Valley Vet Supply

September Update - 2012 West Nile Outbreak

West Nile virus is becoming increasingly more threatening as the season progresses. Every state in the continental U.S. has reported West Nile virus activity this year. To date, just over 2000 human cases and 87 deaths have been reported, with half of those numbers coming in the last 3 weeks alone. This is the largest number of disease cases ever reported in the U.S. at this point in the season.

People and horses acquire West Nile virus from the same source – the mosquito. Because there is not a preventative vaccine for people, the best way for us to avoid disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Many insect repellents and insecticide sprays are quite effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. For horses, the greatest insurance against West Nile comes from vaccination. Horses can acquire significant protection when vaccinated with an equine West Nile vaccine each year. Refer to our West Nile Virus vaccine chart to review the options.

What to watch for – The symptoms of West Nile virus are similar, whether infecting people or horses. Infections target the central nervous system. Early signs include fever, depression, stiffness, muscle twitching, hypersensitivity to stimulus, and loss of appetite. As it progresses, muscle weakness, stupor and paralysis may develop. Inattention, daydreaming or staring off into space should be monitored, as this may reflect a change in mental status. Symptoms may persist for days or weeks, and some neurological effects may be permanent. Like most illnesses, the benefits of prevention are worth the effort. Stay safe! Lori H.

*The CDC map shows the distribution of WNV activity (shaded in light green), human infections (dark green circles), and presumptive viremic blood donors (dark green triangles) occurring during 2012 by state. If West Nile virus infection is reported from any area of a state, that entire state is shaded. http://www.cdc.gov/

Guessing Game Giveaway Winner!

Answer: 46 Horse Treats

Congratulations Stephanie Hanlon,
your quick guess of 46 won you a 65 ct. pack of
Uncle Jimmy's Squeezy Buns Horse Treats!

Please email facebook@valleyvet.com to claim your prize.

Guessing Game Giveaway!

WIN A 65ct PACK OF UNCLE JIMMY'S SQUEEZY BUNS HORSE TREATS!

Guess the number of treats in the container, like this post and WIN!

The first person to guess the exact number and like this post wins a 65ct pack of Uncle Jimmy's Squeezy Buns.  In the event that the exact number is not guessed, the first person with the closest guess will win.

One entry per person, please. (Note: if you don't see your entry right away, please don't enter a second time. It will show up shortly!)

No entries after 8:00 am Central Time Monday, August 27, 2012.

The winner will be announced Monday, August 27, 2012.

2012 West Nile Outbreak

West Nile virus has been headlining the news this month. We’re in the midst of the largest outbreak ever seen in the United States. So far this year, just over 1000 human cases have been reported, resulting in 41 deaths. Previous years have averaged less than 300 human cases at this point in the season. This is especially frightening because we are so early in the season. West Nile Virus typically peaks later in September.

Because people and horses acquire the disease from the same source of origin, the mosquito, there is great cause for concern in the equine population. As of August 14th, 77 cases of equine West Nile Virus had been reported this year. All of year 2011 accounted for 87 equine cases.

What to watch for in horses: West Nile Virus infects the central nervous system. Early signs include fever, depression, muscle twitching, hypersensitivity to stimulus, and loss of appetite. As it progresses, staggering gait and paralysis may develop. Inattention, daydreaming or staring off into space should be monitored, as this may reflect a change in mental status.

Vaccinating with an equine West Nile vaccine has been proven to have a significant impact in preventing the disease. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends vaccinating all foals and horses against West Nile Virus. If your horse has never been vaccinated for West Nile Virus, you will need to give two doses, a few weeks apart (according to the label directions). The next year and every year after, you should follow up with a one dose booster shot to maintain immunity from the disease.

There are a number of equine West Nile vaccines to choose from. Some are specific to West Nile Virus only, while others combine it with protection against other diseases. Refer to our West Nile Virus vaccine chart for a simplified view of the options.

Stay safe, Lori H

Cosequin Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the winners of our Cosequin giveaway packages! Karen S. from Cumming GA and Anna S. from Knoxville TN. $350 in Cosequin products are on the way to each of you! Thank you to everyone who entered and shared their Cosequin success stories. Lori H

Oster Turbo A-5 Clipper Video

The increased blade speed and new Cryogen blades make the Turbo A-5 more efficient than ever. It features a powerful, cool-running, universal motor, and the Cryogen blades run an average of 30 degrees cooler than conventional Oster blades. It weighs just under 2 pounds, measures 7.5", has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, and is proudly made in the U.S.A.

I would like to show you how to properly care for and change the blades on your Turbo A-5 Clipper. There are 3 products you'll want to have on hand while clipping. All may be purchased at www.valleyvet.com; Blade Wash, Lubricating Oil and Kool Lube.

Every 1-2 hours while clipping you will want to clean your clippers with blade wash. This flushes the hair from the clipper blades and provides some lubrication. While the clipper is running, submerge the blades in the wash. You will also want to oil your blades every 1-2 hours of use. Simply place 1 drop of oil at each end of the blade rail while the clipper is running.

Every 3-5 minutes you will want to spray the blades with Kool Lube. Kool Lube is designed to prolong the blade life without leaving an oily residue. It helps reduce friction and wear and instantly cools the blades.

Oster designed the Turbo A-5 with a detachable blade assembly, making the blades extremely easy to change. Remove the blades by depressing the blade lock at the base of the hinge, pull the blade away from the clipper, and remove the blade from the hinge. You want to leave the blade hinge open while your blade is removed. If the blade hinge is flush with the clipper it will be necessary to pry it back with a screw driver. If you use your clippers a lot, you should keep an eye on the blade drive. It will wear with extensive use and need to be replaced.

To replace the clipper blade, simply slide the blade back on the blade hinge, turn the clipper on, and press the blade shut.

All of the products I spoke about today may be purchased online at valleyvet.com, by calling 800-356-1005 or at our store in Marysville, KS.

Great One Step Leather Restorer

Delbert Jones has been repairing leather tack and shoes for over thirty-eight years at the tack store he founded. I would say he knows leather. He also knows what leather products work, and what doesn't. He says that he has tried every product out there. He found what he calls “the best leather restorer there is.” When he calls to reorder Horseman's One Step by Absorbine for Leather care, he orders it by the gallon.

He says that in all the years of business at his Tack Shack in La Junta, CO, he's "never found a better product! It's excellent for restoring. Of course, it won't bring back rock hard, old stiff leather, but nothing will do that. But it will restore worn and dry leathers." Delbert was so sold on Horseman's One Step that he said I could write up his recommendation so others could find this gem of a product. If you are unsure what to use to restore your car leather, shoes, furniture, and of course, your tack and saddle, do it in this easy, One Step! Ellen

 

Cosequin Giveaway Spectacular

Enter to win one of TWO Cosequin prize packages, each valued at $350! Each giveaway package includes nutritional supplements to support healthy joint function in horses, dogs and people:

1050 gm Cosequin ASU Plus for Horses
60 ct Cosequin HA+ASU Horse Treats
5.625 lb Calxequin Hoof Supplement
90 ct Cosequin Multi for Dogs
60 ct Cosequin Soft Chews Plus MSM for Dogs
180 ct Cosamin ASU Capsules For Active People
100 ct Omega Mint Fish Oil Softgels for Your Heart Health

Cosequin has been used to maintain joint health in animals since 1992. Cosequin differs from other joint support supplements because of the exclusive, patented ingredients it contains. Cosequin contains TRH122® chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49® glucosamine, and manganese ascorbate. This particular combination of ingredients has been proven to work together to help support cartilage production and protect the existing cartilage from breakdown.

Part of the natural aging process involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Because cartilage acts as a shock absorber between joints, its breakdown can lead to joint pain and decreased flexibility. Cosequin nutritional supplements provide nutrients to maintain joint health and protect the cartilage. Its benefits can range from gradual to dramatic! Lori H

TO ENTER:
1. Answer the following question in the comments section of this post:

How have Cosequin joint support supplements improved your animals’ health?

and

2. Tweet or Like the post.

THE RULES
One entry per person, please. (Note: if you don't see your entry right away, please don't enter a second time. It will be posted shortly!)

No entries after 8:00 am Central Time Friday August 3, 2012.

Two winners will be selected at random and announced Friday August 3, 2012.

Best-Selling Saddle Pad at Valley Vet AND Classic Equine!

I often get asked, "What is your biggest seller?" When a customer is trying to compare one product with another. Well, this horse pad is not only our top-selling pad, but the manufacturer, Classic Equine’s, top seller as well! It's called the Biofit Correction Pad. It comes in three great styles to fit your needs.

The Biofit Correction Pad gets high reviews from our customers for doing what it says - correcting a fit problem. Older horses with a diminishing topline or shoulder muscles, or any horse with very high withers can benefit from this great top-selling pad. We all know that "nobody is perfect," and that goes for horses, too! If you can give your horse this top quality wool blend that offers superior shock absorption and a contoured design that will conform to its back and help with bridging, all the better.

The BioFit Fleece Bottom Pad is like the original pad in that it is has the same built-up area over the shoulder that supports the front of the saddle from collapsing forward, only it offers a moisture wicking fleece underside that is both very soft and great for impact reduction. It's only about ten dollars more for the addition of this great idea.

If you want a whole inch of wool blend and fleece on the bottom, you can get that in the third tier Correction Pad. It’s called the 1” Biofit Fleece Bottom Correction Pad. It is the most expensive of the three, but it will provide the most comfort.

If you have a less than perfect horse that could use a perfect saddle pad designed just for them, Biofit is a great fit! Ellen

 

Vetericyn Package Giveaway Winner!!!

A winner has been selected by random drawing this morning. Congrats to Suzanne Z of Jacksonville, FL. Thanks to everyone for sharing how you use Vetericyn in your animals’ health care. Lori H