Ask the Vet
Injectable Wormer Protocol, Toxic Plants Threat to Livestock
READER QUESTION:
I was interested in using the injectable dewormer Valcor after you wrote about it a few months ago, but several people have told me that they have gotten some pretty large knots on the animals after using Valcor. Have you seen issues with this?
DR. MCMILLAN'S ANSWER:
I have not had anyone report this to me, but it has not been used a lot in our area yet. I used it on about 40 of our yearlings last fall, and I did not see any issues. I will continue to recommend it, especially when resistant worms are suspected.
Now, I do use a new needle every time I give an injection. Dirty needles often lead to swelling or abscesses at the injection site and can spread diseases, especially anaplasmosis. Again, I will say: Needles are cheap, diseases are not.
The label for Valcor has some very different warnings and instructions from other injectable dewormers. It warns, "This product is likely to cause swelling at the injection site. Tissue damage at the injection site may also occur, including possible granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have resolved without treatment."
Additionally, it says to inject no more than 10 milliliters (ml) in one site. Since the dose is twice as much as other injectable dewormers, any animal over 550 pounds should have the dose split into two sites. It also says to use needles no larger than 18 gauge and to limit punctures to six times on the 100 ml bottle and 28 times on the 250 and 500 ml bottles. And, it's important to discard any unused product 45 days after the first puncture and when using a draw-off spike or a needle larger than 18 gauge.
So, I would say that swelling can certainly be expected but self-limiting in most cases. Proper technique is always important but may be more important with this product. I would love to hear the experiences of others who have used Valcor.
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READER QUESTION:
In several of your columns, you have discussed toxic plants as a threat to livestock. How do I know if I have toxic plants? I don't think we have ever had an issue, but I don't want to have one.
DR. MCMILLAN'S ANSWER:
You probably have potentially toxic plants on your operation. Fortunately, animals are pretty smart and tend to avoid toxic plants as long as forage, hay and/or supplements are adequate.
Your veterinarian or Extension agent can be a great resource. Most Extension services will have pamphlets or websites with the most significant toxic plants in your area. But, technology can be a great tool. There are several apps for smartphones that can quickly and accurately identify plants and animals. Some are free, and others have a small annual fee. I use the PictureThis app for plants and find it not only useful but somewhat addictive. I am likely to open it at any time and use it to identify plants and flowers I see even away from the farm.
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Editor's Note: Please contact your veterinarian with questions about the health of your herd or other animals. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice but is purely for informational purposes. Email Dr. Ken McMillan at vet@dtn.com.
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