Sweat, Dirt, Beach Umbrellas and Borrowed Hats
Admin Team
There are many uses for beach Umbrellas. But really you only want to use them while you are lazing around in the sun at the beach, Right? Well that wasn't quite the case for our vet nurse Luke and vet Dr Stuart. But we are sure they wished it was.
Because cow poop, dirt, excessive heat and aggravated cows is why they actually needed one.
My most challenging day as a vet nurse.
It was the middle of summer and on this particular day I was rostered on to work with Dr Stuart.
I should have known that working with Stuart, chances were we weren't likely to stay in the clinic and I was right.
Just after lunch we were scheduled to preg test some cows. My first thought was "It's going to be hot"🥵. My second thought was "I forgot my hat". Now if you’ve seen me around, you will know that I don’t have much hair on my head, so a hat is a must!
Luckily Stuart had an extra hat in his car, and although it was a bit small for my head I was thankful for it anyway.
So, I got my overalls on and we left the clinic. We arrived about 1pm and just before we got out of the car, we checked the temperature. It read 38°C and that wasn’t even the hottest part of the day. We got out of the car and said hello to the farmer, who to our dismay was on his own. We got to work unloading everything from the car and walked it down to the yards. As we got closer to the yards we saw them - the cows.
I can’t remember if there were 300 or 400 but by the end of the day it felt like there were thousands.
We began our set up and luckily Stuart was smart enough to pack a large beach umbrella 🏖with him to keep him out of the sun. It was time to begin!
I was on the crush, the farmer was pushing the cows down the race, and Stuart was doing his thing at the business end of the cows. Now these cows were THE MOST STUBBORN cows I have ever dealt with😡. They just wouldn’t move and then they would just bolt at the crush to escape. The farmer told me for every cow I missed I owed him a beer at the pub. Unfortunately for the farmer he had to buy his own drinks because I didn’t miss a single cow.
A few cows in and Dr Harry and nurse Emily showed up to give us a hand, but they only stayed for about an hour before they had to head back to the clinic for consults. The day felt like it was getting hotter and hotter. Then about halfway through the cows we lost the farmer. He had collapsed from the heat. So we all took a well deserved break in the shed to cool down and replenish our fluids. The farmer didn’t look in a good way, so Stuart made the decision to send him home. However, because the cows were still in the yards and agitated by the heat Stuart and I decided to keep on going so the cows could go free again and cool down.
So we carried on, this time just the two of us. Stuart was on the crush and checking the cows and I was pushing them down the race. The way the yards and race were set up we could only do about five cows at a time. So I had to separate five cows out of the group into a yard and then down the race. As I mentioned earlier, these were some stubborn cows! And to make a hard job harder, some cows had already had calves, so we had to separate the calves from the cows into another yard.
The day didn’t get any cooler, our water supplies were depleting, dehydration and frustration were setting in and the cows were only get more and more stubborn and agitated. There were a few choice words yelled at the cows, especially from Stuart🤬. After what felt like 6 years 125 days 19 hours and 24 minutes we finally got the last cow into the crush and ... DONE!
We let the cows out of the yard, packed everything back into the car and literally collapsed into the car. We were sore, covered in cow manure, dirt, sweat and super dehydrated but the clock showed it was almost 6pm (which means home time... Hooray 🥳).
That was definitely the most physically challenging day I have had at Yass Valley Veterinary but I enjoyed every minute of it.
The pet wellness program designed to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. At Yass Valley Veterinary, we’re excited to introduce Supertails, the pet wellness program designed to make it easier (and more affordable) to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. What is Supertails? Supertails is a simple monthly membership that gives you unlimited vet consults plus discounts on everyday services and preventative care. It’s all about providing peace of mind, affordability, and the very best care for your furry family members. Why Join Supertails? Unlimited vet consults – no extra cost for those “just in case” visits. Exclusive member discounts on routine services like dental, desexing, and vaccinations. Peace of mind knowing you can prioritise your pet’s health without worrying about the bill. Better preventative care with regular visits that catch issues early. Supertails makes it easier to say “yes” to the care your pet deserves.
Spring brings longer days and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. While the warmer weather is exciting, it also brings seasonal hazards that can put curious dogs and cats at risk. Across New South Wales, spring means increased snake activity, parasites, blooming plants and seasonal allergens. Knowing what to look out for can help keep your pet safe. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re passionate about preventative care and helping pets stay healthy all year round. Why Spring Can Be Risky for Pets Warmer weather encourages pets to spend more time outdoors, but it also creates ideal conditions for seasonal hazards. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, parasites increase, and gardens fill with plants and products that may be harmful to pets. Even pollen and grasses can trigger allergies in some animals. Protecting your pet during spring can help: Reduce the risk of snake bites Prevent parasite infestations Avoid accidental poisoning Keep skin and ears healthy Enjoy safer outdoor adventures Common Backyard Hazards to Watch For Many spring hazards are easy to overlook until they become a problem. Common risks include: Snakes in long grass, bushland and gardens Ticks, fleas and worms Seasonal allergies caused by pollen and grasses Toxic plants, fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits Grass seeds and other hazards hidden in long grass If you notice your pet becoming unwell after spending time outdoors, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your pet’s risk. Some easy ways to protect your pet include: Keep parasite prevention up to date. Avoid long grass where snakes may be hiding. Check your pet after walks for ticks, grass seeds or injuries. Keep toxic plants and garden chemicals out of reach. Supervise pets while they’re exploring the backyard. Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears unwell. Even small changes can make a big difference to your pet’s health and safety. When to Seek Veterinary Care Prompt treatment is essential if your pet has been exposed to a seasonal hazard. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet: May have been bitten by a snake Has eaten a toxic plant or garden chemical Shows signs of weakness or collapse Has difficulty breathing Vomits repeatedly Develops severe swelling or allergic reactions Early treatment often leads to the best possible outcome. Prevention is the Best Protection Many spring emergencies can be prevented with regular health checks and year-round preventative care. During your pet’s annual examination, your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate parasite prevention, discuss seasonal risks in your area and help you prepare for a safe spring. A little preparation now can help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the season. FAQs: Hidden Dangers in Your Backyard This Spring Can pets get seasonal allergies? Yes. Pollen and grasses commonly cause itchy skin, ear infections and irritated paws in both dogs and cats. What should I do if I suspect a snake bite? Keep your pet calm and seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. How often should I use parasite prevention? Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation based on your pet’s lifestyle and the parasites common in your local area. Are garden products dangerous for pets? Yes. Fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits can all be toxic if ingested, so they should always be stored safely and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. How can I make my backyard safer this spring? Keep grass short, remove toxic plants where possible, maintain parasite prevention, supervise outdoor play and regularly check your pet after spending time outside. Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring with East Doncaster Vet Hospital Spring is one of the best times of year to get outdoors with your pet, but it’s also important to stay aware of the seasonal hazards that come with warmer weather. Whether you need advice on parasite prevention, seasonal allergies or spring safety, our experienced veterinary team is here to help. Contact Yass Valley Veterinary today to book a health check and help your pet enjoy a safe and healthy spring.
Learn how to keep your dog or cat's teeth healthy with simple dental care tips and preventative advice.
