Author - John Roberts

ANZAC Day – New Zealand Veterinary Corps

This ANZAC Day, we’d like to commemorate the veterinarians who served, transporting, treating, and caring for the animals of war. The New Zealand Veterinary Corps (NZVC) was part of the New Zealand Division during the First World War (WWI), formed in 1907. During WWI, NZVC comprised a small number of qualified veterinarians as commissioned officers, along with blacksmiths and farriers, groomers, teamsters and wagoners, and were essential for military operations. They were first required to oversee the purchase of suitable horses, and...

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Keeping pets safe this Easter

  As Easter approaches, you’re probably planning how you’re going to spend the time with your friends and family. Don’t forget to think about how you’ll keep your pets safe from the many toxins that lurk through this holiday period, even in foods that are perfectly safe for us humans to consume.  

Chocolate

Keep chocolate well away from your pets! Chocolate contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic for our furry friends. While it’s not often fatal, it can still...

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Preventing Liver Disease and Facial Eczema

Facial Eczema is a common disease in New Zealand caused by the spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. It is especially common during the humid, warm months – December to May. It costs the industry an estimated $200m annually. Infection can lead to reduced fertility as well as reduced milk and meat production. Pithomyces chartarum is a toxin that causes severe liver damage in pasture-fed animals. The toxin makes its way to the animal’s liver, causing severe damage, which presents as...

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