PREVENTIVE CARE
EquidDoc collaborates with you to ensure your goats and sheep are in good health. Preventative health exams and herd health evaluations provide early identification of abnormalities before they lead to major problems. These evaluations include annual vaccinations for tetanus and rabies, targeted deworming, and body condition and anemia scoring, and on-the-farm bloodwork as needed.
PARASITE MANAGEMENT
Parasite management involves a comprehensive approach to targeted deworming by determining fecal egg counts and practicing pasture management. EquidDoc recommends twice yearly fecal egg counts (early fall and early spring) to determine if your goat or sheep needs to be dewormed. If deworming is warranted, EquidDoc will recommend the most appropriate dewormer based on the parasites detected. Additionally, because gastrointestinal parasites have developed (and are continuing to build) resistance to deworming drugs, goat or sheep owners should utilize other options for parasite control—for example, pasture management.
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DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY & ULTRASOUND
EquidDoc has the latest in digital radiography and ultrasound equipment. Digital radiography uses x-rays to instantly visualize bone. This is helpful for assessing fractures, evidence of laminitis, arthritis, and bone spurs on the farm. Digital ultrasound is used for visualizing soft tissue, including tendons and ligaments, to assess areas of inflammation, sprains, or strains. Chests and abdomens may be scanned with ultrasound to evaluate heart, lungs, abdominal organs, and fetal assessment in pregnant does and ewes. In lambs and kids, umbilical abnormalities and lungs may also be evaluated using ultrasound.
REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES
At EquidDoc, we are here for you every step of the way from breeding to kidding and lambing care. We offer breeding soundness examinations, pregnancy testing, and nutritional recommendations to reduce your pregnancy complications. EquidDoc recommends early kid and lamb examinations for disbudding and identification to ensure your kids and lambs get the best start in life. EquidDoc will work with you to perform castrations, tattoos and disbudding at the ages most appropriate for your farm.
INTERNAL MEDICINE DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
At EquidDoc we have the expertise and tools to address more complex medical cases on the farm. We perform specialty bloodwork, thoracic ultrasound, and abdominal ultrasound. We routinely consult with farm animal internal medical specialists on complex cases and have excellent working relationships with local hospitals should your goat or sheep require hospitalization. If hospitalized, we work with the specialists in charge of your animal to provide seamless transition from hospital management to aftercare required back home on the farm.
HEALTH CERTIFICATES
Health certificates are a necessity when traveling across state lines and required by many showgrounds and fairgrounds. This practice also protects your sheep and goats and the rest of your herd from unknowingly transmitting disease. Most health certificates are good for 30 days after examination for travel. At EquidDoc, in Worcester County, MA, we can provide health certificates to fit your travel and show needs.
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IDENTIFICATION
Permanent forms of identification such as ear tags are vitally important to animal traceability. EquidDoc will work with you to determine the best method of identification for your herd or flock. As some breed registries explore microchip identification, we are here to help you implement these forms of identification.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS
At EquidDoc, located in central Massachusetts, we work with a variety of laboratories to provide you with the most accurate information in the timeliest manner. From basic health care screening to infectious disease testing, we use the laboratory that provides you the best and most timely results.
