Veterinary Services

Hot Weather Warning: Prevent Sample Deterioration This Summer

With temperatures soaring across most of the UK in recent weeks, we have seen an increase in samples arriving at our laboratories in a putrid condition and unsuitable for testing. In many cases, exposure to elevated temperatures during storage and transit appears to be the main contributing factor.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
21/07/2026

Lead Poisoning Risk

With cattle now at grass across much of the country, we are in the peak period for lead poisoning cases. While entirely preventable, lead toxicity remains one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of fatal poisoning in cattle.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
21/07/2026

Ragwort Toxicity in Cattle: A Recent Case Highlights the Importance of Prevention

A recent postmortem investigation through the Dumfries PM room has highlighted the ongoing risk that ragwort poses to cattle, particularly when exposure goes unnoticed until clinical disease develops.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
21/07/2026

PSGHS: Biosecurity at Shows and Sales

A reminder to PSGHS members to practice good biosecurity when attending shows and sales with MV/CAE accredited stock this summer.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
21/07/2026

Perforated Abomasal Ulcers in Suckled Calves

Perforated abomasal ulcers in suckled calves remain a frustrating diagnosis for clinicians and a distressing loss for producers. While cases are typically straightforward to confirm at postmortem, providing meaningful, evidence‑based advice to prevent future deaths is far more challenging.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
12/03/2026

Ovine Abortion in Scotland: 2025 Review and Key Considerations for 2026

A review of Scotland’s 2025 ovine abortion data highlights the continued prevalance of EAE and toxoplasmosis, alongside a marked resurgence of Schmallenberg virus, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and targeted sampling as we enter the 2026 lambing season.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
25/02/2026

Update on Selenium Testing: Shift from GSH‑Px to Whole Blood Selenium Assay

Due to an ongoing shortage of test kits, our usual method for assessing selenium status — glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px) — has not been available in recent weeks. Until supplies resume, we have temporarily replaced GSH‑Px with whole blood selenium analysis.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
17/02/2026

Practical Pointers When Investigating Abortions in Cattle and Sheep

Abortion investigations in cattle and sheep can be frustrating, time-pressured, and often unrewarding if the wrong samples are collected — or none at all. When whole foetuses and placentas cannot be submitted, targeted sampling can still provide strong diagnostic value. Here is a practical guide to help maximise diagnostic yield while managing client expectations and lab workflow.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
30/01/2026

Low Energy Silage in 2025: What It Means for Herd and Flock Performance

Results from over 1,000 new-season silage samples across Scotland are highlighting a significant nutritional challenge for the year ahead. Data compiled by SAC Consulting from 1,022 silage submissions in 2025 shows a widespread reduction in metabolisable energy (ME), with important implications for both cattle and sheep enterprises.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
30/01/2026

Look Out for Rickets in 2026

As we move into the early months of the year, it’s important to keep an eye out for rickets in lambs and hoggs. This condition, while not new, can catch flocks off guard—especially under certain management and nutritional circumstances.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
07/01/2026

Safe Sample Packaging: A Reminder for Veterinary Practices

A reminder to our cutomers on the correct packaging procedures for samples being submitted to us for testing.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
26/11/2025

Long Bone Deformity: Now Is the Time to Act

Our vets saw several cases of Long Bone Deformity (LBD) this calving season. Read more about the disease and how it can be prevented with practical tips from our Dumfries team.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
16/10/2025