How to Conduct Physical Exams on Livestock

Physical examination of animals is a crucial aspect of veterinary practice that helps in the diagnosis of various diseases and conditions. The examination provides valuable information about the animal's overall health status and helps the veterinarian to identify any problems or abnormalities.

Various methods of physical examination are used to assess different aspects of an animal's health. This includes visual inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, among others. In this article, we will delve into the various methods of physical examination of animals, their significance, and the equipment required.

1. Taking of history:

The first step in conducting a physical examination of an animal is taking a history. This involves gathering information about the animal's symptoms, the duration of the illness, and any previous treatments that have been carried out.

History taking is an important aspect of the examination as it helps the veterinarian to locate the disease and determine its potential causes.

For example, if the animal is experiencing diarrhea, it could indicate a gastrointestinal disorder. Similarly, if the animal is lame, it could indicate a musculoskeletal or nervous system issue. By taking a complete history, the veterinarian can get a better understanding of the animal's condition and make an informed diagnosis.

2.  Identification of the animal:

Identification of the animal is the first step in conducting a physical examination. It is important to identify the species, sex, age, color, and any particular characteristics of the animal, such as whether it is polled or horned. Additionally, it is important to note the tag number or name of the animal to ensure accurate record-keeping.

3. General examination:

A general physical examination is a necessary first step in the examination of an animal. This initial examination provides a general overview of the animal's health and allows the veterinarian to determine the degree of severity of any primary complaints.

It may also uncover secondary disorders that may be contributing to the animal's overall health. Following the general examination, the veterinarian can then conduct a more detailed examination of specific body systems.

In the general examination, the following are routinely examined;

1. Examination of the behavior (demeanor).
2. Examination of posture and gait.
3. Assessment of the nutritional state. (Body scoring system).
4.  Breathing rate (thoracic, abdominal, or both).
5. Pulse rate.
6. Body temperature.

Behavior/demeanor:

1. Find out if the animal is dull or excitable (should be differentiated from nervousness) or if the demeanor is normal.
2. Find out if the animal is feeding, drinking, chewing the cud, or suckling.
3. Urination/defecation.
4. Find out if the animal responds to sight and sound in the environment.

Posture:

1. Posture lying down, sternal/lateral recumbency
2. Posture, standing, lameness, arched back, and abducted elbows.

Breathing rate:

1.  It can be taken by placing a hand in front of the muzzle.
2. It can be taken by standing behind the animal and a little to one side, observing the coastal arch and flank.

Temperature and Pulse:

1.  Temperature is taken in the rectum of an animal.
2. Pulse is taken in the coccygeal artery or the median femoral artery.
3. One can proceed and examine any body system of choice

4.    Integumentary system:

The integumentary system, which consists of the hair, skin, visible mucus membranes, horns, and subcutaneous tissues, is an important aspect of the animal's physical examination.

The hair's consistency and appearance, such as smooth or shaggy, can be evaluated, as well as its color and the presence of alopecia or parasites.

The skin's appearance, elasticity, odor, and presence of lesions, wounds, or cuts can also be assessed. The subcutaneous tissue can be evaluated for swelling, firmness, and edema. The visible mucus membranes, including the vulva, conjunctiva, and oral mucous membranes, can be evaluated for color changes and the presence of lesions.

These evaluations can provide valuable information about the animal's overall health and help in the diagnosis of various conditions.

5. Lymphatic system:

The lymphatic system is an important aspect of physical examination in animals. The parotid, prescapular, and precrural lymph nodes can be assessed for any signs of enlargement or edema.

Additionally, any other visible lymph nodes or vessels should be noted during the examination. A careful evaluation of the lymphatic system can provide valuable information about the animal's overall health status and help in the diagnosis of various conditions.

6. The Circulatory System:

The circulatory system is an important aspect of the physical examination of animals. The examination of the heart includes assessing the heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute), the amplitude (strength of the heartbeat), and the presence of any abnormal sounds such as murmurs.

The pulse rate, amplitude, and the presence of any visible blood vessels, such as the jugular, pulse, milk vein, and peripheral vasomotor tone, are also assessed. This includes checking the temperature of extremities such as ears and legs to determine if they are warm or cold.

7. The Respiratory System:

When examining the respiratory system of an animal, there are several factors to consider. During the visual inspection, it is important to observe for any discharges or lesions on the muzzle and to listen for any abnormal sounds such as coughing, sneezing, or stenosis sounds.

The character of respiration, whether it is thoracic or thoracoabdominal, should also be noted, as well as any unusual odor from the animal. During auscultation, the rate of breaths per minute should be recorded, and any abnormal sounds should be noted.

8. Digestive system:

When suspecting a digestive system (GIT) disease, it is important to gather a detailed history of the animal's diet and assess the quality and quantity of feed given.

During the examination, the animal's appetite, prehension, chewing, and discharges or salivation should be observed.

Additionally, any lesions on the muzzle or lips, as well as the cleanliness of the perineum, should be noted. The symmetry of the abdomen should also be assessed, including any distension on the left or right or bilateral distension.

During the examination of the oral cavity, the mucus membranes, teeth, cheeks, and tongue should be checked for any lesions or unusual odors. The frequency and strength of ruminal movements should also be observed. Feces should be examined for their amount, consistency, color, odor, and any abnormal constituents such as blood, sand, fibrin, or gas bubbles.

In some cases, a special examination may involve rectal palpation to examine internal organs such as the caecum, rumen, abomasum, and large intestines.

9. Urogenital system:

The urogenital system is an important aspect of the animal's physical examination. During this examination, the following points should be noted:

Visual Inspection: This includes checking the external genitalia, such as the scrotum, prepuce, and vulva, for any wounds, lesions, discharge, and symmetry. The behavior of the animal when urinating and any signs of pain, such as an arched back, should also be observed. The quantity and quality of urine should also be noted.

Pregnancy diagnosis: The udder should be inspected for symmetry, lesions, and supramammary teats. Palpation should be performed to check the consistency of the udder, test the patency of the teats, and examine the milk.

10. Musculoskeletal system:

The musculoskeletal system of an animal is an important aspect of its physical examination. If a disease of this system is suspected, the veterinarian should investigate the animal's history, including any recent transportation, falls, fights, or calving, as well as the housing environment.

Visual inspection is one of the methods used to assess the musculoskeletal system. During visual inspection, the veterinarian checks for swelling or sores on the limbs, posture at rest and standing, weight-bearing lameness, deviation of a limb from the normal axis, and gait.

Palpation is another method used to examine the musculoskeletal system, including the hoof, joints, and muscles. The hoof is examined by lifting the leg and washing the hoof, while the joints and muscles are examined through palpation.

11. The Nervous System:

The nervous system of animals is divided into two main systems: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system examines the demeanor and reaction of the animal based on factors such as the rest of the herd/flock, strangers, and the environment, including appetite and prehension, urination and defecation, and locomotion and posture.

On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system examines sensitivity and response to reflexes and checks for flaccid paralysis and spastic paresis.

Additionally, visual inspection is done for abnormal muscle movements and coordination. The sensory organs, such as the eyes and ears, are also examined, including the corneal reflex and the response to sight and sound. The position and symmetry of the ears are also evaluated, as well as any discharge or injury/swelling.

Restraint of Animals

a) Restraint of Calves:

Calves can be restrained by controlling their head and neck using hands or a halter. Mechanical devices and rope casting are not necessary for calves. When dehorning, castration, branding, and examination are done, it is normally done by casting the calf.

b) Restraint of Very Young Calves:

Very young calves are usually restrained for castration or dehorning by bringing the animal down. The handler stands on one side of the calf, bends over, and reaches to pull the side closest to the body. The calf is then eased down to the ground with its weight against the handler's legs so that it falls over the knee or legs. Note: Never cast a calf by pulling its legs quickly, as this may injure the animal.

c) Restraint of Larger Calves (80-100 kg):

Larger calves (80-100 kg) can be cast by holding the lower jaw and ear and twisting the head fast to the left while standing in front of the animal. The animal will be thrown off balance and fall onto the ground. Once the animal is flat, control can be obtained by kneeling on the neck and pressing down on the head.

For castration, the rear legs can be pulled forward and held by tying them with a rope around the calf's neck or handled manually. Dehorning and vaccination may require driving the larger animals into a crush.

d) Restraint of Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goats):

When handling sheep and goats, they should be moved as a flock into a confined area where they can be caught and handled individually. They should be driven slowly and gently toward the confinement area and allowed to see the opening. When one enters, the rest will follow.

For handling large animals, especially for spraying and dehorning, a crush is normally used. For catching and holding individual animals, hand restraint is all that is necessary. After the flock is confined in a small area, individuals can be caught and held by placing one hand under the neck and the other hand under the rump. Do not catch them by their four legs.

Purpose of restraints.

1. Examination: The purpose of this restraint is to perform a clinical examination. The procedure involves placing the right hand on the jaw and the left hand behind the thigh of the animal. The right-hand stop forward movement, and the left-hand stops backward movement.
2. Shearing: This restraint is used to put the animal in a 'sitting' position. The procedure involves twisting and lifting the head and neck of the animal, rotating it backward, and quickly throwing it off balance. The animal will sit on its rump between the feet of the handler, with its back against its legs and all four feet facing away from the handler.
3. Restraining for a drenching: The purpose of this restraint is to administer drugs to the animal. The animal is held with its neck between the handler's legs and its rump back in a corner or against a solid wall. The handler's legs hold the neck just in front of the shoulders and push back slightly with one hand firmly grasping the lower jaw, giving complete control over the head and neck. The other hand is free to administer drugs orally.
4. Restraining for docking or castration: The purpose of this restraint is to dock or castrate lambs and kids. They are held by all four legs with their backs resting between the handler's legs and their rumps resting on solid raised objects, such as a table or large wooden block.
5. Restraining for vaccination: Lambs and kids are held in a sitting position with four legs held upward by the handler. Adult animals are held in a crush.

e) Restraining Pigs:

Pigs are the most difficult animals to restrain and require patience and a soft, talking voice. When close contact is made with the pig, it should be scratched or rubbed behind the ears, on the forehead, or along the sides. Pigs can be driven or guided with gentle pressure behind the ears with a blunt object, like a finger or stick. Large pigs can be moved by placing a bucket over their head and moving it backward while guiding their posterior with their tail. Large pigs can also be restrained with a rope squeeze method.

Knots:

Before attempting to restrain animals, it is important to be familiar with commonly used knots, including square knots, reef knots, surgeon knots, bowline knots, quick knots on a bight, Tom fool knots, halter ties, and highwayman's hitches. Ropes can be made of manila, hemp, sisal, or cotton and must be strong and in good condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the physical examination of animals plays a vital role in veterinary practice. It involves various methods such as history taking, general examination, examination of specific body systems, and the use of restraints when necessary. Through these examinations, veterinarians can gather important information about an animal's health, diagnose diseases, and provide appropriate treatments.

Taking a detailed history allows veterinarians to understand the animal's symptoms, duration of illness, and previous treatments, enabling them to locate the disease and determine its potential causes. Identification of the animal is essential for accurate record keeping and proper identification of species, sex, age, and other characteristics.

The general examination provides an overview of the animal's health status, assessing behavior, posture, nutritional state, breathing rate, pulse rate, and body temperature. This examination helps veterinarians identify primary complaints and uncover secondary disorders that may contribute to the animal's overall health.

Examinations focus on specific body systems, including the integumentary system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, urogenital system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Each system is evaluated through visual inspection, palpation, and auscultation, allowing veterinarians to identify abnormalities and diagnose various conditions.

Restraint techniques are also essential during examinations, ensuring the safety of both animals and handlers. Proper restraint methods for different animals, such as calves, small ruminants, and pigs, are employed to facilitate effective examination and minimize stress or harm.