Physical Examination of Cattle Douglas E. Hostetler DVM, MS

Indications: When an individual animal requires examination to allow diagnosis and treatment for an illness Examination of a representative sample of animals to investigate a herd outbreak of disease Evaluation prior to completing health certificates for intrastate or interstate transport

Procedure: Develop a systematic procedure for performing a complete physical examination Personalized Prevents omission of important information Enables easier recall of abnormal findings

Dr. Hostetler’s Physical Examination Observe 1st from a distance Demeanor Level of alertness Responsiveness Segregation from herdmates Not possible in a referral situation

Visual Observation: Proprioception Strength Lameness Head and neck position Udder symmetry BCS

Examination: Restraint Chute Halter Headgate Ganglock

Examination: Collect data most affected by sympathetic tone first Urine Sample for Multistick analysis Rumination Rate Heart Rate Respiratory Rate

Urine Collection: Gently rub the escutcheon in an upward motion Perineal region from udder to Ventral commissure of the vulva Do not hold the tail! Collect sample in a clean container Insert thermometer following urine collection Some Normal Values pH 8 Glucose Neg Ketone Neg Protein Neg-trace

Start on the Left From the rear forward

Rumination Rate Listen, count and record the primary and secondary rumen contractions over two full minutes Mid Left Paralumbar Fossa Normal 1-2 per Minute

Direct Heart Rate, Rhythm and Sounds Left side Intercostal Spaces 3-5 Behind the elbow Normal Rate? 48-84 Adults 70-100 Calves

Respiratory Rate and Lung Sounds Rate can be evaluated by observation of chest excursions Normal 26-50 Sounds (triangle) Point of elbow T13 at Transverse Processes Caudal to triceps Acoustic Percussion Dullness Dorsal to the Heart Shadow? SQ Emphysema Dorsally? Reach up and feel for it

Peripheral Lymph Nodes Prescapular Prefemoral Supramammary Parotid Submandibular

Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses? Distension Caudal Superficial Epigastric Distension? Swelling?

Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen

Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen

Left limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs? Fore and Rear Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland Heat Hardness (swelling) Edema Teat lesions

Proceed to Right Side

Heart Sounds Right AV Valve Area 3rd to 5th Intercostal Space Murmurs?

Respiratory System Mirror Image of Left Thorax Crackles Wheezes No sounds Emphysema

Peripheral Lymph Nodes Prescapular Prefemoral Supramammary Parotid Submandibular

Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses? Distension Caudal Superficial Epigastric Distension? Swelling?

Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen

Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen

Right Limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs? Fore and Rear Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland Heat Hardness (swelling) Edema Teat lesions

Collection of Milk California Mastitis Test Relative concentration of somatic sells in the milk 2 ml Milk from each quarter Add Reagent Look for coagulation Negative Trace 1 2 3 http://www.infovets.com/demo/demo/dairy/D100.HTM

Rectal Examination Reproductive Tract Female Male Vaginal wall Cervix Uterine Body Uterine Horns Oviducts Ovaries Bursae Internal iliac lymph nodes Sublumbar lymph nodes Male Intrapelvic penis Prostate Seminal vessicles Ampullae Internal inguinal rings Internal iliac lymph nodes Sublumbar lymph nodes

Rectal Examination Intra-abdominal Urinary System Left kidney Ureters Bladder

Rectal Examination Digestive System Right Cranial Central Left Abomasum Central Small intestines Left Rumen Dorsal sac

Vaginal Examination If indicated by the rectal examination or history

Examination of the Head Eyes Enophthalmus Exophthalmus Discharge Corneal Opacity Lenticular Opacity Scleral Injection Pupillary Light Response Masses

Examination of the Head Nares Discharge Unilateral/Bilateral Plaques Erosions Hemorrhage/ Epistaxis Flaring

Examination of the Head Oral Cavity Dentition Erosions Vesicles Masses Blunted Oral Papillae

Examination of the Head Cursory Cranial Nerve Examination 1-8 Submandibular Region Lymph Nodes Edema Brisket Swelling

Questions?