for several summers at Parklands Veterinary Group, Cookstown (XLVets). Here I had the privilege of shadowing several highly skilled vets who willingly shared their experiences and reinforced my interest in studying to become a vet. I chose to study at the University of Nottingham, as the high percentage of practical learning throughout the course really appealed to me. For work placements during my time at university, I was always drawn to XLVets practices having found them to be forward-thinking, have high standards, and always willing to share their knowledge and expertise. In my spare time I like to play golf, go hill-walking and support Spurs. I have been a keen hockey player in the past and hope to get back into the sport some time soon. About Roland Millar