Our veterinarians service livestock, including goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle as well as livestock guardian dogs in both El Dorado and Placer Counties. With an equipped vehicle for field services, we are able to come to you and provide routine wellness exams, illness exams, and treatments. Livestock services can be provided in hospital for those who choose to haul to us. For emergency services, please call UC Davis at (530)752-0290.

Livestock Health Services and Treatments

At Sierra Animal Hospital, we specialize in the following health services for goats,

sheep, pigs, and cattle of all ages, breeds, and most circumstances:

  • Hoof Trims: Pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle need regular hoof trims to prevent lameness, enhance mobility, and promote overall health. Healthy hooves contribute to an animal's overall well-being, reducing the risk of infections and other health issues.
  • Tusk Trims: Most pig tusks need to be trimmed on an annual or biannual basis. Special equipment is used to trim pig tusks when they interfere with normal tooth alignment. If the pig's tusks grow at an angle that causes them to poke through the lip or curl up to grow back into the face, or if they pose a risk to the safety of the family, other pigs, or other pets, then trimming would be indicated.
  • Castrations: Juvenile pig, goat, and sheep castrations can be performed in the field, as well as castrations of cattle up to 500 pounds with an adequate area for safe and effective restraint.
  • Adult Pig Castrations: Adult pig castrations require higher levels of anesthesia, therefore, they are performed in hospital with our state-of-the-art monitoring systems to ensure they are safe throughout the anesthetic procedure.
  • LGD spay/neuter: Livestock guardian dog spay or neuter surgeries are performed in hospital with our state-of-the-art monitoring systems to ensure they are safe while under anesthesia.
  • Diagnostics: Routine bloodwork, specialty diagnostics, and herd health testing are performed in-house when possible or sent to our outside diagnostic laboratory.
  • Pregnancy Checks: Ultrasoundography and/or blood testing can be performed to confirm pregnancy.
  • Vaccines: Our veterinarians and technicians will customize vaccine protocols that account for age, medical history, and environment for your herd, large or small, as well as for your LGDs.
  • Health Certificates: Our veterinarians perform exams and complete health certificates for livestock as needed for interstate transportation and/or sales.
  • Disbudding: Our goat kid disbudding service is done in hospital using analgesics and anesthetics to reduce pain during the procedure. We use local anesthetics, nerve blocks, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce discomfort during and after the procedure. The ideal age for disbudding of goat kids is between 7 and 14 days of age. At three weeks of age, the developing horn tissue will be attached to the skull, with the base opening into the sinus cavity. Therefore, we are unable to perform a disbudding procedure after 3 weeks of age.
  • Herd Exams: Whole herd exams are an economical way to have your livestock's health assessed and an educational opportunity for proper husbandry techniques, including biosecurity and medication withdrawal times.

For Livestock Emergency Service, call UC Davis at (530)752-0290

(We are not available for after-hours emergencies. You may contact us during regular

office hours for livestock emergencies; however, our availability is limited.)