Category Archives: Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are part of the healthcare industry, then you most likely are looking for ways to make your practice management run more smoothly. On-demand medical practice management software is solving this problem for millions of healthcare providers today. The system assists you with securely managing patient records, billing and in processing medical claims. It offers flexibility and ease of operation when dealing with all aspects of your medical practice.

This innovative software is easy to learn and use. Its primary features include patient scheduling and registration, claims processing, patient statements, medical billing, medical records and batch payment methods. You will be able to see more patients because it saves you valuable time. Your profits will increase because both your front office and back office staff will be part of an integrated system. Managing your office will be efficient and secure. You will be able to produce reports quickly, verify insurance eligibility in seconds and decrease the possibility of claims being filed incorrectly when they are first submitted.

You never again will have to deal with the time and effort it takes to manually process your billings. Practice management software is an integrated way for you to file electronic claims online and streamline the entire billing process. Your medical records, patient scheduling and patient billing are all tied effectively together. You have the option of purchasing this software so that it is internet-based, making it unnecessary to obtain additional hardware. By selecting this option, you will be able to access it securely wherever you want. This makes it easy for you to access your patients’ records from home or when you are on duty at a hospital.

Medical practice management software has become an integral part of many medical offices and clinics over the past few years. It is appropriate for all types of specialty practices including physical therapy, psychiatric practices, pediatric services and ophthalmology. It will decrease your overhead and eliminate the worry of maintaining a complicated medical client server system. It is easy to use and you won’t have to purchase expensive servers, backup tapes and so on. Everything is done by clicking a button and all of your data can be customized to fit your own personal needs.

How often do you have a medical checkup? Well, a medical check-up is a physical examination or inspection that a doctor performs to check if you have any signs of disease. Regular check-ups enable us to take remedial action in time. But actually a large number of people think it is foolish and a waste of time and money. Also maybe many of us neglect our health even if we don’t intend to, can the reason be the rapid pace of life, or a firm trust in our health condition?

Every day we are stressed out and usually spend long working hours in the office to finance our kid’s education and pay for bills. Thus many people have got depression, thus antidepressants become popular, but be careful, there are many side effect lawsuits like Zoloft lawsuit claims. Regular medical check-up has become very essential to enable the individual to detect his actual state of health and any disease that he may be carrying at an early stage and better still prevent illness occurring in the first place. Some tests save so many lives that it is definitely worth the money spent on it.

Not all serious medical problems have symptoms in their early stages. A physical could detect something while it is still treatable or while the diagnosis is still favorable. If you maintain a routine of regular checkups you greatly reduce the chances of getting sick in the first place. The object of staying healthy should be in identifying symptoms before they become incurable. There are several options of medical checkups like Basic, General, and Comprehensive and so on.

Health authorities do have special discount on health and medical checkup packages on special occasions like Woman’s Day, Mother’s Day, Cancer Day and Father’s Day. Here are the Basic factors of a routine physical check up: Prior to your physical examination, you should tell your doctor about your diet, exercise and medication. The doctor will check your body in a detailed way- Chest x-ray, Vision Test and ECG. Laboratory Test like Complete Blood Count, Blood Group, SGOT, SGPT, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, Glucosa Fasting, Glucose 2PP, Total Cholesterol, VDRL, Routine Stool Test, Routine Urine Test, etc. Then he will tell you about any risk factors you may have and discuss what habits you should change to maintain good health.

A regularly scheduled check-up is also a good time to get updated on new medical information and technologies that are available. It is best to have regular medical and health checkups done to not only enjoy good health but to also detect the disease or disorder in the early stage and treat it.

Cervical cancer is voraciously eating women of reproductive age. The third most common kind of cancer claims almost half a million women worldwide. This disease is more prevalent in developing countries and accounts for 80% of global mortality across the world.
Out of a group of human papilloma viruses (HPV), a few varieties have been categorized under high risk- human papilloma viruses (HPV). These varieties have been proved to be the causative agents of cervical cancer. This malignant neoplasm (tumor) starts at the cervix and opens at the top of the vagina.
Common symptoms associated with this disease are abnormal bleeding from the vagina, pelvic pain and back pain. Precancerous stage or the early stage of this disease is usually asymptomatic. This disease takes time to intensify into cancerous condition.
Risk Factors
A number of risk factors have been associated with this disease out of which few factors can be controlled by us. A list of such factors is as follows-
Smoking- It has been proved that both active and passive smoking increase the risk of cervical cancer. The carcinogenic byproducts of tobacco have been found in the cervical mucus of the actively smoking women. These substances can damage the DNA of the cervical cells. Keeping the ill effects of smoking in view it is suggested to stop it.Oral contraceptives- Use of oral contraceptives for more than five years is related with increase in the risk of cervical cancer. The mechanism of action of contraceptives is not clear but it is hypothesized that hormone-related mechanisms promotes the integration of HPV DNA into the host genome. This in turn promotes the transition from premalignant to malignant state. As an alternative to contraceptives it is advisable to use condoms.High Parity- Sex at a very early age and a higher rate of full term pregnancies is closely associated with this disease. A higher rate of pregnancy maintains the transformation zone on the exocervix for many years. This in turn facilitates the direct exposure to HPV and other cofactors. Sex education to adolescent girls will be helpful to eradicate this problem.Weakened Immune System- Food rich in vital nutrients boosts up our immune system. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help us to fight against many diseases including cervical cancer.Safe Sex- A women having multiple sexual partners or whose sexual partner participates in high risk sexual activities can easily succumb to this disease. Sex education can be a solution to this problem also.
Detection / Preventive Measures
Use of vaccination and Pap smears (Papanicolaou test)
Vaccinations – Scientists across the world are struggling hard to synthesize a vaccine which can fight this deadly disease. They have achieved success to some extent as the vaccines are capable of fighting against only few strains of HPV. Moreover the identification of target group for administration of vaccine involves some ethical issues. Very young pre-pubertal girls who had no previous sexual exposure are the right target for vaccination. Hence vaccination does not assure a complete eradication of cervical cancer.Pap smears- Cells scrapped from the tip of the cervix are observed under microscope to detect the cancerous or precancerous condition of the cervix. It is advisable to have this test done after the age of 21 at every 2 years of intervals. This test detects the disease in very initial stage making its cure easier. Awareness about this test and making it available at a cheaper price is a favorable step towards control of cervical cancer in developing countries.Apart from these preventive measures steps to control risk factors and general maintenance of health and hygiene is also recommended to control this disease.
Vaccines are being promoted by the doctors and pharmaceutical companies. But many facts are not being communicated to the common man. Vaccine alone is like a half equipped, single man army fighting against a deadly disease like cervical cancer. Awareness about all the angles of this disease is very essential as getting Pap smears done and leading a healthy sexual life are also equally essential.

Given that we continue to look for a cure for genital herpes, the next best thing a sufferer can do is make some simple lifestyle changes, and the condition can then become considerably easier to cope with.
Dealing with Triggers:
An easy way to manage this condition is to identify the triggers, and take effective measures to ensure they remain out of your day to day life. Given below are common triggers than can result in a genital herpes outbreak.
Stress: Prolonged stress is amongst the leading lifestyle factor which contributes to the outbreak of genital herpes, and this makes it important that sufferers of this condition manage stress effectively. Getting enough sleep, eating a well balanced diet, exercising, and leading an overall relaxed life will have a positive effect in dealing with stress, thereby reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Sexual factors: Friction brought about owing to sexual intercourse is known to irritate the skin, and this can work in bringing on an outbreak. If you’ve previously steered clear of using lubricants, this is something you might want to rethink about, and use of water based lubricants can help minimize irritation. If you’ve been using oil based lubricants, you should stop with immediate effect. Also, not having sex during an outbreak is the obvious way to go. Weak immune system: Genital herpes sufferers who suffer from weak immune systems or have recently suffered from trauma (even as in surgery) could suffer from an outbreak. Eating an antioxidant rich diet in one way to boost your immune system; and exercising, maintaining healthy weight, drinking in moderation, and trying to proactively avoid infection will also help. Sunlight and common colds: While both these factors contribute in triggering oral herpes outbreaks, there is no evidence about their playing a role in the outbreak of genital herpes. However, if you feel that these factors trigger your outbreaks, it is best to avoid them, and take relevant preventive measures.
Making Dietary Changes:
If you hope to prevent the outbreak of genital herpes, it is essential that you eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet for people who suffer from this condition would basically mean one that eats a healthy amount of fruits, veggies and whole grains; and foods with saturated fats are best avoided.
Use of Dietary Supplements:
The use of dietary supplements, as suggested by research carried out at the ‘University of Maryland Medical Center’, can help in dealing the outbreak of genital herpes. Lysine, an amino acid found in fish, chicken, eggs, and particular supplements, is believed to lessen the period of an outbreak, and can also help in preventing formation of lesions.
Zinc may be able to help control the symptoms and heal blisters quicker. Zinc is important for the treatment of herpes symptoms because zinc is known to boost immunity by increasing T lymphocyte cells.
Supplements with Siberian Ginseng extract are believed to lessen the duration and severity of outbreaks, although people suffering from conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, are advised not to use the same.
What’s important to know, though, is that these findings aren’t supported by all studies in this realm, and if you are looking at using dietary supplements, seeking medical advice at the onset is definitely suggested.
Dealing with Discomfort:
If you suffer from this condition, it is pretty much a given that you will suffer from outbreaks, the frequency at which they occur notwithstanding. There are other simple things you can do which can have a positive effect in minimizing the discomfort you feel whilst in dealing with an outbreak.

• Take warm water baths
• Ensure drying the affected area (gently) each time you take a bath/shower
• Stick to wearing loose clothing
• Use cotton undergarments
• Do not use any chemical products on the affected area (includes deodorants, perfumes, etc.)
• Do not use ointments/lotions/creams without seeking medical advice
  Your Partner’s Role:
  Once you are diagnosed with the condition, it is crucial that you discuss the same with your partner. For starters, he/she would should also go through the test, and if tested positive, get the required treatment. Learning more about the condition together will help as both of you will remain on the same page at all times when it comes to tackling the problems thrown your way from time to time. If you intend to have sex with a new partner, telling him/her about your condition before the act is most definitely advised.
  Again, although there is no known cure for genital herpes, if you can make the aforementioned changes in your lifestyle, you stand a good chance of minimizing the frequency of outbreaks as well as their duration. Oh, and when in doubt, or in severe discomfort, always seek medical help.
  There is a support group on Facebook created only for people suffering herpes, find some support.

The single most important thing that anyone can do is get a flu shot before an outbreak in your community. Remember that you have to get a flu shot each year that covers the most likely virus for that flu season. The shot itself offers no protection and requires 10 to 14 days before you develop some immunity.
A recent study published by the National Academy of Sciences looked carefully at the H1N1 flu season in 2009. They studied schoolchildren, classmates and their families as the epidemic was happening. They suspected that many children were spreading the flu to their classmates in school. Their findings actually disproved that school was important source of infection. They found instead that the close contact of friends who played together outside of school was a common source of illness. Typically, children who played together outside of school have more intimate contact with each other. They use little hygiene such as hand washing or covering a cough. It was striking that children did not get sick from just sitting next to a classmate in school who was sick. This went against the prevailing wisdom of closing schools to prevent the spread of flu. In reviewing households with sick children, most of the time adults in the household did not get sick from their children. They were probably making a special effort to limit exposure to the obviously ill family member. Again, the study results suggest the more likely source of infection was in the community at large where efforts at hygiene were forgotten or non-existent.
We know that the flu virus does not fly through the air attacking a person over the shoulder while they look the other way. If someone coughs or sneezes on you point-blank within a couple feet, mucus droplets are broadcast with the virus. However, the most common denominator is you. We are the last link to acquire the infection. By touching our own hands to our face and mouth is most likely way to get the illness. Hands touch so many public places and surfaces; we forget that our own hands are such germ-laden instruments. Washing hands before eating or food preparation, after using the rest room at home or in a public place remains one of the most important means of protecting your self from illness.
The researchers noted that the flu virus spreads very rapidly among school age children. The results reinforce that it is not the classroom or seating arrangement that is the problem. It is more likely due to the fundamental lack of hygiene practices in children and adults in the community that facilitate spread of the disease. We all can learn a lesson of importance here.

Mosquitoes suck. There is no other way to put it and that is not meant to be vulgar. That is how they ‘feed’ off of their victims – they suck blood. They do not bite, they do not burrow, and they do not kill. They suck.
These nasty little parasites stick a straw-like mouth part into your skin where they inject an anesthetic and anti-coagulant so that you are less likely to feel them sucking on you and your blood won’t clot as they suck away. It is always a female (males do not feed on humans – only the gals do so that they can get enough protein to lay some eggs) and she will suck away until engorged with your blood. The mosquito ‘bite’ that itches afterwards is not a bite at all – it is an allergic reaction to the anesthetic that was injected into your body. Remember, mosquitoes suck.
So what is the best option for avoiding mosquitoes? In a nutshell, keeping mosquitoes away requires diligence on several levels.
The easiest least effective way is to surround yourself outside with a few supposedly repellent candles. Good luck with that one. We’ve been told to slather DEET and other synthetic chemicals on our skin and clothing to repel but keep in mind, you can’t use these on children less than two years of age, you do not want to place them between your skin and clothing (for fear of greater absorption), and common sense tells you to use as little as possible anything that can peel paint off metal. (That is a common complaint you can read about in Sportsman’s Journal columns as DEET disintegrate the paint on rifles. But that is another article… )
Beyond repellents, you can prevent mosquitoes from breeding. How many times have you read that mosquitoes like to breed in old tires left in the yard? I personally do not know anyone who has old tires in their yards. But I do know many with bird baths, forgotten toys, buckets accidentally left outside that collect rain, and other benign objects that serve as magnificent breeding grounds for these blood-sucking monsters. So we inadvertently create the very circumstances that wreak havoc.
So again, what is the best way to avoid them?
The ultimate way to avoid mosquitoes is to have a comprehensive plan to make sure no mosquito wants to be in your yard. That means you must take away everything they need to survive which is nesting sites and protection. Make it obvious that mosquitoes are not welcome and they will not come. Here are the step-by-step guidelines to accomplish it.
Eliminate all opportunities for standing water. Easier said than done as many places you are unaware of. Obviously, either empty bird baths daily or at least manipulate the water enough everyday so nothing can breed there. (Mosquitoes need standing water to breed so something with a fountain that is constantly moving the water isn’t a problem.) Magnolia leaves that have dropped to the ground and created a ‘cup’ are notorious breeding sites. Toys, buckets, plant saucers, tarps, candle holders, etc. are all examples of items that unknowingly trap enough water for breeding to begin. It only takes a few teaspoons!
By eliminating the water, it means they can’t procreate on your property. But they sure can multiply into the thousands in a few days in your neighbor’s yard and drop by for a visit. Now is the time to make sure they REALLY know you mean business and that they are NOT welcome!
Create a barrier that mosquitoes will not cross! I mean make sure your home area emits a clear signal to mosquitoes that if they come here, they will die.
There are several options to create barriers. A Mosquito Misting System is a relatively new invention that many are using to create areas inhospitable to mosquitoes. People can fog their yards (or have a professional do it) for specific events. Both of these options typically use synthetic pyrethroids mixed with additional chemicals to offer some residual control. However, there are environmental and human health concerns about these chemicals and due to pesticide resistance, these chemicals are losing their effectiveness against many species including the mosquito.
A new invention is an Injector System that integrates into an existing irrigation system to safely create pest-free areas wherever water is directed. If you already have an irrigation system, it can now serve as the distribution of mosquito (and other pests) fighting products. However, it must be a safe, green product placed into the water supply – no toxic chemicals allowed. Cedar based products being run through the irrigation system are proving very successful.
Beyond these suggestions, keep in mind mosquitoes are very active at dawn and dusk so wear long sleeves and pants during these peak times. That is not always appropriate however, as the ripest weather for these pests is typically warm and humid and not the time to cover up.
To recap what we’ve discussed here, an ongoing treatment program for your yard is the best solution to prevent mosquitoes. A safe, green product is preferable for your health as well as offering a long-term solution that the pests cannot become resistant to. Next line of defense – GET RID OF STANDING WATER! If they can’t breed, the vast majority of your problems will be solved. Then lastly, you can do nothing preventatively and when they are an issue, either cover up or use repellents.
Avoiding mosquitoes is possible when you follow these steps. West Nile Virus is worthy of avoidance as well as the annoying blood-sucking carriers of that and many other diseases. Being responsible for these threats to our health and safety make it abundantly clear – Mosquitoes really do SUCK!

Since anaerobic viruses cannot survive in an oxygen rich cellular environment, one would think that the herpes simplex virus could be eliminated via oxygen therapy.
Unfortunately this is not so easy, and here’s why:The primary function of the lungs is to oxygenate red blood cells.Inhaled oxygen is taken up by red cell hemoglobin, thereby boosting the oxygen content of arterial blood to 98%. While circulating, arterial blood gives up about 25% of its oxygen when passing through bodily tissue.A tiny proportion of these oxygen atoms actually penetrate down to cellular level where the herpes virus replicates – the balance is used for waste disposal and tissue repair.As a result, the hemoglobin of venous blood leaving the tissues is oxygen-poor. If extra oxygen is infused by other means such as high-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy or via oral supplements, it bypasses bodily tissue and is absorbed directly into venous blood.
This means that when venous blood arrives back at the lungs, it carries more oxygen than it usually does. Once the oxygen level in the red cell hemoglobin reaches 98% during lung function, the excess oxygen is simply exhaled back into the atmosphere.
This makes it impossible for extra infusion to increase the amount of oxygen carried to the tissues at cellular level.
How Can We Increase The Oxygen Content of Human Cells?Since oxygen depletion at cellular level is exacerbated under acidic conditions, a practical way of boosting cellular oxygen is to alkalize the body.Alternatively, a means of improving cellular oxygen absorption must be developed.
A motivated homeopathic researcher and herpes victim may have found a way of doing just that.
I recently came across her e-book via twitter. I also noticed that news of a possible herpes cure was beginning to gain media attention.
However, knowing the obstacles facing researchers attempting to cure herpes by oxygenating human cells, I almost passed the book by. Nevertheless, because I am obligated to bring relevant information to my website visitors, I downloaded the book.
Here’s what I found out:
Apparently the author has discovered a way to use a common substance to efficiently boost the transference of oxygenated atoms from the bloodstream into human cells.
In her book she says:
“The only reason why the medical industry and the pharmaceutical companies haven’t embraced this powerful solution for preventing and curing disease is because there is no financial incentive to do so. The reason? They cannot patent natural substances or homeopathic remedies.”
The e-book starts out by covering herpes basics. The author then gets down to the business of oxygen therapy.
She tells us how oxygen therapy research earned a Nobel Prize for an early 20th century scientist and that oxygen therapy is practiced to this day in some modern medical offices.
And then she drops the bombshell.
Effective oxygen therapy has been proved to work with the help of a common household substance. Furthermore, this substance can be obtained easily via pharmacies or over the Internet.
After reading the publication and checking out some testimonials, I’ve come to the conclusion that this may well be the answer many herpes sufferers are looking for…
That is, if her claims prove to be true.
Should you read the book?
Well, that’s up to you. However, since there’s no obligation to buy, I believe the preliminary information is certainly worth a closer look.

It has been said that changing your diet lifestyle is one form of natural herpes treatment. If you are wondering how proper nutrition can reduce the onset of this STD in your body, here we will learn how diet therapy works as a natural solution.
As a remedy, the main job of food is to maintain pH balance. An outbreak of herpes results from too much acidity in the body’s pH. In order to maintain alkaline conditions, you need to set your sights on eating healthy foods.
As much as possible, you should avoid eating food that would contribute more acid to your body chemistry. Likewise, you should avoid tomatoes and white vinegar. A natural herpes treatment requires that you reduce intake of coffee and substitute it with herbal tea.
Likewise, if you are fond of sweet broth, look for an alternative for refined sugar. Red meat should be avoided as well. The natural solution entails eating more fish and chicken.
When considering diet as a treatment, you would have to give up your craving for tasty food because there are a lot of nutritious foods you can eat. Incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits when planning your menu. Stay away from oil and vinegar dressings.
Once you have gotten used to eating healthier and less acidic food, you will immediately notice a change in the occurrence of herpes outbreaks. This natural herpes treatment likewise offers other benefits for the overall health of your body.
However, you still have the option to live with herpes. The only disadvantage is that you will spend more for your medicines and not to mention that they can have serious complications. Considering this form of treatment is the healthier alternative.
With a solution like this for your STD, you can get rid of the physical discomfort and emotional stress that is associated with having blisters in your genitals. Finally, this form of remedy produces results and is guaranteed effective.

Canine coronavirus infection (CCV) sounds intimidating, as well it should be, because it is a highly contagious disease that can be found in dogs all over the world. It is specific to dogs and replicates itself inside the small intestine. In most cases, the disease can be treated and is not serious. In fact, some dogs don’t even show symptoms. However, if a CCV infection occurs simultaneously with a viral canine parvovirus infection, the consequences could be more serious.
Most adult dogs with canine cornavirus will show no symptoms, however dogs that do show symptoms will experience:
• Lack of appetite
• Depression
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Mild respiratory problems
• Inflammation of the small intestine
How do dogs contract CCV?
The most common way for dogs to get CCV is when they are exposed to feces from an infected dog. Dogs that are overly stressed from over-intensive graining, over-crowding and live in unsanitary conditions are more susceptible to the virus. Places where dogs gather, such as dog parks or shelters are the most likely locations for the virus to spread.
How is CCV diagnosed?
A veterinarian will need to administer a few tests before diagnosing your dog with CCV. This is because the virus usually has some symptoms in common with other conditions such as food intoxication or intolerance.
How is CCV treated?
When it comes to treating CCV, puppies need the most intensive care because they are more vulnerable. Most healthy adult dogs will recover from the infection on their own without medication. Antibiotics can be given to dogs that have complications such as respiratory problems or blood poisoning. It is possible for some dogs to have severe vomiting or diarrhea as a result of CCV, usually leading to the need for extra fluid and electrolyte treatment. When a dog is suffering from dog diarrhea or taking an antibiotic, it is a good idea to administer a probiotic, which will help to bring balance back to the intestinal tract. Further monitoring of your dog is not needed after he has recovered, however, if you have another pet it is important to keep them away from the feces of the previously infected dog as there could still be remnants of the virus in the dog’s feces.
How can you prevent CCV?
The best way to prevent canine coronavirus is by keeping your dog away from other dogs that have been diagnosed with it. Keep your household clean and sanitary and always clean after your dog right away if it has been infected with CCV to ensure that other dogs do not become infected. Also, if CCV is a big concern for you, there is a vaccine available. It is normally reserved for dogs that are most vulnerable, like puppies, show dogs and shelter dogs. Your veterinarian can also give you tips on what to do to keep your dog CCV free.

Vaccinations for cattle are one important way to prevent calf scours, and are becoming standard practice. Here are answers to the important questions you might have about vaccinating your calves against scours.

1. What are Calf Scour Vaccinations?
   Vaccinations are preventative medicine. By injecting an animal with low-level or inactive strains of a virus or infectious bacteria, the immune system builds up a protection against it. Then when a calf encounters the virus or bacteria in the environment, its immune system has already built a resistance to it, and the calf doesn’t become ill.
   While there are a wide variety of conditions, illnesses, and infections that result in scours symptoms, there are vaccinations for the most common infectious causes: rota-virus, corona virus, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
2. Why Do I Vaccinate the Dam to Protect the Calf?
   The recommended vaccination method for scours prevention is to vaccinate the pregnant dam several weeks prior to birth. This method reduces the stress on the calf while still providing the needed protection. Antibodies are then passed from the dam to the calf through the bloodstream prior to birth, but mostly though the colostrum (first milk) just after birth. This method of vaccinating the dam before birth increases the importance of the calf receiving a sufficient volume of colostrum in order to bolster its immune system.
   There are vaccinations directed at preventing scours that are given directly to calves, and some vaccinations given to the dam will require the young calf receive a booster dose in the first few weeks of life.
3. Will Vaccinations Protect Calves from Scours?
   As noted above, there are multiple causes that result in scours or diarrhea. Therefore, vaccinations are not a guarantee that calves will not have scours. The common vaccinations for scours prevention address the most common infectious causes: the rota-virus, corona virus, and E. coli. The calf could still develop an infection from a different bacteria or virus, have nutritional issues, or a have a parasite; all of which could result in scours symptoms.
   While vaccinations will not guarantee calves will be totally free of scours, they do greatly reduce the risk and incidence of scours in most herds.
4. Are There Additional Benefits from Vaccinating for Scours?
   In a scours vaccination program that includes vaccinating the dam in the weeks prior to birth, you are actually getting a two-for-one prevention program. Preventing sick cows through vaccinations can help prevent the spread of disease. Plus, a healthy cow through the next year provides the best chance of producing strong, healthy calves in the future. It is easy to see how an appropriate vaccination program can improve the overall herd health over time.
5. Is Vaccinating for Scours too Expensive?
   Considering the negative impact of scours outbreaks in the herd, using vaccinations to prevent scours usually has an overall cost benefit. Preventing the loss of just a single calf to scours can typically provide a cost justification for a full vaccination program.
6. What is the Best Scours Vaccination Brand?
   There are currently three leading brands/producers of scours vaccines that provide protection from varieties of rota-virus, corona virus, and E.coli, and they all claim to be the best. Declaring one to be the best, however, is difficult since each can properly claim distinct advantages in varying areas. The best vaccination may vary between farmers and ranchers as well. Compare important product features such as:
   Recommended periods of injection (i.e. 4-5 weeks prior to birth versus 8-12 weeks prior)Coverage (i.e. 6 strains of E.coli versus 4 strains)Costs
   For example, it may be more important for you to have a wider window for cow vaccination, so you sacrifice some coverage. Perhaps your main objective is to keep costs low. There are also claims that some brands are more effective in cold climates. Talk to a trusted vet, friend, or animal health professional about their experiences and recommendations as well as making direct comparisons. Then decide which product is best for you.
   Vaccinations are not the only solution to preventing scours. However, they are an integral part of an overall scours prevention strategy that includes dam health, nutritional management, and housing/sanitation management. After all, prevention is always twice as good as a cure.