Winter 2021 Newsletter

           There have been many changes in the last year. This newsletter will talk on the new upgraded services and equipment that we have to help our clients and help us practice better medicine. We will cover: A new online store, an upgraded digital x-ray system, beefed up (pun intended) tilt hydraulic cattle chute, bovine embryo transfer and reproduction services, powered equine dental equipment, pet dental procedures, and pet microchipping.

ONLINE STORE

                We have recently started utilizing our online store. This will help when you are busy and would like medicine, food, and or supplies to be shipped directly to your home or ranch. The store has both small and large animal products.  It requires you to be an established client and a prescription for most medications but is extremely convenient to get to and use. It is accessed through our website www.saintpaulvetclinic.com on the online store tab. We believe that it can be an economical and time saving service for any and all of our clients.

UPGRADED DIGITAL X-RAY SYSTEM

                This past year we upgraded to digital x-ray which we have been using to provide our clients with better veterinary care.  This upgrade helps us to be more efficient and allows us faster diagnosis on cases in which the x-ray is utilized. We can do 5 x-rays in the time that we did one in the past. By using the digital x-ray we have the opportunity to manipulate the image to help diagnose the issues the animal is presenting with. This is a huge improvement over using the film and chemicals. We can also send the files via e-mail for consultation or referral to other veterinarians. This has been a tool that has made it much easier and convenient for all involved.

NEW SILENCER TILT TABLE

                The new Silencer tilt table (chute) allows us to more safely handle larger herd bulls, and diagnosing and treating lameness in cattle. This very quiet chute tilts the animal onto its side which then exposes the feet. We then secure the feet, test for any soreness and get a better visual of feet to identify problems. Along with removing excess hoof material we can put on a foot block that acts as a riser on one claw. This gets weight off of the opposite claw on the same foot.  It has been very nice to do lameness exams and corrective foot trims on everything from smaller yearling cattle to herd bulls. We are also able to do regular hoof trimming that can remove excess material before a problem can manifest.

EMBRYO TRANSFER WORK

                Dr. Tracy Hadenfeldt is looking forward to a new season of embryo transfer work on the cattle side. She’s ready to flush and transfer fresh or frozen embryos for producers.  Embryo transfer is a progressive tool to help an elite donor cow produce more offspring and further the genetic potential of your herd.  If you already have the embryos, she is ready to transfer them into any recipient cattle you have ready.  If you feel that this may be right for your herd please contact her at the clinic for further information and assistance.

EQUINE DENTISTRY

                Dr. Barrett Huneke is floating more horse teeth all the time. This is the process of gently filing away sharp edges, points or hooks on the teeth. This helps horses who have problems chewing food or problems with a bit while riding or training. Dr. Barrett uses new power float equipment which uses a motorized circular burr on a hand piece to file the teeth this is faster and can be less stressful then using a hand float (hand rasp). This is done under sedation and after a physical examination to make sure the horse is healthy enough for the procedure. Even if the horse is in good condition a small problem in the teeth can lead to larger problems while riding or training the horse. It is surprising to see how many horses can improve not just in eating but under saddle after a proper float. So in short if your horse is dropping feed or shaking its head while riding it would benefit to get its teeth checked out soon.

SMALL ANIMAL DENTISTRY

                While we are talking about teeth Dr. Tracy Hadenfeldt has been busy with dog and cat teeth. It is a problem that thankfully more and more people are becoming aware of. It is not just about bad breath, pets with dental and periodontal disease are at a much higher risk of heart and kidney disease. By 3 years old 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. That is why routine dental cleanings help prevent periodontal disease and allows for a complete oral exam that can detect hidden health problems. Prevention of dental disease is better than treatment after there’s a problem. If you are unable sit on the same couch with Fido because his breath smells to bad, and has more tartar then tooth, then we can help.

MICROCHIPS FOR SMALL ANIMALS

            We have expanded our services to microchipping dogs and cats. This is an RFID microchip that can be placed under the skin using a needle. The chip is approximately the size of a grain of rice. It contains a 15 digit number that is then registered by the owner. The chip can then be read by most veterinarians and or humane society's. If your lost dog or cat is found the microchip can be read by "the authorities." They will be able to access the information from the database and can get in contact with the owner.  There is a 2.5 times greater chance of you getting your dog or cat back if microchipped versus not chipped.  
 
NEW FACES

                 Last but not least we welcome a new face at the clinic Garrett Hanisch. He is helping as an assistant and learning while working. Garrett graduated in December from UNL and has been accepted into the joint University of Nebraska Lincoln / Iowa State University Profession Program of Veterinary Medicine. His classes will start in the Fall of 2021. We are all excited for Garrett and his future career.
​
If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment give us a call Phone: 308-754-4222