ABOUT THE OCA VET ON CALL
A
passionate veterinarian, Dr. Mac Littlejohn, approached OCA in the Fall of
2008 to discuss ways that he could work with us to get preventative animal
health information to the producers who need it. OCA has, for years,
contracted with a veterinarian who writes timely columns for Ontario Beef
magazine – but while those columns are useful, the medium allows for only a
blanket approach to animal health concerns, rather than providing individual
answers.
Through discussions with OCA’s Communications Department, it was
agreed that the best idea would be to have a section on the Web site where
producers could submit questions to Littlejohn (whose contact information is
never revealed in order that potential “askers” don’t by-pass the Web site
and email him directly). The questions are reviewed by OCA staff and
Littlejohn himself before an answer is sent via OCA, back to the original
submitter. If an additional question is to be asked, that will also have to
be submitted online.
It should be made
clear that this service a) does not replace a vet-client-patient
relationship, b) does not dispense actual prescriptions or c) promote any
brands of pharmaceuticals. All of these stipulations are strictly monitored
by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
All
submissions are reviewed for validity before a response is issued. Please
expect at least a 2-day wait, depending on Web traffic.
OCA OCA reserves the right not to answer questions if anything
about the submission provokes doubt. The submitter is also asked to
disclose their local veterinary clinic and its phone number so that
Littlejohn is able to contact the herd veterinarian if he feels it is
necessary for a better recommendation.
We remain
optimistic that our Vet on Call will provide
valuable help to producers who are looking for tips and suggestions with
respect to herd health.
Dr.
Mac Littlejohn has been a food animal veterinarian since his graduation from
the Ontario Veterinary College in 2002. He grew up on a beef/swine/grain
farm in Dutton/Dunwich in western Elgin County.
To read his full biography,
click here.
If you wish to pose a question to Dr.
Littlejohn, please
click here.
Sample Questions Answered by
Dr. Mac Littlejohn, by Topic:
Articles
Authored by Dr. Mac Littlejohn, by Topic
