Veterinarians often are expected to make a diagnosis when working on dairy farms. The patient might be a cow with clinical disease or a group of underperforming animals. The diagnosis is a snap in some cases. But as veterinarians, we often find ourselves unable to determine the nature and cause of the problem case.

Veterinary medical students accustomed to living on borrowed money now will forfeit a large percentage of future earnings to pay down their educational loan obligations. Consultant James F. Wilson, DVM, JD explores the long-term implications.

"What frustrates you most about your job?"

Washington - 11/6/07 - The Farm Bill is scheduled to hit the U.S. Senate floor this afternoon, opening up a policy debate on farming issues and a handful of topics related to veterinary medicine.

Last night I received a phone call from the doctor who provides routine veterinary services to a dairy herd where I do the ration balancing. This herd is experiencing some problems with fresh cows, and the doctor performed some blood testing in an attempt to obtain clues regarding the cause of these problems. The blood work revealed moderately low albumin levels in most of the six dry cows he tested. This suggests low protein intake.

Schaumburg, Ill. - 10/17/07 - A national database established to inform veterinarians how to rid livestock - and therefore, their meat - of contaminants and drugs has lost its federal funding and is slated to discontinue service next year.

Washington - 9/17/07 - Cattle trade with Canada will be expanded by the end of the year, announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Bowling Green, Ky. - 9/11/07 - The United States is not keeping pace with other developed countries regarding animal traceability systems for disease control purposes.

The wife of one of my dairy clients recently refused to buy milk from a local convenient store.