Brock Veterinary Clinic

03/30/2026

“Hey doc, I got a few pretty skinny cows. What do you think is goin on?”

Welcome back to “I don’t know what I don’t know!” This week topic: herd health.

What is Herd Health? 🐄🐎🐑🐐🐶🐱

Herd health is all about maintaining the overall health, productivity, and well-being of your animals through a proactive, whole-system approach to disease prevention and management.

When your herd is healthy, everything runs smoother—from performance to profitability.

So what does good herd health look like? 👇

🔹 Record Keeping
The most effective way to ensure every animal gets the care it needs. Good records help you track treatments, vaccinations, and performance over time.

🔹 Vaccination Programs
Every species has different needs:
• Cattle: Viral, Blackleg, Intranasal, TrichGuard, 5-way with Lepto
• Horses: Core vaccines, FluVac, Pneumabort K
• Dogs: Rabies, DAPP, Bordetella
• Cats: Rabies, FVRCP, FeLV
• Sheep/Goats: CD&T, CL

🔹 Deworming
Not all deworming protocols are one-size-fits-all.
F***l Egg Count Reduction Tests are the gold standard for evaluating effectiveness and tailoring your program.

🔹 Biosecurity
Protect your herd from disease:
• Isolate sick animals
• Quarantine new arrivals
• Watch for warning signs like:
– Abortions
– Diarrhea or vomiting
– Coughing or nasal discharge
– Off feed
– Lethargy
– Difficulty moving

🔹 Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy herd. Without it, even the best prevention plan can fall short.

🔹 Breeding Efficiency
Reproductive success is key to your operation.
Routine pre-breeding exams and disease prevention can help avoid costly losses.

💡 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin

Herd health isn’t just about treating problems—it’s about preventing them before they start.

Now you know what you may not have known 😉

03/29/2026

We are so grateful for the applications! The job application is now closed.

🐴 Not sure what’s next after undergrad? Vet school application didn’t go as planned? Let’s talk.

Want to be a vet tech but stressed about the cost of school?
Applied to vet school and didn’t get in (yet)?

Brock Veterinary Clinic is hiring FULL-TIME Vet Techs — and this could seriously change your path.

📍 Located in Lamesa, TX (relocation required)
🏡 On-site housing INCLUDED in compensation

We love our student helpers, but right now we’re looking for full-time, all-in team members ready to jump into real veterinary medicine.

What you’ll get:
✨ Hands-on experience (not just holding animals—we mean REAL skills)
✨ Exposure to equine, small animal, AND food animal medicine
✨ Mentorship from experienced vets & techs
✨ A fast-paced, high-case-load environment
✨ Benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance for full time employees
✨ A team that supports and motivates you

⚠️ This is a full-time role and includes some overnight & weekend on-call—it’s not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Thinking about vet school? Read this 👇

Many of our team members have spent 1–2 years here before getting accepted into vet school—and thriving once they got there.

💬 “This was the most transformative year of my life… The hands-on experience, the emergencies, the mentorship—there is no better place to grow. BVC doesn’t just teach you skills, it builds your confidence. And you gain a support team along the way.”
— Former tech, now 3rd year vet student at TTU SVM

Real talk:
Lamesa might not be a big city—but it’s right in the heart of a thriving equine industry, and the community here shows up for you in a big way.

⸻

🔥 If you’re serious about becoming a veterinarian or a highly skilled tech, this is your chance to get ahead.

📩 Message us, email at [email protected] or apply in person to learn more!

03/25/2026

“Hi there, I haven't been to your hospital before but I have a horse/dog/goat that is sick but I wanted to talk to a vet real quick, get some advice over the phone, and maybe come pick up some meds for him.” Unfortunately, we cannot do that, we do not have a VCPR!

Welcome back to “I don’t know what I don’t know!” This weeks topic: VCPR

What Is a VCPR in Veterinary Medicine? 🐾
A Veterinarian–Client–Patient Relationship (VCPR) is the foundation of legal and responsible veterinary care. It means a veterinarian knows the client, has sufficient knowledge of the animal, and has agreed to provide medical care when needed.

🩺 What Establishes a VCPR?
A VCPR is formed when:
• The veterinarian has examined the animal or visited the premises
• The veterinarian is familiar with the animal’s health and management
• The client agrees to follow the veterinarian’s instructions
• The veterinarian is available for follow-up care or emergencies

❗ Why a VCPR Is Important:
• Required by law to prescribe medications or treatments
• Ensures safe, accurate diagnoses and treatment plans
• Protects animal welfare
• Supports responsible use of medications, including antibiotics
• Provides continuity of care and accountability

Without a valid VCPR, veterinarians cannot legally diagnose, prescribe, or treat animals—even if advice is well-intentioned.

We know it's frustrating when you call in and just want some antibiotics for your animal- but we cannot do that, especially if we have never seen you or your animal. It is against the law!

A strong VCPR protects the animal, the owner, and the veterinarian, ensuring the highest standard of care and trust in veterinary medicine.

Next topic: herd health! Stay tuned

02/03/2026

Welcome back to I don’t know what I don’t know! We are having back to back posts this week to start off the dental health month strong! Today’s topic is small animal dental cleanings.

🗣️check out the end of this post for a dental month special!🦷

“Hey doc, my dog’s breath smells terrible! What can I do?”

Your dog’s mouth is their toolbox, treasure chest, and taste-tester all in one 😅
When plaque and tartar build up, that busy ecosystem can turn sour—leading to bad breath, painful gums, tooth loss, and even infections that may affect the heart and kidneys.

🦷 Professional dental cleanings give your dog a fresh start below the gumline, where brushing can’t always reach.

🏡 At home, consistent oral care matters!
• Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week with a soft brush and pet-safe toothpaste
• Use dental chews, VOHC-approved treats, and dental diets to reduce tartar buildup
• Water additives and textured chew toys can help dogs who don’t love brushing
• Peek in your dog’s mouth regularly for redness, swelling, broken teeth, or changes in odor

Home care + veterinary cleanings = a healthier, more comfortable mouth 💙

If your dog has stinky breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or hasn’t had a dental check in a while, it may be time for a visit.
A clean mouth means a healthier, happier life for your canine sidekick 🐾



For this month only, we are running a special for dental cleanings-$325 for a bundle! Space is limited so call to get an appointment set up today!

Now you know what you may not have known!

Stay tuned for our next topic: veterinary client patient relationship, or VCPR 📝🤝

02/02/2026

Welcome back to I don’t know what I don’t know!

🦷This month is dental health month in the veterinary world, so we are going to be covering topics about teeth!🦷

👀Check out the end of this post for a dental health month special!🗣️

What Is Horse Teeth Floating & Why Is It Important? 🐴
A horse’s teeth grow continuously throughout most of their life. Because horses chew in a circular motion, sharp points and uneven wear can develop on the teeth over time. Teeth floating is the process of smoothing and balancing these teeth to keep the mouth comfortable and functional.
🔧 Why Floating Matters:
• Improves comfort while eating and being ridden
• Helps horses chew feed properly for better digestion
• Prevents painful ulcers on the cheeks and tongue
• Supports overall health and performance
⚠️ Common Signs a Horse May Need Dental Care:
• Dropping feed or chewing slowly
• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
• Head tossing, resistance to the bit, or poor performance
• Excessive salivation or bad breath
• Facial swelling or sensitivity around the mouth
🩺 Routine Care:
Most horses benefit from dental exams once a year, though young, senior, or performance horses may need more frequent checks. Regular dental care helps catch problems early before they become painful or serious.
A comfortable mouth means a happier, healthier horse—from pasture to performance!

Now you know what you may not have known!

Next topic: dental cleanings in small animals!🐶🐱

🗣️For this month: we are having a float special total cost of $135! Call to schedule an appointment to take care of your horses teeth!🦷🦷

01/26/2026

Welcome back to “I don’t know what I don’t know!”
Today’s topic:

✂️ Spay & Neuter: Still Important Today! ✂️

“This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population—have your pet spayed or neutered!”
And honestly… he was right then and he’s still right now. 😉

So what does spaying and neutering mean?
• Spaying is the removal of the reproductive organs in female dogs and cats
• Neutering is the removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats

While the ideal age can vary by breed (especially in dogs), these procedures offer big benefits for your pet and your community.

🐶🐱 Health & behavior benefits include:
• Reduced risk of certain cancers (including mammary cancer)
• Less roaming and wandering
• Decreased aggression-related behaviors

❤️ Community benefits matter too:
• Fewer free-roaming cats and dogs
• Fewer animals needing shelter care
• Lower shelter euthanasia rates
• Improved quality of life for pets and people

Have questions or ready to schedule? 📞
Give us a call—we’re happy to help you decide what’s best for your pet!

🐾

Stay tuned for our next topic: floating horse teeth

01/11/2026

Welcome back to “Well I don’t know what I don’t know!” Today’s topic: mare breeding

🐴 What to Expect When You Want Your Mare to Be Expecting 🐴

Breeding season is right around the corner! If you’re thinking about breeding your mare this year, here’s a helpful overview of what to expect and how to prepare.

✨ Plan Ahead
Many breeding farms book stallions well in advance—sometimes even the year before. Choosing your stallion early helps ensure availability. This usually involves a breeding contract outlining responsibilities for you, the stallion owner, and the collection facility, so be sure to read these carefully.
~Bring this with you to your appointment!~ We will want to go look over it prior to starting the process.

🌸 Understanding the Mare’s Cycle
Mares typically begin cycling naturally in March as daylight increases. With artificial lighting, cycling can be encouraged earlier (as early as February), but this needs to be started around mid-December. Most stallion collection facilities begin shipping semen around February 15.

A mare’s cycle averages about 21 days:
• ~7 days in estrus (heat) when she is receptive to breeding
• ~14 days out of heat

Signs of heat may include:
• Winking of the v***a
• Frequent or exaggerated urination
• Tail flagging
• Increased vocalization
• Fence rubbing or mild nipping

Some mares show obvious signs, while others show very little. Ultrasound exams help us determine exactly where your mare is in her cycle and time breeding appropriately.

🩺 Pre-Breeding Exams
• Maiden mares should have a speculum exam to ensure normal reproductive anatomy.
• Older mares, maiden mares, or those with previous breeding difficulties may need additional testing (uterine culture, cytology, or biopsy).
• In some cases, advanced options like embryo transfer or ICSI may be recommended, and we can refer you to specialized facilities if needed.

📍 Breeding Management
Once your mare is ready, she’ll typically stay at the clinic so we can monitor her closely while she’s in heat. We’ll use ultrasound and behavioral signs to determine the optimal time to order semen.
• We prefer cooled shipped semen, which allows effective timing with fewer ultrasounds.
• Frozen semen requires more frequent monitoring and can increase costs.

🐣 Pregnancy Checks
After ovulation, your mare can return home and come back for a pregnancy ultrasound about 14 days later. Follow-up ultrasounds are commonly recommended at:
• 14 days
• 25 days
• 45–60 days

Hormone testing and supplementation may be recommended in some cases to help maintain pregnancy.

💉 Care During Pregnancy
• Rhinopneumonitis (EHV) vaccines at 5, 7, and 9 months
• Core vaccines (EEE/WEE, West Nile, tetanus, rabies) about 1 month before foaling
• Deworming with Panacur pre-foaling to help protect the newborn foal

📞 Ready to Get Started?
Give us a call to schedule a reproductive exam and get your mare ready for breeding season. We’re happy to help guide you every step of the way!

Now you know what you may not have known!
Next topic: neutering and spaying cats and dogs. Stay tuned!

PS please enjoy this photo of Dr. Dustin checking a mare 😄

01/07/2026

Welcome back to “I don’t know what I don’t know!” Today’s topic: bull health

“Hey doc, my bull seems a little off and this last year we didn’t get a good crop of calves. What’s going on?”

Good bulls aren’t just big and tough — they’ve got a job to do! 🐂 If your bull seems “a little off” or you’ve noticed fewer calves hitting the ground, it may be time for a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE).

A yearly BSE helps ensure:
• Subfertile or infertile bulls are identified early
• Higher pregnancy rates and a more profitable breeding season
• More calves born earlier = heavier calves at weaning 💪
• Structural, health, and reproductive problems are caught before they cost you money
• Screening for reproductive diseases like Trichomoniasis, which can devastate herd profitability

🔎 What’s included in a Breeding Soundness Exam?
• Full physical exam including vision and lameness exam & reproductive health evaluation
• Scrotal circumference measurement
• Semen collection and evaluation (motility & morphology)
• Classification as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or deferred
• Trichomoniasis testing

⚠️ One subfertile bull can cost you thousands. Trich alone costs the U.S. cattle industry over $100 million each year—and infected bulls must be culled, as there is no cure. Yearly testing ensures that these issues are not missed.

📆 Yearly BSEs help protect your herd, improve efficiency, and keep your operation profitable.

👉 Ready to schedule your breeding soundness exams? We’re here to help — send us a message or give us a call!

Now you know what you may not have known! Next topic: mare reproduction and breeding! Stay tuned!

01/02/2026

🌟 Good morning and Happy 2026! 🌟
This year we’re starting a new series called “I Don’t Know What I Don’t Know!” We’ll be covering common veterinary topics to help you in your day-to-day pet, food animal, and horse ownership. There are many things that are routine knowledge for veterinary professionals that aren’t always common knowledge for owners—so our goal is to educate, prepare, and support you, both for everyday life and emergencies.

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🐴 First Topic: FOALING

Tis the season for new foals—so let’s cover the basics!

My mare is bred… now what?

📅 Typical gestation in mares is about 340 days, though some may go over a year. Foaling is usually uneventful, but owners need to be prepared to make quick decisions if needed.

✅ Vaccination Timeline

• 5, 7 & 9 months: EHV-1 (Pneumabort-K or Prodigy)
• 8, 9 & 10 months: Rotavirus (if diarrhea has been an issue in your area)
• 10 months / 1 month prior to foaling: Annual vaccines — EEE, WEE, WNV, Tetanus, and Rabies
These vaccines help protect the foal through the mare’s colostrum.

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🕒 Once Labor Starts

A foal should arrive within 2 hours. If not—📞 call your veterinarian.

Then remember the 1-2-3 Rule:
1️⃣ Within 1 hour → Foal should be standing
2️⃣ Within 2 hours → Foal should be nursing
3️⃣ Within 3 hours → Mare should pass the placenta

👶 Healthy Foal Signs

Frequent nursing, normal breathing, passing meconium, straight legs, no diarrhea, and no swollen joints.

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👩‍⚕️ Newborn Exam

We recommend a veterinary exam at 12–24 hours old to:
• Check IgG (antibody levels)
• Screen for broken ribs or limb deformities
• Complete insurance exam if needed

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✨ Now you know what you may not have known!
Next topic in the series: bull breeding soundness exams — stay tuned

12/02/2025

Our Dr. Michelle on KLBK news this evening!

A recent outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus, or EHV-1, is raising concerns among horse owners across Texas as veterinarians work to slow its spread.

11/27/2025

All of the folks at Brock Veterinary Clinic would like you to know that we are thankful that you have been a part of our lives and our practice. We are blessed because of you. Thank you.