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 1 st distance – Demeanor from a – 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

 Restraint – Chute – Halter – Headgate – Ganglock Examination:

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 – 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

 Right AV Valve Area – 3 rd to 5 Intercostal Space th  Murmurs?

Heart Sounds

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

Peripheral Lymph Nodes      Prescapular Prefemoral Supramammary Parotid Submandibular

Superficial Veins  Jugular – 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 – 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  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 – Edema

Questions?