Clinical examination of the cow

Summary

This comprehensive guide details the systematic clinical examination of a cow, beginning with a distant inspection followed by a close physical examination. The process includes observing the cow's behavior, assessing vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration, and examining key areas like the tail, abdomen, head, and udder. Specific steps include palpating lymph nodes, auscultating the heart and lungs, and performing various tests to check for abnormalities or diseases. This structured approach ensures a thorough assessment, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for cattle health.

Takeaways

• 😀 A traditional clinical examination of a cow is an invaluable tool, with more mistakes made by not observing than by lack of knowledge.
• 😀 The examination should be systematic and follow the same routine to ensure accuracy.
• 😀 Start the clinical examination with a distant inspection, observing the cow's breathing pattern, behavior, and abdominal profile from a distance.
• 😀 In the first station, begin by collecting a urine sample, checking temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate, and examining the cow’s body condition and abdominal profile.
• 😀 Station two involves examining the left side, checking the superficial lymph nodes, jugular vein, heart and lung sounds, and assessing the rumen’s activity.
• 😀 Auscultating and percussing the left and right abdomen are key steps in detecting any signs of gas buildup or other issues.
• 😀 Station three focuses on the right side of the cow, repeating many of the left side checks but skipping auscultation of the right abdomen due to the limited sound activity in cows.
• 😀 In the fourth station, the head and neck are thoroughly examined for swelling, lymph nodes, dehydration, and any abnormalities in the eyes, ears, or mouth.
• 😀 Station five involves a detailed examination of the udder, including checking for symmetry, shape, lesions, and palpation for abnormalities.
• 😀 The final station revisits the tail end for an in-depth examination of the vagina, rectum, and legs, checking for discharge, abnormalities, and any joint or hoof issues.

Q & A

Why is it important to be systematic in a clinical examination of cattle?

Being systematic ensures that no part of the examination is overlooked, improving the chances of detecting any abnormalities or issues with the cow's health. Using the same routine each time helps avoid missed steps and provides consistent, reliable results.

What is the purpose of conducting a distant examination at the beginning of a clinical exam?

The distant examination allows the examiner to observe the cow's general appearance, behavior, and respiratory patterns from a distance before physically interacting with the animal. This helps identify any obvious signs of distress, abnormal behavior, or health issues.

How do you collect a urine sample from a cow during a clinical examination?

To collect a urine sample, gently stroke the perineum below the vulva. It's important not to hold the tail aside with your hand as this could distract the cow and affect its willingness to urinate. If a sample isn't immediately available, persist for about 20 seconds to try and obtain one.

What is the correct technique for measuring a cow's body temperature during a clinical exam?

Insert the thermometer into the rectum deeply, then turn it sideways against the rectal wall to ensure you're measuring the ambient temperature of the cow, not the temperature of fecal matter inside the rectum.

What should you look for when examining the cow's vulva and mucous membranes?

You should check for the color of the mucous membranes, which should be pink in a healthy cow, and look for any lesions or abnormalities. This can help identify issues such as infections or other reproductive health concerns.

How is the pulse of a cow measured during a clinical examination?

To measure the pulse, place the pads of your fingers underneath the tail, just below the level of the vulva, and lift the tail to feel the pulse. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to calculate the pulse rate per minute.

What are the six steps involved in examining the left abdomen of a cow?

The six steps are: 1) Look at the cow's general posture and fullness of the abdomen, 2) Feel for a gas cap and solid rumen, 3) Listen for ruminal contractions, 4) Percuss the left ribcage, 5) Palpate with a clenched fist, and 6) Perform a succussion test to detect abnormal sounds.

Why is auscultation and percussion important in a clinical exam of cattle?

Auscultation and percussion help identify any abnormal sounds or changes in the internal environment of the cow, such as gas buildup, fluid retention, or the presence of a gas cap, which can indicate digestive or other internal health issues.

How do you examine the cow’s head and neck during the clinical exam?

Examine the head and neck for swelling, asymmetry, or signs of infection, check for lymph node enlargement, and assess the cow's ability to see and react to stimuli. It's also important to inspect the eyes, ears, and nose for any abnormalities or discharge.

What is the purpose of examining the cow's udder and vagina during the final stages of the clinical exam?

Examining the udder ensures there are no abnormal swellings or lesions, which could indicate infections or other health issues, particularly in dairy cows. The vaginal examination checks for discharge, signs of infection, or abnormalities in the reproductive system, which can affect the cow’s fertility and overall health.