Molecare News

Spring/Summer 2019

• Dairy wisdom in uncertain times • African Swine Fever • Should I worry about Johne's? • Coccidiosis in lambs In this issue: • HerdInsights: Moletech • Scabby sheep, is it always scab? • Worming strategies for grazing • Dental x-rays for pets Dairy wisdom in uncertain times Nick Barradale BVSc MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

As I write this article, I am over a year later the results are fantastic. considering the uncertainty that Earlier in 2017 the farm invested in a new currently grips the nation, not to farm software package - Dairy Comp mention the agricultural sector, 305. This has meant better management of farm data and real time feedback on regarding Brexit. No matter the performance rates. outcome, wise investment is essential to future proofing dairy Pregnancy rates have jumped from 20% to 24.6% in the past year. This moves the farm businesses. Key areas where from the top 25% to the top 5% of herds most of the industry could make nationally, representing approximately have made in recent years, I'd have to improvements are; biosecurity, £35/cow/year additional gross margin. say the best has been the cubicle beds data and return on investment. Tighter fertility also reduces stale fat cow and the permanent concrete footbath. issues, improves staff morale and reduces We have always used sand in cubicles for Biosecurity unnecessary fertility culls with loss of udder health reasons, three times a week During a recent phone call, a Dutch valuable genetics. SmaXtec has certainly on top of mattresses. However, we were farmer was unhappy about the IBR performed very well for this and other not happy with hock sores. After visiting status of an animal he had purchased units. other units we decided to fit a 7.6cm (3”) but was unable to export to his farm. angle iron to the kerb of the cubicle to A second cautionary tale involved a Cow comfort transform them to shallow sand on top of farmer stranded without his purchased The latest investment is 120 cubicles with the mattress. We now apply a light top up breeding heifers, which he wanted to 118m (390') of new feed space; resulting in of sand daily. Lying times, cow comfort and export to Romania – again transit issues scope to increase population, with at least cleanliness have dramatically improved linked to their infectious disease status. 70cm feed space per animal. and the high kerb does not seem to worry BVD Stamp It Out has highlighted that we the cows.” Following on from the very cost-effective are up to 28 years behind some European addition of a 7.6cm (3”) kerb rail “Our footbath was removed from the countries. We must, as an industry, and shallow sand beds on top of old milking parlour exit and is now positioned prioritise biosecurity and biocontainment mattresses last year, the new shed now far enough from the milking parlour so as to maintaining health and profitability. has deep sand cubicles. Wide alleyways not to affect cow flow. It is 4m long, has We have been labelled the ‘dirty country’ and new plug trough drinkers finish off the been plumbed into the volume washer and can only start to alter this with a new environment perfectly. On my last and has a large drain. It’s quick and easy universal mindset change. visit I noted there were eight cows around to fill and we use it religiously each day. Data and ROI the new fresh water trough, whereas Foot health has increased and digital there was only one at the traditional dermatitis is not the problem it was." Data and targeted investment go hand large concrete trough not more than 18m in hand. If you don’t measure, then how (60’) away. can you manage? Carefully managed data is invaluable, as demonstrated by The shed was carefully designed to Farm spotlight- minimise investment but retain potential Hatchlands Farm. Recent progress has Hatchlands Farm really developed the herd’s productivity to maximise return. The investment in 2015-2018 and potential. These investments have comfort has increased milk/per cow/per been carefully managed and financially day by 1.2L, with no changes to ration. Population: 350 < 480 shrewd. There have been other investments, but Yield: 22 < 25L/cow/day a remarkably cost effective one is the Pregnancy rate: 20 < 25% smaXtec footbath. Some careful planning, a few Investments: The business was lucky enough to receive pounds worth of concrete plus a day’s Cubicle adaptations, bespoke footbath, smaXtec heat a Pro Dairy Welfare EU grant for a heat work and digital dermatitis is now history. and health monitor, farm software, new dairy shed, and health detection system. SmaXtec Paul Palmer of Hatchlands Farm explains: beds and feed space, calf shed, cow flow and the widening of alleys. was installed in September 2017; just “Of all the low cost improvements that we

St David’s Farm Practice in partnership with Mole Valley Farmers molecarevetservices.com Should I worry about Johne's?

Krzysztof Reich MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

It has been almost five Understanding the spread of Johne’s years since The National Johne’s Management Plan disease between animals commenced. FAECES What is Johne’s? INFECTED COW COLOSTRUM Johne’s disease is a bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium avium MILK paratuberculosis (MAP). It targets the intestine, causing significant economic impact in affected dairy herds. A big Johne's disease infection is mainly caused by calves ingesting faeces through challenge is the disease’s subclinical contaminated bedding, udders, teats or dirty buckets of colostrum or milk. component – so affected animals are Much less commonly, the disease can be acquired in the womb or later in life. infectious, but difficult to diagnose. Some animals shed bacteria long 80% of Johne's Disease infections occur within the first month of life before they show up on diagnostic tests as infected. The economic impact of Johne’s is more than just the clinical cases. Milk yield losses can be as high as 25%. These cows are also more susceptible to other conditions, eg high cell counts, lameness and infertility, which all have a negative economic impact. The symptoms, which come from the effect that Johne’s has on the intestines, appear gradually and are more often found in older animals. Typically scour results in dehydration and weight loss. This progresses to emaciation and eventually death, although most animals are culled before this stage. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, therefore culling plays a major part in disease control. Calves are particularly susceptible Johne’s Management Plan on your and infection is often acquired Six control strategies farm, with your vet, which considers all through milk and colostrum. The The following should be the risks appropriate for your particular bacteria are shed in faeces, so implemented with the guidance of set up, is vital. If you are purchasing infection can be transferred directly a vet, to suit individual systems. stock, it is imperative that you review and ingested. Using milk replacers the overall status of the herd you 1. Identify infected animals helps to reduce the spread of Johne’s. plan to buy from (remember, young 2. Improve biosecurity Avoid grazing young-stock on fields animals may test negative for Johne’s where slurry has been applied. 3. Improve management practices disease despite being infected.) Replacement breeding stock often 4. Culling, an important tool www.actionjohnesuk.org introduces the disease. 5. Use a terminal sire

Developing and implementing a 6. Vaccination.

For more information, please contact Molecare Veterinary Services on 01392 872934 or visit molecarevetservices.com

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Moletech will help you with: • Increasing conception rates • Detecting cows in calf HerdInsights: “Heat detection system • Reducing the use of antibiotics helped me achieve my goal” • Increasing milk production • Improved return on investment That’s what the HerdInsights system gives William O’Brien me. Co. Waterford, Ireland When I started this project I would definitely have said the biggest benefit Herd size: 181 is labour. But now, I would easily say the Number of collars: 181 biggest benefits are financial. My culling Yield: 7,000 Litres figures are way down - before they were in the early 20’s. This year, out of 180 cows, William explained the issues he only 10 are not in calf. was having: I am also getting my cows back out to “Our heat detection rates were decent grass a lot quicker. I had 30 cows calf in enough, until I took the decision to May of last year. This year dried off as usual increase my herd size to over 180 cows. on 1st December and 80% will calve fine I had been tail painting and all of a within a six week period. In addition, I rear sudden I was going from a long calving calves and as season straight into monitoring for heat anyone will tell detection. The amount of labour it was you, there is a consuming was becoming uneconomical huge difference and unrealistic. between calves born in early I now have more cows calving. Last year I February to had a lot of stragglers. This year my full herd those born in is on the system and my bull will be with the late May.” cows for a month less. It’s as simple as this; for a cow to make money, I need her in calf and back out on grass as soon as possible.

SmaXtec is an “early warning system” for Devon dairy “There’s a lot it shows Paul Doble you without actively Collard Hill Farm, Devon looking at the cow. It’s a management tool to help Herd size: 95 save time, money and give you a Number of Boluses: 80 head start on problems. Yield: 9,000 litres I’ve got less barreners going out this year compared to last year,” says Paul. “It’s helping Devon farmer, Paul Doble, uses me, as I’m a one man band. I don’t have a smaXtec smart boluses as an ‘early cowman here and so I had to do something to warning system’ for cow health help fill in the gaps. problems, allowing him to pick up The temperature issues early, before they escalate. alerts generated by the system This means preventative measures have proved just as can be put in place early, leading to valuable. If a cow reduced antibiotic use and more milk flags up as having in the tank. a high temperature, “The system gives you a heads-up before you she will be checked get to the nasty stage. You’re a day or half a at the next milking day ahead from a really sick cow,” says Paul. to see if there’s an obvious reason.”

For more information on herd health monitoring technology, please contact Moletech on 01769 576201 or email [email protected]

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Worming strategies for grazing and FECs Johanna Marsden BVSc MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

With the weather getting warmer the prevalence of worms is rising, however, with the increasing resistance to anthelmintics it is important we apply other strategies to reduce the burden. Effective worm control will help increase lamb growth rate and ewe production. There are several grazing and pasture management strategies that can be implemented. Grade pasture as High, Medium or Low worm risk. High risk pastures include land that was grazed the previous year by ewes and lambs, or the previous spring, putting them at risk of Nematodirus. Low risk would include new ley, pasture grazed by cattle or has not been used by sheep for the last year. Bioactive forage Weaned lambs should be put onto the lowest worm risk pasture Rotational grazing using bioactive forage such as chicory to prevent larvae build up. Higher risk areas can be grazed by and clover leys to supplement diet, has been found to lower ewes in good body condition, to reduce contamination. parasite levels and increased growth rates in lambs. Rotational grazing Avoid ‘dose and move’ Mapping out the worm risk for each paddock will help to plan Resistance to anthelmintics has also occurred through the pasture rotation. Resting paddocks between groups will also practice of worming sheep and moving onto clean pasture. increase the sward height of the grass, as most worms are found It selects for resistant eggs and it is important to have some up to 5cm on the pasture. Alternating grazing with cattle is also susceptible worms in order to help them develop immunity. beneficial due to the different worms affecting each species. There are two strategies that can be employed. 1. Where possible only treat 90% of the flock, leaving 10% of the There are two exceptions to this ewes in best body condition untreated. grazing strategy: 2. If necessary to treat the whole flock, once treated leave on 1. Whatever the grazing rotation you are still at the dirty pasture for five days before moving. high risk of Nematodirius infection. It passes from Fecal egg counts lamb crop to lamb crop if they graze on the same Fecal egg counts (FEC) are important for finding out if you need pasture. to treat, what wormer to treat with, testing for anthelmintic 2. Ewes do not develop immunity to Haemonchus, resistance and target treatment. therefore if this is an issue on your farm you will still Ten fresh fecal samples from a random selection of sheep, not need to treat the ewes strategically. just the animals which are scouring or in poor condition, should be sent off or given to your vet to complete a pooled FEC.

Worm egg kits are available to purchase both online and instore

For more information, please contact Molecare Veterinary Services on 01392 872934 or visit molecarevetservices.com

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 African Swine Fever – are we aware of the risks?

Sylvaine Lacrosse BVetMed MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

Did you know it is illegal to feed catering waste, kitchen scraps, meat or meat products to farmed animals? This includes production and backyard pigs! The reason is to prevent the spread of diseases such as African Swine Fever, (ASF), which was featured on BBC Countryfile in January. The disease is present in Africa and endemic to many of the countries south of the Sahara. However, it has been spreading across Eastern and Central Do you keep pigs, Europe and was confirmed in wild boar in Belgium in August 2018. The most likely even just as pets…? route of transmission would have been infected fomites or meat products, maybe Help to reduce the risk of African swine something as simple as a discarded ham fever reaching pigs in the UK sandwich! ASF is an incredibly infectious Biosecurity virus and is very resistant to harsh Feed your pigs environmental conditions. Luckily however, If everyoneDid you in know? the UK could practice good the virus is not infectious to humans. biosecurity, we could prevent the disease fromAfrican entering swine fever the is nationalspreading inpig eastern herd and and central Europe.the This right food: Clinical signs include: if itdisease were only to enter,affects wepigs couldbut is highly efficiently contagious and often fatal. If it were to reach the UK it would have a devastating effect on the health • High fever containof our pigs its andspread. on domestic and international trade of pigs and pork. • Use dedicated clothing and boots for • Loss of appetite It is illegal to feed pigs with catering waste or kitchenDon’t... scraps asyour these premises can transmit African swine fever as well as other ✘ • Haemorrhages of the skin and internal ✘ Feed food scraps and catering waste • seriousOnly allow diseases disinfected such as foot vehicles and mouth and disease and organs classical swine fever. from any restaurant or commercial equipment onto your premises • Death within 2-10 days on average. kitchen (including vegan kitchens) • Educate your staff about the disease ✘ Feed domestic kitchen waste or Feedrisk, especially your pigswith regards the right to bringing food in scraps Practise good meat products from affected countries ✘ Feed raw, partiallybiosecurity cooked or fully • Don’t bring any meat products on farm cooked meat• Use and dedicated fish (including clothing and boots to avoid accidentalDON’T8 access to pigs BUT DO9shellfish) for you and anyone coming onto ✘ Feed dog and yourcat foodpremises. • If rearing outdoor pigs, put up signs Prevent vehicles or equipment from telling people not to feed the pigs due • coming on to your premises unless 8to Feedrisk of food spreading scraps and disease. catering 9Feed specially formulatedDo... cleaned and disinfected first. waste from any restaurant or commercial pig feed as a safe Unfortunately no vaccine exists to combat this Ensure that people who look after commercial kitchen (including and easy way to give your pigs • ✔

virus. With ASF being highly contagious and ✔ Feed speciallyor formulatedvisit your pigs understand the vegan kitchens). a balanced diet. commercial pigdisease feed risk as of bringinga safe back meat often fatal, if the disease were to enter the Feed domestic kitchen waste Feed fruit and vegetableand easy wayproducts to give and your in particular pigs a wild Pictured above: 8 9 ASF rash on the underbelly of a pig. UK, it or would scraps. have a devastating effect material on the that has neverbalanced entered dietboar meat or pork/pork products health of our pigs and the trade of pigsa kitchen and and which has not from affected countries. Trade of ✔ Feed fruit and vegetable material pork.8 Feed raw, partially cooked or come into contact with material pork from affected areas in these fully cooked meat and fish of animal origin. that has nevercountries entered is illegal. a kitchen How is ASF transmitted? (including shellfish). and which •has Don’t not bring come meat intoproducts onto • Direct contact between pigs 8 Feed dog and cat food. contact with thematerial farm to avoid of animal accidental origin access to pigs. • Fomites including vehicles, clothing and implements • Certain species of ticks are biological vectors Animal & And remember Plant Health Remember • Feeding of infected meats. Agency Seek veterinary advice Traces of pork meat can transmit ASF, as well promptly if your pigs are unwell. as other serious diseases such as foot and More information about African mouth disease and classical swine fever. swine fever can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/ african-swine-fever.

For more information, please contact Molecare Veterinary Services on 01392 872934 or visit molecarevetservices.com

Image sourced from the Pirbright Institute. For more images on ASF please see: http://apha.defra.gov.uk/documents/surveillance/diseases/african-swine-fever-images.pdf

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Coccidiosis in lambs Rose Young BVM BVS MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

Coccidiosis or ‘cocci’ is caused Treatment by a small, single celled organism Treatment usually consists of one of three which inhabits the intestines of licensed products containing either many different animal species diclazuril (Vecoxan), toltrazuril (Baycox/ Tolracol) or decoquinate (Deccox). Two and can cause damage to the are oral drench products which are lining of the gut resulting in weight administered either during an outbreak loss, failure to thrive, diarrhoea or as a strategically timed preventative. The third is a feed additive which can be and death if severe. used as a routine preventative on farms Cocci can be found in the intestines of where it is not possible to reduce the risk healthy, adult animals in relatively low of lambs being exposed. numbers without causing any problems. The timing of cocci treatment is vital in A certain amount of exposure to cocci order to provide treatment for lambs with in youngsters is normal and beneficial, to symptoms, but also allow a low level of help generate good immunity in later life. exposure and subsequent immunity to Cocci oocysts (eggs) are shed into the Signs/diagnosis develop. Usually, all of the lambs in a lamb’s environment via the dung of Cocci can start to affect lambs from group will be affected, even if only a few infected sheep. Often older animals (adult around three weeks of age, when are showing signs; in most cases it is best ewes or older lambs) who are less clinically immunity from the ewe’s colostrum to treat the whole group. affected will act as the original source of begins to wear off. Of the eleven species infection, but once young lambs become of cocci found in sheep, only two are Prevention/control badly affected they begin to shed vast pathogenic (cause disease) and all Ewes numbers of eggs and an outbreak can have a period of infection (pre-patent • Manage lambing in as tight a block as really take hold. The more tightly stocked period) during which the disease is active possible to reduce time for cocci build the lamb environment, the quicker cocci but eggs are not shed, usually between up in spring can build up; so this is a disease which two and three weeks. This means that tends to affect early lambers and more simple faecal egg counts are not usually • Under vet guidance, use medicated intensive, indoor systems. the best way to diagnose an issue with feed for ewes to reduce cocci egg output at lambing time Problems can develop in outdoor systems coccidiosis. Sometimes cocci diagnosis is too, especially in ‘hotspot’ areas where actually based on the history of the farm • Ensure all the basics of lambing are lambs spend a lot of time, such as around and the likelihood that lambs are going covered, particularly good colostrum creep feeders or in gateways. Higher to be exposed to high numbers of cocci. and good hygiene. environmental temperatures will also Lambs increase the number of viable eggs on the ground and cocci eggs are able to Risk factors include: • Ewes and young lambs should be overwinter on pasture, so can affect lamb • Indoor management with high stocking turned out onto clean grazing, which crops one year to the next. rates has not carried ewes over winter or particularly young lambs the previous • Mixed lamb age groups (likely with year extended lambing periods) • If indoors, try to batch lambs into age • Poor hygiene in sheds (or around feeders groups to reduce transmission from or gateways) older to younger • Repetitive use of the same pasture for • Clean out lambing sheds and lamb turnout each year mothering pens regularly, the more • Other stressors such as poor nutrition, often the better inclement weather or weaning • If outdoors, move feed troughs or • A history of coccidiosis in the same creep feeders regularly to reduce system the previous year. ground contamination If symptoms in individuals do • Drench from 4 weeks of age or before develop, you will likely see: the known high risk period, to prevent severe infection developing • Poor growth rates, poor appetite and a tucked up/scruffy appearance • Under vet advice, use an in-feed treatment in creep to cover lambs • Dung staining around tails and legs, during the whole risk period. diarrhoea which sometimes contains blood flecks Coccidiosis also affects calves. The disease process in both species is • Collapse and death if severe, or similar. Always get in touch with your worsened by the presence of other vet or SQP for advice on managing diseases (worms, fluke etc). cocci to maximise your productivity.

For more information, please contact Molecare Veterinary Services on 01392 872934 or visit molecarevetservices.com

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Scabby sheep: is it always Scab?

Raechel Parker MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services

It could be... Orf Photosensitisation Orf is caused by a pox virus which can pic.2 Photosensitisation affects white sheep survive in the environment for months. It is and can be either primary or secondary. transmissible to humans, causing a painful Primary photosensitisation occurs when lesion and flu like symptoms. It is most sheep ingest photodynamic agents from commonly encountered in artificially the pasture such as St John’s Wort. These reared lambs under two months old. then circulate in the blood and make the You may also see it in lambs and ewes skin very sensitive to UV rays, leading to 10-14 days after moving sheep onto new severe burning. A photodynamic agent is pasture, especially if it contains lots of also produced as a breakdown product thistles. Thistles scratch the surface of the Did you know? from digestion of grass. This is usually skin allowing entry of the virus that may filtered out of the blood by the liver, but The orf virus and dermatophilus be lying in dried scabs from previous if the liver is damaged it is unable to do congolensis can act together to cause outbreaks. this, also causing burning; this is known as Strawberry Foot Rot. Lesions tend to You will see protruding warty crusts secondary photosensitisation. affect only one limb and only a few which bleed when traumatised (see lambs. They usually originate from the pic.1). You may see lesions on the inside coronary band (see pic.2) and can of the mouth but this is uncommon. take months to recover. Be careful not The area may become infected with to confuse with contagious ovine digital bacteria naturally present on the skin dermatitis (CODD). (eg staphylococcus aureus) and lead to severe pustular dermatitis. Rain Scald or Lumpy Wool Rain scald is of minor economic importance in the UK, but causes issues in countries such as Australia and New Zealand who rely on wool production. You will often see it following weeks of rain after shearing; the skin being wet and pic.4 In severe cases of Photosensitisation, soft for a long time allows the bacteria, the ears may be sloughed dermatophilus congolensis, to enter from the environment. Flies can then invade the area and cause strike. Initially animals might isolate themselves from the group and seek shade. You Lesions can also occur on the muzzle and might see swelling of the face, eyelids ears; they tend to cause small ‘bottle and lips and the ears can droop. These pic.1 Orf lesions appear on lips brush lesions’ around the muzzle (see areas will then become red, inflamed pic.3). Lesions tend to be self-limiting, Sucking lambs may traumatise the teat and sore, progressing to scabbing and but resolution can be faster if treated. skin with their teeth during suckling, oozing and the ear tips may die. (see Affected areas of skin become damaged allowing entry of the virus and causing pic.4) They may shake their heads and go on to produce pigmented wool. orf of the teat. Production losses are and rub themselves on hard objects, common due to pain associated with traumatising the skin even more. sucking and eating and the virus making Move animals immediately into dark animals feel under the weather. buildings; the sun doesn’t have to be If treatment of the virus itself is shining for them to have UV exposure! If unsuccessful, lesions will usually persist you have St John’s Wort growing on the for two to four weeks and then regress pasture then remove sheep and deal and the disease usually lasts in the with the weeds. Contact your vet to flock for eight to 12 weeks. It may then discuss treatment. be necessary to treat the secondary There are lots of causes of wool loss infection, please consult your vet. and scabbing in sheep, but of course As ever, prevention is better than cure! please don’t forget about scab and other pic.3 ‘Bottle brush’ lesions on muzzle Orf is most commonly associated with parasites too! poor immunity, so ensuring adequate colostrum intake and good flock management is crucial. A vaccine is If you see painful, swollen eyelids with areas of scabbing and available, but should never be used on naïve farms. Please consult your vet to hairloss around the eyes alone they may be suffering from periorbital help decide if vaccination would be eczema. Speak to your vet regarding treatment. Prevent by providing appropriate. adequate space at feed troughs; 45cm per ewe is recommended.

For more information, please contact Molecare Veterinary Services on 01392 872934 or visit molecarevetservices.com

Photos source: nadis.org.uk

Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Molecare News - Spring/Summer 2019 Are dental x-rays really Tooth root abscesses – can occur even if the visible part of the tooth looks important for pets? healthy, this can be incredibly painful. Katie Knott MRCVS, Molecare Pet Vets Antibiotics alone are not likely to solve the problem – tooth extraction is required. locate whether a fragment has been left, leading to ongoing inflammation and Resorptive lesions – part of the discomfort. disease process affects the root that we cannot see and knowing this is vital Assessing anatomy for correct treatment and resolution of substantial pain. Dental x-rays allow us to identify: – to assess if the tooth Abnormal tooth root shapes – for Tooth trauma needs removal or can benefit from a root example, kinked roots that are hard to canal procedure. Opinion has been growing remove or prone to snap without prior amongst specialists and general knowledge. Molecare, is a strong advocate of the practitioners alike, that dental importance of dental x-rays, and we Missing roots or extra roots – hope, from the examples above, that you x-rays are now an integral part of when extracting premolars and molars, will also see the benefits. we have to cut the tooth into separate dental procedures and dentals Our vets now have the most up-to-date pieces before removing each root performed on animals should digital dental x-rays and use them on individually. Extra or missing roots affect every case where appropriate, unless always involve a dental x-ray where we partition the tooth. Without this specifically declined by the owner. Dental knowledge, roots can be more prone to unless a specific reason prevents radiography requires considerable skill break as a complication. this. and a little extra time, but is invaluable – some teeth in reducing dental complications and When owners or veterinary professionals Lack of jaw bone make up the majority of the lower jaw identifying painful gum problems that look at an animal’s teeth, we can only which means little support is left during may otherwise be missed. We will take see the tip of the iceberg – the visible and after removal of teeth. These dental x-rays prior to any extractions to crown of the tooth. We cannot see the animals can be at very high risk of jaw identify any abnormal anatomy and the root or jaw bone surrounding the tooth fracture and may be referred to a dental extent and severity of disease in order to without x-ray and substantial disease and specialist for removal of problematic provide the best possible care we can for pain can be associated with these areas teeth – small breeds are most at risk. We your pet. without any sign of problem on the visible wouldn’t know of this potentially serious part of the tooth. risk without being able to see it on a We have all most likely experienced dental x-ray. toothache in our lives and our animals Special offer! may also have similar sensations Missing teeth – sometimes teeth FREE dental check with one of our regarding dental pain. The difference do not erupt properly but sit in the jaw vets, limited to 30 places. with animals is that they often do not bone for years. These can be prone to The level of severity of the pet's dental show any external signs of this pain, as a painful and dangerous development needs will be examined and we will they have evolved in the wild to hide into a dentigerous cyst that can cause advise on dental hygiene. PLUS, 20% signs of discomfort and carry on eating at extensive damage to the bone and jaw. off a general anaesthetic dental scale all costs. Combine the lack of symptoms AND 10% off any dental hygiene with potentially normal looking teeth and Assessing disease product. it can be impossible to find sources of Dental x-rays allow us to see disease in pain such as tooth root abscesses without the parts of the tooth we cannot see with Offer available from Monday 10th June a dental x-ray picture. Any vet in general our eye. For example: to Monday 22nd July. practice or a specialist, will have the Phone 01626 835002 or speak to Periodontal disease – the bone odd tooth root snap during extraction Reception to book an appointment around the tooth root can recede, as they are very long, thin and fragile in today. reduce the attachment of the tooth to cats and dogs compared to humans. the bone, and expose Without x-rays, it can be difficult to sensitive/painful parts of the tooth. If you would like to book a dental x-ray for your pet, please contact Contact Molecare Vets Head Office on us on 01626 835002 01392 872934

1 Exmouth - Molecare Vets Head Office and Farm Vet Dispensary Nutwell Rd, Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5AN 2 2 South Molton - Farm Vet Dispensary Pathfields Business Park, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3LH 3 4

3 Cullompton - Farm Vet Dispensary Honiton Road, Stoneyford, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1NU 1 4 Holsworthy - Farm Vet Dispensary Underlane, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6EE 5

5 Newton Abbot - Farm Vet Dispensary 22 Battle Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6RY Newton Abbot - Molecare Pet Vets Tel: 01626 835002