February 2011 Articles

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Frequently asked questions: Livestock Show Animal Health

Animal Health (Dr. Christine Navarre)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: LIVESTOCK SHOW ANIMAL HEALTH
1. Should I give my show animal antibiotics before, during or after the show to prevent them from getting pneumonia? No. Although some animals may become sick when they get stressed and are exposed to other animals from the show, most do not. Animals should only be treated if they show signs of pneumonia and a diagnosis is made by a veterinarian. Needlessly treating
animals with antibiotics is a misuse of these drugs, and jeopardizes their future availability (the drugs currently available may become illegal for use, and future drugs may not get approved). Needlessly treating animals can lead to illegal meat and milk residues and many have side effects if not used properly. And since injections can be painful, drugs should only be given if absolutely needed to avoid needless discomfort to the animal. Although some medications are available for use without a veterinarian’s advice (“Over the Counter Drugs”) these might not be the correct choice for your animal. And, not following the label on these products is actually illegal. Selecting the appropriate treatment early will ensure your animal has the best chance of recovering quickly and completely.
2. My show animal sometimes will not eat or drink well at the show. Should I force it to eat and drink? No. Animals traveling to shows, especially if it is their first, will commonly not eat or drink well the first day. Sometimes it is caused by stress; sometimes they do not like the taste of the water. Make sure to offer the same feed that is fed at home. If water intake continues to be a problem at multiple shows, bringing water from home may be a good idea. Force feeding water and food should only be done if the animal is actually sick. If the animal will not
eat or drink for more than one day, it should be examined by a veterinarian. Force feeding water also is against show rules as it can alter the natural appearance of the animal, and can have serious consequences. Withholding water then force feeding or allowing them to drink large amounts at once can lead to bursting of the animal’s red blood cells. This can lead to weakness, kidney failure and possibly death. Also, never add electrolytes to water
unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. And always have water without electrolytes available. 3. My show animal sometimes gets diarrhea. What should I do? Diarrhea in show animals is most commonly caused by stress and minor changes in eating and drinking habits. In most cases it will resolve on its own. Treating with antibiotics or other medications may actually make the diarrhea worse. As long as the animal is eating, drinking and acting normally, do nothing. If the animal starts to show signs of depression, or does not resume its normal appetite, then have it examined.
4. Should I isolate my show animal(s) when we get home? Yes. Show animals get exposed to many other animals from all over the state, and they may come in contact with viruses and bacteria. When they get home, they can shed these “germs” to other animals, even if they themselves are not sick. Young animals not yet weaned are especially susceptible to pneumonia, and pregnant animals may abort if they get exposed. It is best to put show animals in a comfortable grass paddock with good shade and water that is separated from other pastures or paddocks by at least 10 feet of space when they arrive home. Keep them there for two weeks, and then they can join the rest of the animals if they need to.
5. Do my show animals need special vaccinations? No. They need the same vaccinations recommended for animals that stay at home. It is important to make sure that vaccines are given at least one month before traveling to a show to allow time for the immune response to work. Follow all label directions, including proper timing of booster doses. It is also important to do other things to keep your show animal’s immune system working. Good nutrition and control of parasites is crucial. Decrease stress as much as possible. That means working with your animal at home so it is comfortable with being on a halter and being tied or stalled.
6. Why is it against the rules to give my animal a sedative if it is acting unruly? First, it is against state law. That includes “natural” products like Show Cattle Calm. Second, it can actually be dangerous. Many sedatives actually cause excitement if the wrong amount is given. Because the correct dose varies with each
individual animal, some will become excited while some will be sedated. Sedated animals also are more dangerous. They can become disoriented, making them nervous and more likely to stumble and fall. They also are more likely to startle due to noise and movement. Some animals simply do not have the disposition to be show animals. Unfortunately, this may not be revealed until the first show. Animals may act calm at home, but unruly at the show. Working hard with an animal only to find out it is not suitable for the show ring is a hard lesson to learn, but safety of the exhibitors is first priority.