Large Animal Lecture

Question 1

What did the veterinary profession begin as? What does that mean vets were from the beginning?

Answer 1

1. ) It developed as a means to protect food supply.

2. ) Vets were in the beginning large animal practitioners

Question 2

How many vets today are part of the food animal practice?

Answer 2

Less than 15%

Question 3

What are four challenges of large animal practice that aren’t present in small animal practice?

Answer 3

• Size of the animals (Larger more damage done)
• Transportation of large animals (many times requires a mobile practice).
• Examination, restrain, and treatment (species behavior, restrain without harm/effect on exam, and regulation of treatment)
• Economic aspect (less sentiment in food animals and treatment needs to consider economic impact).

Question 4

Why is large animal behavior different from companion animal behavior?

Answer 4

They have developed instincts to avoid predation (Though it may seem dumb in comparison to companion animal behaviors).

Question 5

What are four characteristics of large animal behavior?

Answer 5

• Tend to run from anything perceived as dangerous (fight or flight it’s usually flight).
• They are not naturally aggressive (some male animals or mothers are).
• They balk (refuse to walk forward/stop in their path)in unfamiliar/scary areas.
• Have strong herding instincts (strength in numbers)

Question 6

One of the most important skills when dealing with animals is the power of observation. You should always observe your patient and their environment before entering their space and starting a physical exam. It can help you figure out what is going on. What are three things to always observe before entering an animal’s space?

Answer 6

• Their environment.
• Their interaction with other animals.
• Their stance and attitude in their environment.

Question 7

What are seven things you should observe once you enter their space but before you touch the animal? What are some questions can you ask the owner to figure these out?

Answer 7

-Attitude/body posture/position (What is their demenour? Do they recognize that you are a stranger? Has their behavior changed?
Is the animal BAR?)
-Appetite/drinking/water source (herbivores are constant foragers not eating is a sign that something is really wrong. Do they eat or not eat certain items? Are they drinking)
-Manure/urine (normal consistency/amount/color?)
-Gait/posture (There any lameness or other posture abnormalities?).
-Symmetry of body parts (Should be symmetrical. Looking for swelling/atrophy.)
-Hair coat (Is it dull/rough?)
-Abnormal discharge (Is there abnormal discharge from the eyes/nose/reproductive/urinary tract?)

Question 8

Normal animals are considered BAR. What does this mean?

Answer 8

Bright Alert and Responsive

Question 9

What is the normal TPR of a horse?

Answer 9

T: 99-101
P: 28-42 bpm
R: 10-14 bpm

Question 10

What is the normal TPR of a cow?

Answer 10

T: 100-102.5
P: 60-80 bpm
R: 10-30 bpm

Question 11

What is the normal TPR for a sheep/goat?

Answer 11

T: 101-103
P: 70-90 bpm
R: 12-20 bpm

Question 12

What is the normal TPR of a llama?

Answer 12

T: 99-101.5
P: 60-90 bpm
R: 10-30

Question 13

What is the normal TPR of a pig?

Answer 13

T: 101.5-103
P: 70-90 bpm
R: 8-18 bpm

Question 14

What type of exam do we use when doing an equine physical?

Answer 14

SOAP.

• S: Subjective (How does it look)
• O: Objective (Values like HR and RR).
• A: Assessment
• P: Plan

Question 15

What are two characteristics of horses?

Answer 15

• They are herd animals.

- They are prey animals.

Question 16

Are horses naturally aggressive?

Answer 16

-No but there are some exceptions like stallions and mothers.

Question 17

What are two characteristics of horses’ personalities?

Answer 17

• They are curious.

- They respond to voice and touch.

Question 18

What does the triangle in the picture below represent?

Answer 18

• Where you can scratch a horse in circles to calm them down.
• Where you can give an IM injection in the neck

Question 19

When approaching a horse where should you approach from and what should you do while approaching them?

Answer 19

• Approach from the left (near) side on an angle.

- Make your presence known while approaching.

Question 20

What does the picture below represent?

Answer 20

A horses vision.

• Have monocular vision on the side.
• Have binocular vision in the front.
• Have no vision directly behind them and a small portion in front of them.

Question 21

What are two types of restraint in horses?

Answer 21

• Chemical restraint

- Physical restraint

Question 22

What are two methods for chemical restraint in a horse?

Answer 22

• Tranquilizers.

- Sedatives.

Question 23

What are six methods of physical restraint in horses?

Answer 23

• Haltering.
• Haltering with a chain.
• Nose twitch.
• Shoulder roll.
• Ear twitch (only to be done with hand).
• Tail jack

Question 24

How do you put a halter on a horse?

Answer 24

Approach from the left (near) side of the horse. Slip the larger loop over the head first and make sure the strap is behind the ears. Buckle on the left side.