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Physical Examination of Cattle
Douglas E. Hostetler DVM, MS
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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
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Procedure: Develop a systematic procedure for performing a complete physical examination Personalized Prevents omission of important information Enables easier recall of abnormal findings
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Dr. Hostetler’s Physical Examination
Observe 1st from a distance Demeanor Level of alertness Responsiveness Segregation from herdmates Not possible in a referral situation
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Visual Observation: Proprioception Strength Lameness
Head and neck position Udder symmetry BCS
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Examination: Restraint Chute Halter Headgate Ganglock
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Examination: Collect data most affected by sympathetic tone first
Urine Sample for Multistick analysis Rumination Rate Heart Rate Respiratory Rate
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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
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Start on the Left From the rear forward
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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
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Direct Heart Rate, Rhythm and Sounds
Left side Intercostal Spaces 3-5 Behind the elbow Normal Rate? 48-84 Adults Calves
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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
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Peripheral Lymph Nodes
Prescapular Prefemoral Supramammary Parotid Submandibular
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Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses?
Distension Caudal Superficial Epigastric Distension? Swelling?
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Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen
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Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen
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Left limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs?
Fore and Rear Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland Heat Hardness (swelling) Edema Teat lesions
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Proceed to Right Side
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Heart Sounds Right AV Valve Area 3rd to 5th Intercostal Space Murmurs?
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Respiratory System Mirror Image of Left Thorax Crackles Wheezes
No sounds Emphysema
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Peripheral Lymph Nodes
Prescapular Prefemoral Supramammary Parotid Submandibular
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Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses?
Distension Caudal Superficial Epigastric Distension? Swelling?
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Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen
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Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion “Pinging” Entire Abdomen
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Right Limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs?
Fore and Rear Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland Heat Hardness (swelling) Edema Teat lesions
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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
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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
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Rectal Examination Intra-abdominal Urinary System Left kidney Ureters
Bladder
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Rectal Examination Digestive System Right Cranial Central Left
Abomasum Central Small intestines Left Rumen Dorsal sac
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Vaginal Examination If indicated by the rectal examination or history
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Examination of the Head
Eyes Enophthalmus Exophthalmus Discharge Corneal Opacity Lenticular Opacity Scleral Injection Pupillary Light Response Masses
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Examination of the Head
Nares Discharge Unilateral/Bilateral Plaques Erosions Hemorrhage/ Epistaxis Flaring
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Examination of the Head
Oral Cavity Dentition Erosions Vesicles Masses Blunted Oral Papillae
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Examination of the Head
Cursory Cranial Nerve Examination 1-8 Submandibular Region Lymph Nodes Edema Brisket Swelling
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Questions?
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